Is The New OEX Phoxx 3 The Best Budget Tent Ever Made?
The OEX Phoxx 3 is out now and available at Go Outdoors for under £100 with discounts applied. Following the huge popularity of the Phoxx 2, which arguably became the best-selling tent of 2024, the Phoxx 3 has generated a lot of interest — especially for those looking to upgrade without sacrificing weight or space.
First Impressions
I took the OEX Phoxx 3 for its first test at a stunning clifftop location: Spiders Castle Farm in Kent, overlooking the sea. This was the perfect place to set it up and see how it performs in real-world conditions.
Out of the bag, the Phoxx 3 looks bulky, but after removing the pegs and poles and re-rolling it properly, it packs down to a surprisingly compact size. With the poles packed separately, the tent easily fits into a rucksack.
Setup Experience
Setup is similar to the Phoxx 2, but there are some notable differences. The footprint is significantly larger, and while the pegs are the same (and a bit heavy), swapping them out for lightweight options is easy.
The poles are where the main difficulty lies. Unlike the Phoxx 2 V2, there are no adjustable straps on the flysheet corners, which makes inserting the poles quite tight and tricky on first use. That said, with a little effort and experience, it becomes manageable.
Space and Comfort
This is where the Phoxx 3 shines. Inside the tent, the space is incredible — much larger than the Phoxx 2. At 5’11”, I had plenty of room at both the head and foot ends, and I could even spread out comfortably. It’s pitched as a 3-man tent, but realistically it's perfect for two with all your gear. Vestibules are roughly the same size as the Phoxx 2, but the internal living space is a huge upgrade.
Ventilation and Features
The Phoxx 3 includes a front-facing air vent with guy lines and a Velcro stand, just like the Phoxx 2. The outer and inner come pre-attached, which helps with quicker setup in wet conditions. It also includes mid-point peg loops on the fly, offering more setup options.
One downside is the door tie-backs, which remain a bit fiddly and could be improved. Also, while the inner tent has plenty of space and pockets, the vestibules could benefit from a slight redesign to maximise utility.
Performance Overnight
After spending the night in the Phoxx 3, I was genuinely impressed. With all my gear — including a thick sleeping mat, Rab Ascent 900 bag, and other kit — there was still plenty of room. The tent held up well to cliff-top winds, and the additional headroom made the experience more enjoyable compared to the more compact Phoxx 2.
Temperature-wise, it performed well and remained comfortable inside throughout the night. Despite a few loose threads and stiff zips, it proved itself as a solid performer for the price.
Final Verdict
So, is the OEX Phoxx 3 the best budget tent ever made? For under £100, it’s certainly a top contender. It offers impressive space, great weather resistance, and reasonable pack weight. While there are a few small drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons.
If you're choosing between the Phoxx 2 and the Phoxx 3, and space is important to you, then the Phoxx 3 is the clear winner. For solo campers wanting extra room or two people camping with gear, it’s a brilliant option.
This may very well become one of the best-value tents available in 2025.
Stay wild, and leave no trace.
Is The New OEX Phoxx 3 The Best Budget Tent Ever Made?
I took the brand new OEX Phoxx 3 out for a proper wild camping test at the stunning Spider Castle Farm in Kent. After using the Phoxx 2, I wanted to find out if the Phoxx 3 is really worth the upgrade. In this review, I show you the real pack size, setup, interior space, and how it performs during a night under the stars. If you’re deciding between the Phoxx 2 and the Phoxx 3, this review should help you choose.
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