The Independent - 10 best family tents

From The Independent

Accommodate parents, kids and the rest of the clan in comfort on your next trip

There’s nothing more summery than packing up the car, rounding up the kids and heading for a sunny campsite for a week of family camping. And while you don’t need much for a happy family holiday under canvas, a good quality tent is a definite essential.

There are some key features to look for when buying a new model: make sure your tent has a completely waterproof rain fly (the outer layer) and a coated nylon floor, so you don’t wake up in the middle of the night in a puddle.

The more guy-ropes a tent comes with the better for stability. Groundsheets are essential – they protect the tent’s floor from rocks and stop condensation forming if you’re camping somewhere chilly (like, say, Britain).

Be wary of the number of people a tent claims to sleep (a two- or six-person) – for some, you have to halve that number unless you fancy sleeping like a sardine. Two adults and two or three children will usually find a six-man tent a good fit, with plenty of space for cooking gear and clothing. Look out for multiple bedrooms and a roomy porch, also helpful for ensuring you all have plenty of space.

Big family tents are traditionally a heavy, complicated nightmare to erect – some brands are addressing this with “air” tents, structures you inflate with a pump. These are also lighter and more portable, although if you’re planning a week-long trip with the car it makes sense to pick something really spacious without worrying too much about weight, as you’ll only have to erect it once. 

We’ve tested out a range of sizes and found 10 great quality tent options to suit most budgets. Fancy sleeping in something little different? A canvas bell tent is great fun, and children will adore sleeping suspended in a tree tent.

To find out more: 10 Best Family Tents