There is a huge difference between an overseas trek, a multi-day walking trip, a few days away with hiking friends staying at one campsite or a family-style adventure camping holiday. And certainly, one tent is unlikely to suit all occasions. We reveal how to choose the right tent to suit each occasion.

Top tips for choosing a tent

There are a few general factors that will dictate the type of tent that you choose to buy.

Your budget: There are tents to suit all budgets, from extremely cheap to mega pricey. The cost will normally dictate the quality, although it’s also worth shopping around for tent deals. Added to this some tent brands are priced higher than others, just like when buying jeans!

Strangely, if you want a lightweight tent, that is suited to being carried in a rucksack on your back or while cycling with panniers, you’ll probably pay more than a heavier tent. This is because the design, technology and fabrics required to create a super-lightweight tent cost more.

At the other end of the scale, a tent that is going to keep you warm and dry in tough conditions, such as on Everest, will also cost more, again because it is designed using hi-tech fabrics and designs. In between, there are a wealth of tents, and usually size will dictate the price. The bigger the tent the higher the price.

Size: If you’re heading off for a solo walking trip or a few days of hiking with a friend, you’ll obviously require a one or two-man tent. If you’re planning a family camping trip, you will require space for adults and children. Some tents come with separate bedrooms and living areas. You should also consider living space for clothes, cooking, eating, playing space for the children on a wet day and a place to simply hang out. If you're staying in one camping spot and walking from there each day, remember to allow space for all your walking kit, which often takes up a bedroom in itself!

Weight: As we mentioned above, the choice of tent according to weight does depend on your mode of  transport. On foot, during  walking trip, you will be looking for lightweight, while camping trips that are based at a campsite and reach by car can be heavier. Make sure you also have enough room in your car boot to fit in all the other family camping essentials. If you are heading abroad with your tent, it’s vital that you check out the weight limits of baggage on a flight. You don’t want to end up flying overseas with no space in your luggage left for clothes because the tent takes up the whole limit!

Fit for purpose: Arriving at a festival ground, keen t get stuck into the beer tent and to take in the bands means you want a tent that is as easy to put up as possible. A pop-up tent will certainly do the job as it’s very simple to pitch. If you’re staying at a campsite for several days, you can consider a tent that is larger and takes longer to pitch. The length of time spent pitching a more complex tent is made worthwhile by staying at the campsite for longer.

If you are moving between camping spots every day while on a walking trip you should think about a tent that is easy to pitch and easy to take down. Of course, the more you erect a tent the more efficient you’ll become. Also check before you go that you can pitch the tent solo if you are walking solo.

Added extras: A toilet tent and chemical toilet, windbreaks, tarp awnings, solar showers, kitchen tent, larder, fridge etc. This list goes on but if you can think of a camping mod-con the chances are you can buy it! And then there are sleeping bags, sl;eeping mats, mattresses, lanterns, tables, chairs...