Hiking, and even walking, can be a rigorous sport, no matter which hike you take on. With erratic weather and challenging climbs, the Camino de Santiago is no exception. Even the healthiest people need to prepare their bodies and their minds for such a trek. One of the most important things you’ll need is good sleep! Most pilgrims choose to sleep in albergues and dormitories to rest their weary bodies, but some adventurous souls opt for the tent-route.
That’s why, if you’re going to bring a tent on Camino, ensuring you take a proper tent is super important to give your body and mind a much needed chance to recharge. For such a physical achievement, your brain needs to function properly and you need to be alert, after all!
With a large variety of tents out there, we did the dirty work for you to find the best tents for the Camino de Santiago. We have researched different, relevant categories of effective tents to help you make the best decision for your adventure.
Top 5 Best Tents for Camino de Santiago
Best Overall:
Bessport Camping Tent
Best Budget:
NTK Panda 2 Green Person 6.7 by 4.7 Foot Sport Camping Dome Tent
Best for One Person:
Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Best for Two People:
Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent
Best Lightweight:
MIER Ultralight Tent
Best Overall: Bessport Camping Tent
In a Nutshell:
- Available in one and two person
- Easy to set up in two steps
- Waterproof
- Reasonably priced
- Available in four colors
- Large mesh window to assist in ample air flow
We found overall that the Bessport Camping Tent can meet all the needs of a person planning to trek the Camino de Santiago.
It’s roomy enough where you won’t feel like you’re sleeping in a coffin. It can fit a full-size air mattress, but more realistically two sleeping bags and the rest of your equipment. In the event you choose a season that produces high precipitation, this tent will protect you with its impressive waterproof index of 3000mm. It can also accommodate dryer, warmer conditions with ample air flow.
The only characteristic of the Bessport Camping Tent that may make someone who’s walking the Camino choose differently, is that it is heavier than the average tent at 5.5 lbs. Even so, it’s still considered lightweight and you will be able to cart it around on your journey. Better start hitting the gym!
Best Budget: NTK Panda 2 Green Person 6.7 by 4.7 Foot Sport Camping Dome Tent
In a Nutshell:
- Lightweight
- Most affordable
- Full mosquito-mesh
- Quick and easy assembly
- Only good for 2 seasons
Most likely, you are already spending a dime or two by going on a trip to another country (unless you live in Spain, or France!), so we’re sure you don’t want to break the bank when buying a tent! If this is you, then the NTK Panda 2 Green Person 6.7 by 4.7 Foot Sport Camping Dome Tent is an affordable choice. The quick and easy assembly is a must for when you’re worn out and sleepy after a day of hiking on the Camino. You’re sure to be comfortable in this ventilated, roomy tent with a wide “T” door protecting you from those pesky mosquitoes.
While you’re secretly gloating about saving money by buying this tent, keep in mind it’s most suitable for only two seasons. It’s not made for heavy rain, something you are most likely to encounter on your Camino journey.
Best for One Person: Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent
In a Nutshell:
- Durable in windy conditions
- Usable in all four seasons
- 3.7 lbs.
- 210T Polyester rain fly and bathtub
- PU 5000 coating
- Interior length up to 7’3”
Even if you’re a tall person, you can rest assured that you will have plenty of room to roll around! The Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent extends out to seven feet three inches. Whoa, that’s a lot of legroom!
The reasons we love it don’t stop there, though. You don’t have to be an expert to set this tent up, it can easily be assembled by someone with no prior tent assembly experience. We say from experience that the easier the assembly, the better it will be to get off of your poor, tired blistered feet faster!
No matter which season you undergo the Camino de Santiago, this tent is constructed with both cold and hot weather in mind. We love a tent that has no climate restrictions! For a bit of fun backstory, three mountaineers actually started Close to nature outdoor gear – that’s how you know this tent was made with the outdoors as its primary concern!
Best for Two People: Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent
In a Nutshell:
- Good for three seasons
- Includes tent footprint
- Two vestibules to store your gear in
- Two doors
- Positions inside the tent are limited to sitting and lying down in one space
If your significant other is accompanying you on this trip, then the Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent is the tent for you. And by the looks of the reviews, (if your relationship survives the Camino) you’ll be able to use it on multiple trips… Maybe even a honeymoon, wink wink.
Unfortunately, compared to the other tents we reviewed, this tent has a smaller interior, clocking in at 31 square feet for its internal dimensions. While it definitely fits two people, you can forget about a nice morning stretch inside your tent. After a long day on the Camino, depending on your preferences and priorities, you may want to sleep more comfortably, and not have to worry about knocking your tent down with your arms! Talk about a setback, Yikes! On the other hand, it only weighs about 3.8 lbs, which is super light, and despite its compact size there is ample breathability and ventilation.
Best Lightweight: MIER Ultralight Tent
In a Nutshell:
- Only 2.8 lbs
- A little bit pricier
- Easy to get inside with two doors
- Some people have had trouble with the poles and rain
- Two lamp hangers and two pockets for storage
- Setup takes practice
If you don’t mind spending a little more money and your main tent-buying-concern is the tent’s weight, the Mier Ultralight Tent may just be right for you. Be wary, though, that the tent footprint is sold separately with this one and is recommended to assist in setup, which could be a little challenging.
Another downside is that the tent’s rain fly buckles could be built better to ensure everything stays dry! Facing the Camino’s unpredictable weather, it’s definitely up to you whether or not you want to risk water leakage in favour of a tent that is an entire pound lighter than the rest!
FAQ’s
Camping on public property in Spain is kind of a legal grey area. Beaches and towns are more strictly monitored. Your chances of being prosecuted are low if you are discrete and respectful.
Again if you can be discrete and respectful, there are plenty of small, grassy rest areas where you can put up a tent.
A lot of the Camino passes through private land, so you would have to ask for permission. Farmers often say yes.
There are other sleeping options in the towns, even if the albergues are full. Unless you are planning on camping for most of it, a tent is not required.