The ultimate tent buying guide: read it and weep

It’s that time of the year again, Reading is just two weeks away and we know that means most of you will be scrambling to find tents…classic. Before you make a panic buy and end up with the world’s sh*ttest tent, why not read our handy guide to buying the ultimate tent?

Splurge a little

It might be tempting to get a cheap tent, but it probably won’t last you the weekend, and you really don’t need that kind of energy in your life. We recommend investing in one that can actually survive a bit of rain and won’t fall to pieces when someone inevitably trips over the guide ropes at night.

Do some digging

You all know how to use the internet, look up your tent online, read some reviews, see what the people have to say about it.

Don’t get soggy

Some tents are more waterproof than others, and you DEFINITELY want to be on the more side. Always look out for the HH rating (which apparently stands for hydrostatic head…of course). This tells you how much water the tent can handle before it starts to leak and you wake up soggy. You generally want to get one with a higher rating than HH1500, we’d recommend a HH3000 one to stay warm and dry. No one wants a soggy bottom.

Get to know your tent

How is it that it always feels like it takes 10 minutes to put a tent up but 5 years to take it back down? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there, and it’s probably just because you don’t know your tent. Give it a test run before the festival and become a tent packing pro.

It’s not that hard

You know you shouldn’t be leaving your tent behind in the fields, it’s that simple. Make it easier on yourself and the environment, invest in a tent that you can use for many Reading Festivals to come, and after you’ve used it, take it BLOODY home (thanks, luv u).