There are so many compromises to be made when packing for an outdoor adventure. Every kilo of weight counts since you will be dragging it with you for the whole trip. One such compromise is the tent in which you are going to stay.
These cleverly designed small shelters offer a wide variety of sizes, designs, and other capabilities to not only withstand outdoor wear and tear but also protect you from wind, rain, etc. Tents are usually chosen based on comfort (which means more space) and durability. But more comfort and durability probably means more weight.
But when you are hiking solo, you can get relief from weight. Solo tents are small, but they are lightweight saving a lot of precious kilos.
So here are the best one-man tents in the UK that you should consider if you are planning a night trip outdoors.
1. Underwood Aggregator
- 3-4 season tent with snow skirt for winter use.
- 210T polyester rainfly with PU 5000 coating.
- 1.8 kg; 220x81x91 cm (packed size: 38x13x13 cm).
- Single-person tent with aluminum poles and wind-resistant ropes.
- D-shaped door, ventilation windows, storage pockets, and lamp hook.
The Underwood Aggregator is a lightweight and compact 3-4 season tent. It is designed for all-weather camping with a strong and waterproof build. The tent has a snow skirt around the rainfly, which keeps out cold wind and snow. This feature helps maintain warmth inside, making it suitable for both summer and winter. The tent has a dual-door design with a mosquito net and fabric layer. The mesh door allows ventilation in warm weather, while the fabric keeps in heat when it is cold. The waterproof polyester rainfly with a PU 5000 coating protects against heavy rain, snow, and ice. Factory-sealed seams and double-layered fabric at the corners ensure no leaks. Strong aluminum poles and wind-resistant ropes add stability, making the tent reliable in harsh conditions.
This tent is easy to carry and set up, making it ideal for solo campers. It weighs only 1.8 kg and packs down to a compact size, fitting well in a backpack. Setup takes only a few minutes, with a simple hook and pole system. It has useful features like a lamp hook, storage pockets, and a D-shaped door for convenience. The ventilation windows have velcro zippers for better closure. However, the included tent pegs are weak and bend easily. The instructions are vague, and the website on the packaging does not work. Despite these minor drawbacks, the tent performs well for short trips and wild camping. It offers good protection and comfort at an affordable price.
Pros: Affordable, lightweight, easy to put up and take down
Cons: Not high enough to stand up so you can’t change clothes inside the tent.
2. Forceatt 1-Person Tent
- 265 x 120 x 113 cm (Packed size: 41 x 14.5 cm)
- 1.8 kg (Lightweight and easy to carry)
- PU 2000mm rainfly, 210D Oxford fabric groundsheet, precision-sealed seams
- Double-layer tent with two ventilation windows and breathable mesh interior
- Quick 3-minute assembly with fiberglass poles and wind ropes for stability
The Forceatt 1-Person Tent is a lightweight and compact option for solo campers. It measures 265 x 120 x 113 cm, giving enough room for sleeping and gear storage. The packed size is 41 x 14.5 cm, making it easy to carry. Weighing only 3.97 pounds, it fits well in a backpack. The tent is made of durable materials, with a PU 2000mm rainfly and 210D Oxford fabric groundsheet. Precision-sealed seams help keep water out, ensuring a dry night even in wet weather. It is a four-season tent, designed to handle different weather conditions. The setup process is simple and takes about three minutes. Fiberglass poles and wind ropes provide stability, but setting up in the rain could be tricky. A small hook inside the tent allows for hanging lights or fans, adding to the comfort.
Ventilation is well thought out with two windows and a breathable mesh design. The outer tent can be removed for better airflow or used for extra protection. However, the tent lacks a vestibule, making gear storage slightly inconvenient. The side door is a bit small and awkward to use, especially for bigger campers. Packing the tent is easy, but it doesn’t compress as much as some might hope. Overall, it is a reliable and well-built tent for solo adventures. However, those needing more space and convenience may look for a different model.
Pros: Weighs only 1.8 kg and packs down small for easy carrying.
Cons: The side door is a bit awkward to get in and out of, especially for larger campers.
