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Review

There are few tents on the market which offer stability, performance and quality at the £50 mark. The OEX Phoxx 1 one-person backpacking tent is one of those tents. Packed with features with an all-inclusive package, the Phoxx 1 is the perfect tent for those on a tight budget just starting out with long-distance backpacking and wild camping.

Why the OEX Phoxx 1

After my Ben Nevis attempt in 2015 and returning from travelling around South East Asia in 2016, I developed a newfound love for hiking and wild camping, trouble is, I didn’t have my own tent. I wanted the cheapest, lightest tent I could find and after digging around the internet I discovered the OEX Phoxx 1 on Go Outdoors’ website. At just £50 and only 1.58kg I struggled to find another tent with the specs I was looking for at a lower price. It was an obvious choice, but to be sure I went in-store and took a look at the one they had set up in the showroom. While it’s super small and comparable to a bivvy bag, it was perfect and I decided to try it on my section hikes of the South West Coastal Path over the next year or two.

Where have you taken it?

I’ve used the OEX Phoxx 1 over multiple sections of the South West Coast Path, in developed campsites in the New Forest and a few nights in Dartmoor National Park. I’ve had it in some pretty nasty weather with high winds and driving rain and this tiny, cheap little tent kept me warm and dry.

Build and quality

For £50 in Go Outdoors, you’re getting a solid tent which has been well-machined and well-considered. The PE groundsheet is seriously tough. It’s not as light or beautifully crafted as my Zpacks Solplex, but for a budget tent, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality.

How roomy is it?

I’m 5’7″ and there’s just enough room inside to have both myself and my gear out of the rain, though it is a tight squeeze. If you’re over 6′ tall, you’ll struggle for space in the Phoxx 1. Only a small pack will fit in with me, anything larger and the pack needs to be in the tiny vestibule.

How did it do in storms?

The extremely low profile of the OEX Phoxx 1 enables you to pitch the tent in some fairly exposed areas. I’ve had it up in 40mph+ winds and driving rain and it never failed.

Packability

The only major setback with the OEX Phoxx 1 is that it’s quite heavy at 1.58kg and when it’s packed. It’ll fit inside a 50L pack with a couple of days of food unless you’re carrying more insulation for winter hiking. If you’ve got a pack which is able to carry the tent on the outside, even better. I’m also very happy with a trekking pole tent which has the dual purpose of using your trekking poles instead of adding extra weight to your pack by using its own aluminium poles.

Value for money

The OEX Phoxx 1 is incredibly cheap for what you’re getting and for those starting out with long-distance backpacking, its durability and stability make it more forgiving in windy conditions, meaning you can pitch it in some fairly exposed areas should you find yourself struggling to find a more suitable campsite. Pegs, poles and stuff sack included make it a good deal as well.

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