Absolute Top 5 tents & sleeping bags for 2024
Spring is in the air (kind of), and no matter what that brings, the outdoorsy among us are gonna be out there and loving it. That may well mean a cheeky shop for new camping gear, which is why we've put together a handy Top 5 list of this season's tents and sleeping bags.
From the best tents based on number of campers or where you're headed, to the top sleeping bags for men, women, and couples, here’s a handy insight into the new gear you want to know about when putting together this season’s camping ‘to-pack’ list.
If you're all about solo camping trips and fancy an affordable, lightweight hiking tent, you can't go far wrong with the sleek Nordisk Svalbard 1 PU - a wind-resistant backpacking tent built for fast-moving adventures
Weighing in at just over 2kg, this well-crafted tunnel tent offers up a static head of 3,000mm, and it's been wind tested to 40.0 m/s (32.7 m/s is hurricane strength). All of which means the tough Svalbard is able to provide fantastic stability in poor weather conditions.
Inside, you'll find room enough for one person plus kit, with a front vestibule providing space for a backpack and extra gear. A magnetic fly door offers quick closure while storage pockets keep smaller items close to hand.
If you want to go for something super-light yet still uber-rugged and extendable, let us introduce you to the Sierra Designs High Side 3000. It delivers an impressive pack weight of just 1.2kg, and its travel-friendly pack size makes it perfect for backpacking and bikepacking tours.
A 20D nylon ripstop fly keeps the pack weight low, there's a waterproof silicone/PeU treatment to 3000mm hydrostatic head, while the addition of 20D solid nylon ripstop interior side panels deliver improved wind resistance.
On the inside, there's room enough for one person with single door access and a vestibule for added storage. A secondary vestibule zip lets you raise the door-side fly for use as an awning panel.
Prefer something in more of a Y-Hub style? The Venture 1 from Wechsel has everything you need to brave the elements and look good doing it.
The Venture 1 weights just 2kg and has a hydrostatic head of 5,000mm, but the key features of this fella include the quick and simple setup, free-standing geodesic design with a vestibule for extra sheltered living space, along with a super-handy storage area for packs and muddy kit.
If featherlight, sustainable, and uber-tough is your vibe, then the Nemo Dragonfly OSMO 1P could be right up your street. Made for fast and light hiking, trekking, or cycling adventures, the Dragonfly 1 weighs just 1.07 kg and has a super-compact 37 x 15 cm pack size. The updated design uses Nemo's proprietary OSMO™ fabric for enhanced outdoor performance, and this advanced poly-nylon fabric features water repellency that lasts 4x longer and keeps you drier from start to finish.
At the pricier end of the scale but well worth it, the final one-person tent in our Top 5 List is
the Hubba Hubba Bikepack 1 tent from MSR.
Coming in ultra-light at just over 1.2kg, the Hubba Hubba offers on-bike stability and camp comfort, making it your go-to home-away-from-home for cycling holidays and camping.
The rectangular floor, without foot taper, fits all your gear, while the ample 38 inches of headroom lets you sit comfortably. The blend of mesh and solid fabric provides airflow, privacy, and weather protection, and there's a waterproof coating and taped seams to keep you dry. There are even tech-friendly pockets with cable ports. Hubba hubba.
Tough enough for the trail, light enough for your pack. The super-durable, water repellent, and easy set-up Nemo Mayfly OSMO 2P is crafted from NEMO's cutting-edge OSMO™ fabric. This backpacking sanctuary is spot on for intrepid adventurers gearing up to embark on thrilling trails and camping escapades.
If bike-based adventures are more your thing, then the MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2 has exactly what you need for two-person camping. A super-comfortable and lightweight tent, the Hubba Hubba 2 comes with a stable handlebar bag tailor-made for cycling duos.
When you're happy to spend a touch more to get a beautifully-crafted tent that's still nice and light, the Wechsel Exogen 2 is built for fast bike packing missions and high-mileage trail hikes where low pack weight is key.
Ultralight and affordable, the Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight 3000 is a great option. With a pack weight of just 2kg, it's crafted for fast-moving treks without compromising on performance, and inside there's room enough for two people with single door access.
Slightly lighter, and a touch more expensive, is the rugged Vango F10 Radon UL 2 - which is made to explore paths less travelled.
With X-shape high-tensile internal guylines creating a mega-stable structure, the Radon 2 is spot on if you're in the market for a two-person tent perfect for year-round adventures.
