Best Tent Tips for Festivals

What is the Best Type of Tent for a Festival?

Heading to a festival this year? Choosing the right festival tent can make all the difference. Whether it’s a weekend at Glastonbury or a few days camping at Reading & Leeds, your tent will be your base – a place to sleep, store your gear, and escape the unpredictable UK weather. Let’s break down what to look for when picking the perfect festival tent.

1. How Big Should Your Tent Be?

It’s tempting to go for the biggest tent you can find, but think practically. For solo campers, a 2-person tent is often the best choice – compact, with enough room for you and your essentials, without taking up too much space in a crowded campsite. If you’re camping as a group, check the tent’s dimensions carefully; a 4-person tent may sound roomy, but it can feel snug once everyone’s bags are inside.

2. Stay Dry: Choosing a Waterproof Tent

Let’s face it – UK festivals and rain go hand in hand. A tent with a high waterproof rating (measured in millimetres, known as the hydrostatic head) is a must. Look for at least 2,000mm, and make sure the seams are taped to prevent leaks. A full-coverage rainfly and a bathtub-style groundsheet will help keep you dry, even if the field turns into a swamp.

3. Keep Cool: Ventilation Matters

Festivals can get warm, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a sunny weekend. A tent with built-in ventilation – like mesh windows or roof vents – will help keep the air flowing, reducing stuffiness and condensation. Bonus: it’ll also stop your tent from smelling like yesterday’s socks.

4. Quick and Easy Setup

The last thing you want is to spend hours wrestling with poles while your mates are already watching their favourite band. Pop-up tents are a popular option because they’re so easy to pitch – just take it out of the bag, and it’s ready to go. If you prefer something sturdier, look for tents with colour-coded poles for stress-free setup.

5. Built to Handle the Festival Chaos

Festivals can be tough on camping equipment, so durability is key. Tents made with strong fabrics, reinforced seams, and sturdy zips are worth the investment. Look for fibreglass poles – they’re lightweight but can handle a bit of rough treatment. A tent that lasts for multiple festivals is better value than a cheap one that won’t survive the weekend.

6. Lightweight and Easy to Carry

Think about how far you’ll need to carry your tent from the car park to the campsite. A lightweight tent with a compact bag will save your back – and leave you with enough energy to enjoy the festival.

7. Added Privacy in a Crowd

Festival campsites are busy and noisy, so privacy can be hard to come by. Look for a tent with internal room dividers if you’re sharing with friends. Some tents even have blackout fabric to block out early morning sunlight – perfect for catching a few extra hours of sleep after a late night.

8. Storage for Your Essentials

With limited space, smart storage can be a lifesaver. Tents with built-in pockets, gear lofts, or small vestibules for your muddy boots will help keep your living space tidy and organised.

9. Eco-Friendly Festival Camping

Leaving your tent behind at a festival creates a huge amount of waste. Choose a tent that’s built to last, and make a commitment to take it home. Some brands also offer eco-friendly tents made from recycled materials – a great choice if you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact.

Final Thoughts

The best tent for a festival is one that suits your needs – whether that’s lightweight and easy to carry, spacious for a group, or waterproof enough to handle the UK’s unpredictable weather. Think about what matters most to you, and invest in a tent that’ll see you through many festivals to come.

Check out the range of festival-friendly tents available at WM Camping, and make your next festival one to remember – no matter the weather!