Great photos of the Soulo, Stuart! Thanks for posting them. I know the back deck may not be the wildest environment a Hilleberg has tackled, but the deep snow load is impressive all the same. :)

NM

Edited by jumpbackjack on 02/11/2013 20:56:39 MST.

I love the Moment design, although in my experience it proved to be a condensation generating machine so not surprised by the additional warmth comment.

However, this thread was started as a Hilleberg only thread. Why clutter it up with alternative options?

Next...hammocks in the snow. Stay tuned.

"I love the Moment design, although in my experience it proved to be a condensation generating machine so not surprised by the additional warmth comment.

However, this thread was started as a Hilleberg only thread. Why clutter it up with alternative options?

Next...hammocks in the snow. Stay tuned."



Thanks Dave. I tried to make it obvious from the title that Hilleberg tents were the subject of the thread, but I guess it was too subtle for some. ;-)

I don't mind discussions of comparing Hilleberg features to another brand, but I don't understand the idea of coming to a thread for a specific product and then focussing on something entirely different. I believe "thread hijack" is the internet term for that. I'm sure someone could easily start a Tarptent or Big Agnes thread if that was their area of interest.

Edited by Jedi5150 on 02/11/2013 12:45:21 MST.

So folks, anyone else have any thoughts on the Anjan.

Since this is about Hilleberg Tents I've removed my post, and if I ever had to buy a Hilleberg it would be the Unna, like the one Ken T. had at the GGG, other than that these tents are over priced and to heavy for my useage.

Jack

I thought I might chime in with my recent Nallo 2 purchase. I went to the Grayson highlands area of Virginia a few weeks ago expecting freezing conditions and snow and ended up getting temps in the 50s during the day and mid 30s at night. All the snow that was present had melted leaving the ground extremely wet and boggy no matter where we tried to pick a camp, surprisingly with no ground cloth there was no seep through of that water through the tent, and with the door and vents open there was very little condensation build up. We did get wind constant at about 20mph gusting up to a bit more and the tent held with no issues, however as you might be able to see in this image the foot area of the tent was collapsing despite all attempts to re-pitch that area. I think the solution is another guy line set, that would weight very little, I'm thinking of trying to get someone to add them on for me as I have no experience doing so myself.

Edited by person9334 on 02/12/2013 10:28:03 MST.

Stephen - did you see the review over at Trailspace.com? Also, Vigil Guy on these forums has one and would provide an opposing view to the review. I know that he really likes his!

Cheers Dave,

I did see Rick Pittsburgs review and he reckoned the high cut fly causes some issues, I will check ou what Vigil says.

Cheers,

Stephen

If one looks closely at the Akto solo tent and then at Tarptent's Moment, Notch and Scarps your can easily see the "theme and variation", with the Akto setting the theme of single hooped tents with vestibule(s).

Henry Shires took the Akto design and added his own genius of design.

But for me the Hilleberg Tarra and similar Hilleberg designs would be my choice for a Greenland-type expedition. They are bombproof and one could easily sit in the tent snd cook in a dug down vestibule in bad weather.

"Snow load" is often discussed but most tents, even many 3 season tents, can withstand VERTICAL snowload. But when the snow slides down and builds up around teh tent sides it presses in a lot, reducing interior space. This is what I call "side snow load". Often one must get out at "0 dark thirty" to shovel snbow away from the sides.

True dome tents (NOT wedge tents) with plenty of poles running down the sides are the ones that fare best with side build up of snow. (I know Roger Caffin loves tunnel tents but they too are prone to distortion from side snow load.)

Damien Tougas from BPL has been testing one, so we may get a review on here some time.

I have been watching for some feedback on the Rogan. Is there ever a sale price on Hilleberg. A coupe of years ago Moosejaw had a sale but have not seen anything since. Backcountry Gear has sales in store occasionally limited to stock on hand.

Cheers Jason,

Hilleberg is one of a few companies that prohibit retailers from discounting prices. Retailers can have their distribution rights pulled if they violate that agreement. I've had conversations with a few independent (ie non-chain) retailers and what that boils down to is that they cannot advertise at a discounted price. So for example, a store wide discount coupon, if widely promoted, usually excludes brands like Hilleberg.

But in reality, it's up to the retailer to decide whether they will discount without promoting it. I've walked in to a store wide sale where Hilleberg was specifically excluded in the advertising, but I've seen a small number of their tents discounted in-store. It's really hit-or-miss, and I'd say your best chance will be with independent brick and mortar retailers.

Have you looked at the Special Offers page on Hilleberg's US web page?

Edited by lotuseater on 02/12/2013 15:47:48 MST.

> True dome tents (NOT wedge tents) with plenty of poles running down the sides are
> the ones that fare best with side build up of snow.
I think what Eric is referring to here are more commonly known as geodesic domes - with many poles. They are usually 3-4 man tents and are of course much heavier.

> (I know Roger Caffin loves tunnel tents but they too are prone to distortion from
> side snow load.)
True, I like tunnels. I agree that a 2-pole tunnel will be susceptible to sideways snow loading (or wind loading), although not as much as a 2-pole pop-up style of dome. The shorter poles on the tunnel are stiffer. But any long fabric spans, on tunnel or dome, are weak. This is why I have 4 poles on my winter tunnel tent. It helps that the side walls of my tent are close to vertical for some height as well.

My experience has been more with violent windy storms than with gentle but very heavy snow falls. We just don't get 1 m falls in a night here in Oz: we are happy to have a total of 1 m of snow on the ground!

When we do get some sideways snow loading on our 4-pole tent, I just give it a bit of a shove outwards. So far that seems to have worked.

Cheers

I recently got a Bivanorak... Very nicely made, I have not spent any time in it yet, so I cannot give a review.
It's beautifully made and roomy though. Just the thing I was looking for to use as foul weather gear and as a bivy when using a tarp. I can't wait to get out to use it.

It is so nice, Now I want a solo tent.
I can't decide between the Atko and the Unna.

Edited by NLslacker on 02/22/2013 19:03:25 MST.

Over 6' ?

Unna.

but I'm biased.

Yes, I'm 6'2" ... I like the look of the tunnel tents, esp the vestibules. But for a solo tent the Unna looks nice and easy to set up. Free standing appeals to me. If i want a fussy shelter, I'll just use my tarp :)

Edited by NLslacker on 02/22/2013 23:01:39 MST.

You will also fit in the Akto but head room is a little short. The usable length, however, is excellent and functionally longer than the Unna. The best thing about the Akto is the well designed vestibule. The Unna doesn't have one.

Dave U,

At 6'2 myself, would I be able to fit my long down bag on a 2 inch matt without touching either end in the Unna? Im looking at Hillenburg for a winter only tent.