Go light as a feather with the epic Nemo Dagger Osmo 3P - the quintessential one-tent-wonder that's light enough for backpacking, yet spacious enough for comfort across a range of camping adventures. Thoughtful features include an overhead Nightlight Pocket™ headlamp diffuser for a comfortable glow after dark and gear pockets to help organise personal items. A 100% recycled Repreve™ pole bag protects the poles and takes the place of unnecessary poly bags.
A three-season, freestanding tent that's super-lightweight, can happily accommodate three people, yet only weighs 1.7kg you say? We do say. Enter the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 – with dual doors, awning style vestibules and proprietary materials that are lighter, stronger, and equipped with hardware that makes setup even easier. This high-end number could easily become your ultralight home away from home.
Coming it at the middle of the range pricewise, the Salewa Litetrek III is a rugged double wall tent designed for lightweight trekking in alpine terrain. Made to offer solid protection against severe weather, its three-season spec is optimised for use during the milder months of the year. Light in weight with a compact pack size, the Litetrek is wind-tunnel tested for stability at 90 km/h by the Technical University of Munich.
Again from those seasoned pros at Big Agnes, the Gold Camp 3 Tarp is a spacious, pyramid-style shelter fit for three-season camping. The tipi design with a square-shaped base is fast-pitching, reliable, and super versatile. At under £200, it's excellent value too.
Another well priced option is the Vango Apex Geo 300. Innovatively designed for wild camping use all year round, the Apex tent has one of the best strength-to-weight ratios in the range.
There's a handy vestibule for kit storage, and the robust 70D ProTex rip-stop weave rainfly delivers a 3000mm hydrostatic head with a taped seams for lasting rain protection.
Now we're hanging with the big hitters. If you're in the market for a tent that can handle the British weather as well as groups and families, then the Wechsel Voyager 4-berth could be a winner. The easy-to-pitch tunnel design features a large porch area living space and a spacious inner sleep compartment, while the living area provides ample room for equipment storage, social gatherings, and meal prep. There's Wechsel's trusted waterproofing fabric in the rainfly, and a long-lasting PU coating on a Ripstop polyester with a 5000mm waterproof rating, combined with a tough polyester 75D floor for fantastic waterproofing when the ground below is wet.
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For the ultimate outdoor experience, scope out the uber-versatile Snow Peak Entry Pack TT Tarp & Tent Family Camping Combo. It's built to give campers their own unique outdoor space with the additional tarp extending the tent roof to shelter a kitchen area/living space.
When you need something with super-easy access and a roomy vestibule, give the Kelty Rumpus 4 a look. 'Quick Corner' tech makes for a fast and intuitive setup, and there's enough room for up to four people and four internal storage pockets.
Another mid-range design pricewise, is the easy-pitch Vango Teepee Air 400. It comes complete with pre-attached, high-vis guylines, internal pockets and lantern hanging points, along with an oversized carry bag for easy transport.
At the premium end of the four-berth besties you'll find the supreme Big Agnes Bunk House 4.
This large yet light family tent commands attention at the campground, boasting a robust double-wall design that stands resilient against unpredictable weather.
Its spacious configuration, featuring two large doors and oversized vestibules, provides an ideal setting for relaxation or secure gear storage.
If you're exploring on the bike, you need to pack light. In these Top 5 bikepacking tents you'll see an array of packable, durable, and super-handy options for nimble camping on two wheels.
First up, there's the epic two-person, three-season Apex Compact 200, which blends super-low weight and compact 30 x 16cm pack size with a stable design - all at a price that's perfect for campers on a budget. The Apex Compact comes with a fast-pack tent bag to ensure your tent is securely packed and attached to the bike handles.
If a dome-style tent is more your vibe, then the Blacktail Hotel 2 Bikepack offers a robust and sturdy camping shelter with a trail-friendly weight and design underpinned by Big Agnes' quality construction. A superb three-season tent equally at home on one-two person wild camping trips or multiday cycle tours and treks.
If you're up for spending just a wee bit more, then you could get your mitts on the uber-light, high performance Nemo Dragonfly OSMO Bikepack 2, which is crafted for fast-moving cycle tours and has a trail weight of just 1.36 kg and a super-compact pack size of 37 x 16 cm. There's also a roll-top stuff sack with adjustable straps for multiple bike attachment configurations.
