Naturehike Opalus Tunnel Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 7.4/10
Best for: Extra sheltered living space for a caravan, motorhome or tent
Not for: Anyone needing a fully enclosed, four-season shelter
Bottom line: A practical camping shelter (awning) for time spent outdoors.
The Naturehike Opalus Tunnel is a family-sized tunnel tent designed for car camping, and it is described as including an awning. It stands out as a base-camp option rather than a walk-in hiking tent. It is stated to fit 2-6 people, and the awning adds extra covered space for light rain or strong sun. For travellers expecting ultralight packing, the car camping focus may feel limiting, but it appears practical for family use where car access is available.
Key specifications
| Feature | What's stated |
|---|---|
| People | 2-6 |
| Use | Car backpacking tent |
| Capacity | Spacious |
Pros
- Awning
- Quick shelter for the outdoors
Cons
- Check the size and capacity suit your group and gear
- Practise pitching before your trip
- In strong wind, peg out and guy properly (or take it down)
Type and Use
This camping shelter is positioned as a car backpacking tent, intended for trips where the shelter can be set up near a vehicle rather than carried as a compact backpack option. This style of use suits family and basecamp-style camping, where gear access and slower set-up are practical. The mention of an awning indicates sheltered additional space for stopping for meals or breaks. Its car-focused design may be less suitable for hikes where minimising carried weight is a priority.
Size and Capacity
How much room does a car backpacking tunnel tent like the Naturehike offer, especially when several people need sleeping space? The camping shelter is described as a family tent sized for 2-6 people, so it targets small groups and larger families. Capacity depends on how many sleepers share the same floor area, and whether they store gear inside. The title also notes an awning, which can create extra covered space for shoes, bags, or cooking prep outside the sleeping zone.
Weatherproofing and Build
Weatherproofing and build quality determine how well a tunnel tent like the Naturehike holds up once conditions change, and that matters alongside fitting 2 - 6 people comfortably. The tunnel structure should be assessed by how rigid it feels when loaded with poles and fabric, because wind forces act on seams and corners. A tunnel layout can help rain run off the outer surface, but water resistance depends on how well material edges seal and how effectively the awning provides extra coverage. Loose joins or fabric sag can create pathways for water to track inward.
Pitching and Features
Pitching the camping shelter starts with erecting the tunnel-style main tent frame for a spacious family shelter intended for 2 to 6 people. The fabric is then raised over the frame, with the position checked so it sits evenly. Once the main structure is in place, the awning is attached and positioned to extend covered protection where it matters most, helping reduce direct exposure as angles change. This setup supports an efficient layout, but it requires careful alignment so the awning sits correctly. If the available space is uneven, additional adjustment may be needed to achieve a proper fit.
Who Is This For?
Who is the Naturehike Opalus Tunnel for? It suits family and group backpacking or car camping, since it is described as a spacious lightweight tent designed for 2-6 people, with an awning. The awning adds extra shelter at the entrance, which can help with shade or rain protection when the tent is pitched near a vehicle. It is also aimed at buyers who want one larger shelter solution rather than splitting capacity across multiple tents. It may be less suitable for solo trekkers or anyone prioritising a very compact setup, as the focus is on accommodating larger parties.
Where to Buy in the UK
In the UK, the Naturehike is typically available from outdoor and camping retailers that stock The camping shelter gear, and it may also appear on online marketplaces where availability changes by season. Shoppers can start with specialist camping stores, then compare with mainstream sporting goods sites since stock can vary by region. For online buying, the listing should be checked to confirm it is the Opalus Tunnel with an awning, and that the seller states a capacity of "2-6" people. Delivery times and returns should be reviewed before checkout, as these affect overall value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Naturehike worth it?
For adding sheltered living space to a caravan, motorhome or tent, the camping shelter (a awning) does the job. Whether it suits you depends on your group size, how you camp and the weather you expect. Check the current Amazon UK price, as camping gear is heavily discounted off-season.
What type of awning is this camping shelter?
The Naturehike is a awning. Drive-away awnings detach so you can take the vehicle out and leave the awning pitched; caravan and motorhome awnings attach to the van for extra living space; porch awnings add a smaller sheltered entrance. Choose the type for your vehicle and how you camp.
Is the Naturehike Opalus Tunnel easy to pitch?
Pitching ease depends on the type - pop-up and inflatable (air) designs go up fastest, while poled tents take a little longer but pack smaller. The camping shelter is typical for its type; whatever you choose, practise pitching once at home before your trip so it's stress-free on-site, and peg out guy lines properly in wind.