Pop up tent - get your base camp ready in seconds, read the guide

A pop up tent is for many the easiest way to a simple basecamp setup when you want to spend more time on the experience and less time on setup. In this article you will get an overview of what a pop up tent is, which features typically matter most, and how to create a more comfortable and hygienic environment in a small tent.

A pop up tent is a tent that unfolds almost by itself because the frame is integrated into the tent fabric. That's the point: You don't have to assemble tent poles and can quickly get shelter and privacy when you arrive. Pop up tents are often used when flexibility is important, and when you want to reduce friction at the start and end of the trip, where energy and space may be limited.

Pop up tents are often chosen by those who want to keep their equipment simple and who appreciate a solution that is quick to handle on their own. This can be anything from short trips to situations where you move base several times.

Many people also search for “instant tent” or “one step tent”, and this basically covers the same idea: a construction designed to minimize setup time and errors. When looking for easy setup, it is relevant to check whether the tent has clear attachment points, simple peg solutions and a fold that you can actually repeat without difficulty. A pop up solution is only practical if it is also reasonable to pack down again.

Ventilation (e.g. openings with mesh) and a bottom that can keep moisture out are typical things that affect comfort in a compact tent, where the indoor climate can quickly feel stuffy.

A pop up tent becomes extra relevant when you prioritize low weight and compact packing. The smaller your shelter takes up, the more space you have for what makes the trip enjoyable: dry clothes, a good sleeping pad and textiles that feel comfortable against the skin. In a small tent, hygiene and odor are also more evident because you live close together and often with high humidity.

Here, a quick-drying towel can be a simple upgrade, as it can typically air dry between uses. It is a good habit to hang it up rather than wring it out. If you want to keep textiles fresher for longer on a trip, a towel with Polygiene StayFresh technology may be relevant, as the silver-based antibacterial treatment is designed to inhibit bacterial growth (99.9% is mentioned in the material) and thus supports odor control and less need for washing. An example is the Nordifakt towel .

When using a pop up tent, small choices about consumption and packaging can make a real difference in practice. Textiles that can be used several times before washing can reduce water and energy consumption, and it can also mean fewer things that have to dry. In addition, the material mentions it as an advantage when saving on unnecessary packaging, which fits well with a more responsible approach to outdoor equipment: less waste, more function.

If you occasionally choose between a smaller and a larger towel in your pack, the small one may be sufficient when you want to pack lightly, while a larger one often feels more comfortable to wrap yourself in. The most important thing in a pop up tent is that everything dries and can be kept fresh, so the space remains pleasant to stay in.