Top Ten Tents of the Last Decade (2010 – 2020)
I have decided to compile a list of the best quality tents over the last decade, I have based these decisions on quality, customer satisfaction and durability over the years. I may also add, that part of my job is dealing with tent returns, which is an odious task at best. So if the tent had a high return rate – it won’t be anywhere near this list! Some of these tents are still available, and some have sadly been discontinued or replaced.
With the rise of Airbeam in 2011, bringing inflatable tents to the forefront of the market – you will see many of these tents are inflatable in design – this seems to be the way the market has gone over the years.
10. Coleman Valdes 6xl
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 6 People / More Comfortable for 4
Unique Selling Points :
-
Blackout Bedrooms
-
Air design is relatively quick and easy to pitch.
-
Sewn-in groundsheet
-
Standing height
-
D-Shaped Doors open like a front door.
Three-Zone Design – Yes
Constraints :
-
Inflation system is dated - the valves are internal so it is harder to inflate the tent, compared to a Vango, Outdoor Revolution or Outwell model.
-
Also the front canopy cannot be enclosed - making it a poor choice for the UK if the weather is bad.
-
It has poles to the front, which take longer to fix as opposed to the air tubes.
-
Personal choice - but the colour for me is dated, and attracts bugs.
-
The doorway is too high, leading to children and adults tripping over it.
Price : £999
Verdict : This tent is here for one reason, and one reason alone! Blackout Bedrooms. There are so many better choices out there than this tent, but Coleman were the only brand in this time period to truly create a blackout bedroom, which is perfect for those with younger children. The tent has improved over the years, with the newer, modern version offering a larger front canopy!
This product has been discontinued but check out our other Coleman Tents here.
9. Outwell Nevada MP
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps: 5 – perfect for 2-3 people
Unique Selling Point :
-
Easy to pitch, premium but compact tent.
-
150 Denier Fabric
-
6000mm waterproofing
-
Zipped Dividers and windows
-
Tinted Windows for more privacy
-
Panoramic front design - gives the tent more space
Three Zone Design – No
Constraints :
-
Families quickly outgrow this tent, as it does not offer the third zone in the form of a porch or awning.
Price : £599
Verdict : The Nevada is the perfect starter family tent for any family to make sure they actually like camping before purchasing a larger tent. The Nevada was a Premium family tent with 5000mm, and a 150 Denier fabric, making it highly durable, and a great overall quality. In this modern day – perhaps the Nevada is more suited to couples, or couples with very small children.
The Nevada MP is discontinued, to see the nearest Outwell model to it.
8. Outwell Montana 6p
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 6 People / Suitable for 4
Unique Selling Point :
-
Steel pole design, exceptionally sturdy design.
-
Sewn-in groundsheet
-
250cm depth bedroms - perfect for campbeds
-
Zipped Dividers between bedrooms
-
Zipped Curtains
-
Panoramic shape
-
Packs into two manageable carry bags
Three Zone Design – No
Constraints :
-
Have to buy the front extension or awning separately to create the third zone.
-
Steel poles are harder to put up than air tents.
-
Combined weight of approximately 60kg
Price : £749
Verdict : The Montana 6p is a brilliant tent, and should really be higher up the list. However, its fallen a little behind the times, as most customers prefer a three-zone design of tent, with a front awning attached to the tent as standard. The Montana, I have personal experience of, after spending a weekend in one in the Lake District, where the rain came down like golf balls. It did not let one droplet of water in. A truly brilliant tent, with steel poles, which offer incredible strength of structure to the tent. Perfect for those camping in open conditions without protection from the wind.
the Outwell Montana 6pe tent
7. Vango Azura 600xl
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 6 but perfect for 4
Unique Selling Point :
-
Airbeam design - simple and intuitive pitching experience.
-
Easy to replace a beam if required
-
Three-zone design gives plenty of space
-
Full standing height throughout
-
Oversized carry bag for easier packing
-
Vango's Phantom pump is the best double-action pump on the market.
