Advice Centre

A Tree Tent or Camping Hammock is not necessarily just a place to sleep at night, they can of course also make the perfect day time hangout, through to the evening. If your camping trip is less action-packed and more of a ‘kicking back with a good book and relaxing’ kind of getaway, then you have all bases covered. There are a few things to consider if you are using your basecamp through the day, and in this guide we’ll talk about how you can make the best use of your Tree Tent from morning until night, including set-up and safety advice and some accessories that make this transitional use as simple as possible.

In this guide:

1. Using your Tree Tent in the day
2. Using your Tree Tent at night
3. Transitional tips and considerations
4. Tentsile Tree Tents and Accessories

Using your Tree Tent in the day

All Tentsile Tree Tents come with a built-in bug net so you can while away the hours without being bothered by pests or you can roll it back to use the tent as a hammock. Depending on where you choose to set up camp, you can select a shady spot or stay out in the sun; without the rainfly on you can still make the most of the sun rays and soak up some vitamin D. Remember to take plenty of water with you so you can stay hydrated and don’t forget sun protection, your sunglasses and a hat. If in doubt about available shade at your selected destination, then be sure to take an additional tarp with you to create your own.

Using your Tree Tent at night

Temperatures may drop at night so it’s a good idea to pack some extra layers for when the sun goes down. You may also need a sleeping bag and an sleeping pad to insulate against cold breezes underneath the tent floor.

You may also want some extra space in the tent at night, so make use of the storage available and stow your bags and belongings in the pockets and underfloor storage nets to keep them within reach, dry and off the ground.

Transitional Tips and Considerations

The way you use your Tentsile may differ from day to night, for example, there may be more people hanging out during the day with fewer spending the night or visa versa. Either way, think about the weight load when setting up the Tentsile and don’t be tempted to overload the Tree Tent or Hammock with lots of people during the day, even though everyone is going to want to try it out!

It’s worth giving extra thought to where you set up camp, consider where the sun will rise and set and your Tentsile’s positioning for some extra shut eye in the morning or a fantastic view of the sunset.

If you are on a campsite, think about where you are in relation to the nearby facilities and wind direction, if you are having a campfire, you probably won’t want to be pitched downwind. If you are wild camping then it’s a good idea to have a designated toilet area and pitch your Tentsile within walking distance so you don’t have to go far at night.

Bear in mind other campers and wildlife in the area. If you are a large group, be considerate of how much noise you are making as this will impact on those around you.

Tentsile Tree Tents and Accessories

There is a Tree Tent for every adventure; from solo campers, to couples to families and groups, there’s an option for everyone and if you are an even larger group you can stack your Tentsile for even greater occupancy.

Here are just a few of our available Tree Tents:

The UNA 1-person Tree Tent

This lightweight Tree Tent is the solo campers companion and can be used as a hammock during the day and fully enclosed Tree Tent by night. The UNA still benefits from underfloor storage to stow away your bags and belongings and has a double layered tension floor.

The Safari Connect 2-person Tree Tent

The Safari Connect provides more space and storage capacity with plenty of internal pockets and underfloor capacity to keep your possessions close by. The Safari range are our toughest and most durable tents and are best for extreme climates (with a UV rating of 3,500 hours and 8,000HH rainfly) and multiple occupancy turnover which means they can also be set up as semi-permanent camps. The standard Connect is also available for less extreme camping conditions with the same footprint and storage available.

The Universe 5-person three-element tent

The unique and innovative design of the Universe allows up to 5 campers to spend time on the water, on the ground and in the air. The base is an inflatable insulated SUP board to suit all three elements and can be used as a sunbathing deck, play structure or even a platform for fishing. It also comes with a built-in no-see-um insect mesh and removeable rainfly for versatile set ups. This really takes camping to a whole new level! 

See our full range of Tentsile Tree Tents here and check out our comparison chart to see which Tree Tent is best suited to your tribe.

Accessorise your Tree Tent to transition from day to night with some of the items below:

Sky-Pad air mattress

For an added layer of comfort and to insulate from cool breezes under the Tree Tent floor add a Sky-Pad to your packing list. Three Sky-Pads can be clipped together for more stability and support in 3-person set ups but they will also individually slips into each of the Tentsile models in the range.

Tent walls

Tent walls can create a wind break and protection from the rain and a cosy ground level hang out space beneath your Tree tent.

Drinks holder and hatch cover (for 3-person Tree Tents and hammocks)

During the day the drinks holder makes a handy central spot to keep your drinks close by and to avoid spillages. When it’s time for bed you may want to replace your Drinks holder with a hatch cover to block out any breezes and further insulate your tent.

