The Best 1 Person Tent of 2023

10 Best 1 Person Tent

A tent is a mobile home whose outer skin, consisting of textiles or synthetic materials, is stretched and supported by a pole frame.
The size of tents ranges from bivouacs for one person to large event tents, supply tents and emergency shelters that can accommodate thousands of people.

Large tents are used in tent camps, at fairs and circus. Small tents are often set up free-standing.

Most medium-sized tents are anchored to the ground with guy ropes and pegs. For some types of tents the bracing is optional. Tents have their origin in nomadic peoples. Especially tents for one to six people are very popular in the camping area.

Leisure tents are divided into two categories. Tents that can be transported by backpackers are among the smallest and lightest types of tents. These lightweight tents are suitable for trekking and bicycle tours and are also preferred by hikers, anglers, hunters and zoologists. Larger and more stable tents are designed for car transport.
Depending on the size of the tent, the type of tent and the experience of the tent ends, these tents take between 10 and 30 minutes to set up. Some tents have tensioned connecting rods and unfold partly or completely automatically. However, the dismantling of these tents can be somewhat more time-consuming.

There are 3 basic designs for tents, which appear in different variations.

• Single-walled tents: Only one waterproof textile layer is used for these tents, at least for the tent roof and walls. To reduce condensation inside the tent, waterproof and breathable fabric is used for tents with higher demands.
• Single-walled tents with a fly: A waterproof fly spans the tent and offers increased protection against heavy rain and condensation.
• Double-walled tents: These tents are the most popular and most sold. A waterproof outer tent stretches over an inner tent made of breathable fabric.

In contrast to the fly, the outer tent completely encloses the inner tent and is anchored in the ground.
The inner tent can be divided into different sectors. The outer tent is only slightly larger than the inner tent and shields the interior from external moisture.

The moisture released by the tent occupants as they exhale and boil condenses on the inside of the outer tent. Only in case of prolonged rainfall or in subtropical areas with high humidity can the capacity of the outer tent be exceeded, so that sufficient ventilation is required.

The double-walled design also guarantees a certain degree of thermal insulation on cool days. The structure of these tents is carried either by the inner tent or by the outer tent.

In some tents, the inner and outer tents are connected to each other, so that both tent walls are raised at the same time.

The selection of tents is therefore large and almost unmanageable. Camping beginners will be helped by a detailed comparative review of tents.

 

How does a tent work?

A tent consists of different components. A distinction is made between single and double-walled tents. In the latter case, a distinction is made between inner tent and outer tent.

Further parts of a tent are the canopy, the tent poles, guy ropes and tent pegs.
For double-walled tents, the inner tent provides the campers with a common room and sleeping places. The inner tent is not waterproof as it is protected from moisture by the outer tent.

In single-wall tents, the inner skin of the tent is made of waterproof and breathable material that prevents rain from penetrating into the tent. However, water vapour generated in the tent can still escape.

The outer tent is waterproof and has a surface on the inside where liquid can condense and run down the tent walls. In double-walled tents, direct contact between the inner tent and the outer tent must be avoided.

For this reason, expedition tents designed as geodesists often have extra tent poles which ensure that strong gusts of wind do not bring the two tent areas into contact with each other.

The canopy is a shield-like cover that protects the entrance to the tent. Camping people often store here drinks and utensils which should be protected from direct sunlight.

A canopy can only provide limited protection against wetness, since rain and dew cannot prevent it from entering from the side. The space under the canopy is often used for activities such as cooking or cleaning equipment.

Canopies can be fixed components of a tent or removable. The size of canopies varies considerably and may exceed the size of the tent.

The tent poles create the structure of a tent. Depending on the type of construction, they can be plugged together, pulled out or connected to each other by elastic bands for easy transport. Tent poles are made of aluminium, fibreglass or other materials.

Tent pegs are used to anchor the tent to the ground. The tent will be tensioned with metal wire ropes. The skewers, which are available in various shapes, are anchored to the ground. The corners of a tent are also secured with tent pegs.

Besides metal, plastic or wood is also used as material for the skewers. On hard surfaces, a camping hammer can make it easier to drive in the tent pegs.

When tensioning the tent, each guy line should have an angle of 90 degrees to the herring. If the tent pegs are set up correctly, they are placed in the ground with a slight inclination towards the outside.

Tent windows are used for ventilation and reduce condensation. They have an important function, because the breathing air and perspiration of the tent occupants will constantly release moisture.

If the outer skin of the tent is colder than the interior, moisture will not only settle on the walls of the tent, but also on clothing and sleeping bags. An effective tent ventilation system permanently removes the moisture.

A separate underlay protects the tent floor from damage when camping on uneven ground. The base of the tent is placed under the tent floor connected to the tent.

The relatively low investment in a tent underlay can be worthwhile, because the replacement of a damaged tent underlay is cheaper than the replacement of a firmly sewn in tent floor.

