• Overall Rating

  : 3 out of 5

The Highlander Blackthorn 2 Generation 2 is a traditional tunnel tent, which can be pitched separately or as a unit. It’s by far the cheapest tent in our selection, but also the heaviest and with a large packed size of 60cm by 16cm.

The packed size and weight make it onerous for solo backpacking, but less of an issue if the weight is split between 2 people sharing. The heavier flysheet material does mean it should be robust and durable, with a 2000 Hydrostatic Head, more than ample for 3 season British use. Pitching was frustrating, partly due to confusing instructions and partly because tunnel tents rely on solid guy line placement. It’s definitely a tent to pitch and use with someone else!

Inside, the width and length is generous but, again, as with many tunnel tents, the head height is low. I wasn’t able to sit up without my head touching the roof. There is one large zipped front door and a single porch area, which is generous. Thoughtful features include internal pockets, a hanging hook and a robust groundsheet.

Highlander Blackthorn 2 Generation 2 boasts a roomy porch. Credit: Fiona Russell.

The tent did keep me warm and dry overnight – it was noisy and moved around in the wind but it did stay put. The dismantling of the tent was as challenging as the pitching. The poles, connected with very stretchy elastic, were difficult to extract from the sleeves, and the stuff sack was too small to be effective in the cold.

The Highlander Blackthorn is budget-friendly and a good introduction for newcomers to camping, perhaps better suited for car-to-campsite use rather than back or bike packing.

How we tested

Fiona Russell tested across Scotland in a range of conditions. Weights are from her scales and include the stuff sack. In the interests of parity, she timed the debut set up each tent. This review was first published in our camping kit special. Compare it with others in our guide to the best 2-person tents.