Lightweight family camping tents for backpackers

Backpackers embrace family-friendly tents that upsize for spring. More liveable space can make camping fun, even for those who swore never to entertain the idea.

Family and group tents are designed for comfort and spaciousness, providing plenty of room for 4 people to sleep and also for communal activities and storage. The additional space supports easy movement and serves as a central hub for gatherings, games, or meals, regardless of the outdoor weather conditions.

Upsizing from a backpacking tent to a bigger tent

For many of us, camping has become a quest for the smallest tent we can get away with. Quick and easy to erect or take down, pack down as small as possible and fit into a rucksack or bikepacking bag. That is great, but let's step back a little and remember where this madness started.

Whether you hike, bikepack, canoe or paddleboard you are going to have a camping origin story. So many of these stories start with the Easter family camp, or if you are from a less outdoorsy lineage, you may have been introduced through the Scouts, Guides or as part of a Duke of Edinburgh Awards expedition.

In those days, the tents were bigger, made of scaffolding, needed a trailer to transport, and literally smelled of camping.

With Spring knocking at our door, it is time to once more champion the larger tents and celebrate shared spaces. A tent is not just a shelter; it's a comfortable base for sharing outdoor adventures.

Liveable space for all

Our design philosophy is bound to designing liveable spaces no matter the size of the tent. The concept of liveable space in modern tent design refers to the creation of tents that are not only functional as shelter but also comfortable and spacious. This concept goes beyond the basic need for protection and focuses on enhancing the overall camping experience.

The category of group tents is where this focus shifts from your personal liveable space to a shared, communal liveable space.

Now, the idea of leaving your solo bivvy at home might have the hairs on your neck standing on end, but let's run a thought experiment and explore the idea of a more spacious tent before finally raising the possibility of hosting a family or group camping experience. Baby steps.

Tech spec

Going to ease you in here. You can still geek out on the specs; in fact, if you do your homework thoroughly, kilo for kilo, you can save more weight and more pack space than you can with your lightweight backpacking tent. The rest of your team may be oblivious to the lengths you have gone to fit everything in the car, but you will know.

Quality fabrics and materials

You know how important it is to get a tent that will face up to the delights of the UK weather. This starts with durable fabrics and strong materials. With greater surface areas and larger spans these need to be appropriate to ensure your tent withstands various weather conditions.

Easy up, easy down

A tent that is quick and easy to pitch means less time setting up and more time enjoying your trip. Already sited campers will observe you, they will judge you, just as you will judge later arrivals.

Colour-coded poles and pole sleeves help ensure smooth performance, as does a trained apprentice to assist with the longer poles. Get it right, and you will be received with nods of approval by the campsite cognoscenti.

Size, layout and ventilation

Small tents are notoriously difficult to manage, so if you have already mastered this, you will find a larger tent a breeze. Don't expect everyone to share your camp craft or even understand that the basic principles of physics apply even when camping.

Our tents are designed with practical layouts that can include multiple rooms or dividers, providing privacy and separate areas for sleeping, living, and storage. This makes the tent feel more like a home and less like a temporary shelter.

Consider the number of family members and the space each person needs. Tents are often classified by the number of people they can sleep, but for extra comfort, opt for a tent that can accommodate one or two more people than your family size.

A large porch or vestibule out front is invaluable as a communal eating area or kit garage.

Good ventilation is essential to avoid condensation and ensure a comfortable indoor climate, especially when the tent is fully occupied.

Standing height and tent profile

Imagine if you can, not spending a weekend crawling around like a dog. You may have noticed other campers happily walking in and out of their tents, sometimes without as much as a stoop. You may have dismissed them as really small people, but no, they are real-sized people in bigger tents.

The peak height of a tent determines how easy it is to move around inside. A higher peak height and vertical side walls maximises your liveable space. But Stop, we hear you cry - what about standing up to all these storms we are having, I want my little mountain tent back!

We hear you, and that's why you are not going to inflict just any old tent onto your loved ones.

Coming back full circle to the spec, we have great flysheet fabrics, pole materials and configurations to give you the reassurance your tent will still be standing when you come back at the end of the day.

