A tent can shelter you in the wettest rainforests, keep you warm in the snowiest valleys and let you stargaze in the expansive outback. Being the barrier between you and the harshest elements, your tent is a vital component of your adventure. Paddy Pallin stocks the highest quality camping tents to give you peace of mind on the trail, meticulously curating the best tents on the market and stocking them for our customers.

FAQs

Do you stock waterproof tents?

We stock a wide range of tents, almost all come with a waterproof fly that is mounted on top of the tent. Many waterproof tents from Nemo, Marmot, Wilderness Equipment, Salewa, and Mont are seam-sealed, adding additional protection for you and your gear. Having a waterproof fly also adds versatility, when the skies are clear you can keep the fly off and enjoy the stars in mesh summer camping tents. Many tents should be purchased with a tent footprint. These specifically designed tent footprints increase the waterproofness of the floor, as the floor is subject to higher water pressures when stood on. Tent footprints also add an additional layer of protection for the bottom of your tent.

What is the best tent for snowy environments?

Not all camping tents are made for snow, so it’s important to look for a few additional features. Most hiking tents have a lightweight mesh inner fabric, whilst winter tents are designed to keep you warm, and will have a heavier inner fabric. To withstand strong winds and snow whilst winter camping, the poles will be thicker and the tent shape will be longer and tunneled to withstand higher winds. Look out for our four-season tents and winter tents, which are perfect for snowy and windy areas. 

Do I have to buy a tent footprint?

Tent footprints are a great addition to prolong the life of your camping tent. When pitched on uneven or debris-riddled ground, low-denier and lightweight tents can be pierced or damaged. Similarly, even the best tent floors can leak when the additional pressure of someone walking on the tent floor whilst on the wet ground, therefore, some water may penetrate the tent. Having a tent floor ensures even after the highest pressures are applied, there will be no water penetration.

How do I care for my tent?

Tent care is important to prolong the camping tent's life. Once you return from your adventure, make sure you clean the tent and let it dry away from direct sunlight. Mould and other nasties can build over time if your camping tent isn’t cleaned before packing it away, which can degrade the material and the waterproofing on the tent. It is best to store your tent loosely in a larger mesh or cotton stuff sack (a pillow case works well) to allow ventilation, keeping it in pristine adventure for the next camping adventure.

I have a hole in my tent! Now what?

Don’t worry! At Paddy Pallin, we stock a range of the best tent care and repair kits. Gear Aid provides patches for waterproof tent fabrics, mesh patches for mesh inner tents, and seam seal tapes for any lining issues. If you’re not sure what tent repair products you need, pop into a Paddy Pallin store and chat with our friendly staff. 

Does Paddy Pallin stock ultralight hiking tents?

We believe ‘less is more’ at Paddy Pallin, and ultralight tents are a great way to shed some kilos when every gram counts. We stock lightweight tents for all conditions, brands including MSR, Marmot, Mont, Salewa, Wilderness Equipment, The North Face, Nemo and Sea to Summit make some of the lightest tents on the market. With strong, durable poles that are ultralight, hiking tents are made to help you go the extra mile. Easy to set up, with many freestanding tents on offer, you’ll be cozy in your waterproof tent in minutes, and back on the trail in the morning with an easy pack down!

What size tent should I get?

This depends on how much space you need as camping tents come in a range of sizes! 1-person tents are great for the lightweight solo adventurer, whilst some solo travellers want a bit of extra room to keep their gear and opt for a 2-person tent. When sizing your hiking tent, keep in mind what you want to keep inside, and what you can keep outside. Many tents have vestibules, which is an extra cavity between the inner tent and the waterproof fly. This is a great spot to keep your gear, whilst protecting it from some of the elements. For group travellers we also stock 3-person and 4-person tents, which have plenty of room for mattresses and camping gear.

What does the season rating mean for tents?

Typically tents are referred to as three or four-season tents, which describes the seasons to use them in. Three-season camping tents are typically lighter in fabric and weight and can be used in most seasons besides winter. Four-season camping tents are year-round and will have a solid inner fabric to ensure maximum protection from the elements. Remember, most of these are waterproof tents as they come with a fly, irrespective of the season's rating. 

What extra features should I look for in a camping tent?

Depending on the application, most tents have great additional features for ease of use and maximum comfort! Apart from being lightweight and the right tent for the environment, a lot of tents have great additional features like strategic venting for temperature regulation. Storage pockets and hanging hooks for mounting lights are also great for keeping your camping tent space decluttered. Guy lines and loops on your waterproof tent rainfly are great to secure your tent on windy days. 

What is a free-standing tent?

Most tents at Paddy Pallin are free standing, meaning they come with tent poles that give it structure and do not require pegs to be used to stand freely,  although pegs are provided for high wind environments. Non-freestanding (staked) tents require pegs and tension ropes to give the camping tent its structure, rendering the tent unusable without securing it to the ground first. This makes the tent harder to move, or impossible to set up on surfaces like hard rock and soft sand.