-
Dura 70 Denier fabric is resilient and does not fade as fast as other brands.
Three Zone Design – Yes
Constraints :
-
210cm depth bedrooms mean camp beds are a tight squeeze unless positioned sideways.
-
Toggled curtains
-
Toggled inner tent dividers - less privacy
Price : £799.99
Verdict : This is the perfect tent for families wanting a relatively inexpensive Air tent, which is branded, and has a nice quality to it. It also has the three-zone design, and the 70 Denier Dura fabric, which is treated to slow down the fabric fading from the sunshine.
the Outwell Montana 6pe tent
6. Vango Homestead 600xl
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 6 perfect for 4
Unique Selling Point :
-
Huge living space
-
Airbeam design is quick and simple to pitch.
-
Hybrid Design - with front pole to reduce tent weight
-
Packs into one bag
-
150 Denier fabric
-
Three-zone design
-
Available in Polyester or Polycotton
-
Amazing price point of £999 and £1449 for TC
Constraints :
-
Two inner tents constricts internal living space.
-
210cm depth on bedrooms, leaves it tight for camp beds
-
TC Version could use a wheeled bag.
Price : £999 or £1499
Verdict : Both Homesteads tents were superb, offering a balance between cost and quality. Offering two superb, quality tents but at excellent price points. Their hybrid design, using a nice mix of poles and Airbeams allows them to sit at a lower overall weight than others. The cotton version also allowed a more breathable tent, more suitable for hotter and colder climates, as the fabric is more flexible than polyester.
There is an new version of this tent for 2021 – the Vango Homestead II Air 650xl
5. Outdoor Revolution Airedale 7.0se
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 7, can sleep up to 9 with addition of second bedroom.
Unique Selling Point :
-
Side Canopy - there is no other brand which offers a double side canopy, to add more storage space, or an optional two-berth tent. A simply brillaint concept, and design.
-
Three Zone Design
-
Inflatable design is so quick and easy to pitch
-
The Valves on the Air tubes allow air out in case of the tube expanding in hot weather conditions.
-
The tubes have a Lifetime Warranty if you register the purchase within 14 days.
-
Strong, solid fabric, which is highly durable.
-
Extra long bedrooms are perfect for camp beds.
-
Zipped windows and inner tent dividers.
-
Unique and stylish colourations.
Constraints :
-
Door entry points are a little high, and a tripping hazard.
-
The carry bags are little small, making packing away the tent harder.
-
The pump does not have a pressure, and although you cannot over-inflate the tube - it would be nice to know when you have hit the right pressure point.
Price : £1249.00
Verdict : A thoroughly superb tent, and has been for many seasons. Robust and reliable as they come! The addition of the side canopy by the bedroom is ingenious and allows for more storage space, or an additional, optional bedroom. Outdoor Revolution have hugely upped their game the last 2 year, and this tent is no exception.
4. Vango Orava 600xl
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 6 but perfect for 4
Unique Selling Point :
-
Tunnel Design
-
Plenty of living space
-
Full standing height
-
Sewn-in groundsheet
-
Exceptional value for money
Constraints :
-
Vango took the mesh door off the side of the tent, leaving only one mesh door.
Price : £599.99
Verdict : This tent is here on merit, solely because it was one of the first three-zone tents on the market at a reasonable price point. Really leading the way, and directing the shape and style of many future family tents in the market. The original Orava 600xl was a brilliant design, with two mesh doors, which reduced the overall condensation.
3. Outdoor Revolution Kalahari 7.0 PC
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 7 or 9 with the additional inner tent
Unique Selling Point :
-
Unique design with the side canopy giving an extra living space.
-
Polycotton design is breathable
-
Three-zone design
-
Lifetime warranty on the Air Tubes
-
Oxygen Frame Relief System - allows air out of the tubes if they expand.
Constraints :
-
The pegging points could be a little bit bigger, they feel ever so slightly small for the size of the tent.