Of course your secret weapon is yourself. Everything you know about camp craft you can apply in spades to your larger tent. Secure a sheltered camp location, face the pointy end of the tent into the wind, and. you are not one of these people who leave guylines flapping around unused, are you?

Additional features

If ever you needed an excuse to get more kit, here it is. Play it cleverly, and you can sneak in some crossover lightweight backpacking kit. Tarps, camping lamps, camping cookware and camping furniture not only provide extra space but also enhance the camping experience.

Our kit is all designed around liveable space and has its foundations in the fast and light philosophy.

We give you permission to go big

Now that we have seen you do not need to sacrifice everything you have worked towards, let's take a look at sharing all that space and what that means for you.

Choosing the right family tent with ample liveable space is key to a successful camping trip. It's not just about having a place to sleep; it's about creating a comfortable and enjoyable living space where your family can come together, share experiences, and create lasting memories. Take the time to choose a tent that meets your family's space needs, and you'll be all set for a wonderful outdoor adventure.

Comfortable sleeping arrangements

A shared tent needs to have enough room so that you can comfortably accommodate all the sleeping bags, air mattresses, or camp beds. Space for everyone to stretch out without being cramped is essential for a good night's sleep, especially kids who tend to rotate 90˚ whilst sleeping.

Internal compartments create protected spaces where you can separate yourself in moments of desperation.

Functional living areas

During the day, your tent serves as a living area. There will be people coming in and going out, sometimes through the door, sometimes crawling under the flysheet. Adequate space for seating, playing games, and relaxing is recommended, especially if you are sitting out a spring shower.

Multiple doors are a real boon if your weather system makes an unpredicted U-turn. You will take the credit for having everything under control and still being able to enjoy the view as others batten down the hatches.

Don't underestimate this transition space between indoors and outdoors. A spacious tent allows more activities to take place comfortably without feeling confined.

4 man tents with standing room

Most 4 person tents are tall enough to allow you to stand up in your tent. Depending on the design of the tent this may be in the centre or in the porch area. This extra height is less important in the sleeping area where you will be laying down or sitting most of the time.

Quality family time

Thanks to your great decisions, you can sit back in your high-backed camp chair and watch the weekend unfold. A roomy tent provides a cosy and inviting environment for sharing stories, playing games, and bonding. Your communal space becomes the backdrop for memorable moments and lasting family memories.

As you enjoy a glass of wine and a game of rummy with your crew, spare a thought for all those solo Joes out there, all trapped in their little cocoons, shouting to each other as they hide from the midges.

Your takeaways: 5 benefits of a 4 man tent

Here is a summary of what we have worked through together. Print it out, recite it or turn it into flashcards until you feel comfortable.

As an active camper accustomed to the simplicity and practicality of single or two-person tents, switching to a larger tent might initially seem unnecessary. However, the benefits of a tent with lots of liveable space can significantly enhance my camping experience in several ways, making it worth considering.

1. I will feel more comfortable and relaxed
   After a day full of activities, having the luxury to stand up, stretch out, and move around freely inside my tent provides comfort that will transform my camping experience, ensuring a better night’s rest and more energy for the next day's adventures.

2. A bigger tent gives me greater versatility in unpredictable weather conditions
   When the weather takes a turn for the worst a larger tent offers a comfortable space to wait it out. I can sit upright in a chair, read a book, or engage in human activities without feeling cramped.

3. I will have extra space for additional kit
   I like the kit; I have a lot of kit. It is all essential kit. A larger tent provides the space to safely and accessibly store my gear.

4. Room for company
   While solo or duo camping has its charm, I concede there might be occasions when I want to share the experience with friends or family. A larger tent gives me the flexibility to open up opportunities for socialising and enjoying the company of others in a shared space.

5. Camping is the experience
   I acknowledge that while a tent is an enabler for activities with no fixed adobe, sometimes it is good to spend some time in one location. A large tent will enable me to set up a small camping table, chairs, and a portable camping lamp to create a cosy atmosphere. This can significantly enhance the quality of my camping trips, turning them into more than just an outdoor stay but a truly enjoyable outdoor retreat.

