Camping in rain - New TENT & Backpack test 

The time has come to let it go...😲. We've decided to raffle off the Hilleberg Soulo, with proceeds going back in to the RU-vid channel for new gear, filming equipment and our chosen charities. Details on the website for anyone that wants to check it out. www.messner.co.uk/competitions-giveaways

I've never seen a tent with an opening at one end to pee out of in the night, what a great feature!

Fing is, by the time you've bought the vestibule, you could just keep using the Nallo 2 - at the same weight - you've had yer eye on these past 25 years. Condensation is a given with ANY AND EVERY tent, and even my 25 year old, old style Nallo 2 is still bomb proof, and totally water proof. Nothing has really changed, Paul, and all that has is the prodigious number of compromise tents that have arisen since 2000. There is no such thing as the perfect tent for every occasion, just the one that rings your bell. Akto for solo use, all year round (and fast pitching , just the one pole, with double pole possibility), Nallo 2 for more space (also double poling option for harsh weather) and/or double occupancy. That's all anyone needs.

I have this tent, and it's a beast at high altitude in snow and ice. Or on a polar trip. I've used it in the UK too, but it's a nightmare in the rain.

This tent is designed for high altitude winter dry snow conditions. Use the right tools for the right job and you cannot go wrong! Enjoy your videos Paul. Kind regards.

No thanks Rain ingress when you open the door Nowhere to cook when it rains No mosquito netting Keep the Soulo

I admire your breaking from the norm and I also completely get it, especially now that this is your livelihood but I am not at all sold that tent as the best for the UK climate. I don't believe it would be something that is "Scotland friendly" at all with wet, cold and midges. What I am really intrigued to see is just how you get on with it and would be pleasantly surprised if we were proven wrong. Keep up the great work 👍🏼

Paul this tent isn't designed for rain, it's designed for 5000m plus, it never rains at that altitude 😅 All though it is a brilliant peice of kit for UK winter summit camps where snow is definitely on the cards.

It just looks like a massive Faff lol The water falling in when you undo the front, getting in and out, not having any vestibule etc, it looks beautiful but not sure about it Brother! 🙏

I really appreciate the time you take to film so many angles, it must take you ages. I’m not convinced about the tent, the grey colour inside makes it look like you’re in a prison cell, it’s looks so drab and dark. Great video again 👍🏼

Paul "Rab" Messner. People watch the show for you, not your kit. What makes you stand out is you, your personality, the preference for steak and dodgy Brew Dog ales. Product reviews are always enlightening and trustworthy, and I've followed many of your recommendations.

Watched this from the comfort of my Soulo...the only tent on this mountain...the Rab tent seems like a good tent, for what it is designed for...definitely not for the midge infested wilds and rainy UK hills...but good to try new stuff...will give you a better appreciation of the Hilleberg ☺️

With the weight, cost, lack of vestibule and only a single skin, I don't think I'd have any use for this in the UK. Interesting to see something different to the usual though 👍

I like your philosophy Paul, not following the herd etc and getting something different from the crowd. Feeling inspired I’ve done same myself and got the Halfords 2 man dome tent- £22 😄 Now that’s what you call standing out from the crowd- and hey, loads of room, it’s shower proof, light breeze proof and weighs in at a competitive 1.8kg. Best of all, got loads more room in my wallet for yet more stoves! 😂 Winner! With love and good karma to the free spirts of the world 😊

Thank you. Helpful: But, I think I stick to my Hilleberg for UK wild camping: a vestibule is a must, inside gets wet getting in and out in heavy rain. And I think mesh is useful when midges about. The lovely yellow colour of the inside of all Hilleberg is also nice, when gloomy outside. Also not noticed compensation in Hilleberg. … And easy to put up. Cheers

Surely the Scarpe 1 suffices just about every need in a tent. I don't reckon that's going to be your go to shelter for that long Paul, no vestibule is deffo a deal breaker for me when it's pishing down.

