Tent Buying Guide
Wild For 60 Years
For over 60 years, Tiso has been driven by a passion for wild camping and the desire to offer the outdoor community a greater choice and value in their kit. Every bit of experience we've gained as outdoor experts over the last six decades has gone into selecting a wild camping range that we know will keep our customers warm, dry and comfortable whatever the elements. Our carefully curated range features gear at various price points and from trusted brands such as Hilleberg, OEX, and Nemo, all designed to endure the test of time and tackle any challenge. So whether you're an expert or novice, if you're looking for a tent, a sleeping bag or any of the equipment you need to make your camping trip safe, comfortable and enjoyable, shop wild camping at Tiso.
Everything You Should Know Before Buying Your Next Tent
Whether you're planning a last minute family camping trip on a campsite or a remote wild camping spot, your tent is your portable home-from-home. It's your barrier from the elements, wind, rain, snow, hail and midges! Therefore, doing some research before you buy can be beneficial, ensuring that you sleep comfortably in almost any environment!
The UK offers countless incredible camping spots, whether you are wild camping in the Scottish mountains or at a campsite on the coast of England, there's something for everyone. With such a wide variety of locations and camping styles on offer, it's no surprise that everyone has their own requirements when it comes to finding the perfect tent. Whether it needs to be quick to pitch, offer a large amount of space, or stand up to the wild weather, here at Tiso we have the tent to suit your needs. Camping is for everyone and with the warmer nights approaching, what's stopping you from giving it a try!
Which Tent Should I Buy?
We know from first-hand experience that finding the right tent for your camping exploits is essential. Is it going to keep you dry and warm? Will it be light enough to haul around on your back as you hike? Will it last through the seasons as a trusty companion on your camping or backpacking expeditions? With expert experience gained in the wild over the last 60 years, we have the technical know-how in getting you the tent to suit your needs from brands we trust.
If you're thinking of getting the family together for your next camping trip, read our list of the Best Family Campsites in Scotland. Ideal for sheltered campsites, family tents are usually bought when space is a key criterion. These tents may have 2 or more separate sleeping compartments with built in groundsheets for home-from-home comfort. Most of the time on family camping trips, you will be camping out of the car, meaning weight and pack size may not be the main consideration when choosing the tent.
Trekking tents for wild camping allow you to venture away from sheltered campsites and out into the wilderness. The dimensions of the tent decrease, in favour of reduced weight and pack size. Designs are based on a tunnel or geodesic shape, allowing a balance of weight, rigidity and wind resistance. For more information, visit our helpful Wild Camping Guide.
If you want to camp in remote locations or have all-year-round camping plans, looking to get a more resilient tent may be required. Mountain tents are designed for rougher weather and extended trips. The design will have a lower profile in the wind, often making use of geodesic designs for stability, rigidity and ease of pitching. What you need to ask yourself is, "Why am I buying a tent?" If you know you're looking for something specific, then you'll be in a much better position to narrow down the available options.
Types of Tents
What storage space might you need? If you have lots of adventure kit, you might well require extra room for all your gear, both internally and in the porch. These factors will determine the design and size of tent you’ll need, and don't just think about yourself, the others you're camping with will need space too.
Dome
Dome-style tents are a favourite for family and low-level trekking adventures as they provide more headroom and space versus their ground footprint. Dome tents are simple to pitch and are best placed in more sheltered camp spots. If you're looking for a basic starter tent, then this is probably the best design to start looking at. There’s a wide range of options in this category, with tents for beginners and camping experts alike.
Tunnel
Tunnel tents offer a comparatively large amount of internal space. They require fewer poles, and the overall result is a lighter tent that are faster and simpler to pitch. Some models of tunnel tent are designed for extreme weather; however, they may be less rigid in high winds. For extreme weather, tunnel tents may need extra poles, additional guy lines and more care when selecting a campsite.
Semi-Geodesic
Semi-geodesic tents utilise clever pole positioning to increase rigidity and stability. These designs can be free-standing, allowing easier pitching on soft, uneven or hard ground. The poles of the tent intersect each other many times, creating triangles along the top of the tent which enhances stability. The extra poles generally add to the overall weight of the tent and might increase the pitching time, but this may only be marginal and geodesic or semi-geodesic tents tend to hold up much better than dome tents when you’re caught out in heavy rains or storms. In many cases the inner tent can be pitched on its own (without the flysheet) for use in warmer climates.
Air
Air (or Inflatable) Tents have been regarded as a breakthrough in the world of camping. They have consistently proven over the years that they can keep up with the traditionally poled tent - sturdy, hardwearing and even boast speedier pitch times. Rather than poles, all you need is an air pump to fill inflatable tubes that erect the tent, resulting in a much easier one-person set up. Once filled with air, the air tubes are rock solid and they stand firm in the face of strong winds, coming with additional guy lines and pegs to secure them to the ground. Whilst the inflatable tent may prove heavier than other models and requires a pump to erect it, the quick and easy set-up is perfect for a lone traveller or families with young children!
We Offer A Variety Of Tents At Different Price Ranges
In applying our technical knowledge gained from 60 years of camping experience come rain or shine, we've curated an unbeatable range of tents for everyone to suit every adventure and budget from lightweight backpacking tents for wild camping in the Scottish backcountry to larger family tents for a real home away from home across the UK.
Thinking about embarking on a camping adventure for the first time? The Phoxx II is the ideal entry-level tent - compact, lightweight and robust, pitching in just seven minutes! Or perhaps you're a seasoned adventurer looking to upgrade your kit, then Nemo or MSR tents are the way to go - utilising intuitive, streamlined designs that minimise weight whilst maximising space for ultimate comfort and enjoyment.
If you're willing to splash the cash for the ultimate camping comfort experience, durability and reliability, our range of Hilleberg tents are built with long-lasting, premium materials to weather seasons and storms on countless backpacking or thru-hiking expeditions.
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