Traditional tents have pretty basic designs, muted colours, and not much in the way of cool gadgets, but you’re in luck. Tents have come a long way in recent years and there’s a whole wide world of ground-breaking camping gear waiting to be taken on a test trip. Here are nine tent designs that will shake up your camping experience.
Weird and wonderful tents for a unique camping experience
- share
- Share on Facebook
- Share on Twitter
- Share on Pinterest
- Copy Link

This nifty tent is designed for those lazy folk who can’t even stomach a few minutes of camp set up time. Remove the plastic strap from the package and toss the tent into the air like a giant Frisbee. By the time it hits the ground it’ll be in shape, all set-up and ready for action. When you’re ready to head back home, you only need to set aside about 15 seconds to fold it back up. More info: www.decathlon.co.uk

Specially coated solar threads are woven into conventional tent fabric, creating a shell that harnesses the sun’s energy and powers this revolutionary tent. Plus, it’s easy for campers to reposition the tent to maximize the amount of rays it receives. The tent not only provides power for all your favourite electronics, but it also comes equipped with lighting, underfloor heating, and a Wi-Fi-enabled touchscreen. It hasn’t gone into mass production yet, but a Kickstarter campaign is being launched this fall to raise the money. More info: www.kascope.com

Looking for a fancier camping experience? Check out these large and luxurious tents fit for royalty. The interiors are designed with high-quality cotton and are sectioned off into several different living spaces, including a master bedroom and even a courtyard! Choose from several different color combinations and add some custom embroidery for an extra wow factor. Each tent comes with pitching plans, flooring, and all the necessary poles, ties, and ropes. They’re not exactly a snap to assemble, but once they’ve gone up you’re guaranteed to enjoy the wilderness in style. More info: www.swisscottagetents.com

This transparent orb gives campers the unique opportunity to experience magnificent natural vistas while snuggled up inside. Stargaze on a clear night, watch the rainfall during a summer storm, or enjoy the sunshine on a hot day. Plus, a built-in air-renewal system enhances the experience. You won’t mind being the boy in the bubble when it’s something this cool. More info: www.bubbletree.fr

The Jackpack is a jacket, tent, and sleeping bag all in one! Yes, you read that right. Wear the jacket during the day then pull the attachable sleeping bag section out of your pocket and convert the coat portion into a shelter for bedtime. This contraption is made out of breathable waterproof urethane, coated with nylon, and includes mosquito netting to keep the bugs away. It may not be very roomy, but it’s definitely compact and cozy. More info: www.jakpak.com

The Decagon isn’t so much a tent as a tent complex. It’s made up of a series of tents, canopies, and tunnels that can be interchangeably connected. Campers can purchase as many or as few of the sections as they wish and still fasten them together with ease. It’s the perfect camping system for families or large groups of friends who prefer to stay in close quarters. And for every new camper invited into the fold, the complex will grow in size. With a large number of rooms to move around in, you’ll definitely feel less claustrophobic when you’re stuck inside on a rainy day. More info: global.rakuten.com

This dome-shaped tent challenges the logic of the classic sloped sided set-up. With five-square-metres of interior space and near-perpendicular sides, this tent gives three campers a larger sleeping area and can seat six people comfortably. And there’s no assembly required or any extra parts to deal with! Simply take the tent out of the bag and use an air pump to inflate it. More info: www.heimplanet.com

For campers with access to a pick-up truck, these tents are incredible time savers. No more extended campsite searches or frustrating set-up sessions. These simple tents attach right to your vehicle where you can sleep on the flat surface of your truck bed. With the sides of the truck as added stability, you can rest easy knowing rough weather isn’t as likely to take down your tent. And if you need to drive off in a hurry, you’re already half packed! More info: ca.napieroutdoors.com

This treehouse-on-the-go, which also kind of resembles a flying saucer, is a spacious and comfortable sleeping space large enough for three campers. Suspend it between two trees as you would with a hammock for a fun, low-impact camping experience. With this tent, you can relax in the great outdoors without worrying about wetness or where to find the flattest ground. More info: www.tentsile.com