There are those who hate camping, and those who pretend to enjoy it for some reason; Chris Rowlands has the best stowable homes to make them all (relatively) happy
SOLO SLEEPERS
Alpkit Tarpstar 1
Every gram matters when you’re trudging towards your Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Want featherweight protection? Ditch the inner compartment and this waterproof pyramid adds just 500g to your load. All you need is one hiking pole to hold up the roof. £160 / alpkit.com
Rab Ridge Raider Bivi
Seasoned adventurers can make a shelter using three sticks and some fern leaves. If the results of your bushcraft are more bare chills than Bear Grylls, add this single-skin bivvy to your pack. Lightweight at 890g, its overhead hoop design makes it roomier than a simple survival sack. £357 / trekitt.co.uk
MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 1-Person
Between inner tubes and multi-tools, pannier space is at a premium when you’re bikepacking. With room for a single cyclist, this 900g number packs down small and straps to your handlebars. Optional spacers make room for your bell, while the short poles fit between the grips. £450 / elitemountainsupplies.co.uk
REGULAR REFUGES
Vango Classic Instant 300
Most pop-up tents have the structural rigidity of a breadstick. Not this one: with room for three, it’s rapid to erect yet stable once up. The umbrella-like internal hub structure stops the walls from closing in, and makes it easy to fold away when it’s time to go home to your loving TV. £160 / vango.co.uk
Nemo Aurora
A cocoon will keep you cosy, but limited headroom won’t help when it’s time to change out of those disgusting shorts for dinner. Thus this flat-sided shelter for two: backpack-friendly yet roomier than most, its high vertical walls give you plenty of space to manoeuvre. £240 / basecampgear.co.uk
£160 / vango.co.uk
COMMUNAL CANOPIES
Robens Klondike PRS
Traditional tepees are hewn from buffalo hides. This modern version swaps pelts for polyester, but keeps the friendly vibe: with space for six sleepers around the central pole, it features a lantern hanger for late-night storytelling and even a printed star chart for gazing with your comrades. £589 / attwoolls.co.uk
Berghaus Air 600 Nightfall
The family that camps together argues together. Lots. But a well-designed tent can help keep things harmonious: inflatable beams mean this one has no poles to quarrel over, plus both bedrooms are darkened for longer lie-ins. You can even divide the living area in two. £72