Video appears good on this end in terms of picture, exposure, focus, sound quality etc. This RAB single-wall, semipermeable tent traces lineage to Bibler I-Tent. Professional experience and personally, I'll relate this to be a very narrow-spectrum, niche tent. Single-wall tents are inherently going to have condensation issues - (bar pretty much unfortunately none). Breathability of semipermeable laminates plus DWR coating works optimally by membranes combined with wicking layers and insulations for proper moisture and warmth management. The moisture management is 'pushed' via temperature gradient for the most effective transfer. Concerning tents the same screenplay performance is not selfsame. LIKES vs. DISLIKES... LIKES: Comparative weight/bulk is suitable to favorable. Quality and ruggedness is fitting application. Shelter of safe-haven roominess for 1, can squeeze 2, and be converted to 1-2 person bivy for expedient alternative contingency. Simplicity and convenience are relatively user-friendly. Footprint is small/efficient. These are often surprisingly 'quite' sound-dampened tents. DISLIKES: Condensation is what it is (even if/when the EVent does its best... the bathtub fabric is continual mitigation). Doorway has significant exposure issues on entry and exit. Accessory afterthought type vestibules are not well conceived. Snow/Rain/Water/Dew... sand/dirt/vegetation etc. will be constant attentive duty. These tents are not nearly as strong as companies portray them to be. They are not as 'warm' as companies tend to characterize. To be stormproof... all the 'hatches' often have to be fully closed off. NOTE: Paul - I strongly advise getting a 4-pack of Guinness Beer. After consumption... remove the plastic spherical nitrogen widget balls from the cans. Drill/awl (1) hole in each ball so that the pole ends/tips can be capped at the ends. This should be a tight/secure fit and not easily slip off the pole ends. The magic here is that the 'ball' end-caps will provide protection from pole ends going thru... tearing the tent fabrics and less wear in corners. They'll also protect your eyes. Set-ups and take-downs involve flexing poles inside the tent that can 'spring' with enough speed/force to poke thru and tear stuff. Singe walls do not do well with holes rips and tears! Installing widget 'Balls' eliminates this misadventure.

Love camping in rough weather, gives you an extra sense of adventure and heightened awareness, provided of course you are always well prepared and following all safety regulations. I have to admit I really like the new tent, yes it is not perfect, but with a few custom additions, it can become the next best thing. Love the fact that under rain and high humidity, there was hardly any condensation inside. Keep up the great work Paul.

Interesting tent, and even more interesting shout out. Started watching both you and Andy at a similar time, different styles but both always full of useful information along the way 👍

Thanx for the honest review and test in the rain. Your the reason why I own a cloud peak 2 because of tour honesty. Take care buddy.

Excellent video mate. Not a fan of the tent though. Think my Hilleberg Unna does the same thing but better but obviously a lot more money. And perhaps a bit more condensation. As for video quality. Stick with the iPhone.

I’ll give you a fiver for it. I’ve had this tent on my list for years. I’d not get rid of my soulo but I’d mix them up depending on Conditions. Great tents. All tents are great it just comes down to what you want it for or how hard you’re gonna push it. No need to argue guys. It’s his thoughts on a particular tent. I don’t see a hard sell just an honest opinion. And thanks for the mention 👍 😉 that’s my gas bill paid this month 😝 👍

The trouble with social media/RU-vid now is all the content is the same. However your channel is one of two camping channels I always come back to because the content is always educational. I always learn something new from every video. This is where you stand out from the crowd not from compromising on a tent.

I respect you changing things up. Good to see something different 👍🏼

Not a tent for me that one I'm afraid. I cannot see any use for that in the UK and probably totally impractical for general backpacking or camping in general. Too many compromises, but like others have said, it is great to see other kit on the market which is out of the norm and it being tested out.

Thank you for sharing your adventure! What a beautiful location!

What a gorgeous looking tent plenty of room for us big fellas even the logo looks awesome on the side of it love the videos Paul 👌

That's the best stove I've seen!

Very interesting tent and hence a very interesting vid. Thanks Paul, doin' a great job as per usual 👍

Love the design. Looks like a bothy, bivvy and tent combined and not that much bulkier than my Terra Nova Jupiter Goretex hooped bivvy.

Looks like a high altitude dry/ snowy tent, but here in Switzerland i take my Hilleberg Soulo RL over this probably 80% of the time :)

I don’t blame you for giving it a try as it’s certainly an interesting bit of kit but there’s too many compromises for my liking. Good vid again Paul.

That Rab is a light and fast no frills high altitude tent, a completely different beast to the Soulo. It’s like comparing shorts to trousers.

I used to go camping a lot a few years ago, coming across your video there took me back so thanks for that , would love to get back out there 👏👏😎

As usual an informative video. I will look forward to a more detailed review of the tent.

Paul - great explanation of the tent design, the pros & cons. I struggle for headroom with my "entry level" Vango Banshee (and I'm only 178cm / 5'10" tall). Having said that the porch is pretty much essential IMO for UK camping so while I love the simplicity I couldn't camp with the Rab, even after your workarounds.

Awesome tent! Wouldn't have known it existed without you. Thanks for sharing! Also, I wouldn't have guessed you used your phone this time for recording so no worries about that.