See the Forceatt 1-Person Tent
3. GEERTOP 1 Person Tent
- 20D PU3000mm flysheet & 20D floor
- 40D PU5000mm floor
- Reflective strips
- 2 x doors, 2 x windows
- Perfect for backpacking, camping, and hiking
The Geertop is extremely lightweight and only weighs around 1kg, which makes it an attractive option to put in your backpack for your camping and hiking trips. It gives you the ability to pack it when you are in a rush and have a limited time to prepare. This portable tent will always come in handy.
This tent has a waterproof flysheet with taped seals and double-stitched seams that securely cover the whole tent. The tent has reflective strips that ensure safety at night. This tent also has two ventilation windows on the top and near the foot of the tent providing easy airflow.
The tent has 105cm of headroom making it easier to live with. GEERTOP 1-person tent needs one trekking pole or a strong tree branch to support it. Overall the tent has no issues except that some people might find the windows to be too large.
Pros: Double-stitched seams, lightweight, good ventilation
Cons: Windows may be too large
4. Naturehike Cloud Up
- 20D nylon
- 7001 aluminium poles
- Fully taped Silicon coated seams
- Reinforced professional pole with bold aluminium pegs
- Scientific ventilation system with high-density mesh
- Insect prevention and breathable
Naturehike tents have always mimicked tried and true designs, yet their tents are a fraction of the price of tents of the same design. These tents won’t win an award for some innovative design or comfort or being the lightest. But they are hard to beat when it comes to budget backpacking tents. The Cloud-up Ultralight is one such tent.
The tent comes in 1, 2, and 3-person variations but we are only looking at the 1-person design. It is light enough that you will appreciate the weight savings. The 210T ripstop material withstands abrasion quite well. The rainfly also performs well in terms of keeping the rain out. But you would have to buy out the rainfly to make it effective.
The Cloud-up’s description labels it as an ultralight tent, however, this tent can’t be considered as ultralight. It can be a lightweight backpacking tent though. If you are truly looking for ultralight backpacking, you would pass on this tent. But this tent isn’t heavy either.
One thing you need to understand is that you will get what you are paying for. These are not top-of-the-line tents and do not have top of the line materials. You will start to notice a performance decrease after 2 or 3 seasons. It seems Naturehike understands this and their customer service is good.
Pros: Cheap, packs down small, good rain performance, relatively light
Cons: Zipper can snag, a taller person may have trouble, clearly a design copy of Big Agnes with heavier materials
5. Naturehike Taga Ultralight
- 7001 aluminium poles
- Nylon-coated silicon rainfly
- B3 breathable mesh
- Nylon-coated silicone bottom
- Duraflex buckles & aluminium nails included
Naturehike Taga 1 is a single-skin, single-entrance, one-man tent. The biggest difference between the two is that the Naturehike Taga’s design doesn’t require a trekking pole to keep the tent suspended.
Starting with the main feature, the weight, the tent has a stated weight of 1063g (~2lbs 6oz) for a single man. However, during our weigh-in, the 1 man came in at 1197g. The tent is mounted in a few minutes and has a very attractive shape as well as extremely effective against the wind, and rain.
The Naturehike Taga is made from Nylon coated Silicone, with a 3000mm rated hydrostatic head. The poles are comprised of Aluminium alloy, and the version we got sent came with an included separate groundsheet.
The fabric is a Silnylon 20D ripstop capable of supporting a 4000mm water column with all taped and waterproof seams. this tent comes with two vestibules, one of which has to be accessed through a zip inside the tent. We found this to be a major plus point, as it seemed to offer a lot more gear storage than you’d expect from a tent in this size and weight class. We can’t see anyone having problems with storage space in this thing!
Pros: Lots of storage space, lightweight, waterproof seams
Cons: Not free-standing, 20D floor needs a groundsheet, condensation is an issue
See the Naturehike Taga Ultralight
6. Marmot Tungsten
- Trail Weight: 3lb 8oz / 1.5kg
- One D-Shaped Door
- One Vestibule
- Freestanding Design
- Seam Taped Full Coverage Fly with Vents
- Jingle-Free Nylon Zipper Pulls
- HD Velocity 7000 Series Aluminum Poles
Marmot has created a pretty impressive offering with these Tungsten tents. They are lightweight, packable, durable, and extremely reasonably priced. You also get a lot of volume on the inside of the tent that I’ve not found in other tents at that price point.