Check out our full range of Accessories here.

It really is as easy as that to use your hanging Tree Tent from day to night and it offers up a whole new experience from traditional tent camping.

Camping and outdoor pursuits have seen a resurgence in the last year due to the Covid restrictions, local lockdowns and travel bans gradually being lifted across the globe. Never before has being outside and exploring in nature been so appealing, so you might have a several trips booked through the year and through the seasons. Camping is fun any time of year but to make sure your trip is stress-free there are considerations to think about so you are prepared in every season whether you are wild camping or have the amenities of a campsite nearby.

Tree Tents are a great choice for all-season camping as you’ll be sleeping off the ground and you have a wide choice of options when it comes to choosing your pitch. There are also a number of accessories which can be added to your kit to make sure that you are comfortable in every weather condition.

In this guide:

1. Using your tree tent in spring and summer
2. Using your tree tent in autumn and winter
3. Multi-season camping tips and considerations
4. Tentsile tree tents and accessories

Using Your Tree Tent in Spring and Summer

Spring and summer is a popular time for camping as the weather improves and nature is blooming. In Spring, when the weather is more changeable you’ll need to consider possible rain or showers and make sure that you are prepared with a rainfly and possibly a tarp if you want additional shelter, waterproof clothing and a change of clothes. In the summer, keeping cool is a priority so you’ll want to keep your tree tent ventilated and make the most of breezes and air flow. Tentsiles are made from breathable materials so you won’t overheat in the hot weather.

Mosquitos, insects and other pests can be a nuisance so go armed with repellent and make use of the integrated no-see-um bug net to keep the bugs at bay.

Before you set up, consider where to position your camp in relation to direct sunlight or shade. In particularly hot climates you’ll want to make sure you are pitched in the shade and that your tree tent has UV protection. The Tentsile Safari range is UV resistant for 3,500 hours, this is particularly relevant if you opt to set up a Safari product as a semi-permanent structure for up to 3 months.

Using Your Tree Tent in Autumn and Winter

Camping later in the year can still offer warm nights in Autumn and the opportunity for cosying up around a campfire on colder winter nights.

To make sure you stay warm and cosy, pack a sleeping pad like the Sky-Pad to insulate you from any cool air flow underneath the tent and take a sleeping bag, an extra blanket and some woollen clothes and hat. Choose a tree tent suitable for the number of occupants; too much space will allow cool air to build up and the body heat from your fellow campers will help to keep you warm.

You’ll want to make sure that your tree tent is suitable for your camping conditions, so if you’re camping in extreme climates and are likely to experience heavy rain, hail, strong winds, or even snow, then look for a 4-season tent with a high hydrostatic head (HH) and waterproof rating. Our Safari range is built for these more extreme climates, made with thicker, tougher materials that are built to withstand the most challenging weather conditions.

Multi-season Camping Tips and Considerations

To perfect multi-season camping, before you purchase your tree tent consider the following:

• Versatility; does it have flexibility in its’s set up? Are there accessories that can be added for different seasonal use?
• Comfort; no matter what time of year, sleeping off the ground is infinitely more comfortable than ground camping but remember to pack according to the weather and temperature.
• Space; does the tree tent has space for all your gear and your ideal number of camping buddies? Tentsile has lots of handy storage for bags and gear and smaller items inside the tent and in storage pockets below the tent floor.
• Functionality;
• Set up; get familiar with the set-up and think about whether this is suitable for the different locations you might camp in through the seasons
• Weight; bear this in mind particularly if you like to take your tree tent when hiking or cycling. Similarly, consider the weight capacity in terms of your gear and fellow campers you might be sharing with.
• Use; think about how frequently you will use the tent and when you are most likely to use it. This will influence how lightweight or heavy duty the tree tent should be.

Tentsile Tree Tents and Accessories

We have created a handy guide so you can compare Tentsile tree tents specifications and functionality to see which one is best for you.

Here are a few ideas:

Flite 2-person Tree Tent

The Flite is a good option for someone who may like to camp solo from time to time and also camp with a partner or a buddy. It’s still lightweight enough for solo camping if you have to carry all your gear and you have extra room to really spread out and keep your gear inside but if you also have an extra person to share with you still have plenty of room and the antiroll strap system creates 2 separate sleeping bays which will stop you from both rolling into the middle. The Flite is compatible with the ground conversion kit so you have the option to camping in the air or on the ground and like with all Tentsile products there is a double layered tent floor so an air mattress can be slipped in and held securely for extra comfort in any season.

