Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Best tents for wild camping
Wild camping has recently become more popular, especially for many outdoor lovers who want to get closer to nature. Basically, the term refers to all types of camping that happen outside conventional campsites.

However, although wild camping brings you closer to nature, it does not provide you with some of the convenient amenities of campgrounds such as a tent ground. This is why it is even more important only to choose the best tents for wild camping.

When wild camping, your tent must be able to withstand different terrains and altitudes. It must also be easy to pitch up anywhere you decide to stay and rest. Such as the Kelty Salida (Amazon) or the ALPS Tasmanian (Amazon), which are both perfect for wild camping.

That said, with all the options currently available in the market, finding the most appropriate tent for wild camping can be a challenge. But, worry not because we’ve got you covered. We have listed down below several top choices of tents appropriate for wild camping.

Let’s get started…

Featured Recommendations

Preview
BEST CHOICE
Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent, 2 Person
ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Person Tent
GEERTOP Camping Tent for 2 Person 4 Season Backpacking Tent Double Layer Waterproof for Outdoor Hunting, Hiking, Climbing, Travel - Easy Set Up
Title
Kelty Salida
ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian
GEERTOP Backpacking Tent
Features
Floor area: 30.5 sq ft
Floor area: 34.5 sq ft
Floor area: 37.8 sq ft
Features
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Weight: 9.4 pounds
Weight: 6.4 pounds
Ideal for
Packed size: 13" x 15″
Packed size: 7" x 20″
Packed size: 17.3″ x 6.7″
BEST CHOICE
Preview
Kelty Salida Camping and Backpacking Tent, 2 Person
Title
Kelty Salida
Features
Floor area: 30.5 sq ft
Features
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Ideal for
Packed size: 13" x 15″
Preview
ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 Person Tent
Title
ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian
Features
Floor area: 34.5 sq ft
Features
Weight: 9.4 pounds
Ideal for
Packed size: 7" x 20″
Preview
GEERTOP Camping Tent for 2 Person 4 Season Backpacking Tent Double Layer Waterproof for Outdoor Hunting, Hiking, Climbing, Travel - Easy Set Up
Title
GEERTOP Backpacking Tent
Features
Floor area: 37.8 sq ft
Features
Weight: 6.4 pounds
Ideal for
Packed size: 17.3″ x 6.7″

Top 5 tents for wild camping

That was a brief overview of our top 3 wild camping tents, now let’s take a look at all of them in more detail below:

1 Kelty Salida Tent

Best Overall:
The Kelty Salida (Amazon) is a very durable tent that is ideal for wild camping, it features a 68D polyester wall, 40D no-see mesh wall and the floor is made from a strong 68D nylon.

This two-person tent can easily be carried as a backpack. The space inside is big, so it is more than enough for two people and some of your hiking gear. The generously sized vestibule allows for additional storage.

It has compact folding poles and a gear loft, which makes it easy to assemble and dismantle. It also has a fly attachment that gives you shade when you chill outside the tent. Also, the poles are color-coded, so it’s not hard to figure out the assembly process.

Moreover, this tent is ideal for any season except harsh winters, so you know that it can withstand any type of terrain and altitude without any issues.

Features

  • 30.5 ft floor area
  • 88 inches in length
  • 43 inches in height
  • 13 x1 5″ when packed

What I Love

It’s a durable tent with thick and durable 68D Nylon, which makes it perfect for wild campings where the grounds are not as even as those in the camping sites. Also, it is easy to assemble and spacious inside, so you are more likely able to rest comfortably when using it.

Pro’s

  • Easy to assemble
  • Color-coded poles
  • Durable quality materials
  • Lightweight & portable

Con’s

  • Gear loft and footprint are sold separately

Verdict

For its price, the Kelty Salida definitely has plenty of value. It is easy to carry because of its lightweight materials, yet it is durable as well. It also has plenty of space inside, so sharing it with another person is no issue at all.

