The OEX Phoxx 2 II is a compact two-person tent aimed squarely at hikers, bikepackers and wild campers who want decent weather protection without spending a fortune. OEX is Go Outdoors’ in-house performance brand, generally offering solid technical specs at wallet-friendly prices, and the Phoxx 2 II follows that formula.
The OEX Phoxx 2 II is a strong match for solo backpackers or minimalist couples who want a tent that will handle rough UK weather without weighing them down. At 2.1 kg it is light enough for multi-day hikes, DofE expeditions and bikepacking trips where every gram counts.
The Phoxx 2 II delivers a lot of functional design for a very accessible price. The 5,000 mm hydrostatic head on the polyester flysheet is a genuine highlight at this level, offering far more rain protection than many entry-level backpacking tents. Combined with a fully waterproof polyethylene groundsheet, it gives reassuring defence against typical British downpours and wet pitches.
At 2.1 kg, the tent is light and compact enough to split between two packs or carry solo without feeling punished on longer days. OEX’s pre-angled Endura poles add a bit of extra headroom and stability without complicating the pitch, so you get a low, wind-shedding profile that does not feel too coffin-like inside.
Practical touches such as internal storage pockets and lantern hanging points make living with the tent easier, keeping essentials close to hand and lighting sorted once you are zipped in for the night. The ability to pitch the inner on its own in hot, dry conditions is a nice bonus for summer trips or continental travel, giving you a bug-proof, well-ventilated mesh shelter when you do not need the full fly.
User ratings around 4.3 out of 5 from a healthy number of reviews suggest that most owners feel they have had good value and reliable performance from the Phoxx 2 II, which adds confidence if you are buying your first backpacking tent.
While this is sold as a two-person tent, space will feel tight for two adults plus kit, especially on longer trips. Realistically, it is most comfortable as a roomy solo tent, or for two people who travel very light and do not mind being close.
The 2.1 kg weight is very reasonable for the price, but dedicated ultralight backpackers will find lighter options on the market, albeit at significantly higher cost and often with more delicate fabrics. The Phoxx 2 II prioritises robustness over shaving every last gram.
Headroom and interior volume are naturally limited by the low-profile design. You will not be able to sit fully upright at every point, and there is not a huge amount of covered space for cooking or storing muddy gear, so it is less suited to long, static stays.
Finally, features remain fairly simple: there is no porch vestibule system detailed beyond the basic entrance, no fancy blackout fabric, and no mention of multiple vents or additional guying options. For the money this is not a deal-breaker, but it is something to keep in mind if you are used to more feature-rich trekking tents.
Living with the Phoxx 2 II feels straightforward from the first pitch. The pre-angled Endura poles follow a simple structure that is easy to get your head around even if you are relatively new to backpacking tents, and a quoted 15-minute pitch time is realistic once you have practised a couple of times. Its compact footprint makes it simple to tuck into small, discreet wild camping spots where larger tents would struggle.
On the trail, the 2.1 kg pack weight is manageable in a single rucksack, and it becomes very reasonable if shared between two people by splitting poles and fabric. The packed size is not stated, but given the materials and weight, it will sit neatly in or on most 40–60 litre packs without dominating the space.
Inside, storage pockets help keep torches, phones and glasses off the floor, reducing the nightly rummage. A lantern hanging loop in the roof lets you get usable light where you actually need it, handy for sorting kit or reading in the evenings. The breathable polyester inner does a decent job of managing condensation, particularly important on cold, damp UK nights; you will still see some moisture on the fly in certain conditions, but the inner fabric is designed to keep it away from your sleeping bag.
In warmer weather or on very still nights, being able to pitch just the inner transforms the feel of the tent. It becomes a breezy, bug-proof shelter that is more comfortable to lounge in, and gives you an unobstructed view of the sky while keeping midges and mozzies on the outside. Day-to-day, the materials used are easy to wipe down and dry quickly, which simplifies post-trip cleaning and storage.
Weather protection is the Phoxx 2 II’s strongest card. A 5,000 mm hydrostatic head flysheet is a serious rating for a tent in this price bracket, more than enough for persistent rain and typical three-season use in the UK. Paired with a waterproof polyethylene groundsheet, it offers solid defence from both above and below, helping you stay dry even on saturated pitches or in sustained showers.
The pre-angled OEX Endura poles give the tent a low yet functional structure. The slightly steeper pole geometry adds usable headroom where you need it, while still presenting a streamlined profile to the wind. This helps it remain stable in gusty conditions, provided you take care with peg placement and guying. The overall design is clearly aimed at three-season use: spring, summer and autumn backpacking, rather than full-on winter mountaineering.
Ventilation and condensation management are handled by the breathable polyester inner, which is designed to reduce the clammy feel that can affect cheaper tents. Although the spec does not list lots of vents or mesh panels, the inner-and-fly combination is a proven layout that balances warmth and airflow for typical British conditions. Being able to run the inner on its own in hot weather also means you can adapt the tent to a wider range of climates.
In terms of features, the Phoxx 2 II stays focused on essentials that matter on the hill. Storage pockets keep small items organised, and lantern hanging points are thoughtfully positioned so you can light the interior without improvising with guy lines and carabiners. There is enough room to sleep two in a pinch, but it excels as a shelter that offers a comfortable night for one person with kit stored inside and around the sleeping area.
Compared with many tents in the 1–2 person backpacking category, the Phoxx 2 II does not try to compete on advanced extras or cutting-edge ultralight fabrics. Instead, it offers a robust, no-nonsense spec sheet that prioritises waterproofing, simplicity and practicality, which is exactly what many newer backpackers actually need.
Taken as a whole package, the OEX Phoxx 2 II offers excellent value for money. Its price sits firmly in the budget to lower mid-range of small backpacking tents, but the 5,000 mm hydrostatic head flysheet is a figure you would normally associate with more expensive models.
The balance of 2.1 kg weight, robust waterproofing and usable interior space makes it a particularly attractive choice for students, DofE participants, and anyone assembling a lightweight wild camping kit on a tighter budget. You are not paying for premium brand badges or ultralight materials, but you are getting a reliable shelter that has to meet the expectations of a large, vocal customer base.
With a user rating of around 4.3 out of 5 from dozens of reviews, most owners seem happy with the performance they are getting for the money. As long as you are realistic about the compact dimensions and three-season positioning, it is hard to argue with the value proposition here.
The OEX Phoxx 2 II is a well-judged, affordable backpacking tent that gets the basics right. Strong waterproofing, a sensible 2.1 kg weight and a simple, stable structure make it a dependable partner for UK hillwalking, bikepacking and wild camping trips, especially if you are just starting to move beyond car camping.
It is not the lightest or most spacious two-person tent on the market, and comfort for two adults with full gear is limited, but as a roomy solo shelter or occasional two-up option it works very well. The feature set is deliberately straightforward, focusing on what you actually use on the hill rather than headline-grabbing gimmicks.
If you want a bombproof basecamp tent for weeks on end, or you are chasing cutting-edge ultralight kit, you should look higher up the price ladder. If, however, you need a reliable three-season tent that will keep you dry, packs down small and does not drain your bank account, the Phoxx 2 II is an easy recommendation.
