If you are planning a camping trip, one of the essential items on your checklist should be a toilet tent.
Not only do they provide a convenient and hygienic solution for those needing to answer a call of nature, but they also offer privacy and protection from the elements while you are doing your business.
With so many toilet tent options available on the market, it can be confusing to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best toilet tents for camping in Australia.
From affordable and basic models to high-end and innovative designs, this list takes into account factors like size, durability, ease of use, and ventilation.
Armed with this information, you will hopefully be able to make an informed decision about the best toilet tent for your next camping trip.
What exactly is a toilet tent?
A toilet tent is a small, portable structure designed to provide a private and hygienic space for people to go to the toilet while on a camping trip.
These tents are typically compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport and set up at the campsite. They are an essential piece of camping equipment for those who prefer to camp in primitive campgrounds or areas without access to bathroom facilities.
Toilet tents that are intended for use during camping typically comprise a simple yet sturdy design, that features a lightweight frame and a waterproof cover.
Many models come with a zippered door and windows for extra ventilation, as well as a small opening in the floor for a portable toilet or bucket. As they can usually be set up quickly and easily, they are a convenient option for campers who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors.
Toilet tents come in all shapes and sizes, from small and compact models designed for solo campers to larger models that can accommodate the needs of families or groups of friends.
What are the benefits of a Toilet Tent?
Toilet tents are a very beneficial thing to have amongst your camping equipment.
First and foremost, they provide a private and hygienic space for campers to use the toilet, which as previously mentioned, is especially important in areas without access to public toilets or restrooms.
Furthermore, even if you are staying in an area that provides toilets, the added privacy of a toilet tent is a more attractive and comfortable option for some than sharing public bathroom facilities. Particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
Another good thing about toilet tents is that they enable you to camp in a wider range of locations
that do not have bathroom facilities. Therefore making your experience at those destinations a lot more comfortable.
Also, having your own toilet tent – which you should regularly clean – can prevent your risk of infection or illness which may otherwise result from using unsanitary public conveniences.
How Durable Are Toilets Tents?
While they might not always look the sturdiest, toilet tents, as a rule, are surprisingly robust and durable.
Typically, they are made from materials that are designed to withstand the elements and regular use. Often this incorporates waterproof and UV-resistant fabric, which helps to protect against rain, wind, and sun damage. The frames are also normally made from lightweight yet strong materials like fibreglass or aluminium, which are designed to provide stability while remaining easy to transport.
Additionally, many toilet tents have reinforced seams and stitching, which can help to prevent tears or fraying over time. They usually come with a separate carrying case or storage bag, which can help to protect the tent during transport and storage, when not in use.
It is important to recognise that while toilet tents are generally durable, not all of them are created equally. In this respect, you usually get what you pay for, with more expensive models having a longer shelf life than cheaper versions.
However, it is certainly true that factors such as frequency of use, exposure to the elements, and the degree to which you treat it with proper care and maintenance are also factors too. But in most cases, the better you look after it, the more years of service it will provide you with.
Best Toilet Tents To Purchase
Having established the benefits and durability of a toilet tent, let’s now take a look at some of the best ones to buy. Below are four fabulous options.
Wanderer Pop Up BCF Toilet Tent
When it comes to portable camping toilet tents it is hard to beat the Wanderer Pop Up BCF Toilet Tent.
Popular and quite affordably priced, it is an excellent solution for those who want a private and hygienic space for their toilet and shower needs.
The tent is designed to be easy to set up and take down in minutes, making it ideal for campers who are looking for a convenient and practical solution. Its pop-up nature also ensures it is compact and lightweight, thus ensuring it is easy to transport and store.
Made from durable polyester fabric, which is both waterproof and UV-resistant, the toilet tent provides very good protection from the elements. So you can confidently use it in wet weather conditions and also have the peace of mind that it will not suffer from sun damage either.
The tent also features large windows with mesh panels for ventilation, helping to keep the space
fresh and odour-free. While not see-through, they allow for adequate airflow, which is an important factor in ensuring that the tent remains comfortable and hygienic.
The Wanderer Pop Up BCF Toilet Tent also has a zippered entrance which provides you with increased privacy and security, as well as a handy convenient storage pouch for your toiletries.
Overall, if you are in need of a compact and easy-to-use toilet tent, this option is a very good choice. It also is super easy to clean, so you will have the peace of mind of it remaining hygienic when you use it.
OZtrail Ensuite Dome
If you are looking for something that is easy to set up, offers some convenient features and has a sturdy construction, then the OZtrail Ensuite Dome would be an excellent investment for you.
One of the best aspects of this tent is that it is quite spacious, offering a height of 225 cm. So, you should bear that in mind if the other models on the market make you feel a bit claustrophobic.
Another good selling point is that it has a removable floor, which makes it much easier and more convenient to clean and maintain. Essentially, after you have used the toilet or had a shower, you can quickly detach the floor to give it a quick wipe-over without having to stay inside the tent. Therefore ensuring it is clean and hygienic for the next person who wants to use it.
Very straightforward to set up and put away, the tent also has large windows which have mesh panels for ventilation. They can be covered up to give you privacy. But if you are in an area where there is no one else about you can also leave it down to make the experience a little less laborious by taking in the scenic views of your surroundings.
The OZtrail Ensuite Dome is constructed with a sturdy steel frame and features a waterproof and UV-resistant fabric. It also has very good airflow, which quickly gets rid of an odour that might otherwise linger.
Explore Planet Earth Speedy Ensuite
For those who just want something affordable that does the job, then the Explore Planet Earth Speedy Ensuite is the toilet tent for you.
As the cheapest option on this list, it does not have the bells and whistles of the other tents showcased. But it does provide a good bit of privacy for those who want to use the toilet or shower.
It is also a pop-up tent, which means, like the others it is quick to assemble, although you will need to peg it in place to keep it stable. It is also easy to take down just by pushing one corner into the other and folding it.
Measuring 190 cm in length and 110 cm in width, it is a little smaller than the standard size of the toilet tent you can buy. It also does not have a floor, so you may want to consider adding some kind of mesh flooring to ensure your feet don’t get dirty.
That said, it does have internal pockets for your toilet paper and toiletries and it does come with all the ropes and pegs you will need to keep it in place.
All things considered, despite its low price, it is a good quality product that will last you a while if you look after it.
Coleman Instant Up Ensuite Tent
Coleman is a trusted name in the camping game and their toilet tents certainly live up to this reputation. However, their products are generally more expensive than other companies on the market, so they might not suit everyone’s budget.
That said, this tent is top quality. Made from water-resistant silver-coated polyester, it has a steel frame that can withstand pretty much anything Mother Nature tests you with. Its floor also has a mesh rim that allows water to drain after a shower (or if you miss the bowl!). There are also mesh panels on the roof which provide more ventilation than most other models, as well as mesh windows.
Another model that is very easy to set up and pack away, the tent ingeniously has a big zip-up pocket that keeps your clothes and towels covered whilst you shower. It even has an access port for your shower hose too, as well as hooks to keep it in place whilst you are using it.
At 210 cm x 120 cm, its height and length are pretty standard. But that is about the only thing that is standard on this top-notch deluxe model.
Conclusion
Overall, toilet tents are a terrific addition to any camper’s portfolio of must-have equipment.
Whether you have been camping for many years or are a relative novice when it comes to venturing into the great outdoors, a toilet tent can provide you with a convenient, private and comfortable way to answer a call of nature.
Whatever you are after in a toilet tent, the four models showcased above would be fabulous options for your next camping trip.