Safari Vista 3-person 3-in-1 Tree Tent

The Safari Vista has versatility at the heart of its design. Not only is it made from the most enduring and hard-wearing materials but it also converts from a hammock to a hammock with a roof with open sided views, to a complete tree tent with 100% waterproof rainfly and insect mesh. This four-season tent can be set up for any occasion; as a daytime hangout in the backyard or in the park, as a semi-permanent camp or base camp for a longer trips. Switch from hammock camping to a full-blown hammock tent in no time.

Universe 5-person Tree Tent

Seeing is believing when it comes to the Universe 3-element Tree Tent. The Universe can be pitched in the air, on the ground and on the water and is ideal for camping with larger groups, plus it makes an excellent sunbathing deck or play structure. Whatever the weather, the Universe has you covered.

We also have a range of accessories available to prepare you for every scenario. From tent walls to use as wind breaks or to create shade or privacy, to watergates for extra wet weather and the Sky-Pad air mattress for extra insulation and comfort.

Many of us will have fond memories of camping as a child on family camping trips and want to recreate that with our own families. Children are curious little explorers and nurturing that excitement and sense of adventure can also bring out the playful side in adults too. Family time spent together outside in nature and away from home, unplugged and away from the day-to-day distractions is an opportunity not to be missed. Tentsile is a family-run company and spending time with those who are close to us runs through the heart of what we do, and where better to do it than in the trees!

In this article we will explore how to plan for a family camping trip including what essentials you will need to pack to make sure everyone is fed, watered, comfortable and safe and importantly, how to set up your Tree Tent.

In this guide:

1. Planning a family camping trip
2. Packing for a family camping trip
3. Keeping your family safe on your camping trip
4. Setting up your Tree Tent

Planning a family camping trip

Depending on where you live you might choose to go to a campsite where there are amenities like showers, toilets, shops and BBQs available which might make camping with very young children a little easier. If you are a seasoned camper and prefer to get away from the crowds and off the beaten track then wild camping might take some additional planning but will add some extra excitement to your trip and give you more privacy.

To set up your tree tent you will need three strong trees or anchor points. We advise that you check out the set-up guide for your particular Tentsile model before you go and do some research into the area you are travelling to if you have not been before so you know where you’re going and you are prepared for the weather conditions. If you are travelling in peak season and during school holidays make sure you have booked a spot at the campsite to avoid disappointment.

In preparation for your family camping trip, have a think about what you need from your accommodation, particularly how much space you’ll need and how many people you will need to sleep. The Stingray tree tent is Tentsile’s flagship model and makes the perfect family tent for a young family of four. If you need more space and you have a growing family then one of the stack options will give you storage, sleeping bays and floor space over several levels while taking up the same footprint. If you are taking the extended family and the numbers are really climbing, then consider the ultimate stack or even the Trilogy for an epic adventure. Bear in mind the space this will occupy so if you are on a campsite or at a festival then you will be taking up a fair amount of room.

Packing for a family camping trip

It’s unlikely you’ll get bored if the weather is fine and you have a new area to explore but if the weather isn’t so good or everyone needs time out of the sun and as it gets dark, it’s good to have some games and activities planned to keep the children entertained. It’s also important to make sure everyone is comfortable and this might mean packing sleeping bags, pillows and air mattresses, possibly extra blankets and appropriate clothing and footwear. There are also some Tentsile accessories which will make your trip more comfortable. The hatch cover for 3-person tree tents and hammocks will block out any drafts from the centre of the tent floor, this can be removed during the day or swapped for the drinks holder or webbing ladder. The ladder will help you get in and out of the tent and from one floor to the next if you opt for a stack. The Sky-Pad inflatable mattress adds extra cushioning and insulation and can even be clipped to eachother for extra stability.

For general safety on any trip, always pack a first aid kit, sun protection and insect repellent and lights and extra batteries for your torches. If you are off grid then take a map as back up to your phone GPS and of course if you’re not at a campsite, tell someone where you are going.

Keeping your family safe on your camping trip

There are some things that you can do that will put your mind at rest before and during a camping trip with your family. It can often feel like there is a lot to remember so don’t get overwhelmed but follow some of these simple suggestions to prepare for your trip.

Check your gear and test pitch your tent before you set off. Make sure you have all the equipment needed and get some practice in so that you can set up quicker in-situ and get down to the business of relaxing and spending time with the family.

Plan your route. If you are driving to your destination then check the traffic so you can travel at a quieter time or avoid busy routes. If you are travelling by other means or hiking/cycling then make sure you have GPS and a map as back up.

When you have reached your camping location then we advise always to abide by the Leave no trace principles including properly disposing of litter and keeping food off the ground to deter animals and be wary and respectful of wildlife in the area. Follow the rules of the campsite if that is where you are staying and if you are wild camping then make sure you know what is in the vicinity and that you have the right to camp there.