Price : £1799
Verdict : This is a brand new tent for 2020, but it sneaks in high up the table because of its impressive design, and it is built on the design of the Airedale, which has been a solid tent for years. The polycotton nature of the tent will mean it is suitable for both hotter and colder climates, and will offer greater breathability, and durability. Also the £1799 price point is highly impressive, bearing in mind Outwell’s competitor product in the Stone Lake 7atc is £1999.99, and is no way near as nice as this product.
2. Outwell Vermont XLP
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 7
Unique Selling Point :
-
Lot of living space
-
Awesome design
-
Mesh panels on all doors
-
Steel poles offer unbelievable strength of structure.
Constraints :
-
Steel poles are heavy, and hard to pitch
Price : £999
Verdict : If this tent was made in a reliable Air version, it would absolutely be number one on the list. They did make the Vermont 7 Smart Air, which was not quite as reliable due to the nature of the Air frame system. So the Vermont XLP and it’s steel poles come in second place. A great tent over the years, and perfect for the family campers needing a lot of space, and a durable, reliable tent to last many, many camping seasons.
1. Vango Illusion TC 800xl
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 8 but perfect for 5 or 6
Unique Selling Point :
-
Polycotton Fabric breathes, and does not suffer from condensation to the same effect a polyester tent would.
-
Superbeams provide incredible support and structure.
-
Quick and easy to pitch
-
Zipped curtains and inner dividers.
-
Three zone design
-
Roller carry bag for transporting the tent
-
Optional inner tent to front comes with tent.
Three Zone Design : Yes
Constraints :
-
Bedrooms could be darker for a better night's sleep
-
Bedrooms could be deeper for camp beds.
Price : £1799.00
Verdict : A truly brilliant tent, which has been tried and tested over the years. It has all the whistles and bells, and the polycotton fabric – offers a greater durability to the product. This was the first product from Vango to truly master combining Air technology with a cotton fabric.
*If you don’t see your tent in the list, or a certain tent brand in here, don’t be offended. This list is solely made on my experience in the industry with the products I have sold successfully. Remember, we don’t stock every single brand out there! However, this list was compiled based on customer feedback, returns satisfaction and overall quality.
I have decided to compile a list of the best quality tents over the last decade, I have based these decisions on quality, customer satisfaction and durability over the years. I may also add, that part of my job is dealing with tent returns, which is an odious task at best. So if the tent had a high return rate – it won’t be anywhere near this list! Some of these tents are still available, and some have sadly been discontinued or replaced.
With the rise of Airbeam in 2011, bringing inflatable tents to the forefront of the market – you will see many of these tents are inflatable in design – this seems to be the way the market has gone over the years.
10. Coleman Valdes 6xl
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 6 People / More Comfortable for 4
Unique Selling Points :
- Blackout Bedrooms
- Air design is relatively quick and easy to pitch.
- Sewn-in groundsheet
- Standing height
- D-Shaped Doors open like a front door.
Three-Zone Design – Yes
Constraints :
- Inflation system is dated - the valves are internal so it is harder to inflate the tent, compared to a Vango, Outdoor Revolution or Outwell model.
- Also the front canopy cannot be enclosed - making it a poor choice for the UK if the weather is bad.
- It has poles to the front, which take longer to fix as opposed to the air tubes.
- Personal choice - but the colour for me is dated, and attracts bugs.
- The doorway is too high, leading to children and adults tripping over it.
Price : £999
Verdict : This tent is here for one reason, and one reason alone! Blackout Bedrooms. There are so many better choices out there than this tent, but Coleman were the only brand in this time period to truly create a blackout bedroom, which is perfect for those with younger children. The tent has improved over the years, with the newer, modern version offering a larger front canopy!
This product has been discontinued but check out our other Coleman Tents here.
9. Outwell Nevada MP
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps: 5 – perfect for 2-3 people
Unique Selling Point :
- Easy to pitch, premium but compact tent.