One of the great things about the Tungsten tent is the Pre-Bend pole construction. Those aluminium poles are built with Marmot’s zone construction. This creates nearly vertical sidewalls at the lower ends of the tent, which give you a much more usable interior volume. Up the tent, you have strategically placed clips that draw out the tent materials to create more volume and therefore more comfort when you’re stuck inside on a rainy day.
The tent itself is made with a mix of very durable materials. The floor fly and canopy are all 68 polyester taffeta. Both the floor and fly are treated with a waterproof coating to ensure weather protection. The floor also has a catenary cut so there’s some extra attention, which helps keep the seams off of the ground and aid in weather protection. The mesh is a 40D polyester mesh so it’s much more significant than your traditional ultralight mesh and won’t snag it easily. The trade-off is that it’s a bit heavier.
Overall, the tent weighs just under 4 pounds so it’s not considered an ultralight tent but it’s great for the backpacker or recreational camper or simply anyone who wants a solid tent at a reasonable price.
Pros: Roomy for its weight, inexpensive
Cons: Difficult to tension fly properly, asymmetrical fly with a small vestibule
7. Highlander Blackthorn
- 190T PU breathable polyester
- Flysheet with waterproof PU coating
- Taped seams
- Inner pitch first
- 9mm fibreglass poles
- Fire retardant
- Compression stuff sack included
Highlander Blackthorn is an ideal tent for hikers, campers or solo backpackers on a budget. Equally, at home on the hills and in the woodlands this tent can keep you sheltered in most conditions. The tent offers an extremely affordable price tag. But you do still get a reasonable weight of 1575g and there is a large porch.
Blackthorn 1 has a respectable hydrostatic rating of 2000mm which enables you to camp out in some quite wet and wild weather. There are glass fibre tent poles that are strong, well-constructed and well-placed to enable the tent to take a fair amount of hammering from the wind. The structure is quite stable once this is complete and the side doors access a large porch.
The drawback is that this tent pitches inner-first. This means that in the rain the internal part of the tent gets wet until you manage to get the flysheet over it. The tent is not recommended for people over 6ft tall. If you are over 6ft, you won’t have enough space in this tent. You cannot complain about the price, but for more money, you do get metal alloy poles.
Pros: Stable structure, lightweight, low price
Cons: Pitches inner-first, little headroom for taller people
8. Mil-Tec Recom
- Pitches inner first
- Pre-attached guylines and integral groundsheet
- Fire retardant
- Taped seams
- Perfect for hiking and backpacking
The Mil-Tec Recom is a budget-friendly one-person tent designed for trekking and mountaineering. It has a compact and storm-proof shape, making it a good choice for summer camping. The tent measures 240 x 135 x 85 cm, providing enough room for a single camper. It weighs 2.6 kg, which is relatively lightweight for a solo tent. The packed size is 53 x 15 x 12 cm, making it easy to carry. Ventilation is provided by mesh panels on both sides and a mosquito net at the entrance. The zippered door allows quick access. The polyester fabric is waterproof but thin, so it must be properly pitched to keep rain out. The floor is also waterproof, but care is needed to avoid punctures. The tent includes a small vestibule, but it can only hold boots, not a full rucksack.
The Mil-Tec Recom is not ideal for cold or wet conditions. The inner space feels generous at first, but quickly fills up with a sleeping bag, coat, and extra clothes. When gear touches the tent walls, moisture from rain and fog can seep through. The fiberglass poles are standard for budget tents, but they are prone to splitting. However, aluminum poles are found only in more expensive models. This tent is best suited for occasional fair-weather camping. Despite its flaws, it remains one of the best budget options for lightweight solo camping.
