Small Tent, Big Decision: How To Pick A 1-Person Backpacking Tent

Choosing the perfect 1-person backpacking tent can feel like a daunting task—I totally get that! I recently went through the process myself and can confirm that ‘tent overwhelm’ is a real! With so many options out there, it can be a bit overwhelming, but it really all boils down to two main factors: working out exactly what kind of adventures you have in mind and your budget.

In this article, I’ll share how I navigated this journey to find the best backpacking tent for me, and I hope it’ll help you find the perfect single-person tent for you!

What’s Your Budget?

Before I decided on anything else, I fixed my budget at £400 (cue butterflies and a sharp intake of breath!) for a good mid-range tent. I imagine you have a budget in mind too. The good news is that there’s plenty of choice out there for every budget, whether you’re new to backpacking or ready to upgrade to a mid or high-end tent.

If you’re just starting out, or are on a tight budget, you can find a good lightweight 1-person backpacking tent for around £150 – £300, going up to £300 – £600 for more robust mid-range tents, and £600 to £1,000+ for top-of-the-range models. I was incredibly lucky, and I managed to find the the perfect tent for me for £420 – down from £700!

Finding second-hand tents on places like eBay can be a great idea too. There are some amazing bargains to be had. If you’re just starting out, a second-hand backpacking tent in good condition could be a fantastic way to start without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s a fun way to build a collection of tents for different trips!

Why Choose A 1-Person Backpacking Tent Rather Than A 2-Person Tent?

In a nutshell: it’s mostly about the weight. When you’re solo backpacking, carrying less weight is important, especially for women, and a 1-person tent can be significantly lighter. On the other hand, single-person backpacking tents can present problems for men, such as limited headroom and shoulder space, so the extra weight of a 2-person tent might be a good trade-off.

Yes, 2-person tents are more spacious, but the smaller footprint of a single-person tent has other benefits. They’re so much easier to pitch in small or awkward spaces, and their low profile means it’s easier to be discreet. That’s a huge plus for me, especially when I’m wild camping where its not exactly encouraged! When you’re out in the wilds of Scotland or on the fells of northern England, this isn’t an issue – you could even go for a bright red tent if you want, as you’re entitled to be there!

More Weight Considerations

Trekking Pole Tents

Trekking pole tents can be a good option if you already carry trekking poles, and it was a tempting weight-saving option for me, but I have my reservations as well. I’m the kind of person who sits down for a break and forgets to pick them up! Plus, I’ve had my fair share of accidents – like the time I fell on my tent and broke the pole (twice in the last few years – here’s how I managed with a pole-less tent on the Ridgeway National Trail!)! Generally, though, it’s easier to repair a tent pole on the trail than find new trekking poles.

Single-Skin Tents

Single-skin tents are another lightweight option, and they pack down to almost nothing. However, I have my doubts about how well they perform in the UK, especially since they’re known for having condensation issues. I also wonder how they hold up in windy and cold weather.

One potential fix for the condensation problem could be a larger 2-person tent with lots of headroom (single-skin tents are obviously lighter-weight). A bit more space means less chance of touching the sides while you’re sleeping. Unfortunately, I can’t just take a chance on one and see if it works for me since my budget means I can only afford one tent. If you’ve tried one out, I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.

Where Are You Going To Go And How Often?

This one’s pretty straightforward: the more often you plan to hike and the higher the ground you go, the more durable your tent needs to be. You can always count on British weather to be wet and windy—and it tends to be even more so up in the hills!

3 Season Or 4 Season?

When it comes to choosing between a 3-season and a 4-season tent, the main differences usually come down to materials and design. 4-season tents are built to handle tougher conditions, made from stronger fabrics with a better waterproof rating (hydrostatic head) and great wind resistance. You’ll notice things like the fly sheet is lower to the ground, there are more guy out points for stability, and there’s less mesh on the inner tent.

However, keep in mind that mesh is important for ventilation in both types – you don’t want to be dealing with condensation inside, so make sure there’s enough airflow! Just remember, the extra durability can add a bit of weight.

If you’re planning to camp in the north of England or Scotland, where it can get pretty chilly year-round, a 4-season tent might be a wise investment. It could make your trips in spring and autumn much more comfortable.