- 150 Denier Fabric
- 6000mm waterproofing
- Zipped Dividers and windows
- Tinted Windows for more privacy
- Panoramic front design - gives the tent more space
Three Zone Design – No
Constraints :
- Families quickly outgrow this tent, as it does not offer the third zone in the form of a porch or awning.
Price : £599
Verdict : The Nevada is the perfect starter family tent for any family to make sure they actually like camping before purchasing a larger tent. The Nevada was a Premium family tent with 5000mm, and a 150 Denier fabric, making it highly durable, and a great overall quality. In this modern day – perhaps the Nevada is more suited to couples, or couples with very small children.
The Nevada MP is discontinued, to see the nearest Outwell model to it.
8. Outwell Montana 6p
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 6 People / Suitable for 4
Unique Selling Point :
- Steel pole design, exceptionally sturdy design.
- Sewn-in groundsheet
- 250cm depth bedroms - perfect for campbeds
- Zipped Dividers between bedrooms
- Zipped Curtains
- Panoramic shape
- Packs into two manageable carry bags
Three Zone Design – No
Constraints :
- Have to buy the front extension or awning separately to create the third zone.
- Steel poles are harder to put up than air tents.
- Combined weight of approximately 60kg
Price : £749
Verdict : The Montana 6p is a brilliant tent, and should really be higher up the list. However, its fallen a little behind the times, as most customers prefer a three-zone design of tent, with a front awning attached to the tent as standard. The Montana, I have personal experience of, after spending a weekend in one in the Lake District, where the rain came down like golf balls. It did not let one droplet of water in. A truly brilliant tent, with steel poles, which offer incredible strength of structure to the tent. Perfect for those camping in open conditions without protection from the wind.
the Outwell Montana 6pe tent
7. Vango Azura 600xl
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 6 but perfect for 4
Unique Selling Point :
- Airbeam design - simple and intuitive pitching experience.
- Easy to replace a beam if required
- Three-zone design gives plenty of space
- Full standing height throughout
- Oversized carry bag for easier packing
- Vango's Phantom pump is the best double-action pump on the market.
- Dura 70 Denier fabric is resilient and does not fade as fast as other brands.
Three Zone Design – Yes
Constraints :
- 210cm depth bedrooms mean camp beds are a tight squeeze unless positioned sideways.
- Toggled curtains
- Toggled inner tent dividers - less privacy
Price : £799.99
Verdict : This is the perfect tent for families wanting a relatively inexpensive Air tent, which is branded, and has a nice quality to it. It also has the three-zone design, and the 70 Denier Dura fabric, which is treated to slow down the fabric fading from the sunshine.
the Outwell Montana 6pe tent
6. Vango Homestead 600xl
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 6 perfect for 4
Unique Selling Point :
- Huge living space
- Airbeam design is quick and simple to pitch.
- Hybrid Design - with front pole to reduce tent weight
- Packs into one bag
- 150 Denier fabric
- Three-zone design
- Available in Polyester or Polycotton
- Amazing price point of £999 and £1449 for TC
Constraints :
- Two inner tents constricts internal living space.
- 210cm depth on bedrooms, leaves it tight for camp beds
- TC Version could use a wheeled bag.
Price : £999 or £1499
Verdict : Both Homesteads tents were superb, offering a balance between cost and quality. Offering two superb, quality tents but at excellent price points. Their hybrid design, using a nice mix of poles and Airbeams allows them to sit at a lower overall weight than others. The cotton version also allowed a more breathable tent, more suitable for hotter and colder climates, as the fabric is more flexible than polyester.
There is an new version of this tent for 2021 – the Vango Homestead II Air 650xl
5. Outdoor Revolution Airedale 7.0se
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 7, can sleep up to 9 with addition of second bedroom.
Unique Selling Point :
- Side Canopy - there is no other brand which offers a double side canopy, to add more storage space, or an optional two-berth tent. A simply brillaint concept, and design.
- Three Zone Design
- Inflatable design is so quick and easy to pitch
- The Valves on the Air tubes allow air out in case of the tube expanding in hot weather conditions.
