Planning your first wild camp or looking to streamline your backpacking setup in the UK? The compact OEX Phoxx 1 II Tent has become a popular choice for solo campers who want reliable shelter without a huge price tag or heavy pack. In this guide, we’ll look at how the Phoxx 1 II fits into a lightweight wild camping system, what to consider when choosing between one- and two-person tents, and how it compares to similar models in the OEX range.
Why the OEX Phoxx 1 II Tent works for UK backpacking
The OEX Phoxx 1 II Tent is a one-person shelter aimed squarely at backpackers and wild campers who need a compact, weatherproof home for the night. With a weight of 1.58kg and a pack size of 31 x 14 x 14cm, it’s easy to strap to the outside of a pack or slot inside a 40–60L rucksack.
The flysheet is waterproof polyester rated to 5,000mm hydrostatic head, which is more than enough to deal with prolonged UK downpours when pitched correctly. The pre-angled OEX Endura poles create a low-profile shape that sheds wind well and opens up a useful porch area for boots and wet kit.
Inside, the breathable polyester inner helps to reduce condensation and can even be used on its own in warm, dry conditions. If you want a deeper dive into performance and build quality, you can always read our full review of the OEX Phoxx 1 II Tent once you’ve finished this guide.
Key features that matter on the trail
Specs on paper only tell half the story, but for a backpacking tent it’s worth understanding how a few headline features translate into real-world comfort.
- 1-person layout: Designed for solo sleepers, with enough room for a sleeping mat, sleeping bag and a bit of clothing inside.
- Weight: 1.58kg – a sensible balance between durability and pack-friendliness.
- Pack size: 31 x 14 x 14cm – compact enough for most backpacking packs and bikepacking setups.
- Waterproof flysheet (5,000mm HH): robust protection against heavy rain.
- Waterproof PE groundsheet: keeps ground moisture at bay on damp pitches.
- Pre-angled poles: improve headroom and create a usable porch for muddy boots and rucksacks.
- Internal storage pockets and lantern hanging points: help keep essentials organised and within reach.
- Pitch time around 10 minutes: manageable even after a long day on the hill.
For many solo campers, these are exactly the practical touches that make a tent feel like a functional base rather than just a basic shelter.
Choosing the right size: one-person vs two-person tents
One of the most common questions when people look at the OEX Phoxx 1 II is whether a one-person tent is big enough. The pitched dimensions (260 x 164 x 75cm) give you a low, streamlined shelter that maximises efficiency over spaciousness.
For backpackers who are used to sleeping in smaller spaces, this is perfectly acceptable. You’ll typically lie lengthways with your pack either in the porch or positioned near your feet. There’s room to sit up and change clothes, but you won’t be hosting a dinner party inside.
If you’d prefer a little more wriggle room, or if there’s a chance you’ll share with a partner or dog, it’s worth looking at a compact two-person tent instead. Within the same family, the OEX Phoxx 2 II Tent is the closest alternative. It keeps the low-profile, backpacking-friendly ethos but adds a second berth and more internal space. You can see how the larger model compares in detail in our OEX Phoxx 2 II Tent review.
How the OEX Phoxx 1 II fits into a lightweight camping setup
A tent is just one part of your overall pack weight. The Phoxx 1 II’s 1.58kg weight is reasonable for backpackers who also want robust fabrics and simple pitching. Here’s how it slots into a typical lightweight but realistic setup for UK conditions:
- Tent: Around 1.5–2kg is common for budget-friendly solo shelters with full flysheets and poles.
- Sleeping bag: 800–1,400g depending on temperature rating and fill type.
- Sleeping mat: 300–600g for a comfortable inflatable mat suitable for three-season use.
- Stove and cook set: 300–800g depending on fuel type and whether you share kit.
If you’re looking at the Phoxx 1 II because you want to shrink your pack size and weight, it’s worth combining it with compact cooking gear as well. For example, a simple gas burner like the Continental Single Burner keeps kitchen weight low and packs away neatly. You can find more thoughts on using a minimal cooking setup for camping in our Continental Single Burner review.
