Camping & Outdoor Gear · Accessories & Add-ons
Tents & Shelters: What Else You'll Need
By the Nest & Yard editorial teamUpdated 2026-08-093 min read
Our pick: the Glymnis Pop Up Beach Tent 4-6 Person, UV Protection Beach Sun Shelter Tent | UPF 50+, Extra Large, Silver-coated 190T Polyester, Instant Pop Up, No Assembly, 3 Window, Family Tent for Beach Garden, Blue — the best Tents & Shelters we tested, from £69.99.
When shopping for tents and shelters like the Glymnis Pop Up Beach Tent, Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent, Glymnis Pop Up Beach Tent 4-6 Person, and Coleman Tent Octagon, remember that your setup won't be complete without essential accessories such as repair kits, UV protection covers, and carry bags to keep everything organized and protected. These add-ons ensure your tent remains in top condition for years of use, whether you're setting up camp at a festival or relaxing by the beach.
See the full range in Tents & Shelters.
Currently unavailable
Pros
- 1-2 Person
- 3-4 Person
- High Quality & Portable - Made of 190T Sliver Coated Polyester, our beach tent is not easy to be teared. Open Size: 185 x 140 x 115cm, Folded Size: 44 x 44 x 3cm. With our carry bag, you can take it anywhere
- Easy Set Up & Take Down - With automatic pop-up design, Glymnis pop up beach tent can pop up in one second without any confusing and tedious steps. You can also take down the beach tent easily by following the right way(Refer to product images and user manual)
Cons
- Full specification not confirmed on the listing — check before buying
#2 Pick
Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent, 2.1 m(7ft) Tall, 2.7m(9ft) x 2.7m(9ft), Reinforced Corners and Cooler PocketCurrently unavailable
Pros
- DESIGN. Beautifully Designed in Southern California; Corner anchor bags to be weighed down with sand or rocks
- MATERIALS. 2.7m x 2.7m high quality Nylon/Lycra blend main tent fabric; Patented Reinforced Corners for long lasting; Rust-proof Aluminum Poles; 2.1 meters tall!
- LIGHT & PORTABLE. Easy to Carry. Weighs Only 2.95 kilograms! 49.5 cm shoulder carrying bag that Fits in a Carry-on Suitcase. Includes a Cooler Pocket for your drinks and snacks!
- UPF 50+ PROTECTION, WATER REPELLENT. The Neso Tent will keep you protected on both sunny and rainy days
Cons
- Setup requires anchoring with sand or rocks.
- Cooler pocket may not be suitable for all items.
#3 Pick
Glymnis Pop Up Beach Tent 4-6 Person, UV Protection Beach Sun Shelter Tent | UPF 50+, Extra Large, Silver-coated 190T Polyester, Instant Pop Up, No Assembly, 3 Window, Family Tent for Beach Garden, Blue£69.99
Pros
- LARGE BEACH TENT FOR FAMILY - With dimensions of 210 x 160 x 145 cm, Glymnis beach tent offers you a spacious interior. You can enjoy the summer holiday with family or friends together. And you can even put 2 chairs in it.
- EASY SET UP TENT - With hydraulic system, you just need a few minutes to set up and pack away this beach tent without taking much effort. The detailed installation steps have been written in the user manual.
- UPF 50+ UV PROTECTION SUN TENT - With sun protection coating, Glymnis beach sun shelter can protect your skin from the sunlight. And the extended awning design can provide more shade for you.
- VENTILATION & WINDPROOF - 3 large mesh windows allow the airflow and make you feel cool during the hot summer. With the tent pegs and windproof ropes in the accessories, our beach tent will be stable even in windy days.
Cons
- Small carry bag for large tent.
- Limited space for chairs within the tent.
