The Hilleberg Soulo will give you more space when tent bound in the longer winter evenings if you do camp at that time of year. Just a thought. good vlog by the way. I will be heading out that way this coming Friday for my 2nd wildcamp. ATB Steve
Absolutely, Steve. All I seem to do in my videos is say how much space there is in the Soulo compared to my Southern Cross, but I probably should have mentioned that in this video too! Thanks for watching, and I hope your second wild camp goes well. It'll be good to get used to your gear while it's warm and sunny, then you'll be prepared for taking on the colder winter temps. Happy camping! ✌️
I know exactly what you mean with the struggle to get out some days. Even though you wanted to go out, some days it just feels like you can't. If you do force yourself you always enjoy it. It's weird. Nice pitch, I recognised the spot, great views from there.
Similarly ,have 2 tents to choose from, an Akto and Sould Bl. The akto goes up much quicker, super strong (bombproof) especially with 2x10mm poles, but have more confidence with the Soulo (nucleur bombproof). The Soulo takes longer to pitch but very straightforward with the clips, the Akto can be fidly when it come to adjusting the end guylines. The Akto has a bigger vestibule but the Soulo has alot more usable space wherby you dont keep touching the inner unlike the akto and don't have to sit up at the highest point. With the Souolo all you need to manage the top vent, with the Akto you have end vents to manage aswell (from the outside).
That does sound like a similar comparison. The Akto is a quality little tent from the looks of it. Love that vestibule, but I do always think the ends look a bit of a faff, and you can never pitch an Akto so it looks taut and square. As you say, the Soulo is a peach to pitch, and having ALL those guy lines feels good in high winds! Gotta love that headroom too 👌
Hello this is a nice little video we'll done on getting out and finding a previous pitch often an old favourite is wonderful 😊 Yeah that tent is quite heavy but solid. It's nice to compare to others you have. We all like different tents etc. Great girlfriend to get you hat that is a comfort to thinking of her when you're out there. Dartmoor definitely does have an allure lol love it when you say not too many people 😄 stay on sofa or in tent that bed is your sofa and watching a movie on phone is your TV at home 👌 enjoy 😉
Hello Tony, and thank you for your comments. I agree - knowing for certain that there's a good pitch awaiting you does take a bit of pressure off the trip. I really like your take on things, so I appreciate you taking the time to comment. My latest camp (last night) was on a pebble beach, but my sleep mat even managed to turn THAT into a sofa, so you're absolutely right! I'll go and find your other comment now, as I know you left another. Thanks, James.
@@joinmeoutdoors oh wow a beach I’m very intrigued by a beach but never done it can I ask which beach and how did it go? If you prefer to keep location quite that is understandable. I probably need to experiment more. Your channel will definitely benefit from various places lol mine slow as I probably boring in similar place often lol
@@TonyHobbs I was in the same boat until last night - had never done a beach camp, so this was my first! I'll try to get the video out next Friday. The beach was on the Exmoor coast, so you might recognise it when you see it 🙂 The most important thing is that YOU enjoy your camps. The fact that other people get to enjoy your outdoors trips is merely an added bonus, so keep doing whatever it is that you want to do. A few thousand subscribers suggests that plenty of people enjoy what you do!
@@joinmeoutdoors thanks I'll look for it You look a kind gentle person nice to see Yeah my videos only get a few hundred views these days but that's fine is what it is absolutely agree I go for MYSELF lol and happen to video what I feel like without too much faffing lol and yup if a few enjoy great Too many seem to do it fir the views and video first but maybe I'm wrong lol its free country so they free to do that lol 😆 small is good too means I can interact as have time to reply to one or two :) I thought of Branscombe beach one day as long and quiet I'll be interested to see how you did it as my kit strong but maybe not pebble stone proof so I'd need to take something appropriate or protect it carefully. I like to camp several nights not just one but could do it as a starter on way to Dartmoor lol I'm trying to get more adventurous lol
@@TonyHobbs Those are very kind words. Thank you. And when it comes to RU-vid; I think it's much like life and its rewards. We, as a race, always want bigger and better. Pay off your mortgage...look for a bigger house. Hit 100 subscribers...aim for 200, and so it continues. It's good to strive for more, but the desire to improve can easily turn to pressure. Your approach sounds very healthy - flick the camera on and whatever happens...happens! I bet you could easily find a quiet spot out of the way along Branscombe beach. Good idea. I'm sure a groundsheet/footprint underneath your tent would be fine on pebbles, and not pitching the tent too taut at the bottom, so the floor can dip in and out of the pebbles without stretching too much. I was in my bivvy bag and it looks completely unscathed 👍
I was full of excitement watching you walking and camping all alone. You such a wonderful adventure in this video, my friend. I can see that you are very satisfied with what you were doing though there are a lot of challenges along the way. Great sharing and keep on doing what you are doing. Stay well! Cheers!
