Tentsile Una Tree Tent Review: Pop Up Treehouse For Adults

There's something magical about sleeping suspended above the forest floor. The Tentsile UNA V3 promises to transform ordinary camping into an elevated adventure, quite literally.

This single-person tree tent combines the comfort of a traditional tent with the versatility of a hammock, using a three-point anchor system to create a flat sleeping platform.

After spending 30 nights testing the UNA across various conditions, I've discovered this suspended shelter excels in specific scenarios but demands certain compromises that traditional campers might not expect.

Tentsile UNA Tree Tent Review: The Bottom Line

Quick Specifications at a Glance

Tentsile UNA V3 - Solo Tree Tent

The UNA represents Tentsile's most compact offering in their tree tent lineup. This solo model uses the same three-point suspension system as their larger tents but scales it down for individual campers.

I found the build quality impressive from day one. The reinforced webbing and heavy-duty ratchets inspire confidence when you're suspended several feet off the ground.

How Long Does It Take to Set Up the Tentsile UNA?

The UNA's setup process is the biggest consideration for potential buyers. My first setup took 35 minutes. By the fifth time, I was down to 12 minutes.

Step-by-Step Setup Process

1. Select your trees: Find three suitable anchor points (more on this below).
2. Attach straps: Wrap the main straps around each tree at approximately head height.
3. Connect ratchets: Attach the ratchet buckles to the strap ends.
4. Position the tent: Lay the UNA floor centered beneath the anchor points.
5. Attach floor straps: Clip the floor to the three suspension points.
6. Tension the system: Use ratchets to tighten evenly, starting with the center strap.
7. Add the rainfly: Drape and stake the fly if weather requires.

The key to faster setup is finding good trees. When trees are poorly positioned, setup time can extend beyond 45 minutes as you adjust and re-adjust.

What Trees Do You Need for a Tentsile UNA?

I've learned that tree selection is make-or-break for this system. Here's what I look for:

• Minimum diameter: 6 inches at strap height (15cm+ is better)
• Tree health: Alive, solid bark, no dead branches overhead
• Spacing: 10-13 feet between each anchor point
• Height: Straps positioned at roughly 5-6 feet high
• Slope: Flat ground beneath is ideal, though the tent compensates for mild unevenness

In dense forests with mature trees, finding suitable anchors is easy. In open areas, young forests, or regions with sparse tree cover, the UNA becomes unusable.

Capacity and Interior Space

The UNA officially accommodates one person, and that's the realistic maximum. At 29 square feet, the floor provides enough room for a solo camper with gear.

I'm 5'10" and found the length adequate. Taller campers approaching 6'3" might feel cramped at the edges, as the tapered shape reduces foot space.

The suspended floor creates a surprisingly flat sleeping surface. Unlike hammocks that curve around your body, the UNA's triple-point design maintains tension for level sleeping.

Headroom is limited when lying down, but sitting up is possible for most people. The insect mesh canopy provides about 18-24 inches of clearance at the peak.

For gear storage, I keep my backpack suspended from one of the anchor straps using a carabiner. This keeps it off the ground and within reach.

Is the Tentsile UNA Waterproof?

The waterproofing is one of the UNA's strengths. The bathtub floor extends several inches up the sides, creating a waterproof basin even when the tent is suspended at an angle.

The rainfly attaches separately and provides complete coverage. In my testing, the fly handled steady rain without issue. The only weakness is wind-driven rain from below—rare but possible in extreme conditions.

Build Quality and Durability

Tentsile designs their products in the UK, and the engineering shows. The UNA uses heavier materials than traditional backpacking tents, which adds weight but increases longevity.

Key durability features include:

• Reinforced floor seams: All stress points are double-stitched
• Heavy-duty zippers: YKK-style zippers on entry and mesh
• UV-resistant materials: Prolongs life in sunny conditions
• Padded straps: Protects trees from damage

After 30 nights of use, I've observed no wear beyond normal dirt accumulation. The ratchets show no signs of slippage or corrosion.

