Roundhouse: a bombproof, beautifully designed, and sustainable bell tent

A spacious, waterproof bell tent that scores highly for sustainability.

When Live for the Outdoors’ camping expert Fliss Freeborn set out to test our Roundhouse bell tent, she found herself hooked from the first pitch. Spacious, stylish, remarkably weatherproof, and with solid sustainability credentials, this bell tent is a far cry from the ultralight shelters many of us squeeze into. But did it deliver on all fronts? Let’s get under the canvas.

What Makes the Roundhouse Stand Out?

Freeborn’s review heaps praise on the classic bell tent design, noting that it fits in anywhere—from beachside campsites to wild woodland clearings. The poly-cotton fabric doesn’t just look good; it offers four times the UV protection of modern synthetic materials while staying breathable in summer and insulated in winter.

“As seasoned lightweight backpackers accustomed to crawling into sub 2kg nylon coffins every weekend, the Alpkit Roundhouse feels like a luxury hotel in comparison.” – Fliss Freeborn, Live for the Outdoors

Beyond aesthetics, ease of pitching is a standout feature. With just a single central pole and an A-frame for the entrance, setup is straightforward—taking around 10-12 minutes with two people. Even the guy-line system is thoughtfully designed, using wooden adjusters that add a retro touch.

And then there’s weather resistance. Freeborn and her team tested the Roundhouse in the blustery, rainy west coast of Scotland, and it held firm, staying dry inside with no condensation issues, finding that Poly-cotton beads water beautifully while still allowing air to circulate.

Sustainability? We scored top marks. with 100% organic cotton from Better Cotton Initiative-certified sources, reducing water consumption and eliminating harmful pesticides. Plus, we were happy to see our Continuum scheme mentioned reinforcing our Net Zero commitments.

Inner compromise

The optional inner tent adds extra insulation, blocks light, and provides handy pockets but Freeborn writes that without it, you can comfortably sleep four, but with it, two plus kit is the realistic limit.

And then there’s the guy-line spread—this isn’t a tent for tight pitches. The extra metre of clearance beyond the 3m footprint means finding the right spot can sometimes be tricky. A common issue with bell tents, so if you’re at a busy campsite or limited on space, it’s something to keep in mind.

A Bell Tent Worth the Investment

If you’re after a bombproof, beautifully designed, and sustainable bell tent, the Roundhouse is one of the best value options on the market. Freeborn compared the Robens Klondike (£980 RRP) to the Roundhouse, a steal at £549 (at time of press), especially when you factor in its eco-friendly materials and UK manufacturing.

Yes, it’s not the most spacious for double mattresses, and it needs room to pitch properly, but for three-season camping and comfortable group trips, it’s a game-changer.

Read other reviews from our camping community and grab your bell tent now.