Pitching the Phoxx 1 II: tips for a better night’s sleep
The Phoxx 1 II is marketed as easy to pitch, with a suggested pitch time of around 10 minutes. Once you’re familiar with the pole layout and guy lines, you can usually get it set up quicker than that, but speed is less important than a good pitch.
Choose your spot carefully
- Aim for level ground with some natural shelter from wind, such as behind a low bank or among sparse trees.
- Avoid obvious hollows where water might pool in heavy rain.
- Check the ground for sharp stones and sticks that could stress the groundsheet.
Use the pre-angled poles to your advantage
The pre-angled OEX Endura poles help shape the tent and create porch space, but they work best when tensioned evenly. Make sure the poles are fully seated in their eyelets or grommets, and adjust the guy lines gradually instead of yanking one tight at a time.
Ventilation matters
The breathable inner fabric is designed to reduce condensation, but airflow is still vital. When weather allows, use vents and leave zips slightly open at the top to encourage cross-ventilation. Stowing wet gear in the porch rather than the inner also helps keep moisture under control.
Comparing the OEX Phoxx 1 II to the Phoxx 2 II
OEX has built a bit of a following with its Phoxx series because it offers solid backpacking tents at accessible prices. If you’re torn between the Phoxx 1 II and the Phoxx 2 II, here are the key differences to think about rather than just focusing on the specs list.
Space vs weight
- Phoxx 1 II: Ideal if you camp solo and prioritise keeping weight and pack size down. It’s a snug but functional shelter that does the job without fuss.
- Phoxx 2 II: Better if you want more comfort and flexibility. Even when used solo, the extra width makes faffing with gear, changing clothes and riding out bad weather more pleasant.
If you frequently share with a partner, the Phoxx 2 II is the obvious choice. If most of your trips are solo and weight is a concern, the Phoxx 1 II is the more efficient option. For a closer look at how the larger tent behaves in poor weather and on multi-day trips, take a look at our full OEX Phoxx 2 II Tent review.
Budget-friendly minimalist cooking
Whichever tent you choose, pairing it with simple camping cookware keeps your overall load low. A compact burner, such as the Continental Single Burner, is a good match for the Phoxx series because it mirrors the same straightforward, no-nonsense ethos. With a single pan and a small gas canister, you can cook basic meals or brew up without carrying half a kitchen. For more detail on what to expect from a minimalist stove setup, our Continental Single Burner review breaks it down.
Looking after a lightweight tent so it lasts
Even the most affordable tent can give years of service if you treat it well. Lightweight backpacking shelters like the OEX Phoxx 1 II use thinner, more technical fabrics than family tents, so a bit of care goes a long way.
After each trip
- Dry it thoroughly: Always dry the tent completely before long-term storage to avoid mildew and fabric degradation.
- Clean gently: Brush off mud and debris, and if needed wipe fabrics with a damp cloth rather than harsh detergents.
- Check for damage: Inspect seams, pole sleeves and zips; small snags or tiny tears are much easier to repair early.
On the hill
- Use a footprint or groundsheet protector: A separate groundsheet or even a lightweight tarp reduces wear on the built-in PE floor.
- Guy out properly: Good guying reduces stress on poles and fabric in windy conditions.
- Avoid over-tensioning: Overly tight pitching can strain seams and zips, especially in cold weather.
Is the OEX Phoxx 1 II right for you?
The OEX Phoxx 1 II Tent suits backpackers, wild campers and bikepackers who want a straightforward, reliable shelter at a sensible weight and size. It’s compact enough for multi-day trips, weatherproof enough for typical British conditions and simple enough for those who don’t want an over-complicated setup.
If you’re unsure whether to commit to a one-person tent, or want to see how it stacks up over multiple trips, you’ll find more user-focused impressions in our in-depth write-up. You can read our full review of the OEX Phoxx 1 II Tent for long-term thoughts before you decide.
For campers who value a little more living space, it’s worth comparing it directly with the OEX Phoxx 2 II Tent, and if you’re refining your overall pack weight, pairing your tent with a simple stove like the Continental Single Burner can complete a compact and efficient wild camping kit. Whichever route you take, use the linked reviews to dive deeper into real-world performance and find the setup that fits your style of adventure.