Pros: Good ventilation with mesh panels and mosquito net
Cons: Thin fabric requires careful pitching to stay waterproof
9. MSR Elixir
- Ripstop polyester, 1500mm PU & DWR rainfly
- Ripstop nylon DWR fabric canopy
- Nylon micromesh
- Nylon 3000 Durashield PU coated & DWR floor
- Unique pole geometry creates optimises headroom
- Aluminium pegs
For 2018, MSR has decided to update and extend their Elixir Series of backpacking tents, and have introduced this MSR Elixir 1 Tent to the range, which is claimed to be the most liveable solo backpacking tent in its class! The Elixir range was first designed for performance backpacking with liveability in mind and offers backpackers a fantastic technical tent that is great value for money!
While many of those lighter tents are around a third more expensive, others are twice the cost, and some that are made of truly remarkable light materials, are multiple times the cost of the Elixir 1. There are cheaper one-man tents too, but with the quality on offer here from MSR, Elixir 1 represents excellent value for money.
Secondly, the Elixir 1 is BIG. In comparison to some “one-man tents”. MSR says the inner tent is 2.18 by 0.84 meters. The inner is a meter high at the highest which means loads of room above the head when sitting up.
The Elixir has colour-coded poles, clips and webbing to ensure that it is quick and easy to put up and this tent comes with groundsheet to offer multiple setup options, including free-standing and Fast & Light® pitch so it is still possible to easily pitch in adverse weather conditions!
Pros: Very durable and high quality, lot of space, low price, easy to set up
Cons: Heavy
10. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
- Trail Weight: 2lb 2oz / 964 g
- Vestibule with double-zippers
- Reduced condensation
- Smooth-closing, dual-zipper doors with easy-grip pulls
- Quick Stash door-keeper
- Multiple interior loops
This is a backpacking tent that balances space, weight, and functionality. Its quick setup and durable construction make this a great option for any backcountry adventure. The HV stands for High Volume which means the Copper Spur has been designed to maximize interior space. UL stands for ultralight. With a packed weight of 2 pounds 8 ounces, this tent has an excellent space-to-weight ratio.
The rainfly is attached with colour-coded clips and webbing. It is made of durable ripstop nylon. There are thick strands of high-tenacity yarn sewn in random intervals to resist tears. The vent in the rain fly has two guylines at either end creating airflow to fight condensation. The additional guylines can stabilize the tent in high winds. The rain fly can roll back into a few unique configurations. There is even a Fast Fly, which creates a minimalist shelter using only the poles, rain fly, and optional footprint.
The vestibule space is large enough for a backpack and boots. There are 20 square feet of floor space inside. The floor is nylon that’s been coated to keep water from penetrating. Inside, you’ll find the walls have been made nearly vertical and that provides plenty of room to sit up. There are easily accessible gear pockets within reach over your head and on the walls of the tent.
The poles are DAC aluminium and are very strong. The tent body is attached to the poles with plastic clips. The door has two separate zippers. You can open both to roll back the door or you can try zipping only the bottom open to access your gear without letting bugs in.
Pros: A real tent that weighs as much as a bivy.
Cons: Not everyone loves the single door and thin fabrics.
See the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL
11. Night Cat Backpacking Tent
- 3000mm with heat-sealed seams
- 220cm x 120cm (fits one adult and gear)
- 44 x 14.5 x 14.5 cm, 2.3 kg
- One-and-a-half-layer structure with two doors for ventilation
- Durable waterproof fabric with reflective strips for visibility
The Jack Wolfskin Gossamer is an amazing tent for solo backpackers, cyclists, motorcyclists, fishermen and adventure hikers alike! The Gossamer is a light yet durable bivi tent weighing just 1.75kg that has a comfortable sleeping length with room for storage at your fThe Night Cat Backpacking Tent is a great choice for solo campers. It is completely waterproof, keeping you dry in heavy rain. The fabric has a 3000mm waterproof rating, and the seams are heat-sealed. I tested it in two rainstorms, and not a drop got inside. Setting it up is quick and easy, even for beginners. The tent is also small and lightweight, making it easy to carry. It packs down to just 44×14.5×14.5 cm and weighs only 2.3 kg. This makes it perfect for hikers and backpackers. It has enough space for one adult and their gear. The ventilation is good due to the one-and-a-half-layer design. The two-door setup with parallel poles gives a wide view and prevents a cramped feeling. At night, the reflective strips make it easy to spot in the dark.
