Finding Comfort in the Compact: My Experience with the OEX Phoxx 1 V2
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This is not an advert and I haven’t been paid to write any of this. I simply want to share information about a product I use and want to review – and I that others find really helpful.
Tiny Tents
Tiny or small tents aren’t for everyone – but they certainly are for me. I’ve watched quite a few YouTube reviews and the opinions on compact tents – some people dislike them, while others take the opposite view.
No tent is perfect – let’s face it, finding one that ticks every box, suits every situation and serves every purpose is impossible. But in reality, it’s really about what works best for you.
Until recently, I hadn’t used a tent since 2016, and I’d never used one for solo wild camping. I thought it was about time to give it a go and see what I’d been missing. My hope was to make the winter months more accessible and comfortable, especially now that I’m 51.
This article explains why I chose the OEX Phoxx 1 V2 – a compact, one-person tent that fits my needs perfectly. At just £65 when I bought it in September 2024, it’s affordable, functional and in my opinion – a fantastic piece of kit.
While many people admire big-name expedition tents with their sleek designs perched on snowy mountain peaks, the Phoxx 1 V2 isn’t in that league. But here’s the thing – I’m not embarking on an expedition. I’m just a regular wild camper who spends a night or two in the UK countryside.
I don’t need anything fancy. I’ve come from the world of the bivi, which at times is simple, rough, unforgiving and straight to the point. Luxury, in the world of bivi camping, was adding a tarp to create a veranda. Moving from a bivi to the Phoxx 1 V2 feels like upgrading from a bedsit to a studio flat.
In my experience, the gripes about smaller tents often come from people used to larger, more spacious setups. Downsizing can be a shock when you’re accustomed to extra room and the lack of space is very noticeable. For me, it’s the opposite. Coming from the bivi world, the Phoxx 1 V2 feels like a luxury I’ve been missing out on: a little more space, a little more comfort and a setup that still aligns with my love for simplicity.
Why I Chose the Phoxx 1 V2
Before buying the Phoxx 1 V2, I had a clear idea of what I wanted from a tent. I spent time researching the usual factors – price, weight and waterproofing.
For now, I only camp for a night or two at a time, so I didn’t need anything extravagant. Additionally, since I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy tent camping after years of bivis, I didn’t want to spend a lot on something that might end up unused.
But beyond the basics, two specific requirements stood out for me: stealth qualities and footprint size.
I’ve spent years using one of the stealthiest pieces of kit out there – the Dutch army hooped bivi. It’s tough to beat for stealthiness and a low profile. I was looking for something bigger than a bivi, something that wasn’t a bivi, but still retained stealthy qualities. My priorities are to stay out of sight, to not get busted and avoid being moved on.
I lead a simple and unassuming life and I wanted my tent to reflect that. The Dutch army bivi’s camouflage Gore-Tex and low-profile design have served me incredibly well for years. It’s unmatched in stealthiness and while I needed a change, it’s a tough act to follow.
Stealth and Design Appeal
One of the factors that heavily influenced my decision to purchase the Phoxx 1 V2 was its stealth qualities. While the green color doesn’t quite match the camouflage of a Dutch Army bivy, it’s still far less conspicuous than many brightly colored tents.
The Phoxx 1 V2’s low profile is another factor that adds to its stealth appeal. With a height of just 75 cm 29 in, it’s lower than many other tents, and therefore not too noticeable. While it’s not as low as the Dutch Army bivy, which stands at 43 cm (17 inches), it’s still considerably lower than many comparable tents. For instance, the MSR Hubba NX measures 91 cm (36 inches), the Vango F10 Helium UL 1 tent stands at 100 cm (39 inches), and the Snugpak Ionosphere is 80 cm (31 inches). Among these, the Phoxx 1’s low height wins this section for me.
Footprint and Interior Space
The Phoxx 1 V2 has a compact footprint that’s manageable for tight camping spots, but it’s not the smallest. As someone over 6 feet tall (I’m not exactly sure how tall as I’ve never been measured, but I know I’m over 182 cm), I need a tent that can comfortably accommodate my height. The inner section of the Phoxx 1 is 253 cm (100 inches) long, which gives me plenty of space.
For comparison:
- Vango F10 Helium UL 1: 210 cm (83 inches)
- MSR Hubba NX 1: 216 cm (85 inches)
- Snugpak Ionosphere: 240 cm (94 inches)
While I can fit into all of these options, the Phoxx 1 V2 provides the most generous length, which was a big advantage for me.
In terms of width, the Dutch Army bivy remains unbeatable at just 66 cm (26 inches), allowing it to fit into narrow spaces like footpaths. Among the tents, the Snugpak Ionosphere has the narrowest inner section at 75 cm (30 inches), followed closely by the MSR Hubba NX at 76 cm (30 inches). The Phoxx 1 comes in at 84 cm (33 inches), which is slightly wider but still compact enough for most scenarios. In tight spots, it’s possible to save space by not pegging out the outer layer or leaving it off entirely, making the tent even more versatile.
