Tunnel tents: These tents are great for weekend and summer camping as they offer lots of space, are easy to pitch and use traditional poles. However, they are often heavier than other shapes. Fly sheet, inner tent and groundsheet fully fire retardant - tested to the European EN 5912 safety standard

Are generally being ditched in favour of tunnel tents in family camping grounds because they can’t compete for space. However, they are still very popular with hikers and trekkers because small dome tents are quite stable and lightweight. Dome tents with geodesic designs are very good at dealing with extreme weather. Features of dome tents: cheap; fairly light; have single zones only; OK in moderate wind – the bigger the tent, the less stable it is. Geodesic tents Are defined by their tall central pole. They come in a large range of sizes and are used lightweight hiking tents, but more recently have found favour with those seeking the glamping experience. They are fairly easy to put up and even stand up well against the elements, but inside space cannot compete with that of tunnel tents.

What to consider before purchasing a tent

Are very popular in all sections of the tent world, from the lightest of hiking tents to big family camping tents. This is because the shape is very adaptable and space-friendly, whether using traditional poles or an inflatable design, tunnel tents are easy to split into multiple rooms if need be. You can distinguish tunnel tents by their half-cylinder shape. Dome tents: These popular tents are good for hikers and trekkers because small dome tents are quite stable and lightweight. They are also cheap and work well in moderate wind. It's very common for manufacturers to be generous about the number of people they say can fit inside their tents. The number they give will be technically true, but it probably won't account for the space needed for campers' belongings, or the space people need for a comfortable night's sleep. Once the tents are up, we closely inspect the interior of each one and rate them on how likely campers are to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience that meets their needs. A good rule of thumb is to go for a tent that's claimed to sleep one more person than you need. If you're a family of four, for example, we'd recommend going for a five-person tent.

Are some of the lightest tents you will find. Often they only require a single-pole plus guy lines to pitch. They vary considerably in terms of ability. Some are meant for summer use and mild conditions; some have more durable fabrics, making them suitable for 3-season use. Most tents have thin, collapsible poles made from fibreglass. They often fold up into a compact size and are connected by an elastic cord. They're usually flexible and will need to be bent to fit the shape of the tent canvas during pitching. The tent comes in a spacious bag, yet it is still lightweight and is no hassle to carry. There are extra pegs for securing an additional ground mat, and it is easy to manoeuvre if you want to move the tent to a different location. I would recommend getting a ground mat as the tent's base may need extra protection, especially when camping in unpredictable weather. Putting a tarpaulin down will offer you more protection from the ground and save you from potentially waking up damp." For tents, a minimum of 2000mm is what you want. And don’t forget that the floor should have a higher rating because it has the extra pressure of you and your gear pressing down on it.Geodesic tents: This type of tent has crisscrossing support poles, making it much more capable of dealing with high winds and harsh weather. Geodesic tents sacrifice space and are a little more complex to pitch than other styles but are great for camping in extreme environments but less suitable for casual campers and families. The tent comes in a spacious bag, yet it is still lightweight and is no hassle to carry. There are extra pegs for securing an additional ground mat, and it is easy to manoeuvre if you want to move the tent to a different location. I would recommend getting a ground mat as the tent's base may need extra protection, especially when camping in unpredictable weather. Putting a tarpaulin down will offer you more protection for the ground and save you from potentially waking up damp. A well-ventilated tent will make for a more comfortable, condensation-free camping experience, and well-positioned vent panels and doors with fly screens allow for the free flow of air while keeping bugs out of your sleeping space. 4) Indoor space and flexible sleeping compartments We inspect the interiors of the tents during and after testing to see how each fares against the elements. Some tents manage to stay firm, but others blow over and even have puddles in the sleeping compartments.