Thank you, Paul. Rab makes very good products - but with no bug mesh and no vestibule, I have to say "no thanks" - honestly can't imagine why they would leave off such, to me, essential features. I'll stick with my Soulo and my Terra Nova Voyager for the time being.

Big fan but simple facts all these youtubers went to rab a few weeks ago now bevers and co got all rab gear hats coats sleeping bags tents maybe it's just me reading too much into it

Hi Paul, this would make a nice addition to complete the setup - Rab Latok Mountain 2 Vestibule

Hi Paul, As you may know I've had a few Rab's so it's good to see you trying one too. Love the colour of that one, never seen it. All mine have screamed yellow or Red! I agree with most of your points, bug door is a real boon and I'd add the vestibule or a tarp on poles over the door in my experience. Incidentally I was just thinking why is the visual quality so much better than normal and then you said why, the phone is way superior. I look forward to seeing more of you in the Rab, probably the best built tanks out there. A

I loved this videos just more in depth of what you get up to and stuff really enjoyed it thanks

Love the tent! Like an old school back garden Belta that I’d of stayed in when I was 10! Looks like a tent! 😂👍🏼

Thank you for this review! I need a tent for serious Canadian winters, and everything was pointing to the Soulo, but I'm trying to be diligent in my research...the minute I saw those velcro straps for the Rab I went "nope! not for me!" Fiddling with those at -20C or colder is just risking numb fingers or frostbite. But still appreciate the time you take to do these reviews.

Great video. I am new to camping but looked at those tents when I was looking for one. The space, specifically the head room, really appealed to me. Hope you enjoy it.

I like the Tent Material Paul, but for me It Needs a vestibule for them cold rainy times cooking needs doing indoors; Unless of Course those Belay Holes would extract indoor cooking moisture? I too have had lots of Tents but You Will laugh when I Tell Ya my Favourite Tent Lol. Out of all my Tents from Vaude, Vango, Terra Nova, etc. This One has never Let me down, its Coped with the Toughest weathers, Can Pitch anywhere; Its still going Strong Now; Laughing is permitted, The Pro Action Tiger Paws in Dark Olive Green. So Fantastic it has Been virtually Copied Via Nordic Svalbard S1 etc. Both Tents 3000hh. I'm 5ft7" & have more than enough room to lay out with my kit bag inside. A Very small footprint Tent which You Can Sit up in + vestibule. I bought it from Argos years ago really cheap and in high winds beats everything Iv had. Crazy but true. Great Videos Paul Thank You.

In terms of image quality Paul, 15:26 looked amazing. Great video - really enjoyed this one!

Great video and probably a great tent in the environment it’s designed for. Personally, I would find it difficult to work with in persistent rain without a vestibule. The closest I’ve come to the Holy Grail of tents is the Hilleberg (sorry) Nammatj 2. Loads of room, superb ventilation, same weight as the Soulo and very quick to set up. I have several tents, but almost always take the Nammatj. (As a bonus, you don’t see many others around 🤫😉) Keep up the brilliant work!

Great video Paul. Thank you.

TWO PILLOWS.... someone's spoilt 🤣 Looks like an interesting tent. #DareToBeDifferent 😉I get what you mean about everybody having the same thing. You're right that every other tent is a soulo these days. Hope it works out for you, and may you be blessed to some day find "the one"

Hi Paul. Great looking tent, but that and the Hilleberg are two different animals. I once had a very similar design tent, the Marmot Up High, but the lack of a vestibule and water running in when opening, condensation, all got old after a while. Anyway, take care, continue to be safe.

The place where he set up the tent looks very beautiful. Thanks for showing the nice environment.😀👍👍

Good for you mate for trying something different and putting new ideas on your channel, there are hundreds of RU-vid camping channels ( I know cos I watch too many😵‍💫) so its important to offer viewers a fresh alternative from the norm, I'm sure people appreciate what you do since you're fast approaching 150k subs, cheers Paul.

Your videos are good, and the drone shots 😎

This Channel is the Rolls-Royce of Wild Camping Channels . 10/10 . But Patrick Dickinson is a national Treasure though have to say would love to see you and Patrick Dickinson on a wild camp

Had mine for 9+ years, yellow version eVent. Mine has a bug mesh in door. I've had 60mph+ winds on top of mountains with it, poles did bend a bit as it was sideways on... but never failed. One of the few you can put up and down in bad winds. Any condensation you get when breathability reduces due to surface tension rain on outside normally forms on internal poles and runs down to corners... little bit of sponge in corners sorts that out. Have woken up in mountain streams either side and under and it hasn't let any water in. Recommend getting a luggage rack too, vestibule attachment, I'd give that a miss. Hope you enjoy!

