Whether you're planning your first family camping holiday, a weekend getaway, or a long touring adventure, choosing the right camping tent is one of the most important decisions you'll make. With so many sizes, styles, materials and features available, finding the perfect tent can feel overwhelming.
At PJ Outdoors, we stock some of the world's leading camping brands, including Vango, Outwell, Dometic, Kampa, Zempire, Coleman, Holawild, Robens, Easy Camp, Outdoor Revolution and many more. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know before investing in your next tent.
What Type of Tent Is Right for You?
Before choosing a tent, think about how you'll be using it.
Family Camping
If you're camping with family or friends, look for larger tents with multiple bedrooms, spacious living areas and good headroom. Air tents have become incredibly popular thanks to their quick pitching times and generous internal space.
Popular choices include:
- Vango AirBeam® Tents
- Outwell Air Tents
- Kampa Inflatable Tents
- Zempire Air Tents
Weekend Camping
For short camping breaks, simplicity is key. A lightweight tent that's easy to transport and quick to pitch is often the best choice.
Brands such as Coleman, Holawild and Easy Camp offer excellent value for occasional campers.
Hiking & Backpacking
If you're carrying your tent on your back, weight is everything. Lightweight, compact tents from Vango, Robens, Coleman and Easy Camp are ideal for hiking, backpacking and wild camping adventures.
Air Tents vs Pole Tents
One of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing between an inflatable air tent and a traditional poled tent.
Air Tents
Air tents replace traditional poles with inflatable beams, making pitching quicker and easier.
Benefits
- Fast setup in just a few minutes
- No complicated pole systems
- Excellent stability in windy conditions
- Great for families and longer camping holidays
- Flexible air beams help absorb strong winds
Things to Consider
- Higher initial purchase price
- Slightly heavier than poled tents
- Requires a manual or electric pump
Typical Prices
- Entry Level: £400–£700
- Mid Range: £700–£1,200
- Premium Models: £1,200–£2,500+
Pole Tents
Pole tents remain a fantastic option for campers looking for affordability, lighter pack weights and traditional reliability.
Benefits
- Lower purchase price
- Lightweight to transport
- Easier to replace individual poles
- Huge range of sizes available
Things to Consider
- Longer pitching time
- More components to assemble
- Larger family tents can require two people to pitch
Typical Prices
- Entry Level: £100–£300
- Family Tents: £300–£700
- Premium Models: £700–£1,200
What Size Tent Should I Buy?
Buying a tent that's too small is one of the most common mistakes new campers make.
As a guide:
- 2 Person Tent – Ideal for solo campers or couples.
- 4 Person Tent – Perfect for small families.
- 6 Person Tent – Great for growing families with extra storage space.
- 8 Person & Larger – Ideal for extended family camping holidays.
Always consider space for luggage, furniture and pets when choosing your tent.
Understanding Waterproof Ratings
Waterproof performance is measured using the Hydrostatic Head (HH) rating.
- 2,000mm HH – Suitable for fair-weather camping.
- 3,000–4,000mm HH – Ideal for most UK camping conditions.
- 5,000mm+ HH – Excellent for prolonged rain and challenging weather.
Higher ratings generally offer greater water resistance, but quality fabrics, taped seams and good design are equally important.
Essential Camping Accessories
Buying the right accessories can make your camping trip far more enjoyable.
Tent Footprint or Groundsheet Protector
Protects the base of your tent from stones, mud and wear, helping extend its lifespan.
Tent Carpet
Adds warmth and comfort to your living area while helping keep the inside of your tent clean.
Heavy Duty Pegs
Upgrade your standard pegs for improved performance on hard, rocky or soft ground.
Tent Mallet
Makes pitching your tent quicker and easier.
Air Tent Pump
Essential for inflatable tents. Most include a manual pump, while electric pumps make setup even faster.
Sleeping Equipment
For a comfortable night's sleep, consider:
- Sleeping Bags
- Air Beds
- Camp Beds
- Self-Inflating Mats
- Pillows
Camping Furniture
Create a comfortable campsite with:
- Camping Chairs
- Camping Tables
- Cupboards
- Storage Organisers
Camping Cooking Equipment
Complete your setup with:
- CADAC BBQs
- CAMPINGAZ Stoves
- Portable Gas Cookers
- Cookware Sets
- Cool Boxes
- Dometic Portable Fridges
Camping Lighting
Rechargeable lanterns, LED lights and string lighting help create a safe and welcoming campsite after dark.
Which Tent Brand Is Best?
PJ Outdoors stocks some of the biggest and most trusted camping brands in the UK.
Vango
Renowned for innovative AirBeam® technology, spacious family tents and exceptional quality.
Outwell
Premium family camping tents with practical layouts, excellent weather protection and outstanding comfort.
Dometic
Modern inflatable tents designed for touring, durability and quick setup.
Kampa
A trusted choice for family camping and touring holidays.
Zempire
Luxury camping tents offering premium materials, spacious interiors and innovative features.
Coleman
Reliable, affordable tents perfect for family camping, festivals and weekend adventures.
Holawild
Quality camping tents offering fantastic value for money.
Robens
Lightweight technical tents designed for hikers, backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Easy Camp
Ideal for first-time campers and those looking for practical, affordable tents.
Outdoor Revolution
Innovative inflatable tents packed with practical features for modern camping.
How Much Should You Spend on a Tent?
The right budget depends on how often you camp.
- Occasional Camping: £150–£400
- Weekend Camping: £400–£800
- Regular Family Camping: £800–£1,500
- Premium Camping: £1,500+
A higher-quality tent often provides better weather protection, easier pitching, improved durability and greater comfort for years to come.
Why Buy Your Tent from PJ Outdoors?
At PJ Outdoors, we're passionate about helping you enjoy every camping adventure. We stock an extensive range of premium camping tents from leading brands including Vango, Outwell, Dometic, Kampa, Zempire, Coleman, Holawild, Robens, Easy Camp and Outdoor Revolution.
Whether you're looking for a spacious family air tent, a lightweight hiking tent or a reliable poled tent, our expert team is here to help. Browse our online store for the latest camping tents and accessories, or contact us for friendly advice on choosing the perfect tent for your next adventure.