2 ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian

Most spacious:
If you have an extra budget to invest in a trusted brand, then you should consider the ALPS Mountaineering Tasmanian (Amazon) as your tent of choice for wild camping. It comes in two colors: rust and grey. It features a free-standing design and made out of an aluminum pole system, which makes it lightweight and easy to set up and carry.

This tent is made for any weather so you can take it with you anywhere you wish to go wild camping. Its vestibule is secure, and it can withstand strong winds in high altitudes.

It features factory sealed seams, 75D polyester fly, with 1500mm coating and a poly taffeta floor with 5000mm coating ensuring the ultimate protection from harsh weather conditions.

You also get excellent ventilation from this tent as it has two doors and a no-see mesh window for an outside view as well. It has mesh storage pockets as well.

Features

  • 54 inches in height
  • Weight: 9.4 pounds
  • 7 x 20 inches when packed
  • With a limited lifetime warranty

What I Love

This tent may look small, but it has incredibly spacious flooring, which makes it very comfortable. I also like that it is good for all seasons, and all the materials are durable and waterproof.

Pro’s

  • Large vestibule
  • High quality materials
  • Durable Y-stakes
  • Lightweight
  • With guy lines for reinforcement

Con’s

  • Buckle corner attachment is sold separately
  • More expensive than other tents

Verdict

Overall, this is a good entry-level 4 season tent. It has everything you expect for its price and even more. It might be expensive, but then again, you would not buy a new tent every season. Moreover, it has a spacious interior for comfortable rest after a long day of walking and exploring nature.

3 GEERTOP Backpacking Tent

Best dome tent:
Introducing the 4-season waterproof GEERTOP Backpacking Tent (Amazon). This is more affordable compared to the Tasmanian tent, yet it holds its own in terms of quality and design, especially for wild camping.

This two-person tent has a two-layered wall that makes it windproof so you can confidently use it at any altitude levels. Its inner wall is made out of mesh, which makes it ventilated. Moreover, the fabric construction of this tent is double stitched, which adds to its durability.

It features 210T anti-tear polyester and a 3000mm water-resistant coating which is also UV-resistant. As a result snow and rain simply slide right off it, thanks to its slippery surface.

Features

  • Interior: 101″ x 55″
  • Weight: 6.4 pounds
  • Headspace: 45.2
  • Packed size: 17.3″ x 6.7″
  • 2 vestibules & 2 doors
  • Snow skirt

What I Love

You would expect to be paying more for a 4 season tent, but this one is incredibly affordable, which is why I love it. Aside from that, I like that this tent has a double layer, which helps users regulate the temp inside. If it’s too hot, you can let the air in using its mesh windows, and if its too cold, the double layers sort of acts as heat insulation.

Pro’s

  • 4 season tent
  • Very affordable
  • Durable materials
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to set up

Con’s

  • Zippers could be more durable

Verdict

If you are on a budget, this one is absolutely the best wild camping tent option for you. It is sure to withstand extreme winds and varied weather conditions. It is easy to bring and carry due to its lightweight material. Most of all, it is no hassle to install.

4 MSR Hubba Hubba NX

Best luxurious:
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX (Amazon) tent is suitable for those who are seeking for comfortable tent accommodation during their busy city life escape while wild camping. This luxurious two-person tent offers both comfort and silence.

The geometric poles of this tent maximize its interior space to help give you a comfortable rest. It has Easton Syclone poles, which acts as a reliable windbreaker, making it silent inside and durable as well.

Moreover, this tent is ideal for three seasons except for harsh winter conditions such as snow. It is a polyurethane material that has waterproofing features that last three times longer than other similar tents.

If also feature Xtreme Shield Waterproof Coating lasts up to 3 times longer than standard waterproof coatings and durable poles to withstand strong winds.

Features

  • Headspace: 39″
  • Interior: 29 sq ft
  • Weight: 5 pounds
  • 18×6 inches when packed
  • 3 year warranty

What I Love

The look and feel of this tent are luxurious, which are why I love it. It has a spacious interior and durable poles, which makes it dial for high altitudes with strong winds. I would totally consider bringing this out for wild camping. However, I would think twice if it is during the winter season since it does not have a double-layered wall.