- The tubes have a Lifetime Warranty if you register the purchase within 14 days.
- Strong, solid fabric, which is highly durable.
- Extra long bedrooms are perfect for camp beds.
- Zipped windows and inner tent dividers.
- Unique and stylish colourations.
Constraints :
- Door entry points are a little high, and a tripping hazard.
- The carry bags are little small, making packing away the tent harder.
- The pump does not have a pressure, and although you cannot over-inflate the tube - it would be nice to know when you have hit the right pressure point.
Price : £1249.00
Verdict : A thoroughly superb tent, and has been for many seasons. Robust and reliable as they come! The addition of the side canopy by the bedroom is ingenious and allows for more storage space, or an additional, optional bedroom. Outdoor Revolution have hugely upped their game the last 2 year, and this tent is no exception.
4. Vango Orava 600xl
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 6 but perfect for 4
Unique Selling Point :
- Tunnel Design
- Plenty of living space
- Full standing height
- Sewn-in groundsheet
- Exceptional value for money
Constraints :
- Vango took the mesh door off the side of the tent, leaving only one mesh door.
Price : £599.99
Verdict : This tent is here on merit, solely because it was one of the first three-zone tents on the market at a reasonable price point. Really leading the way, and directing the shape and style of many future family tents in the market. The original Orava 600xl was a brilliant design, with two mesh doors, which reduced the overall condensation.
3. Outdoor Revolution Kalahari 7.0 PC
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 7 or 9 with the additional inner tent
Unique Selling Point :
- Unique design with the side canopy giving an extra living space.
- Polycotton design is breathable
- Three-zone design
- Lifetime warranty on the Air Tubes
- Oxygen Frame Relief System - allows air out of the tubes if they expand.
Constraints :
- The pegging points could be a little bit bigger, they feel ever so slightly small for the size of the tent.
Price : £1799
Verdict : This is a brand new tent for 2020, but it sneaks in high up the table because of its impressive design, and it is built on the design of the Airedale, which has been a solid tent for years. The polycotton nature of the tent will mean it is suitable for both hotter and colder climates, and will offer greater breathability, and durability. Also the £1799 price point is highly impressive, bearing in mind Outwell’s competitor product in the Stone Lake 7atc is £1999.99, and is no way near as nice as this product.
2. Outwell Vermont XLP
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 7
Unique Selling Point :
- Lot of living space
- Awesome design
- Mesh panels on all doors
- Steel poles offer unbelievable strength of structure.
Constraints :
- Steel poles are heavy, and hard to pitch
Price : £999
Verdict : If this tent was made in a reliable Air version, it would absolutely be number one on the list. They did make the Vermont 7 Smart Air, which was not quite as reliable due to the nature of the Air frame system. So the Vermont XLP and it’s steel poles come in second place. A great tent over the years, and perfect for the family campers needing a lot of space, and a durable, reliable tent to last many, many camping seasons.
1. Vango Illusion TC 800xl
Sewn-in Groundsheet : Yes
Sleeps : 8 but perfect for 5 or 6
Unique Selling Point :
- Polycotton Fabric breathes, and does not suffer from condensation to the same effect a polyester tent would.
- Superbeams provide incredible support and structure.
- Quick and easy to pitch
- Zipped curtains and inner dividers.
- Three zone design
- Roller carry bag for transporting the tent
- Optional inner tent to front comes with tent.
Three Zone Design : Yes
Constraints :
- Bedrooms could be darker for a better night's sleep
- Bedrooms could be deeper for camp beds.
Price : £1799.00
Verdict : A truly brilliant tent, which has been tried and tested over the years. It has all the whistles and bells, and the polycotton fabric – offers a greater durability to the product. This was the first product from Vango to truly master combining Air technology with a cotton fabric.
*If you don’t see your tent in the list, or a certain tent brand in here, don’t be offended. This list is solely made on my experience in the industry with the products I have sold successfully. Remember, we don’t stock every single brand out there! However, this list was compiled based on customer feedback, returns satisfaction and overall quality.