One man tent vs 2 man tent: which should you buy?

What is the difference between a one man and a 2 man tent?

The difference between a one man and a 2 man tent is floor space: a one man tent fits one person on one sleeping mat, and a 2 man tent fits two people on two mats side by side. The extra width in a 2 man tent brings more fabric, more weight and a bigger pitch.

Tent makers size by sleeping space, so '2 man' means two people lying down, usually with little room left over. That is why many solo campers treat a 2 man tent as a roomy one-person tent.

Is a one man tent big enough for one person?

Yes. A one man tent is big enough for one person to sleep, change and keep essential kit dry, but it is a snug space. You usually sleep with your rucksack in the porch and small items at your feet or head.

The two measurements to check are floor length and inner height. Floor length should be comfortably longer than you are, so your sleeping bag does not press on the tent at either end and pick up condensation. Inner height decides whether you can sit up to dress, which matters more on a wet evening than it does on a dry one.

Width matters when you choose a mat. A standard mat of about 51cm (20 inches) fits most one man tents; a wide mat may not. Our guide to sleeping mat R-values covers mat choice.

When is a one man tent the better choice?

A one man tent is the better choice when you camp alone, carry the tent on your back, and want to use small or uneven pitches. Wild camping is the clearest case.

Less fabric and fewer poles mean less weight, and the saving is felt most on long walk-ins and multi-day routes. The smaller footprint also opens up more pitches, since on rough hill ground a flat patch wide enough for one mat is far easier to find than one wide enough for two. A small, low tent is quicker to pitch in wind as well.

Browse one man tents, or read our plan for your first solo wild camp.

When is a 2 man tent the better choice for a solo camper?

A 2 man tent is the better choice for a solo camper who is tall, camps with a dog, sits out bad weather inside, or sometimes shares with a partner or child. The price is more weight and a larger pitch.

On a wet day, the extra space means you can bring your rucksack inside and still sit up without touching the walls. For campers who drive to a campsite, or who walk in only a short way, the extra weight often does not matter.

Browse 2 man tents and compare the floor dimensions with the one man models.

Can two people fit in a one man tent?

No. Two adults cannot fit comfortably in a one man tent. The floor is sized for one sleeping mat, so two people would be lying partly on top of each other with no room for kit.

If you ever expect to share, even once or twice a year, a 2 man tent is the practical choice.

How much heavier is a 2 man tent?

A 2 man tent is heavier than a one man tent of the same design and fabric, and the difference varies by model. Compare the packed weight on each product page, and check whether it includes pegs and the pole bag.

Two tents of different designs can reverse the pattern. A lightweight 2 man tent can weigh less than a heavy, budget one man tent, so compare actual figures rather than the number of people on the label.

Is a bivvy bag an alternative to a one man tent?

A bivvy bag is an alternative to a one man tent for campers who want the lightest, smallest shelter and can accept less room and less protection from bad weather. It is a bag that goes over your sleeping bag.

What is a bivvy bag? explains how they work and who they suit, and our bivvy bags page lists the range. For the rest of the kit, see the wild camping kit list.