If you're in the market for something super-light and packable, look no further than the sleek MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2.
At the upper end of the scale pricewise, this bad boy weighs in at just 1.7 kg packed, and features a durable, waterproof handlebar storage bag that fits any bike, with optional spacers and tough webbing for a secure and stable attachment.
Handily, the Hubba Hubba is reflective for added visibility and has loops for extra gear. Thanks to its lovely small size, it fits easily in panniers or a backpack.
The lightest, and priciest, tent in the bikepacking hall of fame is the mega Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack from Big Agnes.
This is an incredibly travel-friendly shelter built for singletrack, two-track, and road riders looking for a technical shelter to see them through their travels.
It sleeps two people and offers excellent protection thanks to having seams taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane tape. In addition, both the rainfly and floor feature a silicone treated nylon ripstop with 1200mm waterproof polyurethane coating for premium wet weather protection.
Sometimes you just need more room. But adding lots of weight to your pack isn't ideal. Fear not, these Top 5 extended vestibule options range in price and style, but each offer a nice blend of space and lightweight efficiency.
Spot on for multi-day trekking and backpacking, the three-person Scafell 300+ from Vango (above) is rugged, versatile, and excellent value. It gives you an extended porch based around a sturdy tunnel design that offers stability in bad weather yet still has a low pack weight. That extra porch space is ideal for gear storage and meal prep and lets you keep any wet and muddy kit out of the inner tent.
If you're after something light yet roomy, the three-person Blacktail 3 Hotel from Big Agnes (below left) could be right up your street. The freestanding design is easy to pitch with room enough for three people or ample space for two looking for added comfort. The Blacktail features two doors for hassle-free access with a huge 28ft² front vestibule for dry storage and sheltered meal prep. A smaller 9ft² rear vestibule gives you added gear storage and quick access to smaller essentials.
When a spacious tunnel tent is more the vibe, then the generous Robens Pioneer 3EX (below right) lightweight hiking tent is a durable, affordable option. The extended porch has a wide door side entry and provides ample room for kit storage, meal prep or waiting out bad weather. The versatile design means you can detach and adjust the position of the inner front panel to double the porch size.
For an ideal entry into camping, the hybrid Snow Peak Amenity Dome (below middle) is crafted to provide an optimal indoor and outdoor living area with a compact design perfect for shorter breaks. The Amenity is a versatile, super-smart tent for three-season camping adventures, and can even be adapted to handle changing weather - all backed by Snow Peak's premium construction and eyecatching aesthetic.
If you're up for parting with a little more cash, then the Nordisk Oppland 3SI, with it's epic vestibule, is well worth a look.
When it comes to multi-day trekking, the Nordisk Oppland 3 SI offers an unbeatable blend of living space and all-weather protection with a low pack weight and compact size. Like all Nordisk tents, the Oppland combines innovation with performance construction. Wind tested to 25 m/s (32.7 m/s is hurricane strength) the Oppland 3 provides great stability in poor weather conditions.
When it comes to space, this fella is one of the widest three-person tents on the market, with room enough for three adults plus kit.
After a long day on the trail, with the brisk night air rolling in, you're gonna need to get your cosy on. Enter the down-filled sleeping bag. Literally. Down filling offers a better warmth-to-weight ratio compared to synthetic, while also being super-durable and compressible, so it's an ideal filling for sleeping bags to take camping. And when it comes to slumbering in down-filled bliss during the spring or summer months, you won't go far wrong with any of these top-selling bags of comfiness.
First up, the superlight Nemo Disco 30F - a feather-light option with Thermo Gills for venting body heat without letting cold air in. Designed for the fast-moving outdoor enthusiast, the Disco 30°F / -1°C packs incredibly small but doesn't compromise on comfort or technical features. The classic Spoon™ shape provides a generous amount of space at the elbows and knees so side sleepers can freely shift positions throughout the night, and there are also opposite-side zippers so men’s and women’s Disco sleeping bags can be zipped together to make a double. Genius.
If a super-cosy mummy sleeping bag is more how you roll, then the uber-stylish Mammut Comfort Down -5 has got you covered. Tailor-made for camping and relaxing outdoor adventures, the Comfort bag features a mummy silhouette for optimal insulation, a central two-way zipper for better climate regulation, and when it's warmer than you thought, with a quick unzipping this bad boy moonlights as a handy blanket. What more could a sleepy camper crave?