Setting up your Tree Tent

To set up your tree tent you will need three strong trees or anchor points. To help you look for suitable trees watch our video and used our visual tree assessment guide.

We advise setting up your tree tent no higher than 1.2m/4ft from the ground to make sure you and your family can easily get in and out and if anyone does take a tumble they are not too far from the floor. For this same reason, it’s best to pitch over soft grassy ground.

Enjoy your quality family time. Tree tents are a memorable way to camp and will create new experiences for the whole family and nurture a love the trees and the great outdoors.

A tree tent offers versatility and freedom that you won’t get with a traditional tent. Camping in the trees is not only an unforgettable experience but it is also far more comfortable than being subjected to the cold, unforgiving and uneven ground. Tentsiles are fun and portable treehouses that you can take anywhere and set up in a multitude of ways and in almost any location. In this article we will look at the three ways a Tentsile can be used; hanging out in the trees, on the ground and on the water. Even if you don’t have three trees you can use sturdy structures such as posts and your vehicle to set your tree tent up off the ground.

At Tentsile we are passionate about trees and protecting the Great Outdoors and the areas that we love to spend time in. Tentsiles were created to encourage people to spend more time with natures giants while at the same time playing our part in protecting them and camping mindfully, respecting our surrounding environment. All our Gen 3 Tree Tents come with tree protector straps to protect the bark of the trees. For more information, check out our blog ‘How to leave no trace’.

Between Trees

We have lots of useful resources on the website for setting up a Tentsile tent among the trees. Take the time before you venture out to watch the instructional videos for your tree tent model set up (and pack down) and familiarise yourself with the key points of the visual tree assessment and leave no trace principles. We would also recommend having a trial-run with setting up your tree tent so you’re not doing it for the first time when you are out in the wild. You can also download our Tree Tent Calculator app which will help you perfectly align your tree tent in a few simple steps. Also, check out our FAQ page for answers to questions like; Do the trees have to be in a perfect triangle? What are the minimum and maximum distances a Tentsile needs between trees?

How to Choose Three Trees

Setting up with Misaligned Trees

Setting up with Close Trees

On the ground

If you are wild camping or even if you are visiting a campsite, you are not always guaranteed three suitable trees to hang your tree tent from or even other sturdy structures to use as anchor points, but with Tentsile Tree Tents this doesn’t pose a problem when you have the Ground Conversion Kit. This piece of kit will transform any one, two or three person tree tent into a ground tent and includes a ground sheet, pegs and poles so it can quickly and easily be set up at ground level like a traditional tent. This accessory provides even more flexibility and camp site opportunities so if you are ever in doubt about where you need to pitch your tent, if you have space in your pack then this is a worthwhile camping gear investment. Make sure that you locate even and flat ground before pitching to ensure the most comfortable camping experience possible.

On water

The beauty of a suspended tent is that you can get really creative and adventurous with your set ups. Pitching over water is popular if you like the sound of water while you sunbathe or perhaps even want to do some fishing but watch out for bugs attracted to the water and make use of the integrated mosquito net if needed. But if you want to camp ON the water, then Tentsile have got a tent for that too! The Universe 5-person 3-element tree tent can be pitched in the air, on the ground and on the water. It has an inflatable SUP base which provides insulation but is also perfect for floating on the water. It can be set up with the removeable rain fly to create shade and makes the perfect sunbathing deck, fishing platform or water-based play structure at the lake.  

Finally, for inspiration from existing Tentsile customers and campers, check out some of their awesome set ups in locations around the world here. You can also join our Facebook Tentsile Community where you can share your adventures and ask questions, there are lots of Tentsile users out there willing to help and of course the Tentsile team.

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Spending time in nature and challenging yourself to a new adventure big or small can be hugely rewarding and help you to build your confidence in lots of ways and to spread your wings and venture out alone on solo expeditions. Not only that but it gives you space for self-reflection and time to destress away from the busyness of everyday life. If you are new to solo camping then you could start small with a micro adventure; one night away, perhaps not too far from home in an area you know. This will be good practice to plan for your trip and learn what items are handy to have in your pack and how to stay safe. Before you know it, you’ll be a seasoned solo camper and encouraging others to do the same.

