Whether you're heading into the mountains for a solo wild camp, bikepacking across the country or enjoying a weekend at a campsite with friends, choosing the right tent can make all the difference. With Highlander's 2025 tent range, there's an option for every adventure, from lightweight bivis to spacious tunnel tents.

Before you buy, ask yourself these key questions.

What kind of conditions do I generally travel in?

The environment you'll be camping in should be one of the biggest factors in your decision.

If your adventures usually involve exposed hills, wild camping or unpredictable UK weather, look for a tent that's built to withstand stronger winds and heavier rain. Highlander's new 2025 backpacking tents feature a 4,000mm hydrostatic head waterproof rating and lightweight aluminium poles, making them ideal for challenging conditions.

If you're mainly camping at established campsites in fair weather, you may prioritise comfort and living space over the lightest possible weight.

Good options:

• Falcon Bivi Tent – Minimal weight and excellent for low-profile wild camping.
• Blackthorn GEN2 – A proven all-rounder for backpackers.
• Refuge – Extra protection with a little more internal comfort.
• Respite Series – Ideal for longer trips where comfort matters

What size tent should I use?

Remember that tent capacity refers to sleeping space—not comfort.

If you're travelling solo but carrying a large rucksack, camera equipment or winter gear, a two-person tent often provides a much more comfortable experience.

As a simple guide:

• 1 Person – Solo hikers travelling light.
• 1+ Person – Solo campers wanting extra room.
• 2 Person – Couples or solo campers carrying more kit.
• 2 Person Extended – Extra porch storage for longer adventures or bulky equipment.

The 2025 collection includes solo options like the Falcon, Refuge and Respite 1, alongside the spacious Respite 2 and Respite 2 Extended for campers who value additional living and storage space.

How long will I be camping for?

Trip length often changes what you'll value most.

Overnight adventures

If you're hiking long distances and only stopping to sleep, keeping your pack light should be the priority.

Choose:

• Falcon Bivi
• Blackthorn GEN2

Weekend trips

A little extra weight can make a big difference in comfort.

Choose:

• Refuge
• Respite 1

Multi-day expeditions

Extra headroom, porch space and storage become increasingly valuable when you're living out of your tent for several days.

Choose:

• Respite 2
• Respite 2 Extended

Aluminium vs Fibreglass poles

One of the biggest improvements in Highlander's new 2025 range is the use of lightweight aluminium poles across the collection.

Aluminium poles

Pros

• Lighter to carry
• Stronger for their weight
• Better performance in wind
• More durable over repeated use
• Less likely to splinter if damaged

Best for:

• Backpacking
• Hiking
• Wild camping
• Frequent use

Fibreglass poles

Pros

• Lower cost
• Suitable for occasional campsite camping

Best for:

• Family holidays
• Casual summer camping
• Budget-conscious buyers

If weight and reliability matter, aluminium is well worth the investment.