Pro’s

  • 3-season tent
  • Easy to set up
  • Lightweight
  • Weatherproof
  • 2 large vestibules

Con’s

  • Zippers could be stronger
  • Slightly more expensive

Verdict

Compared to the other tents mentioned in this list, this one is the most expensive, but it is also the most stylish looking. However, I feel like if you are paying that money for a tent, you would want it to be a four-season tent already. But then again, the materials are durable and sturdy. So, if you have an extra budget lying around, opting for this is reasonable.

5 Nemo Hornet Tent

Best lightweight:
This two-person tent is made out of ultra-light material. This makes it easy to bring and carry. It has a cleverly designed fly bar with a volumizing clip, which adds more space in the interior. Moreover, it does not use that many poles, making it even lighter to carry.

Aside from that, the Nemo Hornet (Amazon) tent takes pride in being weatherproof so you can take it with you while wild camping in rugged and uncertain terrain. It is also made out of durable fabric materials that provide plenty of ventilation and security to the users.

The interior of this tent is remarkably spacious enough for two persons to lay down and sit comfortably. It has enough space for your backpacking gear too.

Features

  • Interior: 27.5 sq ft
  • Weight: 2.6 pounds
  • 19.5 x 5.5 inches when packed
  • Weathertight and rugged
  • Lifetime warranty

What I Love

I love that this tent is extremely lightweight, which makes it easy to bring anywhere. It also does not use plenty of poles, which makes it easy to assemble. Moreover, it has a spacious interior so you wouldn’t feel too claustrophobic while inside.

Pro’s

  • Feather light material
  • Easy to assemble
  • No wall condensation
  • Waterproof
  • High-quality durable materials

Con’s

  • More expensive, but it will last you

Verdict

If you are wild camping at high altitude, I would recommend that you get this one because it will not weigh you down. Moreover, it is made out of a double-layered wall, which makes it able to withstand any type of weather condition. Overall, if you have extra money to spend, you should totally get this.

Criteria for Evaluation

Here are the different factors you should consider in finding the right tent for you:

Quality materials

Getting a cheap tent will usually result with inferior quality, the more you pay, the lighter and more durable the tent will be. A poor quality tent won’t last when wild camping. Strong winds, heavy rain, and rough terrain will simply tear your tent to shreds.

Weahtherpoof

Ensure your tent is completely weatherproof, consisting of durable poles to protect against strong winds and waterproof coating to protect against any heavy rain you may encounter.

Durable floor

With wild camping, you never know what type of terrain you’ll be on, so it’s always best to prepare for anything and ensure your tent as a thick durable floor that can withstand jagged and rough terrain.

Travel light

Wild campers should look for a tent that is as lightweight as possible but also durable enough to withstand the weather and terrain.

If you’re camping alone, get a 1-person tents and if there’s two of you get a 2-person tent, this may sound obvious, however the whole point of wild camping is about saving space and being lightweight.

Try to keep your maximum weight to no more than 3kg, don’t forget you’re going to have all your other gear too, such as sleeping bags and spare clothes.

Internal pockets

In order to travel light, you may be a little restricted on space within your tent, so having some spacious internal pockets will help store your gear and give you some extra room in yourtent.

Large vestibule area

Some lightweight tents have a large vestibule area, where you can store your larger items such as your backpack.

Tent porch

A tent porch is another way to save space for your gear, but also a nice area to sit out and admire the beautiful landscapes from your tent.

About wild camping

If you’re looking to de-stress, escape everything and don’t mind sacrificing your home comforts then wild camping is the perfect way to get away from it all.

Wild camping is the ideal way to discover new and exciting places each and every day from the comfort of your own tent. Get closer to nature and enjoy stunning landscapes from your tent’s front door. This can be the perfect way to get some adventure into your life.

If you decide wild camping is for you, then there are some key considerations you need to consider, which we’ll talk about in more detail later. However, the weight of your kit should be a key factor, you need to travel as light as possible. So, ensure your tent is lightweight and you don’t overpack.