Price, Weight, and Waterproofing
At £65, the Phoxx 1 V2 offers incredible value. It’s affordable and provides excellent functionality and protection. While I can’t compare its quality directly to more expensive options due to a lack of experience with those models, I can say that it has kept me warm, dry and comfortable in various conditions. At this price point, it’s hard to beat.
Price Comparison
When it comes to affordability, the Phoxx 1 V2 stands out. Its price does vary, but I paid £65, which is a fraction of the cost compared to other options like the Hubba NX at around £400, the Hubba Elixir 1 at £230 or the Vango F10 Helium UL 1 at £200. Even the Snugpak Ionosphere, which I’ve seen on sale for as low as £130, is nearly double the price.
Weight Comparison
The Phoxx 1 V2 also holds its own in the weight category. Here’s a quick comparison of tent weights:
- Dutch Hooped Bivvy (Gore-Tex): 1.7kg (3.74lbs)
- Phoxx 1 V2: 1.58kg (3.48lbs)
- Hubba NX: 1.29kg (2.84lbs) (packed weight)
- Hubba Elixir 1: 2.16kg (4.76lbs)
- Vango F10 Helium UL 1: 1.01kg (2.22lbs)
- Snugpak Ionosphere: 1.52kg (3.35lbs)
While the Phoxx 1 V2 isn’t the lightest, it offers a good balance of weight and durability at its price point.
Waterproofing Performance
One of the standout features of the Phoxx 1 V2 is its waterproofing. With a hydrostatic head of 5000mm, it provides excellent protection from the elements. This is equal to the £130 Snugpak Ionosphere and significantly better than the Vango F10 Helium UL 1, which has a hydrostatic head of 3000mm – despite costing three times more.
For just £65, the Phoxx 1 V2 delivers impressive value in price, weight and waterproofing, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
I like the Phoxx 1 V2 because it reminds me a lot of the Dutch bivi and the feelings it gives me when I use it. I’ve had no issues or complaints with it and it comes across as a no nonsense shelter, and like the bivi, it fits my love of simplicity.
It’s simple and unostentatious; it’s not showy or flamboyant. Instead, it’s modest and goes about its role quietly. It’s easy to assemble and just like the Dutch bivi, I can set it up easily in the dark.
I’ve taken it out in wet and windy weather and I’ve had no issues with it. One surprising thing that I have noticed with a tent is the warmth. Inside the tent is considerably warmer than the Dutch bivi.
During the colder months, the Dutch bivi is rough. The heavy and cold Gore-Tex just sits on top of my sleeping bag and allows the cold to penetrate. This has made winter camping difficult for me and it’s one reason for me to invest in a tent, in the hope to make winter camping more accessible.
The Negatives
As much as I appreciate the Phoxx 1 V2, no tent is without its flaws. As I mentioned earlier, it’s nearly impossible to find a tent that ticks every box, suits every situation and serves as a true multi-purpose shelter.
I used the Phoxx 1 V2 on a two-night camp along the South Downs, where it performed well. Despite some heavy rain, the tent held up well and I didn’t feel confined since I was able to cook and eat outside. However, the weather wasn’t severe enough to test the limits of having to stay inside for prolonged periods.
The Phoxx 1 V2 has some limitations worth noting. Sitting upright inside isn’t possible due to its low profile, and as expected, condensation tends to form on the inside of the outer skin. Both sides of the tent offer vestibules that are large enough to accommodate my empty 48L bag and boots, but this causes the bag to lean against the interior section, slightly pushing it in.
In more difficult weather conditions or mosquito-infested environments where extended periods would need to be spent inside, I would prefer a larger tent for added comfort. A slightly larger vestibule would also provide better protection for cooking in more challenging conditions.
Using a tarp is an option for creating extra space, but that requires something to attach it to, which isn’t always possible in open areas like hilltops or exposed mountains.
The Phoxx 1 V2 is a reliable and affordable option for a night or two under the stars. While its compact size and limited vestibule space might not be ideal for all, it has no issues with challenging weather conditions. It makes camping fun, cheap and accessible. It’s tough, functional and reliable. It should be commended for this.
The Phoxx 1 V2 ticks all the boxes I needed: affordability, stealth, low profile, and adequate space for a night out camping. While it might not be perfect – and no tent is – it meets my needs, especially for £65. For anyone looking for a compact and reliable one-person tent without breaking the bank, I’d highly recommend giving the Phoxx 1 V2 a try. I can not wait to take it out in freezing conditions.
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Dan
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