Expert Advice from PJ Outdoors
Choosing the right backpacking or hiking tent can make all the difference when heading outdoors. Whether you are planning a wild camping trip in the mountains, a long-distance hiking route, or a relaxed weekend adventure, your tent needs to provide reliable shelter, comfort, and protection from the elements.
At PJ Outdoors, we understand that every adventure is different. That is why we stock a range of trusted outdoor brands including Vango, Robens, Easy Camp, Outwell, and Coleman, offering tents suited to everything from lightweight backpacking and hillwalking to comfortable weekend camping.
The perfect tent is not always the lightest or the most expensive — it is the one that matches your style of adventure, the conditions you expect to face, and the way you enjoy exploring the outdoors.
Choosing the Right Tent for Your Adventure
The best tent depends on where you are going, how you travel, and what conditions you are likely to experience.
A tent designed for exposed mountain routes needs very different features from one designed for relaxed weekend camping on flatter ground. Understanding where and how you will use your tent is the first step towards choosing the right shelter.
Hiking in the Mountains & UK Peaks
Best suited for:
- Lake District
- Peak District
- Scottish Highlands
- Exposed hill walks
- Unpredictable mountain weather
When camping at higher elevations, you need a tent that balances low weight, stability, and weather protection. Mountain conditions can change quickly, so choosing a tent with reliable waterproofing, strong poles, and a practical design is essential.
Vango Nevis Range – Lightweight Trekking Shelter
The Vango Nevis range is designed for hikers who want a lightweight, compact tent that is easy to carry on longer walks. It is a popular choice for wild camping and backpacking where keeping pack weight down is important.
Ideal for:
- Solo hikers
- Weekend wild camping
- Backpacking routes
- First-time wild campers
Why choose the Vango Nevis:
- Lightweight design
- Compact pack size
- Quick and simple pitching
- Reliable protection for UK conditions
The Nevis is a great choice for anyone looking to move from traditional camping into more adventurous hiking and backpacking.
Vango Scafell Range – Reliable UK Backpacking Performance
For walkers looking for a little more space and stability, the Vango Scafell range offers an excellent balance of weight, durability, and comfort.
Designed with UK hiking conditions in mind, the Scafell range is suited to countryside camps, long-distance routes, and exposed locations where dependable shelter is essential.
Vango Scafell 200
Ideal for:
- Two-person backpacking trips
- Hill walkers
- Weekend hiking adventures
Key benefits:
- Good balance between weight and comfort
- Practical porch area for storing equipment
- Designed for trekking and outdoor use
Vango Scafell 300 Plus
Ideal for:
- Longer backpacking trips
- Two people wanting extra space
- Hikers carrying additional equipment
The extra porch and living space make it a great choice for longer adventures where comfort becomes more important.
Extreme Hiking & Challenging Conditions
Best suited for:
- Remote locations
- Long-distance trekking
- Scottish Highlands
- More demanding outdoor adventures
For serious backpackers, a tent needs to provide confidence when conditions become challenging. While weight is still important, durability, stability, and weather resistance become even more valuable.
Robens Backpacking Tents – Built for Adventure
Robens tents are designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need dependable performance in more demanding environments.
Known for strong designs and adventure-focused features, Robens tents are a popular choice for hikers who spend extended periods outdoors and need equipment they can rely on.
Robens Voyager Range
The Robens Voyager range is suited to backpackers looking for extra protection and comfort on longer trips.
Ideal for:
- Multi-day trekking
- Remote camping
- Challenging weather
- Backpacking adventures
Why choose Robens:
- Strong construction
- Excellent stability
- Durable materials
- Designed for demanding outdoor use
Recommended models:
Robens Voyager 2 EX
A practical two-person backpacking tent offering a strong balance between weight, space, and weather protection.
Robens Voyager 3 EXP
A larger option for backpackers who need extra room and increased comfort during longer adventures.
Weekend Camping & Lowland Adventures
Best suited for:
- Campsites
- Woodland camping
- Countryside weekends
- Relaxed outdoor trips
If you are travelling by car and do not need to carry your tent for miles, comfort and practicality become more important than reducing every gram.
Look for:
- Easy setup
- More internal space
- Useful storage areas
- Reliable waterproofing
Outwell Tents – Comfort and Practical Design
Outwell tents are ideal for campers who want a comfortable and practical setup for weekend adventures.
Perfect for:
- Weekend camping
- Longer campsite stays
- Outdoor breaks
Outwell tents are known for thoughtful designs, easy pitching, and features that make camping more enjoyable.
Easy Camp & Coleman – Great Options for Weekend Adventures
Best suited for:
- Beginners
- Festival camping
- Short breaks
- Occasional outdoor trips
For those starting their camping journey or looking for a simple, reliable tent, Easy Camp and Coleman offer practical designs that are easy to use and provide excellent value.
Coleman Darwin Range
The Coleman Darwin range is a popular choice for weekend camping thanks to its straightforward design and dependable performance.
Ideal for:
- Couples
- Solo campers wanting extra space
- Short outdoor trips
Benefits:
- Easy setup
- Compact storage
- Reliable everyday camping performance
Easy Camp Tents
Easy Camp provides practical camping options for those wanting a dependable tent without unnecessary complexity.
Ideal for:
- New campers
- Casual weekend adventures
- Festival trips
Quick Guide: Which Tent Should You Choose?
| Adventure | Recommended Brand | Example Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain hiking & wild camping | Vango | Nevis 100 / Nevis 200 |
| UK peaks & hillwalking | Vango | Scafell 200 / Scafell 300 Plus |
| Tougher backpacking trips | Robens | Voyager 2 EX / Voyager 3 EXP |
| Comfortable weekend camping | Outwell | Outwell camping ranges |
| Beginner and occasional camping | Coleman / Easy Camp | Darwin and starter ranges |
Find Your Perfect Backpacking & Hiking Tent at PJ Outdoors
Whether you are heading into the hills, exploring national parks, or enjoying a weekend outdoors, choosing the right tent will make your adventure more comfortable and enjoyable.
From lightweight Vango and Robens backpacking tents built for the trail, to practical Outwell, Easy Camp, and Coleman tents designed for weekend adventures, PJ Outdoors has a range of trusted outdoor brands to help you find the perfect shelter.
Choose the tent that matches your adventure, prepare your kit, and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.