Comfort and Sleep Quality

Sleeping suspended feels different than ground camping. The gentle sway can be soothing, though it takes 1-2 nights to adjust fully.

I've slept in the UNA more comfortably than in hammocks because the flat floor prevents the curve-induced shoulder compression that plagues traditional hammock camping.

Temperature regulation is interesting. Being suspended 3-4 feet off the ground means more air circulation underneath. In summer, this is refreshing. In cooler weather, an underquilt or insulated blanket makes a significant difference.

Weight and Portability

At approximately 5.5 pounds (2.5kg), the UNA sits in an awkward middle ground. It's too heavy for serious backpacking but reasonably light for car camping.

Packed size resembles a small sleeping bag or thick camping pad. The ratchets add bulk that traditional tents don't have, but the overall footprint remains manageable.

For car campers moving from site to site, the weight is negligible. For anyone planning to hike more than a mile from their vehicle, this tent becomes a burden.

Pros and Cons

Reasons to Buy the Tentsile UNA

• Unique experience: Sleeping suspended above ground feels magical
• Versatile terrain: Perfect for rocky, wet, or uneven ground where traditional tents fail
• Comfortable sleep: Flat sleeping surface beats curved hammocks
• Quality construction: Built to last with premium materials
• Insect protection: Full mesh canopy keeps bugs out effectively
• Great views: Elevated position provides better scenery
• Fun factor: Draws attention and conversation at campgrounds

Reasons to Avoid the Tentsile UNA

• Tree dependent: Useless without suitable anchor points
• Setup complexity: Longer setup than traditional tents
• Limited locations: Not viable in many camping environments
• Weight penalty: Heavier than comparable ground tents
• Learning curve: Takes practice to set up quickly
• Cost: More expensive than basic solo tents
• Not for backpacking: Too heavy and tree-dependent for backcountry use

Best Use Cases for the Tentsile UNA

The UNA shines in specific scenarios:

Car camping with established campsites: Forest Service campgrounds with mature trees are ideal. You can set up once and enjoy a unique elevated experience.

Rocky or uneven terrain: I've used the UNA in locations where finding a flat tent pad was impossible. The suspension system creates a level sleeping surface regardless of ground conditions.

Wet environments: Camping near rivers, lakes, or after rain is no problem. Being elevated keeps you dry even when the ground is saturated.

Backyard adventures: The UNA makes an excellent backyard camping tent for adults or older kids. It's fun, quick to set up permanently, and withstands weather.

Festival camping: At multi-day music festivals, the UNA stands out and handles uneven festival grounds better than traditional tents.

Tentsile UNA vs Other Tree Tents

The UNA is Tentsile's entry-level model. The Connect adds capacity for two people but requires more space. The Stingray offers even more room and features at a higher price point.

For solo campers deciding between UNA and Connect, the choice comes down to future needs. The UNA handles one person comfortably. If you occasionally camp with a partner, the Connect makes more sense despite the larger footprint.

Environmental Considerations

A common question is whether tree tents damage trees. Tentsile addresses this with wide, padded straps that distribute weight and protect bark.

However, any suspended shelter puts stress on trees. I follow these practices:

• Move setup locations regularly when camping in the same area
• Avoid strapping to very young or damaged trees
• Use tree protection sleeves if setting up repeatedly
• Don't exceed the recommended weight limit

For occasional campers following manufacturer guidelines, tree damage is minimal. The impact is far less than establishing permanent tree houses or improperly using hammocks with thin ropes.

Accessories and Add-Ons

Tentsile offers several accessories that enhance the UNA experience:

• Underblanket: Essential for cold weather camping, provides insulation from below
• Protection sheet: Extends floor life and adds waterproofing
• Gear loft: Suspended storage for small items
• Hanging table: Convenient surface for cooking and gear organization

The underblanket is particularly valuable. On cooler nights (below 50F), the air circulation beneath the tent creates noticeable heat loss. An underquilt or blanket transforms comfort significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions