Best 1 Person Tents UK (2026 Guide)

If you’re planning a solo adventure — whether that’s wild camping in the Highlands or hiking along the South West Coast Path — a 1 person tent is your best companion.

Compact, lightweight, and designed to handle the elements, the best 1 person tents offer freedom without the bulk. Here’s our full 2025 guide to the top solo tents in the UK — plus how to hire one easily through Gear Again.

Why Choose a 1 Person Tent?

Perfect for Solo Adventures

A 1 person tent gives you privacy, portability, and independence. It’s ideal for wild campers, backpackers, and long-distance hikers who value pack weight and simplicity.

Lightweight and Easy to Carry

Most solo tents weigh between 1–2 kg, making them light enough for long treks while still offering reliable shelter from wind and rain.

What to Look for in a 1 Person Tent

Weight and Pack Size

Every gram counts when you’re hiking miles each day. Aim for under 1.8 kg for wild camping and under 1.5 kg for ultralight setups.

Waterproofing (Hydrostatic Head)

For UK weather, choose a flysheet with at least 3,000mm HH and a groundsheet around 5,000mm. This keeps you dry even during long rain spells.

Ventilation and Condensation Control

Mesh panels and dual vents help reduce condensation — a must in the UK’s humid climate.

Freestanding vs Tunnel Designs

Freestanding tents (like the MSR Hubba NX Solo) pitch easily on rocky ground, while tunnel tents (like the Zephyros 1) are lighter and more wind-resistant.

Best 1 Person Tents for 2026

🏕 MSR Hubba NX Solo – Premium All-Rounder

Weight: 1.29 kg | RRP: £420 | Best for: Backpacking & wild camping

The MSR Hubba NX Solo has earned legendary status among thru-hikers. It’s freestanding, packs small, and performs beautifully in wind and rain.

Pros:
✅ Superb build quality
✅ Excellent space-to-weight ratio
✅ Easy to pitch anywhere

Cons:
❌ Premium price tag

👉 Available to hire or buy via Gear Again

⛺ MSR Elixir 1 – Durable and Weatherproof

Weight: 2.16 kg | RRP: £300 | Best for: Year-round solo camping

Built for UK weather, the MSR Elixir 1 balances durability and comfort. Its robust pole structure handles strong winds, while the dual-vestibule design adds gear storage space.

Pros:
✅ Excellent all-season stability
✅ Quick, intuitive setup
✅ Includes footprint as standard

Cons:
❌ Heavier than ultralight alternatives

👉 Available to hire or buy via Gear Again

🌄 Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1 – Ultralight Luxury

Weight: 0.97 kg | RRP: £490 | Best for: Thru-hiking & bikepacking

An ultralight freestanding tent built for serious adventurers. It’s impressively roomy for its weight, with excellent airflow and dual doors.

Pros:
✅ Under 1 kg
✅ Two vestibules
✅ Premium materials

Cons:
❌ Fragile if not handled carefully

🎪 Vango Nevis 100 – Budget Option

Weight: 1.8 kg | RRP: £100 | Best for: Beginners & festival campers

A robust entry-level 1-person tent with reliable waterproofing and easy setup. Ideal for short trips or summer use.

Pros:
✅ Affordable
✅ Waterproof fly and groundsheet
✅ Simple to pitch

Cons:
❌ Limited ventilation

🔥 Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 – Lightweight for Less

Weight: 1.35 kg | RRP: £120 | Best for: Budget ultralight camping

Naturehike’s Cloud-Up 1 has built a strong following among budget-conscious campers. It’s a freestanding tent with decent space and weight savings.

Pros:
✅ Great value
✅ Easy to pitch
✅ Compact pack size

Cons:
❌ Thinner fabrics than premium brands

Comparison Table: Top 1 Person Tents

Tent	Weight	RRP	Best For	HH Rating
MSR Hubba NX Solo	1.29 kg	£420	Ultralight wildcamping	3,000 mm
MSR Elixir 1	2.16 kg	£300	3-season camping	3,000 mm
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1	0.97 kg	£490	Thru-hiking	1,200 mm
Vango Nevis 100	1.8 kg	£100	Beginners	3,000 mm
Naturehike Cloud-Up 1	1.35 kg	£120	Budget ultralight	3,000 mm

Hire vs Buy: Which Makes More Sense?

Save Money and Storage Space

Buying premium tents can be costly, especially if you only camp a few times a year. Hiring a 1 person tent from Gear Again saves space and money — with premium models starting at a weekend hire price instead of hundreds upfront.

Try Before You Buy

Not sure if you prefer a tunnel or freestanding tent? Hiring lets you test before investing, ensuring you get the right model for your camping style.

Rent a 1 Person Tent with Gear Again

Gear Again offers premium solo tents for hire across the UK, including the MSR Hubba NX Solo and MSR Elixir 1.

All tents are:

• Cleaned and safety-checked
• Delivered UK-wide with free return shipping
• Packed ready for adventure

Hiring is the smart, eco-friendly choice for modern campers.

Final Thoughts

A great 1 person tent should be light, strong, and comfortable — and the UK market in 2025 offers brilliant options across every budget.

From the ultralight Big Agnes Tiger Wall to the rugged MSR Hubba NX, there’s a solo shelter for every type of camper.

Ready to test one?
👉 Hire your 1 person tent today at Gear Again and make your next solo adventure lighter, simpler, and more sustainable.