The best two-man tents for use in the UK

By and large, the best two-person tents are bought by people whose camping trips consist of short stays and bunny-hopping from place to place. What they lack in space, the best two-man tent can make up for in lightness and easy-pitching, competing easily with other examples of the best tents on the market. Because they're small and low-profile, they are often far more adept in dealing with tempestuous weather than larger tents.

You've come to the right place if you're hunting for the best two-man tent. We've shortlisted the champion two-man tents. Naturally, they all have the category in common, but our picks have varying strengths and weaknesses because each is the best at something.

The best two-man tents at a glance

• Best overall: Berghaus Cheviot – View at Amazon
• Best budget: Eurohike Tamar 2 2-Person Tent – View at Tiso
• Best for space: Wild Country Hoolie Compact 2 ETC – View at Blacks

We've ensured that there's something for everyone here, for weekend camping, highland hiking, or summer backpacking. We also have an extensive buyer’s guide that explains waterproof rating and tent shapes, so keep reading for more info.

The best two-man tents of 2024:

Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

How to choose the best 2-man tent for you

Understanding waterproof ratings

Like fill power with down insulation, waterproof ratings are very simple but widely misunderstood – or not known at all. All the tents you see here use the hydrostatic head to show how waterproof the fabric is. Hydrostatic head is the industry standard for measuring waterproof fabrics, such as those used for tents, jackets, etc.

The figure (for example, 3000mm), indicates how high a column of water sitting on the fabric would need to be before water begins seeping through. It’s perhaps a slightly odd thing, but it’s an effective means of measurement. It’s all to do with pressure. Testing labs don’t use such volumes of water; they use machines that apply downward pressure. Thus, a tent with a hydrostatic head rating of 3000mm can withstand a three-metre column of water before it leaks through. It sounds like a lot, but see below for our guide to waterproof ratings:

1000mm: Will keep out light rain – more water-resistant than waterproof

2000mm: Waterproof. Will keep out rain.

4000mm: Will withstand fairly heavy rain.

10,000mm+: What you should expect in hiking and ski jackets. They have to deal with rain and snow but also the extra pressure applied by backpack straps and so on.

For tents, a minimum of 2000mm is what you want. And don’t forget that the floor should have a higher rating because it has the extra pressure of you and your gear pressing down on it.

Picking the right tent shape

Tunnel tents

They are very popular in all sections of the tent world, from the lightest of hiking tents to big family camping tents. This is because the shape is very adaptable and space-friendly. Whether using traditional poles or an inflatable design, tunnel tents can easily split into multiple rooms if needed. You can distinguish tunnel tents by their half-cylinder shape.

Features of tunnel tents: easy pitching; spacious; often heavier than alternatives; OK in moderate wind – the bigger the tent, the less stable it is.

Dome tents

They are generally being ditched in favour of tunnel tents in family camping grounds because they can’t compete for space. However, they are still very popular with hikers and trekkers because small dome tents are quite stable and lightweight. Dome tents with geodesic designs are very good at dealing with extreme weather.

Features of dome tents: cheap; fairly light; have single zones only; okay in moderate wind – the bigger the tent, the less stable it is.

Geodesic tents

They are kind of like upgraded dome tents. They have extra crisscrossing support poles, which makes them much more adept at dealing with high winds. Because they are designed to cope with harsher weather, geodesic tents sacrifice space and are slightly more complex to pitch than other styles. They are wonderful for those camping in more extreme environments but less suitable for casual campers and families.

Features of geodesic tents: capable in harsh weather; lightweight; best suited for hiking; often a pricier option.

Backpacking tents

These are some of the lightest tents you will find. Often, they only require a single-pole plus guy line to pitch. They vary considerably in terms of ability. Some are meant for summer and mild conditions; some have more durable fabrics, making them suitable for three-season use.

Features of backpacking tents: very light; varied weather resistance; ideal for fast hikers and cycling trips.

Tipi/pyramid tents

Their tall central pole defines them. They come in a large range of sizes and are used as lightweight hiking tents, but more recently, they have found favour with those seeking the glamping experience. They are fairly easy to put up and even stand up well against the elements, but inside space cannot compete with tunnel tents.

Tipi/pyramid tent features: easy to pitch; a vast range of sizes; deal well with bad weather; sloped walls rob interior space; some come without a floor.

Other useful camping kit:

If you are heading somewhere where mains electricity is not available, Goal Zero’s 13-watt monocrystalline solar panel is a great essential. At about 700g, it’s lightweight and charges devices via a USB output. Check out alternative options in our full article on the best solar chargers.

FAQs

Does a two-man tent really fit two people?

In theory, yes, two-man tents should all fit two people. In practice though, two-man tents come in a range of shapes, sizes, and design styles that can all have an impact on capacity.

You’ll find some extremely minimalist two-man tents that are simply a small dome with one sheltered space. These variations are likely to be the less space-generous tents, especially for the average sized person and above. These tend to land as the more budget two-man tent options.

This in no way means you can’t find a two-man tent that’s more liberal in terms of space. There’re two-man tunnel tents that’ll offer two separate bedrooms and a central living area, providing ample leg and head room for campers of all heights.

What is Hydrostatic Head?

Hydrostatic Head is a very important term when we discus tents and waterproofing. It’s the industry standard for measuring waterproof fabrics found on tents, waterproof clothing, and so forth. Specifically, hydrostatic head measures how high the layer of water would have to sit on the fabric before it begins to seep through.

If a tent has a hydrostatic head waterproofing of 2000mm, then the fabric can withstand two metres worth of water pressure before leaking in. Read below the explanation for each waterproof rating:

1,000 mm: Will keep out light rain – closer to water-resistant than waterproof

2,000 mm: Waterproof. Will keep out rain.

4,000 mm: Can withstand heavy rain.

10,000 mm+: Calibre found in hiking and ski jackets, made to deal with heavy rain and torrential conditions.

What are the best tent brands?

Without a doubt, there are certain tent brands that you can rely on, trust, and be sure you’ll be getting your money’s worth out of them. Big names like Vango, Eurohike, Mountain Warehouse, and Terra Nova are some of our top picks when it comes to quality tents. What’s better, is that you can find something within a range of budgets, styles, and features.

Jack Barrell is a Tech and Fitness Writer for What’s the Best. He is invested in all things entertainment and keeps well up to date with the latest sports and exercise trends too. On his off days Jack can usually be found doing one of two things; lifting heavy weights – or watching his favourite Star Wars for the thousandth time.

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