The big tent buying guide

Our group tents offer a variety of options that cater to different aspects of liveable space, balancing the need for comfort, practicality, and portability. Here we go.

Khort

Khort is a tent designed to balance liveable space, practicality, and all-weather protection, making it a solid choice for up to four campers not quite ready to relinquish a backpacking-style tent. Its compact pole design contributes to a small pack size and a total weight of just 3.4kg, making it suitable for backpacking, cycle touring, or embarking on longer adventures such as the European Grand Routes. This tent is particularly aimed at young families, small groups, or duos who prioritise space and comfort.

• Liveable space: The Khort is engineered to maximise interior space, providing a comfortable environment for your family unit, a small group, or a duo. This makes it an ideal tent for those looking to stretch out and enjoy a more spacious camping experience.

• Wind stability and low profile: Its semi-geodesic profile and freestanding structure are designed to offer stability in windy conditions while maintaining a low profile to minimise wind impact. The height is optimised to allow occupants to sit up comfortably inside.

• Twin porch design: Khort features twin porches, enhancing access and providing flexible storage solutions, minimising disruption for those inside. Bug nets let you enjoy the views while being protected from insects.

• Durability: Made with PFC-free fabrics, Khort employs a ripstop construction for both the flysheet and groundsheet, enhancing its durability and ensuring it withstands multiple trips.

• Quick and adaptable pitching: Khort pitches inner-first, allowing flysheet-free camping in favourable conditions. This flexibility, combined with adjustable peg points and guylines, ensures an adaptable pitch to various terrains.

• Environmental consideration: Silicone-coated polyester is naturally PFC-free to avoid the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

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Nocturne

Nocturne is a 4-person, 3-season tent, perfect for family camping. Its vis-à-vis style design features two separate bug-free bedrooms with bathtub groundsheets, a spacious central living area with standing headroom, and multiple doors. The freestanding, semi-geodesic design ensures stability in high winds, and its sturdy aluminium poles withstand harsh weather.

Space you can live in: The Nocturne tent is designed with a vis-à-vis style, providing two separate bedrooms and a central living area. Each bedroom is large enough to fit a luxurious Double Dozer sleep mat or travel cot, offering ample space for comfortable sleeping. The spacious central porch has standing headroom, making it easy to move around, relax, and organise your gear. This tent also includes ceiling windows that brighten up the space, internal hanging hooks for lighting, and stash pockets to keep your basecamp tidy. Multiple doors offer versatile access and enhance the feeling of space.

Stands up to bad weather: The Nocturne is built to handle all weather conditions. The low-stretch polyester flysheet is durable and hydrolysis-resistant, with TPU seam tape for extra protection from the elements. Bathtub groundsheets in each pod ensure maximum wet weather protection, keeping you dry even in heavy rain. The tent's freestanding, semi-geodesic design, along with sturdy aluminium poles, ensures a stable pitch that can withstand high winds and storms.

Easy pitching: Pitching the Nocturne is simple and quick, thanks to shorter pole sleeves and a design that allows the outer layer to be pitched first, letting you get out of the elements sooner. The freestanding structure means you can set it up on various terrains without needing to anchor it to the ground. Despite its generous size, the tent has a compact pack size, making it easy to transport as part of a smaller car camping setup.

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Axiom

In summary, the Axiom's combination of space, comfort, weather resistance, and ease of use make it a solid choice for group camping from easter to autumn. Its small pack size means it will not fill your car boot. A great family-friendly tent.

1. Spacious and comfortable: The Axiom is a 4-person tent, designed to be a spacious and stable base camp. Its semi-geodesic structure is self-supporting, which means it doesn't rely on guy lines. This design makes it more stable in strong winds and provides plenty of standing height in the living area, making it comfortable for getting changed or moving around inside the tent.

2. Suitable for 3-season use: Being a 3-season tent, the Axiom is well-suited for the variable weather conditions that can be encountered during Spring and Summer. Whether you're dealing with some spring rain or unexpected chilly winds, this tent's design helps ensure a comfortable and protected environment.

