If you camp in the UK for long enough, condensation will find you. It does not matter how expensive the tent is. A still night, damp ground and a cold flysheet can make even a good shelter feel wet in the morning. That is why the choice between a double wall and single wall tent matters here more than it does in drier places.

A double wall tent has an inner tent and an outer flysheet. The inner gives you a sleeping space, often with mesh or breathable fabric, while the flysheet handles rain and wind. Moisture may form on the inside of the flysheet, but the inner helps keep you away from it.

That separation is the main reason many UK backpackers prefer double wall tents. They are usually more forgiving in wet weather. If you brush against the inner, you are less likely to soak your sleeping bag. If the flysheet is dripping with condensation, you still have a barrier between you and the wet fabric.

A single wall tent uses one layer of fabric as both structure and weather protection. This saves weight and pack size. Many ultralight tents and trekking pole shelters use single wall or hybrid designs. For long routes where every gram matters, that can be very appealing.

The downside is that condensation forms directly on the inside surface of the shelter. If you sit up and touch the fabric, or if your sleeping bag presses against the wall, moisture can transfer. In a small single wall tent, this can be annoying on damp British nights.

That does not mean single wall tents are bad. A well-designed single wall shelter with good ventilation can work very well. Some experienced hikers prefer them because they are light, quick to pitch and simple. The key is knowing how to manage airflow and choose a good campsite.

Ventilation is important for both designs. A double wall tent with all vents closed can still get wet inside. A single wall tent with smart venting can perform better than expected. Look for high vents, low airflow, doors that can be cracked open in rain and enough space between you and the fabric.

Weight is where single wall tents usually win. If you are walking the Cape Wrath Trail or doing long days in the hills, saving half a kilo can feel meaningful. But comfort matters too. If you often spend wet evenings inside the tent, a slightly heavier double wall tent may be worth carrying.

For beginners, I would usually recommend a double wall tent for UK camping. It is more forgiving, easier to live with and better suited to mixed weather. For experienced backpackers who understand condensation, a single wall tent can be a strong lightweight option.

The best choice depends on how you camp. If you want comfort and fewer damp surprises, choose double wall. If you want to go lighter and are willing to manage moisture carefully, single wall can work.