Awesome stuff as always Paul

Best colour tent I've ever seen, classy

I was up that way myself a couple of weeks ago for a 2-dayer, testing out my new Terra Nova Pioneer 2. We had snow twice, hail, rain, and sun all in one day - magical! The tent looks interesting - especially when a separate vestibule’s attached! 👍🏻

Wow! It’s not that different to my £12.00 Lidls one man tent from a firm called Crivit. I’m on Dartmoor in it this weekend.🤣 Stay well.

Thanks Paul, another great video. I did consider that tent, being a bit of a Rab fanboy, but they only seem to do it in orange now which is not very useful for unobtrusive camping. Their add on vestibules seem to be in dark colours thought. Stay safe.👍🏻

That's quite good material, Rab tent, It's soo simple to built.

Great video and an interesting tent.

Nice tent. Can see using it.

Class review Paul - I own the SC1 & 2 plus a Nammaj 2 for my summit camps with the dog ⛺️👌

These have improved a lot in terms of condensation since the two nights I spent in one, many years ago. Event is underrated, I had a Lowe jkt in this, was very good. Re the " holy grail of tents" I can feel a Messner brand innovation coming on. Always up for a collaboration😄😄

Awesome video as always, Paul. And nice to see kit a little bit different. Video quality superb still with the iPhone

Greetings from Sierra Vista Arizona everyone! Great video Paul. New sub here looking forward to seeing your back library. What a view! Those rock formations were really neat. Great tent and gear!

This tent is a variation of a Nemo Tenshi which I have. As soon as it starts to rain you have to close it up and then you can see out so you are in the dark. When you roll up the tent the floor gets wet from the condensation on the walls. You come to the next destination and you have wet tent to get into. The door is always laying in the mud. Only good thing is it sets up fast.

That little glory hole vent is hilarious 😂 You’ll have to start mountaineering now! Tenting adventures on top of Mount Blanc.

Great video Paul!!! I’ve had it’s precursor, the Summit Mountain. Have also had the Summit Bivi and Latock base Mk4. One thing with all these shelter. TX Direct spray is it friend. But don’t…DO NOT use wash in via putting it in the bath. It will stop the inner breathing. Sounds obvious, but I ruined my first one by doing just that. Some vids of it on my channel. Sold it due to not being able to work due to CPTSD caused by my job, and got kicked to the curb after 17 years as a Thankyou. Wish I still had it. Was Olive green, AND!!….had a bug mesh door!!!!! 😱😱 They didn’t sell it with guylines which I felt was cheeky, but hey ho. I never had much in the way of condensation…never had none, but only once has bad condensation. I used to put a tea light inside a metal cup and aft were about 20 mins any damp was gone. Learnt to not use if expecting temps between around 0c to 5c as that when the damp would be its worst. They sell a vestibule for it, and it’s very much worth getting, as the biggest cause of damp is brought in via a wet backpack, boots n coat. So I would take off and leave in the vestibule. Was a learning curve but once dialed in I loved mine. If I can answer any Q’s about the tent feel free to give me a shout on FB. Take care Dean Cooling. South Wales. P.s. Bang the walls before exiting to stop water entering from dew etc…

Love the color 😍

Looks an interesting shelter.. think Andrew Park had something similar. It will have its place, I like that with your content Mr Messner, always something new for us to see. Interesting ideas on filming with the phone, I only have the phone so all filming am editing done on that, probably has its limitations but keeps it nice and simple for me. Anyways keep up the good work, been following your channel for ages now, thank you again, ATB 👍

Looks great, you could use a small tarp for a vestibule, I use a Hilleberg tarp 5 with the soulo and my Niak

Another great vid 🙏🏻

Looks fantastic, love your idea of packing it in the stuff sack to go in your pack easier. Am seriously considering one of these for winter use. Seems like one of the lightest mountaineering tents around for its size, about 400g lighter than the Black Diamond Eldorado which also seems excellent and has a mesh door. Thanks Paul…

Boom tingz! Paul, I don't see it being a replacement for a Soulo from any angle, sorry, 2 different leagues in my opinion. Looks more like a Decathlon Quechua replacement. I can see how you'd want something different, but I don't think this is the right tent to replace a Soulo. Perhaps a Fjallraven.

I'm looking forward to giving my Slingfin Windsaber see exercise this summer!