Another great adventure in the mountains. The nightlapse was very nice. That was a lovely sunrise & a very clear day ahead. We went to the crash memorial years ago. It's incredible to think that this happened 80 years ago & the wreckage is still the. There are a few crash sites in Dartmoor as well that I want to visit. Great filming & editing as usual. 🙂🙂👍👍
Thanks a lot, Martin. It does seem strange that the wreckages remain where they landed, but I suppose they form a memorial of sorts themselves. I didn't know about the Dartmoor wreckages - I'll have to look some up. Thanks for watching!
Never been to the Brecon Beacons, brought up as a child in and around Dartmoor; worked there helping the farmers, wild camped as a youth quite a lot there. Now back in UK, and live near the Peak District National Park and got back into wild camping at 60 years old. For me I have the Fjallraven Abisko Lite 1 and so far very happy with it. It is waterproof and low profile. Not had much test in the winds as I am for the most part a fair weather chap (leave the foul weather tests to the youngsters lol); but no doubt will get caught out and hope to see a good report from it in the winds. Loved the video, especially on the motivation part. At times I myself need that extra push to commit to a wild camp after work, but it is like you said, once in the car, no going back. Never regretted it. Thankyou for the encouragement and wonderful video. Liked and Subscribed.
Hi, your comment got filtered out as spam for some reason. Sorry about that! Thanks a lot for your comment, which I'm glad I've now found. The Abisko Lite 1 looks like a really strong tent. Al (over at "Bushman and Blue" RU-vid channel) certainly put his through some pretty extreme weather conditions, well in excess of 40 mph, so hopefully that gives you some confidence if one of your fair weather outings turns sour! It sounds like you get a lot out of your camps, and I'm pleased to hear that you have the power to beat your lulls in motivation. Thank you for the thumbs up and for subscribing. James.
Just a little bit of all the weather...minus the snow! Which is a good thing this time of year! I do prefer the company of Otis...he doesn't tell me what I'm doing wrong. lol I do know how you feel in respect to motivation, and because of that I usually make up my mind on the morning of the day. Such a beauty of a sunrise! Loving the look of those skies! Thanks for the great adventure and have yourself a great week! Bruce and Otis
Yes it was a bit like that - maybe I'll get snow next time? Otis sounds like great company. He probably just marvels at how well your paws work! The sunrise was well worth waking up for. Thanks for watching, Bruce, and take care. James.
Hi James, thanks for sharing this video, really enjoyed this one. Glad the weather in the morning was spot on and you woke up to a great sunrise 👍 to answer your question about wether to go camping. Well a few times we have wanted to go but we have stayed home. Sometimes we just don’t feel like going. It’s a weird thought but sometimes you don’t feel it if that makes sense 👍😀 looking forward to your next adventure ATB Simon & Mark
Hello boys! It just feels odd to have to push yourself to do something that ALWAYS has a positive impact. Perhaps as we do more camps, it's easier to turn down the opportunity to go, because it's not such a rare occasion that you HAVE to seize the moment every time you get the chance? Thanks for the comment. I haven't watched your latest vid yet but will do. I'm still on a high from that last one! ATB, James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Hoping to. Heading to Snowdon this weekend. Not camping but doing a dawn hike. Haven't used helium yet. Set it up alright to see if I can improve on anything. That's the engineer in me 😂 very impressed by the Lanshan 1 thou. I got the 4 seasons inner. Want to try it I'm high wind to really test it.
Just found your videos and am enjoying them immensely. I love your honesty when it comes to not wanting to see other people near ‘your spot’, I too feel the same way about this! I’m sure we’re not the only ones. Look forward to your next outing. Serk
Thanks Serk, I'm glad you're enjoying my videos. I'm sure you're right - after all, we don't wake up at home and hope that someone comes walking through our bedroom in the morning! Thank you for watching :)
You can almost smell the rain from those clouds, but it doesn't stop you in your trail, which it absolutely shouldn't :) As you say, a good shower will wash it all away and you are good as new :) Wales has beautiful spots, too bad the mist covers parts, I bet the view would be amazing from there! The next day is just marvellous, suddenly seeing where you are and how beautiful that morning is, gosh! I would love to enjoy a coffee or tea there :))
Clouds and rain often make the appearance of better weather even more enjoyable, don't they? Wales is full of beautiful views, I agree. Thanks for watching 😊
Finally a realistic perspective on the soulo, well done! Did you see my single hoop tent comparison video? I understand the lack of motivation, because let's face it, it's a bucket load of work,time and discomfort. You are already thinking about drying the tent before you leave. So well done on the '"just do it " attitude! "Overuled myself", love it.
