I've got a question for the Hilleberg tent owners. I know that using the inner (yellow) tent only is an option in warmer weather. Does anybody know how the inner tent would fair with rain? I know it's not designed as the waterproof part of the tent, but they do state that it is "water resistent" and I'm wondering if anyone has first hand experience with this. Basically, I'm considering using a Hilleberg inner tent and poles for a camping trip where no rain is expected, but always a slight possibility.

Hi,

The inner of my Soulo is very water restiant but would wet out within a few minutes in a strong downpour.

Cheers,

I'm not a Hilly owner but the inner is pretty much the same as a Laser competition, so no, you'll get wet in all but the finest shower.
You could take a very small tarp to rig over it just in case, but then again i doubt you'd save any worthwhile weight going down that route.

I appreciate the feedback guys. It sounds like a no-go if there is even a chance of rain. I'll have to keep working on options. Thanks!

I can't give feedback based on first-hand experience, but when I bought my first Hilleberg last year I did what some would call an obsessive amount of research. Everything I came across indicated that the inner tent was an emergency-only water resistant layer, and that it would serve to keep you dry in the event that the outer tent - still attached - had been compromised in a relatively small area.

For water resistance, the vertical doors of the inner tent would do better than the roof or the curved walls of the tunnel tents. That's why the Kaitum is known for its ventilation - both vestibules can be rolled back in three season use. But the roof and walls are still covered by the outer tent.

Hilleberg recommends the use of the outer tent or a tarp over the inner tent if you expect the possibility of more than a sprinkle of rain.

I have not experienced this with a Hilleberg, but my Marmot has similar inner material. One time in Norway it was really horrible weather with heavy rain on the outer tent and clouds that were not only floating around outside my tent, but also inside the tent. There was tons of condensation on the inside of the outer tent. A lot of that even started dripping on my inside tent and when I woke up the next morning a small puddle had formed on top of my inner tent. The moment it was disturbed a stream started leaking into my tent.

To answer your question, yes the inner tent will protect you from some water as long as it comes very slowly and gently. Anything but the lightest rain will not be stopped by the fabric. And even with very light rain, as soon as you touch the fabric, the water will come flowing in until it stops raining.

In your case you'd probably be better of with a poncho shelter and maybe a small net tent.