Great vid Paul, you could rig up a tarp above the rab, might stop all that water dripping in and give you a bit of a vestibule to cook under.

I was caught in 80 + mph winds the other week at Langsett. Ended up having to get into a foil survival bag for the night. My sleeping bag ended up being double its weight as it was soaked. A very long, cold, wet night for me😂😂

If you want to add a noseeum mesh layer I’d suggest adding it to the outside of the door, not the inside, else you’ll potentially let in the biting insects by having to unzip the outer door to use the inner mesh door. The term you were looking for is ‘belay’ try pronouncing it as “bee-lay”. As others have said it’s high altitude mountaineering tent for multi-level pitches which is roped onto a climbers ledge (they carry that up as well), pitons hammered into the rock face and you’re attached to the pitons via slings and your climbing harness. As to stepping out of your boots and stepping in backwards into the tent, you’ll need to do that quickly when it’s pissing down.

Love your channel and much as I love the Peaks near Sheff. Just down at Hillsborough now after been out at Hollow Meadows. Ex soldier so love wild camping and hiking setting off from home. Offer follow you kit advice. Have a good Easter!

Nice Paul, I went for the MSR Advance Pro 2, which is very a very similar set up and works well - keeping the Hilleburg though as can’t part with it!

I only use a very cheap tent. You have to pitch it inner forst, which seems to be common for the cheap end of the market. It's far from perfect but it is very roomy. Consequently my solution is to carry a 10ft square tarp, which I always pitch first. Solves the problem and often allows me to keep the outer door open for ventilation. Downside, of course is that it adds bulk to my pack.

Love the videos Paul. Give the salewa litetrek a go. Great size. Built well and pretty sturdy. Similar in the way you enter at the front. They thought about the water issue and have a handy seam that directs water away from the door.

Long time viewer but first time commenting. Enjoyed this one Paul. Cheers from New Zealand

Great video...love the tent...you can get a vestibule add on for it

Interesting video and looks like a nice bit of kit. However single skin, no bug net and no vestibule for using in the UK is a deal breaker for me. It looks like it's set up for very specific conditions. I am surprised you never mentioned the weight of the Soulo as a reason for getting rid. It's quite heavy for a 1 man.

‘Let Paul try it so you don’t have to!’ - great video, I like to see different takes on wild camping. Like you say Paul, so many videos rely on the same format/equipment, good to see something different for a change. You can see the video was a success by all the comments on here not accepting your view point/alternative take.

Now that is a cool tent for a solo night 🌙

How new is this particular model. It's a belter:) Cracking good single skin loads of room super smart colour what is that? Yeah I can see that you are in awe about it. Don't you smack the tent to rid the water before getting out? Man that things a super shelter for the Super Messner. Any environment get some, allow Messner to crush your stormy souls;) Not enough detail on the back pack or nearly enough outings for the tent. However must add that's a marvelous go to spot. Good health Paul. Give my love to Jo and the family.

Beautiful terrain.

Another fab video - Interesting tent. I always get nervous when I don't see rainfly but this seems to work great. Although I live in the UK, I'm a big fan of the brand REI that I get imported from the USA. I use the Half-Dome which is very strong and my bread and butter for me.

I like how high it is inside. Looks like Hilleberg finally has some competition.Although Rab doesn't have the attention to detail Hilleberg has, such as the rain gutters, but it's still competition. Especially with the price.

Great-great-great-grandson of the venerable Bibler I-tent! I heartily approve.

I like your approach to not aiming to do/make/say what the majority do etc, I try to do things my own way too... the iphone footage was fine but it's the dead silent audio that slays, it really captures the remote location!

I Have checked this tent out with my last visit to the rab shop. In my opinion its a tent that been designed for the worst conditions, but seem only practical in the best conditions, but I haven't tried it so just first impression. Very impressed with it in that 80k wind though, looks solid once the guy finally got the poles in

First.. I will always opt for something with a vesti... 2nd I'm REALLY not a fan of that opening! If it pisses down you'll get water inside every time you open that door...

Looks a bonny tent paul ...nice vid again mate👍

Very cool tent Paul, I think we spoke a put it really briefly at Rab. It’s certainly tough and the poles are nice and thick, nearly 10mm I think. It does have a lot of compromises as it’s designed for weight and strength and not much else huh. In single skins like that you’ll usually get moisture on the poles a lot. The space in side is palatial for 1 as you say. You’d feel safe in it on a summit in a snow storm. You’ve probably seen them, but Lightwave do some similar options that might be a bit more liveable. Great vid, hope you are all good. Cheers Ben.