Pitching the Highlander Respite 2 was easy and this affordable tent withstands inclement weather well, says James Roddie.
The Highlander Respite 2 is a two person tunnel tent weighing a total of 2.68kg. This is not a tent designed for ultralight adventures, and this is reflected in the robust nature of the materials.
James Roddie recommends
Overall this tent has a lot to offer for its price. This is a good choice for weekend warriors looking for a robust two person tent where weight isn’t a primary consideration.- affordable
- robust materials
- very easy pitching
- weight
- no mention of sustainability credentials
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: $242 / £179.99 Weight: 2.68kg (including storage bag) Pitching: Flysheet and inner as unit Flysheet: 75D, 210T Polyester ripstop 4000mm HH. Inner: 190T Polyester breathable mesh. Groundsheet: 190T Polyester 5000mm HH. Poles: 8mm aluminium Pegs: 14 Y profile pegs Porches: 1 Inner dimensions: 130cm (W) x 210cm (L) x 100cm (H) highlander-outdoor.com |
My first impression was that this tent felt more akin to those made by slightly more expensive brands. The design is a simple ‘2 hoop’ shape, tapering towards the foot. The poles are not colour-coded but it is immediately obvious where these go. I found pitching very quick and intuitive. The tent pitches as a unit out of the bag (or flysheet first) which is helpful for pitching in wet conditions.
I was impressed with how this tent stands up to poor weather. The flysheet and groundsheet both have a high hydrostatic head, the seams are taped, and rainwater sheds quickly off the rounded flysheet design.
There is very low clearance between the bottom lip of the flysheet and the ground, even when pitching on bumpy or highly uneven surfaces. This really helps to keep any draughts to a minimum.
The inner does not feel as spacious as some two person tents. It tapers from 130cm wide at the head to 105cm at the foot, and floor space towards the foot of the tent feels quite limited. I would also have preferred a little more headspace throughout.
The porch feels nicely spacious however. The porch entrance is quite narrow, but this helps to keep the weather out if you are cooking in the porch with the door open.
A small groundsheet is also provided for the porch, and there is a hanging line for clothes in the inner.
Overall this tent has a lot to offer for its price. This is a good choice for weekend warriors looking for a robust two person tent where weight isn’t a primary consideration.
Testing conditions
James tested these tents in a variety of conditions in Spring in the Scottish Highlands. Conditions included moderately strong winds, clear nights with heavy dew, and some periods of heavy rain. James is 180cm tall with average width shoulders. All tents were weighed on James’s own scales.
This review was first published in the September 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.
