Yes Toddy there's many great tents out there but personally I'd never have one that pitched inner first again.
Hi everyone hope we are all well,
Just re researching trips for a few planned trips up to the Cairngorms in Scotland and for a trip with dad to Iceland and Norway to next year.
I've been looking at a few Hilleberg's but seen a few things about zipper issues on them.
Been looking at the Soulo BL and the Tarra.
Has anyone else got any expedition 4 season tent recommendations other than the Hilleberg's or has anyone used the Soulo BL or Tarra if so how have you got on with them in high wind conditions?
Thanks in advance,
It's also important to get out of the right side of the bed.
Yes this Idiot did put all the guys out on the Tarra, as per company video. ]
Nor me Tim, there's nothing worse than trying to pitch a tent that has to have the inner erected first in a gale with horizontal rain (ie. summer in Iceland ) - Just ask Lee about that one!!!
What I like about the Hillebergs I have is if things get really horrible, I can detach the inner and pack it into a dry bag whilst remaining inside the outer tent - I also always have an integrated footprint. I can then take the outer down and store both parts separately. When you get to the next destination, you can put up the outer first and then inset the inner, whilst keeping everything dry. I find it really handy feature and it means that you always have a completely dry area to sleep in!
Just my way of doing it, and only in the worst weather, otherwise I just pitch it all in one.
Another benefit of this approx is it provides a useful interlude to catch-up on the previous nights events, weather forecast, check the bike for loose bolts, etc all whilst we wait for Toddy to repack each component like it was factory fresh.
Sorry Toddy, had to be said!
He might have one for sale too.
Pitching I find a bit of a pain too, making sure all the guys aren't the wrong side of the poles. Working out which way it's facing isn't as easy as you'd imagine either.
It's easier than you imagine because you haven't tied anything small at the foot of the door area to instantly show you....also the zip's a clue, some pink ribbon tied to the zipper etc etc I've also removed all the lower guys on my Soulo as they become a pain by catching on the pole clips when unpacking and I can't be fussed with tying them up. It's plenty strong enough using the upper guys.
But you're right, I looked at the Staika and decided not for me, I really like my Tarra but it's a bit ott.... if only they made the Nammatj 2 GT with a door on both sides of the vestibule.
First Hilleberg I had was a Nallo 2GT which was ok but didn't gel with it.
I have a Kaitum 3GT which is awesome but too big my my needs these days and stick with a Soulo which has a very effective rain gutter above the entrance.
I have a Staika, which I am struggling to get on with.
I know it's a strong, self supporting tent that will take a beating, but for gentle use I do find it a bit frustrating.
The dome shape naturally gives sloping sides which lets water piss in when the door is opened.
Always stretching forward or leaning back to operate zips and vents.
Unclipping the inner to give a pit more porch space leaves it all baggy and flappy.
Pitching I find a bit of a pain too, making sure all the guys aren't the wrong side of the poles. Working out which way it's facing isn't as easy as you'd imagine either.
I find my Nammatj 3 just so much better in every aspect.
2 pegs in, 2 poles in, stretch it out and peg it out.
There is no better venting tent, and it's the best all rounder available.
I love mine so much, I bought a Nammatj 3GT to keep it company.
Nallo, Kaitum, Nammatj or possibly Tarra are what Hilleberg are about for me, but I just prefer tunnel tents I guess.