Currently unavailable
Pros
- 360 Degree view plus enhanced ventilation: Six large windows and mesh roof for maximum air circulation; two hinged doors open like a real door for easy access; full head height throughout the large 6-8 person tent
- Sturdy and easy to pitch family size octagon tent: Colour-coded steel poles for easy set up and a good response to wind, flysheet can be removed and tent transforms into a bug-proof screen room
- Extra large space: No more space problems, the family tent offers luxurious space that can be used as a large luxury glamping bedroom, a playroom for kids, or a group tent for festival gatherings
- 100 Percent waterproof: Thanks to Coleman's Weather Tec system with 2000 mm HH combined with taped seams and fully sewn-in groundsheet will keep you dry, whatever the weather
Cons
- Large tent may be difficult to transport.
- Single room design limits flexibility.
FAQ
Do I need a tent footprint?
Yes, a tent footprint is recommended to protect the floor of your tent from wear and tear.
What kind of sleeping bag should I bring with me?
Choose a sleeping bag that matches the temperature rating for the season or conditions you’ll be camping in.
Do tents come with stakes and guy lines?
Tents often include stakes and some guy lines, but check if additional ones are needed before your trip.
Should I bring a stove with me?
A portable camping stove is essential for cooking meals when you're away from home.
What about insect repellent?
Insect repellent is crucial, especially if you’re heading to areas with biting insects or mosquitos.
Do I need a separate water filter?
A water filter or purification tablets are essential for treating natural water sources.
What kind of lighting should I bring?
LED headlamps and portable lanterns provide good illumination without using much battery power.
Do tents come with a rainfly?
Many tents include a rainfly, but check the product description to ensure you have one that suits your weather conditions.
Should I bring a camping mat or foam pad?
A sleeping mat or foam pad will make your tent floor more comfortable and insulate from cold ground temperatures.
Do tents come with interior accessories?
Some tents include interior straps, wall panels, or divider poles, but many require these items to be purchased separately.
In depth
When setting up your tent or shelter for the first time, you'll quickly realize that what comes in the box is just the beginning of what you need to ensure comfort and safety during your camping trip. One of the first considerations should be a good-quality sleeping bag, which can significantly improve your nights out. Sleeping bags are rated for different temperatures, so choose one appropriate for the season or expected temperature range. While most tents come with stakes and guy lines, these may not always be enough to keep your shelter secure in various weather conditions. Investing in additional stakes, especially those made from materials like aluminum, can provide better grip on grassy or muddy ground. Additionally, consider a tarp to use as an extension of your tent, providing extra protection against rain and wind.
Another essential is a reliable camping stove. Whether you choose propane, butane, or white gas, having the right fuel source will ensure that you can cook meals without worrying about power outages. Most stoves come with basic accessories like fuel bottles, but you might want to add a windscreen to keep your cooking area warm and efficient in cooler conditions. A pot holder is also useful for handling hot pots safely.
Proper lighting is crucial, especially when it gets dark early or you plan on staying up late. Headlamps are highly recommended as they free up your hands while allowing you to see where you're going. Additionally, a lantern can provide ambient light inside the tent and make for pleasant reading before bed. Don't forget a multi-tool; these versatile tools often include pliers, scissors, knives, and screwdrivers, which can come in handy for a variety of situations.
Camping chairs are another must-have for comfort during extended stays. They provide a comfortable place to sit while eating or just relaxing after a long day on the trails. If you plan on cooking or working at a table inside your tent, consider a small camping table as well. These tables can be useful for setting up a workspace, preparing food, or even serving drinks and snacks.
Lastly, don't overlook the importance of proper storage solutions. Drying racks are invaluable for keeping clothes and gear dry when you're not using them. They can help prevent mould and mildew from forming inside your tent. A waterproof bag or container is also essential for storing personal items like electronics, documents, and food supplies in a way that keeps them safe from water damage.
By considering these additional accessories and consumables, you'll be better prepared to enjoy your camping trips with comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
The Nest & Yard editorial team
Written and reviewed by our UK-based team of home improvement and gardening writers, who research specs, pricing and customer reviews before every recommendation. Reviewed and updated on 2026-08-09.