 

Advantages and applications

Each camper has different requirements for a tent. While backpackers need a low weight and a small pack size, long-term campers attach great importance to stability and good use of space.

A tent that is only used in summer does not have to meet the high demands of a tent that is used all year round. Some of the cheap tents on the market withstand only short rain showers.

A year-round tent, on the other hand, must be able to withstand heavy rain, strong gusts of wind and heavy snow loads. The manufacturers indicate for which seasons the tents are designed and which waterproofing and storm resistance requirements are met.

 

Floor area of a tent

Even if a tent is mainly used for overnight stays, it should still provide sufficient space for the occupants. Bad weather periods are easier to survive in a spacious tent.

If there is enough space for luggage and utensils, keeping things tidy in the tent is easier.

Bicycle tourists also appreciate it when they can park their bikes in the tent in bad weather and to protect them from thieves.

tent height

The usable tent height is often neglected before the purchase, but becomes clearly noticeable with longer use of the tent. The size of the camper plays a decisive role in the choice of tent.

Persons over 180 cm should bear in mind that in some types of tents they can only move with restrictions and that they have to occupy a sitting or kneeling position. The tent height is often lower than specified by the manufacturer and depends on the type of tent.

Arched tents have a steep roof pitch, so the maximum height of this type of tent can only be used directly under the ridge. The roof of dome tents, on the other hand, falls slightly to all sides, so that the maximum tent height on large parts of the ground area is approximately given.

Tunnel tents have the same height along the centre of the tunnel, but smaller tunnel tents are often designed to be low. House tents have almost upright walls and offer a comfortable height on almost the entire floor space.

Pryramid tents offer a large height in the middle of the tent, which allows for example changing rooms while standing. Due to the pointed tipi design, however, the usable height to the edge of a pyramid tent decreases rapidly.

 

tent colour

Tents are often offered in muted colours to allow a harmonious integration into the landscape. Many tents are therefore available in green, brown or beige.

Another aspect is safety, so tents are also available in bright colours. These tents can be identified from a long distance and serve as orientation points. This can be important for expeditions to undeveloped areas.

At dusk, bright colors of car drivers can be seen more quickly. A tent that can be seen from a distance can also be a lifeline for lost persons. However, for the majority of campers who pitch their tents mainly on campsites and festival grounds, the choice of colour is up to their personal taste.
Assembly and dismantling

The time required to assemble and disassemble a tent depends on the constructional design and experience of the campers.

The more robust and storm-proof a tent should be, the more time usually has to be planned for erection.

The dismantling of these tents also usually takes a longer period of time. Some manufacturers design their tents for a short set-up time.

In a comparison, which tents allow a particularly fast erection without the stability of the tents suffering under it. When dismantling a tent, make sure that all components of the tent are folded together in such a way that they fit back into the protective bag or protective clothing provided.

 

What types of tents are there?

The most popular leisure tents include the dome tent, tunnel tent, geodesy and pyramid tent. For one or two persons the arched tent and the throwing tent are suitable.

• Dome tents
• tunnel tents
• hybrids
• geodesies
• pyramidal tents
• arched tents
• Pop-up tent or throwing tent
• Inflatable tents

 

Dome tents

Dome tents have a simple structure and are offered in different sizes from small 2-person tents to 6 or 9-person tents. Large dome tents offer a height of up to 180 cm. Dome tents are available in single or double-walled versions.

Depending on the construction, either the inner or outer tent is set up first. A simple dome tent has a rectangular base, over which two flexible tent poles cross each other. Each of the tent poles bends arching from one corner of the tent to the opposite side.

At the tent corners, the ends of the tent poles are inserted into matching sleeves. A sturdy construction is created by the tension inserted into the tent poles. The poles run inside or outside the canvas.

Dome tents are free-standing tents and do not necessarily require guy ropes and tent pegs to preserve their structure. However, they should always be secured in case of strong winds or a slight slope of the terrain. Dome tents are also available with three tent poles and irregular ground areas.

 

tunnel tents

Tunnel tents offer more space than a dome tent on the same floor space, but always require a bracing for a stable stand. The shape of a tunnel tent corresponds to a lengthwise cut cylinder.

This type of tent is only available in double-walled design. The size of tunnel tents ranges from 1-person tents to large 8-person tents. A simple tunnel tent has two or more flexible poles that are set up as tyres arranged one behind the other.

The canvas is stretched around the tyres. Tunnel tents usually have a sleeping section at one end and an anteroom at the other end. Tunnel tents with vestibules on both sides are also available. Other designs include vis-a-vis dormitories and a central tent access in the middle of the tent.

 

hybrids

Hybrid dome tent and tunnel tent combine both construction forms in one tent. One option is to use a dome tent as a bedroom.

