- Elmi
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Looking for a reliable one-person tent for your next solo trek, without immediately spending your entire holiday budget on it? Then the Highlander Refuge 1 Tent is definitely a model to consider. In this review, Outdoor-Magic shares their experience of this compact, sturdy tent - tested under real conditions in the rugged mountains of North Wales.
This tent has been extensively tested by Outdoors Magic and selected as one of the 100 best outdoor products of 2025 in their annual "Outdoor 100" list. That says a lot about the value for money and reliability of this model.
Key features
Sturdy design
The tent has a classic tunnel design with one arch and four reinforced corners. This makes it remarkably stable in wind and rain - especially if you set it up facing the wind. On stormy nights in the Moelwynion mountains, the tent stayed upright with no leaks or flapping.
Roomy for one (and cramped for two)
Inside, there is a surprising amount of space. The test subject is 1.78 m tall and could easily sit upright without touching the roof. His thick sleeping mat fitted fine, and there was even enough space to keep his rucksack inside in the rain. The awning is spacious enough for your shoes, bag and to cook a simple meal.
Inside, you will find a handy mesh storage compartment for a book or your headlamp, for example. There is also a hook at the top to hang a lamp or dry your socks.
Clever ventilation
The door is designed so that you can open the top for fresh air without letting rain in. There is also an extra ventilation opening with insect screen for warm nights.
Waterproof storage bag
A small but thoughtful detail: the tent comes in a rolltop drybag with sealed seams. This allows you to hang it on the outside of your rucksack, even when it is raining. Ideal!
Practical experience
Set up
Pitching is simple and intuitive. After the first time, the tent was up in less than 3 minutes. You can set up the outer fabric first - useful in rain. Note that the tent is not free-standing, so you need ground stakes. On rocky ground, it can be difficult to get the tent properly taut.
Unpacking and packing
I always use the "stuff and roll" approach and have had no trouble getting the Refuge 1 into its drybag every time, even when wet. You can take out the four aluminium corner poles for easier packing, but not necessarily.
Material & construction
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Outer tent: 75D ripstop polyester, water column 4000 mm
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Inner tent: Breathable mesh with bathtub floor (5000 mm)
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Poles & pegs: Aluminium
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Storage bag: Waterproof with rolltop closure
Everything feels solid, with a focus on durability and practical use.
Final verdict
The Highlander Refuge 1 is not an ultralight high-tech tent, but for the price it is a solid, reliable choice for solo campers. It offers great value for money, is easy to use and comfortable in poor weather conditions.
Whether you are just starting out in wild camping or just looking for an affordable tent you can trust in the mountains or forests - the Refuge 1 comes highly recommended. Light enough for multi-day treks, sturdy enough for bad weather, and compact enough for a 50-litre rucksack.
Plus points:
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Excellent value for money
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Waterproof storage bag included
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Easy to set up
Points of note:
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Not free-standing (more difficult on hard ground)
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Not a lightweight model (2 kg)
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