3. Privacy and storage: The tent features a separate sleeping area with internal sleeping compartments, which is especially beneficial if you're camping with family or friends. The design also incorporates extra storage, which is handy for keeping your camping gear organised and accessible.

4. Ease of pitching and packing: The Axiom's design makes it lighter and easier to pitch and pack than other tents, which is great for family camping or when setting up on a busy campsite. This feature can make your camping experience more enjoyable, particularly if you're looking for a hassle-free setup.

5. Versatility: The Axiom can be pitched without the inner for a spacious shelter, adding to its versatility. This feature might come in handy if you want to use it as a daytime shelter.

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Roundhouse

Roundhouse is an excellent choice for camping all year round. Its pyramid design and durable organic cotton materials cater to the needs of campers looking for a luxurious camping experience during variable weather from spring through to winter.

• Material and breathability: The Roundhouse is crafted from polycotton canvas, using 100% organic cotton which offers superior breathability compared to synthetic materials. This ensures better air quality inside the tent and significantly reduces condensation, creating a more comfortable living and sleeping environment.

• Temperature regulation: The polycotton flysheet helps maintains a comfortable internal climate, staying cool in warm weather and retaining warmth when it gets colder. This is particularly advantageous at Easter camping when temperatures can vary widely from day to night.

• Spaciousness: With a 3 metre footprint and 2 metres of standing height around the central pole, the Roundhouse provides ample space for four people. The inner space can be separated with an internal cotton bedroom compartment. This spaciousness allows for comfortable lounging, cooking, and entertainment without feeling cramped, making it feel like a luxurious home away from home.

• Durability and UV resistance: The tent's polycotton canvas is not only breathable but also highly resistant to UV rays, extending its lifespan up to four times longer than nylon or polyester equivalents. Combined with durable 400D PU flooring, strong steel poles, and pegs, the Roundhouse is built to withstand various elements, including strong winds and snowfall, which might be encountered during early spring camping.

• Sustainability: We use cotton from organic or Better Cotton Initiative-certified sources and responsibly sourced wooden toggles.

• Ease of packing: Roundhouse is our bulkiest tentDespite its size and durability, the Roundhouse packs down into an oversized stuff bag with compression straps, facilitating easy transportation and storage. This makes it an ideal option for family camping trips over Easter, where space and convenience are key considerations.

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Heksa

Heksa is your mountain backpacking tent on steroids. It is a versatile, geodesic mountain tent designed for groups of 4-6 people. Its large size, geodesic design, and small pack size offer a tempting blend of comfort, strength, and portability that's hard to beat. If you are prioritising group shelter in the most demanding weather conditions, rather than badminton, this is your tent.

• Versatility: The Heksa's design blurs the line between base camp and family camping, offering the strength needed for harsh conditions while still being large enough for family use. It's capable of comfortably housing 3-4 people for extended periods and can accommodate up to 6 if needed, although space may be tighter with the maximum number.

• Ease of setup: There is no getting around it - this tent has a lot of poles. You will need a particular mindset, but thanks to colour-coded poles and sleeves we have helped you eliminate confusion when you pitch.

• Durability and performance: The Heksa has been field-tested around the world in the harshest conditions, including snow. Its geodesic design guarantees its stability, ensuring that it remains planted and comfortable even when fully occupied.

• Storage and comfort: With multiple ceiling attachment points and side pouches, the Heksa offers ample storage options. Its design allows for excellent ventilation, which can be adjusted according to weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable living environment regardless of conditions outside.

• Innovative design: The tent's geodesic dome structure is not just for show; it provides inherent strength against the elements, making the Heksa a reliable shelter in extreme conditions. Additionally, the tent features an optional footprint for extra ground protection. The three entrances increase your chance of having at least one door where you can get in and out without snow blowing in.

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Pick your pitch

So there we have 5 very different options to tempt you out of your little cocoons. If you are still not convinced, visit one of our stores and ask if you can see one up. The team will love you for it.