Camping off the grid is one of my favorite activities, and it got even better when I switched from a traditional ground tent to the Tentsile UNA tree tent.
That simple shift lifted me, literally and figuratively, into a new way of experiencing the outdoors. Being suspended between three trees, instead of on the often uneven ground, feels both freeing and deeply connected to the landscape.
When I head into the woods now, my Tentsile UNA is the first piece of gear I pack, because it turns the backcountry into a more comfortable and flexible place to call home.
Comfort
The biggest advantage I’ve found is how effortlessly the UNA adapts to uneven or rugged terrain.
Off-grid camping often means leaving groomed campsites behind, and I’ve spent my share of evenings hunting for flat, root-free ground. With the UNA, that problem disappears. As long as I can find three sturdy trees, I have a place to sleep.
I’ve set up over rocky slopes, underbrush, and even shallow creek beds. These are all places where a ground tent would never work. That freedom opens up spots I never would’ve considered before. Those tucked-away sites often end up being the most memorable.
Sleeping off the ground also changes the whole comfort equation. I used to wake up stiff, no matter how thick my sleeping pad was, but the UNA supports me in a way that feels almost like a natural cradle. Combined with a good underquilt and tarp, it keeps me surprisingly warm, even on cold nights. Listening to rain patter on the tarp while I stay dry and elevated has become one of my favorite parts of the experience.
Lightweight
Going off the grid means traveling lighter, and using the UNA helps with that too. My whole UNA setup, including rainfly, weighs considerably less than my old tent system, and it packs smaller. That lets me hike farther, take more water, or simply enjoy a lighter load.
Setup is quicker as well, which makes a real difference when daylight is fading.
Of course, sometimes you just can’t find three suitable trees close enough to set up the UNA. But fear not, the optional ground conversion kit is super lightweight and allows you to set it up on the ground, just like a tradtiional tent. It includes a ground sheet and stakes. Setup is still quick and easy. You lose the hammock feel, but when the trees just aren’t there, it’s a good compromise.
For me, camping off the grid isn’t just about escaping. It’s about finding a place that feels untouched. With the UNA, I can slip into those places more easily and rest more deeply once I’m there.
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