Why I Chose A 4-Season Single-Person Backpacking Tent

This was a big decision for me. I’d love to find a lightweight tent for summer backpacking (I’m still trying to lighten my load), but I also wanted to extend my hiking season beyond just late spring, summer, and early autumn.

My 3-season Zephyros 1 has been brilliant, but it’s drafty in winter (and I do tend to get cold at night) and moves about a lot in strong winds, especially now it’s older. After some research, I found that there are 4-season, 1-person backpacking tents that don’t weigh much more than my 3-season Zephyros. Decision made! I decided to buy a 4-season tent now and save up for a lighter-weight tent over winter, ready for next summer. Or, I might save for a lighter sleeping bag instead — it’s another tough choice! Stay tuned for that one!

How Much Should A 1-Person Backpacking Tent Weigh?

When it comes to choosing a 1-person backpacking tent, a good goal is to keep it under 1.5kg (3lbs).

But here’s an even better tip: as a rule of thumb,

Your fully loaded rucksack shouldn’t weigh more than 20% of your body weight, so there’s a lot of room for variation between items.

Tips For Budget-Friendly Hikers

Remember, your tent is only one part of the equation when it comes to weight. If you’re working with a smaller budget, don’t worry too much if your tent is a bit heavier right now because you can balance it out with lighter-weight gear elsewhere, like a sleeping bag or mat. Cooking equipment is another area where you can shave off some weight – consider a lighter-weight stove and pots, or even going stove-less if you’re feeling adventurous! And if you invest in titanium cookware, while it might cost more upfront, it could help you save weight and money compared to the difference in cost between a 1.5kg tent and a 1kg tent. This is the approach I take when I try to lighten my load, and it’s working well.

It’s All About Finding The Right Balance!

When it comes to choosing a tent, it’s all about that trade-off between weight and size versus durability. If you’ve only got one tent, it’s important that it enhances your adventures, not hinders them – and only you know what will make you happy and comfortable. Think about what you really need, especially when you find yourself cooking in a storm or trying to chill inside during a heatwave while there’s a cloud of midges having a rave outside! Keep your deal breakers and budget in mind, and stick to them.

Once you’ve figured out what you want from your tent, it’s time to do some research. I started off browsing online and comparing manufacturers’ specs, but let’s be honest, specs are specs and no substitute for experience. So, I found a better way!

1 Person Backpacking Tents – The Best Reviews Matter!

Investing in a good backpacking tent can feel like a big decision, so finding the right reviews is important. But where to find them? Everyone has their go-to sources, whether it’s a well-known magazine, a favourite YouTuber, or a trusted blogger. Just remember to look for reviews from people who use their tents in similar situations and for similar lengths of time as you will. Don’t fall for “first impressions” or reviews from someone who’s only used the tent once or twice!

YouTube can be fantastic for tent reviews! But instead of just focusing on dedicated or comparison reviews (which are still valuable), try watching someone on a multi-day hike or backpacking trip. They might not tell you about the technical specs, but they’ll soon tell you when something fails! And you’ll quickly see how the tent performs in different weather conditions, as well as how cramped it might be, or how it handles condensation. Plus, you can ask questions in the comments.

Here are a few solo long-distance hikers and wild campers I really enjoy. They each have their own tent experiences and will share what they love (and what drives them nuts) about their gear:

YouTubers To Watch

• Elli Hikes – Enjoy her many adventures (and tents!) as she solo hikes long-distance trails in the UK
• WildBeare – Follow along for some extreme weather solo wild camps, alongside a few multi-day hikes
• Liam Brown – He’s got a mix of solo long-distance hikes in the UK and abroad, and uses ultra-lightweight tents to inspire you
• Haze Outdoors – Check out his wild camping and long-distance hiking adventures, with a focus on the UK, using lots of different tents over the years

Once you’ve got your tent sorted, you’ll be all set to plan your next hike — don’t forget to check out my trail guides to help you choose your next brilliant adventure!

Thanks so much for reading – I hope it helps! If you’re an experienced solo backpacker with some wisdom to share, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. What would you add?

Until next time…

Happy hiking