In this guide:

1. Planning a solo Camping Trip
2. Packing for a solo camping trip
3. Staying safe on a solo camping trip
4. Setting up your tree tent

Planning a solo camping trip

Choosing the right site

There are some considerations to bear in mind when looking for your camping spot. If you are taking your Tentsile Tree Tent or Hammock then you will need an area with some strong healthy trees or sturdy posts or even your vehicle to use as your anchor points. Familiarise yourself with the area and make sure it’s somewhere you are going to feel safe. If there are bodies of water, is there any risk of flooding? Will it attract mosquitos and other unwanted visitors? If there are any cliff faces, are you out of the way of any potential falling rocks? You might also want to be close to a toilet area for night-time visits so you don’t have to go too far.

Checking the trees, coverage and ground

You can find lots of helpful resources and advice on our website but here are a selected few videos and guides to get you started. It’s best to camp over flat grassy soft ground where possible for safety and to make getting in and out of the tent easier. You are most likely to be off the ground anyway unless you have opted for the ground conversion kit.

Check out our video to help you select strong healthy trees to attach your tree tent to.

Read our Visual Assessment and Anchor Selection Guide.

Avoiding privately-owned land and dangerous areas

Do some research into your final destination before you go especially if you are planning to wild camp. Things to look out for might be: are you allowed to camp there? Are there any site rules? Are there any dangerous animals to be aware of? Are there any cliff edges or marsh land to watch out for?

Check the weather

Be prepared for the weather, particularly if you are going somewhere that is likely to have changeable weather through the day and night. If it’s hot you will need to pack sun cream, extra tarps for shade and additional water or wind breaks and extra layers for cold and windy weather. A change of clothes, tarp for shelter and waterproofs are recommended for wet weather.

Buying the right tree tent and accessories

Your camping gear choices are really important when you are going solo. You’ll only have yourself to rely on and you’ll be carrying everything so if you are backpacking then you need to keep it light! The UNA is Tentsile’s 1-person lightweight tree tent perfect for the solo hiker and camper. It’s packed size is 35x15x16cm so it packs up into a small bag that won’t take up too much space or weigh you down at just under 2kg. You can use the UNA on its own but there are also several other options available in our store for additional set up options including the Sky-Pad air mattress to ensure you get a comfortable night’s sleep.

UNA Ground camping stack; includes UNA tree tent, Ground conversion kit, UNA double bubble insect mesh, Sky-Pad inflatable mattress, tent wall, pegs and pole

If you prefer a little extra room in your hammock tent then there are larger size options such as the lightweight Flite 2-person Tree Tent, or even roomier but weightier 2-person Connect Tree Tent (ideal if you are driving to your camping spot).

Navigation

GPS is a wonderful thing but if you really want to take things back to basics make sure you are armed with a map and a compass.

Nearby facilities

Check this out in advance. It will be useful to know whether there are any toilets available and whether you will have cell network in the area.

Safety

Feeling safe will no doubt enhance your enjoyment of the trip so have the above precautions in place and always let someone know where you are going.

Packing for a solo camping trip

You’ll need to make sure you have a suitable backpack that is comfortable to wear if you plan to do a lot of walking and consider the weight of the bag as you pack. Create a list so you can add items to it in the days leading up to your trip and it could be a list that you keep for future trips too.

Packing suggestions:

• Sleeping bag, pillow
• Camping mattress / sleeping pad
• Tarp
• Removable rainfly (this will give you options to change your set up depending on the weather)
• Bug net
• Appropriate clothing
• Lamp/torch and extra batteries
• Food and water
• First Aid Kit including sun protection and insect repellent
• Map/ GPS

Staying safe on a solo camping trip

Part of the appeal of solo camping is the unknown, setting challenges that might be out of our comfort zone and the solitude. However, safety is important and putting measures in place, and planning head to make sure that you feel safe will ultimately make your experience a lot more enjoyable.

Pay attention to your surroundings and study your route so you are familiar with your whereabouts. Don’t panic if you think you might be lost or find yourself in unexpected circumstances, remain calm, this will help you to think clearly and make smart decisions.

Be responsible and follow the leave no trace principles including proper fire safety and cause little or no disturbance to the immediate area around you by properly disposing of litter and keeping food off the ground so animals are not drawn to your camp. Be wary and respectful of wildlife – they were there first!

Follow the rules of the campsite if this is where you’re staying, they will be in place for a reason and will ensure that all campers get along in a neighbourly way.

Setting up your tree tent

It’s always worth practicing your set up at home or somewhere local before venturing out too far but if you can’t do that, read the instructions and watch any instructional videos available.

Here are some helpful videos for setting up your Tentsile on your own.

Set up for UNA 1-person Tree Tent

Pack down for UNA 1-person Tree Tent

Choosing three anchor points

Getting in and out

Above all, have fun! Make the most of being in nature, taking in the fresh air and scenery and come home with some stories to tell your friends!