Why you need an event shelter for your camping trips

  Camping Gear

Pitching up with a group of family or friends is an increasingly popular way to enjoy a camping holiday and an event shelter makes a brilliant communal space to enjoy cooking, eating and socialising, whatever the weather. Just make sure you check in advance with the campsite that they’re happy for you to pitch your tents and shelter together. Of course, they’re not just for the campsite. Event shelters are also ideal for summer entertaining at home, family get-togethers, barbecues and picnics. You’ll see them described as event shelters, gazebos and day tents, and while there are some subtle differences, they all serve the same purpose – to provide a cool, shaded area to chill out.

OUTWELL DAKOTA
www.outwell.com
The Dakota is easy to transport and quick to put up, with the sort of quality you’d expect from a top brand like Outwell. To pitch, simply pull out the legs and the concertina steel frame snaps into place, creating a 3x3m space that is perfect for outdoor cooking or simply getting together of an evening. The feet are pegged into the ground to fix the shelter into place and there are luminous guyropes for extra stability. The height of the shelter can be adjusted using the push-lock buttons. The waterproof roof is silver-lined to reflect the sunlight away and keep the temperature down and sidewalls are available as an optional extra.
Expect to pay £189.99

OLIVE & ORANGE BY ORLA KIELY GAZEBO
www.halfords.com
If you want to bring  a bit of glamour to the campsite, here’s the Olive and Orange Gazebo created by top designer Orla Kiely. It features one of her trademark, nature-inspired patterns and is a natural fit for the outdoors. It’s a similar style to the Outwell Dakota, simply stand the gazebo upright, ensure the sides are pulled out evenly, and extend the legs. It's also waterproof up to 800mm, which should provide some protection from summer showers.
Expect to pay £75

COLEMAN EVENT SHELTER PRO XL
www.coleman.eu
This is the classic event shelter from Coleman. If you are up for a party, then the spacious Event Shelter will keep you and your guests protected from the sun’s glare while you rustle up burgers on the barbecue. The XL is a huge 15x15m so there’s plenty of space to relax under cover and the UVGuard fabric will provide protection from harmful sun rays. The fabric is water-resistant fabric and has fully taped seams to prevent rain from seeping through. It takes about 15 minutes to put up. Wall and door panels and a groundsheet are available as optional extras. It also comes in more compact L and M sizes.
Expect to pay £199.99

THERM-A-REST ARROWSPACE
www.thermarest.com
This is one for campers looking for a more technical-quality option. Therm-a-Rest’s freestanding shelter is lightweight and easy to pitch. Once erected, the first thing you’ll notice is its striking design and shape – and with the mercury and honey (or yellow and white) colour scheme you certainly will get noticed! Very well made, with strong poles and waterproof fabric. The height is adjustable, allowing you to set up over picnic bench, or make wider and lower to accommodate more people. The Arrowspace comes in its own backpack and also works as an extension for the new Tranquility 6 tent, reviewed here.
Expect to pay £259.99

ZEMPIRE AERO SHELTER
www.zempire.co.uk
The Aero Shelter from Zempire is a high quality inflatable shelter made from the best quality materials, including tough150 denier fabric with an SPF sun protection factor of 50+. There is full head height throughout and a large 3x3m floorspace. It’s easy to pitch and stable once up. Zips on each side allow optional extra mesh or solid walls to be attached.
Expect to pay £320

VANGO AIRHUB HEX
www.vango.co.uk
A new addition to the Vango range, the inflatable AirHub Hex is perfect for the campsite or in the garden – anywhere that you need some extra living space outdoors. It has a single inflation point, can be pitched in a matter of minutes and is just as easy to pack away. It comes with six sides built into the shelter, including three large full side doors and six mesh windows. It’s also available in either Herbal green or Smoke grey.
Expect to pay £375

HOW TO PITCH

It's so easy, a 12-year-old can do it! (with a helping hand)

Here's how to put one up in 10 easy steps...