Coming in at a similar price, but just a smidge lighter, there's the intrepid Ascent 500 from Rab. The Ascent Series features a generous mummy fit and wide foot box for added comfort, with a close-fitting neck collar and drawcord hood ensuring a snug fit to seal in the warmth. An internal pocket lets you keep a torch or other smaller items close at hand.
For those of us who prefer to save our pennies, the Kelty Galactic 300 is an excellent, super-good-value option. It's compact enough for you to carry for nights on the trail, and roomy enough to stretch out under starry nights close to your car. And when the moment is right to spend a cuddly night, two of these bags easily zip together so you can spoon in a double-wide. Lovely.
Ultralight and super-versatile, the last on our list of Top 5 Down 2-3-Season sleeping bags is the Sea to Summit Trek -1C.
Whether you're craving a breath of fresh air or longing to stretch out under the stars, this fella offers unparalleled flexibility.
The Trek offers a seamless transition from snug warmth to open-air comfort with its full-length side zipper and secondary foot box zipper, which lets you customize ventilation and transform your sleeping space into a super-cosy comforter.
When camping conditions are likely to be cold and damp (welcome to the UK) synthetic-filled sleeping bags are an excellent choice. Because the fibres have been treated, they don't absorb water, so they're better at handling moisture than down. That means even if synthetic fibres get wet, they still retain most of their insulation, which helps keep you toasty in your sleeping bag.
Top of the list for synthetic sleeping bags is the Traverse Tv II from Sea to Summit. At the pricier end of our Top 5, but boasting top-notch versatility and innovation, this puppy is brimming with features like a full-length left-side zipper, half-length right-side zipper, and foot box zipper, which means this epic sleep sack offers unmatched ventilation options. It can also spread out flat like a comforter during warmer nights. When the mercury falls, the innovative WaveLoft construction of the Traverse's Thermolite insulation traps warm air effectively, providing maximum warmth.
Spoon-shaped for supreme comfort, the Nemo Forte 35 is a super-light three-season sleeping bag made using 100% recycled insulation.
Features include ingenious Thermo Gills™ with external and internal zips for full venting options without letting drafts in. A Blanket Fold™ external draft collar and full-length draft tube provide tucked-in comfort and further temperature regulation.
For a budget option that gives you bags of robust cosiness at an amazing price, give the Vango Microlite 300 a whirl. Ultralight and made sustainably, the Microlite is a brilliant three-season bag that punches well above its weight.
If you're looking for something versatile yet not too pricey, the mummy-shaped Mammut Comfort Fiber -1C could be for you. There's intuitive climate regulation thanks to the central two-way zipper with crafty zipper garage to keep any sniff of a draft out, along with a draft collar for epic thermal efficiency.
Finally, and perhaps most ingeniously, there's the two-season Big Agnes Echo Park 40, with its wide-fit, FireLine Max synthetic insulation and epic integrated pad sleeve for maximum comfort and support.
Whether you're getting cosy with the other half, or just looking to properly starfish your way to a lovely solo slumber, the doublewide camping sleeping bag is a beautiful thing. And because we're good like that, we've put together a handy Top 5 list to whet your appetite.
We begin with a cosy, roomy, eco-friendly bag at a super-affordable price. Yep, the Vango Evolve Superwarm Double is a light, synthetic option made with 100% recycled insulation. There's a head-rest area for added comfort, and a two-way zip so you can ventilate each side as desired in warmer weather. Includes a stuff sack with drawcord that reduces the pack size for travel convenience too.
For something packed with innovation, try out the Kelty Tru Comfort Double -7F (below) - a super-cosy three-season double sleeping bag with integrated blankets that can be zipped-off on hot nights. There's even a Comfort-Tuck Zipper System that lets you vent the foot section on one side or both.
If you're happy to splash out a little more, then the
Nemo Jazz Duo
is an excellent spacious, three-season option that's designed to pair with the Nemo Roamer Double Pad thanks to an integrated pad sleeve. Complete with its own duffel stuff bag, the Jazz is made for easy transportation and features an integrated soft, washable and removeable sheet and pillow sleeve.
When it's time to properly get your snug on, check out the ultralight down-filled King Solomon Doublewide from Big Agnes (Below). This light yet cosy beast is rocking a full zip-off option, so the top quilted layer can become a comforter, or zip it together to craft a single bag for solo camping ventures.
