Have you ever longed to do some real, serious, off-road, dirtbag-style backcountry long-range hikes but felt deterred by the idea of carrying a tent and sleeping bag the whole way? Me too. I have often fantasised about simply setting off from my home in a random direction stopping for the night wherever I end up but having to carry a tent on my back, find a spot for it and then pitch it before fatigue fully sets in, is just a pain in the keister.
Well, that is what bivvy bags were invented for and I have already written and rhapsodised about these hammock-sleeping hybrids previously. Today I am going to introduce you to a piece that evolves further on this concept – the Tentsile UNA is basically a hybrid bivvy-hammock-sleeping bag tent all in one!
For those who yearn to combine the thrill of hammock camping with the protection of a conventional tent, the Tentsile UNA 1 offers a compelling solution. This review delves into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this innovative, single-occupant tree tent, designed to elevate your camping experience—literally and figuratively.
Tentsile UNA 1 Overview
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Here is the Credos. The Tentsile UNA 1 is a unique blend of hammock and tent, allowing campers to suspend their sleeping area between trees and off the ground. It’s designed for solo adventurers seeking a lightweight, quick and novel camping solution that avoids the common discomforts of ground-based setups.
The UNA 1 boasts a compact design aimed at minimising environmental impact while maximising comfort and convenience in the wilderness. It’s one of the best bivvy bags I’ve ever used.
Tentsile UNA Detailed Review
Size and Weight
The UNA 1 weighs approximately 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) and packs down to 25 x 12 x 12 cm (10 x 5 x 5 inches), making it a compact enough option for solo trekkers. It fits comfortably within or attached to most hiking backpacks, ensuring easy transport on the trail.
However, I will say that it is still a lot heavier than I expected. In fact, I imagined it would weigh half as much and in truth, you may still feel the strain of carrying it just as you would a tent and sleeping bag combo. If you need something significantly lighter, then I suggest checking out one of the best ultralight tents on the market instead.
That said, despite its minimalism the tent still provides a spacious sleeping area, making it ideal for long-distance hikes. You still want a decent bit of room for resting.
Putting Up and Taking Down
Pitching the Tentsile UNA 1 can be a bit of a learning curve for those new to tree tents, but with practice, it becomes a quick and straightforward process, often taking well under 10 minutes.
The key is finding three strong anchor points—trees or other stable features—which can be the most time-consuming part of the setup.
Dismantling the tent is generally faster and easier, making it a convenient option for those on the move. This in itself makes it a great backpacking sleep set-up.
Comfort and Weatherproof
Sleeping in the UNA 1 is a unique experience; its tensioned base provides a flat, stable surface, unlike traditional hammocks. The included rainfly and insect mesh offer excellent protection against the elements and pests, making it suitable for a variety of climates. I personally prefer the feeling of being suspended to sleeping on the ground.
The tent’s elevated design keeps you cool in warm weather, while its robust, waterproof materials ensure you stay dry during rain. When it comes to freedom camping, it’s my go-to choice.
Let’s be honest here, if you get caught in an especially heavy downpour or choose to camp out on a frigid night, then you will feel it and will probably wish you were tucked up safely wrapped in a sleeping bag packed inside a tent so you need to choose your occasions. Still, for the pleasant spring and summer seasons, it’s great.
Best Uses
The Tentsile UNA 1 is best suited for backcountry adventures, backpacking trips, and anyone interested in minimal-impact camping. Me and my friends sometimes follow ancient pilgrimage routes here in the UK (walking to Canterbury on foot for example), sleeping as rough as we need to, and this will be the perfect tent for when we do it again next summer. When it comes to picking the right tent for my next adventure, this is right up there.
Its lightweight and compact design makes it less ideal for casual camping or scenarios where you don’t want to spend time finding perfect tree placements, like at crowded music festivals (If that’s what you need then check out my guide to the best festival tents). However, for those dedicated to off-the-beaten-path locations, it provides unmatched comfort and a unique sleeping experience.
As I said earlier, this hammock-tent is also best used in fair weather conditions. It does offer some warmth and rain protection but not enough for you to sleep safely and comfortably in the harsher conditions that life in the Northern Hemisphere can throw up. In the UK for example, I’d use this from mid-April to mid-September (avoiding storms) although I appreciate some of you are a bit hardier than me.
I also rate it as ideally suited for bikepacking adventures where the weight isn’t so much of a hindrance and you’ll likely find yourself in need of a quick place in the middle of nowhere to camp.
Price and Value
Costing £299 (around $380) this is not a cheap piece of gear. You can pick up regular (semi-decent) Bivv-bags for $50 and quality hammocks for $150. Still, it is a novel piece of kit that answers a gap in the market, is well designed, well fashioned and should give you some years of use. It’s not for everyone, some might prefer to just go for a decent one-man tent instead, but it’s certainly got its uses.
And listen up, we are delighted to confirm that we can offer a 5% discount when you buy using the link below along with the code – BrokeBackPacker5.
Tentsile UNA 1 – Pros and Cons
- Elevated sleeping platform keeps you off cold or uneven ground.
- Compact and lightweight, perfect for backpacking.
- Quick setup and takedown once familiar with the process.
- Environmentally friendly design reduces campsite impact.
- Requires suitable trees for setup, limiting potential campsites.
- Learning curve for initial setup.
- Costs more than traditional hammocks or bivy sacks.
- Heavier than I expected
Final Thoughts
The Tentsile UNA 1 Hammock Tent is an altogether cracking piece of outdoor kit. It is a standout choice for solo adventurers seeking a lightweight, innovative camping solution that merges the comfort of a hammock with the protection of a tent.
While it may not suit every camping scenario due to its need for specific terrain features, for the right user and environment, it offers an exceptional outdoor sleeping experience. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the wilderness with minimal impact and maximum comfort, the Tentsile UNA 1 might just be your next great investment.