One or two tyres form a tunnel that is connected to the dome tent and forms a veranda.

Another variant is a large dome tent with up to four tunnels connected to it, which offer all campers separate sleeping places.

 

pyramidal tents

Pyramid tents take up a tent shape that was originally widespread among Indian peoples. This symmetrical type of tent is supported by a central pole and must be clamped.

Pyramid tents offer a relatively large area with high maximum height, but the usable height rapidly decreases due to the steep slope of the tent roof towards the edge of the tent.

In the centre of the tent, pyramid tents offer a comfortable stand height. This type of tent also offers plenty of space for storing luggage and putting out sleeping places.

Larger pyramid tents often have a rectangular ground plan and are supported by additional tent poles.

 

arched tents

Arched tents are the modern successors of the ridge tents, which are hardly used anymore. They use a flexible tent pole and are offered as 1-2 person tents.

The tent pole of single arched tents can extend lengthwise or crosswise to the tent.

Due to their light weight and uncomplicated construction, these tents are well suited for backpackers and cyclists.

 

pop-up tent

The pop-up tent is a relatively new invention. This type of tent is equipped with tensioned flexible tires, which immediately jump into their original shape when removed from the container.

The tent is thus practically self-erecting. These tents are usually designed as single-walled children’s tents. However, the high flexibility of the boom makes it extremely susceptible to wind.

Pop-up tents are therefore no choice for ambitious campers.

 

Inflatable tents

Inflatable tents are still relatively new in the outdoor market. This type replaces the metal or plastic rods with a flexible, compressed air rod.

Inflatable tents are offered for dome, tunnel and house tents. These tents can achieve comparably high stability compared to conventional tents.

We recommend the use of an electric pump to achieve a sufficient air pressure.

 

What do I have to pay attention to when buying a tent?

Many newcomers to the campsite value the size of the tent when buying it. Most manufacturers of tents indicate the number of people a tent is designed for. However, these figures only refer to the number of sleeping places that a tent offers with maximum design.

In practice, the interior of a tent is often restricted by luggage, inflatable mattresses, folding chairs, camping beds and other utensils. Depending on the type of tent, people can also erect themselves in different parts of the tent only to a limited extent.

Manufacturers often charge a width of only 50 cm per berth. For corpulent people, it can quickly become cramped with full occupancy. Experience has shown that when buying a tent, the size of the tent should be one or even two people more than the number of users.

Since there are no binding standards for the dimensioning of a tent, a buyer should orientate himself best on the experiences of other users or on an objective tent review.

Slightly different design principles apply to house and family tents, as the walls of these tents are almost vertical. The living area of a house tent is usually at least as large as the sleeping area. Some house tents offer a special section with windows and ventilation flaps which can be used as a kitchen.

The tent walls of house tents are about 150 to 180 cm high. The slightly sloping tent roof is usually around 210 cm high or higher at the highest point and therefore offers sufficient headroom.

Small house tents have about 3 square meters of floor space, but for this size a dome or tunnel tent is usually preferred. The larger house tents can accommodate up to 8 people and can be over 5 m long in length and width.

 

Alternatives to the tent

If the comfort of a tent is not enough or not enough, you can still stay connected to the camping site.

Caravans and campers are the upscale alternative for those who prefer a mobile home with solid walls.

Caravans are available in numerous variants and equipment types.

Small caravans offer little more comfort than a tent, while large and well-equipped caravans and motor homes resemble luxury bungalows. The majority of campers choose the middle class.

Caravans are much cheaper than motorhomes because they lack the expensive motorization. Their advantage over the tent is the greater comfort in almost all areas. Sleeping compartment with double bed, kitchenette, shower and toilet are standard in large caravans.
In case of bad weather, a seating area with a table invites you to play cards or chess. Camper vans often increase this comfort even further with particularly comprehensive equipment.

However, many camping campers reject a caravan or camper for various reasons.

There is no doubt that a tent is unrivalled in price. Both the purchase price of a tent and the parking space costs are significantly lower than those of caravans and mobile homes.

Another aspect is the closeness to nature that many outdoor fans are looking for.

A caravan or camper van protects the camper from nature rather than a tent that is erected directly on the ground.

An interesting and quite new alternative to the ground tent are roof tents, which are erected on the roof of a passenger car.

Combi or SUVs are preferred for the installation of roof tents.

The advantage of a roof tent is the quick erection and the possibility to use a comfortable mattress. On campsites there is also only a parking fee for the vehicle, as the tent is installed on the vehicle.

The user of a roof tent is also spared ground cooling. Since the user of a roof tent does not erect a tent in the classical sense of the word, he is not dependent on the use of camping sites, but can set up his roof tent anywhere.

Many manufacturers of tents have recognised the advantages of roof tents and are expanding their product range in this segment as well.

 

1 Person Tent Bestselling, Newest and Best Offers