Overall, wild camping is a great way to enjoy the silence and to fully admire your surroundings, that most of the time we take for granted. Traveling light will allow you to go further and avoid any back pain.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most asked questions about wild camping:

What is wild camping?

Wild camping is all about escapism from the usual busy campsites and enjoying the wilderness alone. Embracing the silence with no one in sight, just you and your tent enjoying everything nature has to offer. A great way to escape the hustle of city life and work, ideal for de-stressing.

Is wild camping safe?

Yes, wild camping is perfectly safe, you’re probably more at risk going out around a big city at night. As long as you take the right precautions and let people know where you are, you’ll be fine. You will need a reliable and durable tent if you want to survive in one piece though.

What do you need for wild camping?

If you’re new to wild camping then it can be daunting of not knowing what you need to take. You might be asking questions like:

  • How much food do I take?
  • Do I need lots of water?
  • Am I taking too much or too little?

It’s understandable to think all these things, however, the idea of wild camping is to travel as light as possible, but it all depends on how far you’re planning on walking.

Here’s a list of the essentials, however, everyone is different, you might need or want certain things that another person might not.

  • Tent / bivvy bag
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping mat
  • Stove & food
  • Torch or head torch
  • Trowel or poop bags for burying/removing toilet waste
  • Water if there’s no fresh running water
  • Water purifier
  • Compass / Map

These items are a good baseline of what you should bring if you’re thinking about wild camping, hopefully this will stand you in good stead.

What is the wild camping etiquette?

Here is a list of things you should stick to when wild camping:

  • Arrive late and leave early
  • Never light an open fire
  • Clean up after yourself
  • Choose your toilet out of the way
  • Be considerate to others
  • Stay away from peoples property
  • Get / check for permission to camp
  • Don’t pitch too close to others

Advantages of wild camping

  • Medical professionals recommend it
  • Visit some of the best places in the world
  • Escape the stress of everyday life
  • Meet new people
  • You’ll make memories and have great stories to tell
  • Anyone can go and do it, just get a good tent
  • You’ll learn new skills
  • No social media – plus for some

Disadvantages of wild camping

  • Often uncomfortable
  • No posh meals or cocktails
  • Some might miss a cell signal
  • Being eaten alive by bugs
  • No shower facilties
  • No home comforts
  • Sleeping in bad eather can be tiresome

Wild camping tips

Here are some handy tips for successful wild camping:

  • Pack as light as possible
  • Get a strong, durable lightweight tent
  • Choose your pitching location carefully, behind a wall to break the wind
  • Pitch on flat grass that’s well drained if possible
  • Bring a dry bag for wet clothes
  • Compress your items with a compress bag
  • Look for a running stream for fresh water
  • Get a water purifier
  • Choose your toilet area carefully away from your tent
  • Bring a trowel and waste bag
  • If it’s windy put large stones on your tent bags for extra stability
  • Always check weather conditions beforehand
  • Bring a compass, map, chargers and GPS tracker just in case
  • Always tell someone where you’re going and your route

Final Thoughts

To summarize, to enjoy wild camping to the maximum, it all depends on your tent. A top-quality tent will withstand any harsh weather you may encounter, such as strong winds and heavy rain.

With so many factors to take into consideration, it can be extremely hard trying to find the right tent, especially as there’s so much choice in the market today.

However, I hope this guide has helped you learn all about wild camping and what tents are best. All the tents we’ve reviewed here are lightweight and extremely well made to stand up against bad weather conditions.

Anyway, here’s a quick recap of what I think the most important things are you should look:

  • Lightweight: When wild camping your tent should be as lightweight as possible.
  • Quality materials: Build quality and top materials will ensure your tent lasts
  • Weatherpoof: Get a tent that is waterproof and windproof
  • Seaonality: Aim for a 3-season tent at minimum, ideally a 4-season tent
  • Storage: Large vestibule, porch and storage pockets will give you more internal living space.

If you follow these tips, then you can really go wrong. I hope you have enjoyed this post on our best tents for wild camping. If you have please share it with your friends and family.

Kelly Bullock
2020-04-09T21:37:50+00:00