Thanks Dave! I haven't seen that video, but will have to give it a watch. And you're right - camping does require some discomfort and time/fuel etc, so it could always be easy to do something easier. Here's to overruling ourselves! 🍻
Welcome, Chris, and thank you for the kind comment. I'm glad you're enjoying the videos so far! I think I've only seen one Southern Cross 2 on RU-vid so far, but they look great.
Know the feeling on the motivation front, often seems like there's something else to do or work becomes a convenient excuse even though that is a thankless exercise most of the time.....and yet totally agree that the inspiration and well being achieved from being out is immense. Note to self.....Must do more!!
Yes, all of that! It's way too easy to think that we need to sit somewhere if we want to relax, but getting out there and achieving/experiencing something is often better for us, I think. I hope you make time to get out and do something this weekend ✌️
@@chrisarnold4709 Nice one Chris! 20 miles is a fair old leg stretch! You've had a really nice morning as well. Bet you don't regret getting out there one bit 😎👍
@@joinmeoutdoors nope! Ran out of time to get to where I wanted to pitch so not an ideal spot but it worked OK apart from walking out past a dead sheep this morning.....
Stunning views in the morning . Yes agree with you about motivation even though you know it will make you feel better. The same as you gym and camping. Atb Graham
Weird, isn't it? Important that we keep pushing ourselves to get those moments of satisfaction and reward though, I think, even when we don't initially want to do it. Thanks Graham 👍
Interesting dilemma with the tents. I think the used value of the soulo would make it a desirable sale tbf, especially given that you love the southern cross 🙂 Motivation wise, with you completely and I use almost identical logic. I remind myself that I always feel brilliant post camp. Mixture of the camp itself, the hike and the pictures and videos I gather up 🙂 Stay safe and well mate, Adge
Hello Adge. You're absolutely right. The second hand value of both tents is still really strong, so there is no worry about losing any considerable about of money in selling one if I decide to. I'm glad camping gives you all those same unavoidable benefits too. We'd be mad not to give in and get out there! Thanks for your comment 🙏
That was absolutely superb 👏 👌...you're best vid so far mate loved it. The camera work, the time-lapse, the sunrise, the crack... absolutely brilliant and the music too. I totally understand your point too about finding the motivation..... I just go with the flow and try not to force anything .... what will be will be. Really looking forward to your next vid. We'll done mate really awesome that.
Ah thanks Simon! You still manage to fit in lots of outings, so your relaxed approach clearly works for you 👍 Must be because you hire in all those tame deer for your videos! 😂 Thanks for watching, buddy 🙏
Another great video full of interesting talking points and content. I so need to venture north and out of Devon. Beautiful surroundings and I loved the sunrise. Keep up the good work.. 👍
Thanks Ash. You should bite the bullet one day and get the WWCmobile up the M5 and over the bridge. It's not all that far, and would be a good new challenge for you. Also the sheep in Wales all have four legs, which is a bonus 👍
Absolutely in my early days of camping and RU-vid I had to force myself out there especially to stay overnight took several years to overcome to need to rush home. Death of a wife is tricky to deal with but videos helped a lot. Carry on enjoying yourself
It sounds like you've just about got the measure of pushing yourself to get out there now (in a good way). I'm very sorry to hear about your wife, and I hope that camping and YouTubing give you the thinking time and motivation to help you along. I've just subscribed to your channel and it looks like I'll see some familiar locations when I get to watch some of your vids! Thanks for watching and for commenting, and I'll see you around, no doubt 🙂 James.
@@joinmeoutdoors thank you for the sub appreciate that. Yup it definitely helped even my day walks and little videos in one take on phone at very start were good morale boosters take care
Cracking video my friend! I made a mistake once selling the Soulo trying some other tents but always gravitated back due to quality and reliability. if your in poor weather the only tent id want to be in is a Hilleberg.
Cheers buddy! I know exactly what you mean. Yes, it's a heavy tent, and yes they're expensive, but you just know that it won't let you down when things get tough! Thanks for watching 🙏
Nice video James. You do very nice pieces to camera. I find the Southern Cross easy to pitch in all conditions. You can easily do the same as you did on the Soulo to drop the fabric before taking out the poles. You just unclip the attachments from the long axis and those guys and the cross brace will fall flat. The tent is then flat to the ground but still pegged down. Also you can buy the poles to double pole it as each tab has two eyelets for pole insertion if you want the same strength as the Soulo. I’ve had my standard SC1 IN 50 MPH winds no problem. Pitched well directionally of course. Both great tents no doubt. Ps which winter Thermarest sleep pad do you use and what R value? I was in Whernside in -6 last Thursday tucked up in my Alpkit 900 bag.