Whether you’re hiking trails or surfing couches, DownTek™ down insulation blends a highly compressible design with a low pack weight and a high degree of comfort that insulates even in damp conditions. It also has super-smart hand tuck pockets for extra warmth when required.
Finally, at the top end of the range, we find the three-season wonder that is the Sierra Designs Backcountry Duo 650F. Intriguingly, this innovative double sleeping bag is zipless. Yep, and it has integrated comforters and a pad sleeve too.
Available in two colours (Moroccan Blue & Peat or Red & White if you're asking), the Backcountry Duo is a tapered bag with 650-fill hydrophobic down insulation, baffled construction to eliminate cold spots, and that genius zipperless design with integrated comforter that’s less restrictive than traditional mummy bags.
With plenty of room to snuggle or starfish, the Backcountry Bed Duo is perfect for shared slumber with your favorite trail buddy — though with this much room, you might just want to hog it all for yourself. To help you fine-tune your personal sleeping preferences, each side comes equipped its own self-sealing foot vent and integrated sleeping pad sleeve. Bliss.
To wrap up our super-handy Top 5 lists of the best tents and sleeping bags around at the moment, we're going to look at the current crop of top-notch sleeping bags with a women-specific fit. In general, women have wider hips and narrower shoulders than men, but often this isn't taken into account when designing a generic sleeping bag. Nothing generic about these uber-cosy sleeping bags though; each one is tailored to the female body shape, and each brings something different to the party.
First up, it's the epic Get Down 20° from Sierra Designs. Made for the fast-moving outdoor enthusiast, it features a lightweight and durable 20D polyester ripstop shell with a soft polyester taffeta liner for next-to-skin comfort. DriDown insulation gives you 550 fill power that maintains thermal efficiency even when damp, which is always a big plus.
Coming in a smidge cheaper, and loaded with a synthetic fill, is the Mammut Women's Comfort Fiber -7C. Tailor-made for camping and relaxing outdoor adventures, the mummy-shape Comfort bag features a central two-way zipper and a draft collar for epic thermal efficiency.
Next up, if you're in the market for an uber-light, synthetic-filled bag in a classic and comfy spoon shape, give more than a passing glance to this mid-range wonder from Nemo: the Forte Women's 20. This cosy sleeping bag is made with 100% recycled materials, and features Nemo's cunning Multistage zippered Thermo Gills™, which have external and internal zips so you can choose the level of venting you fancy, across a wide range of temperatures, without letting drafts in. What's more, a Blanket Fold™ external draft collar and full-length draft tube provide tucked-in comfort and enhanced temperature regulation too. What more could a happy camper ask for?
If you're after something mid-range in price but ultralight in weight, maybe scope out the three-season Rab Women's Alpine 400. It's made using a crazy-light and highly durable Pertex® Quantum shell fabric, which keeps the pack weight low, yet there's still 400g of 650FP ethically sourced European duck down on hand to deliver highly compressible insulation for a travel-friendly pack size. Crafted using the highest quality fabrics, each Rab sleeping bag is designed, hand-filled, stitched and finished in Derbyshire UK.
With that, we reach the end. So let's go out with a bang with the insane Big Agnes Women's Roxy Ann 3N1 60. Less of a sleeping bag, more of a next-level sleep system. As its name suggests, this lady offers three bag configurations for up to three-season camping, trekking, and backpacking.
The inner bag is built for side sleepers and is made to move with you from side to side, making it ideal for people who move around a lot at night. The outer bag is a lofty yet highly packable duvet-style concept made for a warm, summer night bike or backpacking. The pad cinch system keeps your camping mat securely in place, while your pillow can be housed in the pillow barn sleeve for a comfortable night's sleep.
When combined, the two bags and the pad cinch system offer the best of both worlds and provide a cosy night's rest in variable conditions as low as -9°C. The Roxy Ann is filled with 650 fill DownTek™, a bluesign® certified PFC-free insulating water repellent, and fitted with two-way zippers on both sides for venting and easy access from the top or bottom.
That’s your lot for our top tents and sleeping bags for 2024, but if you'd like to compare all the different models to get the full picture on how the specs match up, head to our super-handy tents and sleeping bag comparison charts page.
Hopefully we've given you a useful little peek into what’s out there this season, and can help make navigating the minefield of choosing camping gear just a little easier. Any questions, you know where we are. Happy camping!
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