The right size and a good set-up make every trip easier. Use these guides to choose your gear, pitch it properly and pack it with confidence.
Choosing Your Tent Size
As a rule of thumb, choose a tent rated for one or two more people than you plan to sleep in it. That extra space is for bags, boots and a little elbow room, and it makes a rainy afternoon far more bearable.
| Tent size | Sleeps | Floor area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 person | 1–2 adults | 4 m² (43 sq ft) | Solo trips and couples travelling light |
| 4 person | 2–3 adults | 9 m² (97 sq ft) | Couples with gear, or a small family |
| 6 person | 4–5 adults | 16 m² (172 sq ft) | Families and longer stays |
| 8 person | 6–7 adults | 25 m² (269 sq ft) | Groups and glamping set-ups |
Sizes are a guide. A cot, a wood stove or a full-height wardrobe takes more room than a sleeping mat, so always add space for the furniture you plan to bring.
Pitching a Canvas Bell Tent
A bell tent can be pitched by two people in about 30 minutes once you have done it a couple of times. Follow these steps in order.
- Choose level, well-drained ground and clear it of stones and sharp sticks.
- Lay out the groundsheet, then the tent, with the door facing away from the wind.
- Peg out the four corners of the door side first, then the rest of the walls.
- Raise the centre pole slowly, with one person inside and one outside to steady it.
- Guy out the storm lines and check that the roof is evenly tensioned.
- Tighten the walls last, and open the vents for airflow.
Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
Choose a bag rated for the lowest temperature you expect, not the average. The comfort rating is the one to trust; the extreme rating is a survival figure.
| Season | Night temperature | Recommended rating |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | above 15°C (59°F) | Comfort 10°C (50°F) |
| Spring and autumn | 5 to 15°C (41 to 59°F) | Comfort 0°C (32°F) |
| Cold weather | −5 to 5°C (23 to 41°F) | Comfort −5°C (23°F) |
| Winter | below −5°C (23°F) | Comfort −10°C (14°F) or lower |
Packing by Trip Length
| Trip | Shelter | Sleep system | Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend (1–2 nights) | Tent, groundsheet, pegs | Bag and mat per person | Stove, one pan, two mugs |
| Week (3–7 nights) | Tent, spare pegs, repair kit | Bag, mat and pillow | Stove, pans, water carrier |
| Extended (8+ nights) | Tent, tarp, spare guy lines | Bag, mat, blanket layer | Full camp kitchen, cooler |
Still Not Sure?
Our Custom Campsite Builder walks you through a set-up step by step, and our gear specialists are happy to advise. Visit the Campsite Builder or get in touch.