Thanks a lot, Pete. I do like that the Southern Cross remains pegged down the whole time while you drop it, but there is a period in-between unclipping from the red pole where the central blue hoop is unsupported and acts like a bit of a sail, free to flap backwards and forwards. It's only for a few moments though, so I agree that it's not the end of the world by any means. The Thermarest NeoAir XTherm has a very high R value of 6.9. I can't believe you had temps of -6 last week! What sleep pad do you use? Were you warm enough? I have one or two videos to catch up on from you I think.
@@joinmeoutdoors My pad is exped synmat 5. i was warm enough but it’s too heavy. I use a ripstop foil sheet and thin foam mat too. So it’s ok. But i’ve been trying to avoid spending on the exped but i do like the idea of R6.9 and not lugging 12 kg! So i’m going for it. Do you use it year round?
@@unclepeteswildadventures I think you're right to spend on the Thermarest mat. If kit is heavy AND not quite doing what you want, I think it's justified to invest in the upgrades to add to your enjoyment. I have an Exped SynMat UL 7 MW. It weighs in at 555 grams with R value of 3.1. The NeoAir XTherm (mine is the MAX Reg Wide) weighs 640 grams but has that R value of 6.9. So for 85 grams more, I have a year-round mat that's more than twice as warm as the Exped. I found it to be a bit of a no-brainer purchase, and have been really comfy on the XTherm.
@@joinmeoutdoors Thanks James. it’s hard to choose the right kit based on the recommendations of others. The exped is a comfy mat but i’ll use it on less steep climbs. I will definitely get a T-rest. One day i’ll manage more organised videos like yours. i tend to go off script. #ADHD
@@unclepeteswildadventures I found my Exped to be really comfy too. Doubling the R value for only a 15% increase in weight was just too appealing to me though! I need to plan my videos too, rather than doing everything off the cuff. I think we're allowed to take our time to learn the ropes and find our feet 😊 It was really good to see the Ribblehead Viaduct at close quarters in your last one.
I don't quite understand these comparisons, really. To me the answer is simple (because the use cases are distinctly different for each tent): if REALLY rough climate can become a real challange and top priority is to "be prepared for the worst", that's what the Soulo is made for, cost and all the other stuff then takes a back seat compared to prioritizing survival... If however the climate can be rough, but not extreme (which would be for more than 90% of how "normals" would use a tent), then the southern cross has the upper hand clearly... Unless personal taste like colours, shapes, "brand apeal" play a major factor...
Hi Thomas. I think you've just explained the comparisons there, nice and clearly, and I agree with them. If you have a strong tent like the Soulo, you can go camping in almost all conditions. If you only have one tent, and it's lighter and not quite as strong, you then have to choose to camp when the weather is suitable. Cost, weight, shape, colour, strength, size...all of these things influence people's tent choices, as you say 😊
Interested in the way you had your gear set up in the Soulo. Didn't you have your head and shoulders at the narrower ie the 'foot end'? I would be the other way round as I find cooking in the porch and getting in and out easier that way round. Or am I missing something?
Hi David. I remember people commenting on the head and foot ends of the Soulo a few years ago in another video. One end is slightly narrower than the other, but not enough to prevent me from sleeping in either orientation. I pitch the tent to position the door correctly for wind and/or sunset/sunrise, and then sleep whichever way around I need to for my head to be higher than my feet. Nothing more complicated than that 😊 James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Thanks! That makes sense. I've done that occasionally too when I think, mainly to keep my head higher than my feet. I do find it more cramped that way round but not unmanageable. Thanks for replying.
If it works for you, then it sounds like a solution to me 👍 I think there's often a compromise to be struck when it comes to positioning a tent. Some tents can ONLY be used one way around (e.g. the OEX Phoxx tents), but the Soulo isn't in that category, thankfully 😊
I think hillebergs are great tents there's no doubt. it gives you the secure feeling I suppose but I do think the soluo is just 2 small and I think there's tents that can handle the worst of the British weather for a smaller price.but once the wind gets above 60 doesn't matter what tent your in you ain't going to be sleeping it's just so noisy lol.so are we saying there over engineered for the uk imo I think so
I agree that sleeping gets difficult once the wind gets up. Much above 30 mph and I'm not really sleeping, but whether you're sleeping or not, it's important to have a tent that can withstand those conditions if that's where you want to be. I reckon the OEX Phoxx tents could take 50 mph odd, being so low and sleek, so you're absolutely right - there's nothing to say that only expensive tents can handle the elements. Funnily enough, the Soulo is my biggest and most spacious 1 man tent, so I actually find it a luxury to camp in! Thanks for watching 👍 James.