However, this tent is not the best for strong winds. It only has four peg points, which is not enough for stability. Even with all pegs in, the tent blew away when empty. I had to chase it down the hills of Snowdonia! Wind also seeps through, so a warm sleeping bag is necessary. It is best for mild weather and summer trips. If you need a quick, simple, and waterproof tent, this is a good option. But for winter or strong winds, extra pegs would improve stability.
Pros: One-and-a-half-layer design improves airflow, reducing condensation.
Cons: Only four peg points, making it unstable in strong winds.
See the Night Cat Backpacking Tent
12. Teton Sports Mountain Ultra
- T6 Aluminium Cross and Ridge Pole
- 75D 3mm Ripstop 3000mm PU
- Micro-Mesh
- Steel stakes
- Free-standing
TETON Sports has always been known for its high-quality outdoor products. The Mountain Ultra Tent is one such high-quality product. You might pay more for this than many other solo tents but you will get a solid built quality.
The Teton Sports Mountain Ultra 1 comes with everything you need to set up camp out of the box: rain fly, inner tent, footprint, stakes, and poles. There is no need to separately buy tarps for this tent.
The tent is fantastic as it is easy to use. The tent has a fully removable rainfly to withstand a good amount of rain. The micro-mesh of the tent is perfect for clear summer nights. The tent has a high bathtub floor which prevents water from getting in the tent while you are sleeping.
There is plenty of room inside the tent. An average person can comfortably fit inside the tent. However, at 4.4 lbs, the tent is not exactly lightweight even though it is advertised to be ultralight. This puts it at a disadvantage in its class.
Pros: Extra high waterproof bathtub floor, rainfly stays in place, mesh allows plenty of ventilation
Cons: Costs more, heavier than the competition
See the Teton Sports Mountain Ultra
Critical One-Man Tent Considerations
If you are a camper, hiker or solo backpacker and you don’t want to carry too much weight, a one-man tent is an ideal option for you. Whether you’re bedding down on a mountainside or pitching up at a campsite, a one-man tent should protect you from the elements and provide you with a comfortable and functional home-from-home for the night. The tent should also be lightweight and compact enough to take up a minimal amount of room in your rucksack, once it’s packed away. There are plenty of options available and choosing the one that’s right for your needs can be difficult. So, we have compiled a list of critical tent considerations. You can consider them when you buy a tent for your next adventure trip.
Determine the use
It’s best to be brutally honest with yourself here. Do you need an ultralight tent, or can you get away with something a little heavier (and thus less expensive) because you’ll just be out for overnight and weekend trips? Are you planning to go backpacking, or just planning to buy a simple car-camping tent?
Consider the weight
If you’ll be carrying a tent on your back, buy a backpacking-specific model, which will likely be made from lightweight materials. Sometimes people ask me about non-freestanding tents with guylines rather than dedicated tent poles. They’re great if you’re thru-hiking because they’re ultralightweight, but for regular users, freestanding tents are much easier to set up and still pretty packable. If you’re car camping, weight isn’t an issue.
Size does matter
If you’re a car camper, you can buy a heavy tent. Bigger than you need. Be obnoxious. You’ll appreciate the extra space to roll around in, and you’ll have plenty of room for dogs and kids. If you’re a solo backpacker, buy a tent that’s one person bigger than you need. Just you and your partner? Go for a three-person tent. Again, you’ll have more room to store gear, and the weight penalty isn’t huge.
Pitch before buying
It’s one thing to read about dimensions and occupant capacity and another to get inside a tent to test its roominess for yourself. One three-person tent design might feel bigger than another three-person tent, so try to visit a camping store that has your tent pitched before pulling the trigger.
Durability
This isn’t as much of an issue for car-camping tents, but read reviews for backpacking tents. Most shelters these days are pretty well made, but see what users are saying online before you plop down a couple of hundred bucks.
