As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, anticipation for the summer festival season reaches its peak. Whether you're a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, one thing is for sure: getting your hands on those coveted tickets can be both exhilarating and daunting. Once you've got them, you need to think about logistics and the kit you need to make sure you can kick back, relax and enjoy the music - safe in the knowledge you have everything you need to not kill the vibe! Here we start our "Get Festival Ready" series with arguably the most important bit of your kit - The Tent!
We're here to guide you through the maze of tent options, from the luxurious to the cute, so you can make the perfect choice for your weekend of music, madness, and maybe a little mud.
First things first, let's talk size. Now, we're not suggesting you bring along a mansion-on-wheels, but you also don't want to feel like a sardine squished into a tin can. Consider how many pals you're bringing along for the ride and how cosy you're willing to get. Remember though, in the world of festival camping, personal space is a luxury! We've largely focussed on 2/3 person tents in our recommendations below.
Next up, durability. You really want a tent that can stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws your way – whether it's a surprise rain shower or a particularly rowdy neighbour who thinks your tent is a trampoline. Look for sturdy materials and quality construction, because the last thing you want is to wake up in a puddle of polyester.
Now, let's get to the fun stuff – features! Sure, a basic tent will do the job, but why settle for basic when you can have bells and whistles? Think built-in LED lights for those late-night dance parties, multiple entrances for easy access (because who wants to crawl over their friends at 3 am?), and maybe even a sneaky stash pocket for your secret stash of snacks.
But hey, we get it – budget is a thing. Fear not, penny pinchers, because there are plenty of affordable options out there that won't leave you eating ramen noodles for the next six months. Just remember, sometimes it's worth splurging a little for that extra comfort and peace of mind. All our recommendations below are under £200.
You need your tent to stand out - chances are you are going to need to find your tent in the middle of the night in a field the size of a small town, cram packed with thousands of other tents. You need your tent to be as individual as possible - that might be the colour, the lighting, the flag you put on on. Either way, make sure you take a photo of where you are based so that you can find it again! Or you could download an app like TentFinder to help you geolocate your tent, but who knows how good the reception will be on site?
Oh, and one more thing – don't forget to practice pitching and taking down/packing up your tent before you head to the festival grounds. Trust us, there's nothing more embarrassing (or entertaining for your neighbours) than struggling with tent poles in the middle of the night. Plus, you don't want to be leaving it behind - be a responsible festival goer and take your kit home, ready for the next one!
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Have a look our recommended Festival Ready Tents below...
Volkswagen VW Festival Pop-Up Tent
2 person
Easy and quick pitching pop up tent
Simple carrying case
Stand out from the crowd with the funky official VW Beetle pattern on this festival tent - easy to find even in busy campsites
1.18kg
£29.99
Website: https://amzn.to/3JhNjN5 - Amazon
YITAHOME Camping Tent with LED Strip Lights
2/3 person
2m long LED string lights
Small storage size 44 x 16 x 16cm
Storage pockets
3kg
£49.99
Website: https://amzn.to/3xHTWFL - Amazon
Coleman Pop Up Tent Galiano
2 person
Easy and quick pitching pop up tent
Simple carrying case
Panoramic skylight with retractable mosquito screen, so you can sleep under the stars
2.5kg
£62.99
Website: https://amzn.to/3U0afoS - Amazon
QUECHUA Camping tent - 2 SECONDS - 3-person
3 person
Easy and quick pitching pop up tent
Simple carrying case
Withstand winds of up to 50 km/h
3.6kg
£89.99
Website: https://tidd.ly/4cWCHRf - Decathlon
Outsunny 6 Person Tipi Tent
6 person
8 mesh windows
Set up is simple and straightforward with pre-attached poles
3 season
7kg
£107.99
Website: https://amzn.to/4cVBrxJ - Amazon
QUECHUA Camping tent - 2 SECONDS XL - 3-person - Fresh & Black
3 person
Easy and quick pitching pop up tent
Simple carrying case
Fresh & Black technology keeps the inside of the tent cooler and darker
5.3kg
£139.99
Website: https://tidd.ly/49D9Sqh - Decathlon
Coleman OctaGo Tent
3 person
Easy to pack and quick to pitch
Steel poles
Good head height (up to 152cm)
11.4kg
Websites: https://tidd.ly/3TZl1vG - Decathlon (£170.99)
https://amzn.to/4azcSVQ - Amazon (£167.49)
Outdoor 2M Canvas Camping Pyramid Tipi Tent
2/3 person
Open dimensions is 215cm (L) x 215cm (W) x 200cm(H)
Total length of steel pole is 270cm
Easy to pitch
Top may leak in the heavy rain - so best for sunny forecasts!
11kg
£179.99
Website: https://amzn.to/4aQuk8b - Amazon
Need some Getting Festival Ready tent accessories? How about these?
 | Alintor 45.9ft Fabric Bunting https://amzn.to/3Jis3H5 - Amazon |
 | LE 3 in 1 Camping Lantern with 2 Detachable Torches https://amzn.to/49zv94i - Amazon |
 | 20 Warm White Vintage Style Solar Festoon Lights https://tidd.ly/3Q0jWCM - Lights4Fun |
 | 200 Starburst Solar USB String Lights https://tidd.ly/3VYL354 - Lights4Fun |
 | Who Gives A Crap – 100% Recycled, Twice as Long, Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Toilet Roll https://amzn.to/4aPfRcz - Amazon |
 | Festivology Telescopic Flag Pole 6m https://amzn.to/4cXrxf0 - Amazon |
 | QUECHUA Camping Shower/Toilet Cubicle - 2SECONDS https://tidd.ly/43TFxCJ - Decathlon |
 | Denny International 【LIGHT WEIGHT】 Large 6L Compact Portable Toilet https://amzn.to/49zXVl6 - Amazon |
Please note, product prices and availability of all the items showcased above are accurate as of the 13/04/2024 12:30 GMT and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.co.uk or decathlon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
So there you have it, folks – the ultimate guide to choosing the perfect festival tent. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a festival newbie, armed with these tips, you'll be ready to rock (and roll out of bed) in style. Now go forth and camp like a champ – just don't forget to pack your sense of adventure!"
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