That's a lovely tent too! At the time of buying mine I was 50:50 about getting a Soulo or Akto. In the end I went with the Soulo because it was bigger (in height anyway) and a bit sturdier but it did cost a fair bit more.
@@BackpackingUK The issue is the price and I have had mine a few years now its a couple of hundred pounds more but it is bomb proof. I love the fact that it is is outer pitch and also pitches all together. It also has so many options, I have the mesh inner and I will be getting the fly pitch only kit at some point. the MSR Hubba Hubba NX is about the same weight and has more space but if I know that it is going to be narly then I will always take this. I enjoy your content keep it up.
Sold my akto to a bike tourer , ok for the odd night in . But for expedition stuff . Just not high enough to sit in whilst cooking in the vestibule in storms ,which can last a week on a mountain . Well put together ,tents its horses for courses , theres no one tent does all , just like the gear we wear and take with us .
@@BackpackingUK Got the akto as cheaper, but recently got the Soulo BL. Didn't see the point of getting the RL as have the Akto and if I am going to take it into bad weather, might as well get the best. The Soulo is alot more spacous but suffers alot from condensation.
Smashing video mate and I agree with almost all of what you say. It's certainly a superb tent, it's strong, tough & will cope with pretty much anything you can throw at it. But I don't think it's the best for backpacking as such. Expeditions and mountain tops is where it excels, but if I was backpacking the coast 2 coast or any other long distance multi-day trip (other than mountain expedition), I'd choose something lighter and with better ventilation. Obviously, a less robust tent would need more care when finding a location to pitch. That said, I love my Soulo. It's the only tent I'd trust to pitch anywhere in UK conditions.
The title is a little bit tongue-in-cheek. I don’t think you’ll ever get a tent that is perfect for every situation, similar with sleeping bags. As you know, this tent excels in poor conditions but the weight will always hold it back on multi-day trips. Budget aside, the debate over weight vs durability on backpacking gear will always be there. Personally, I let the weather and environment choose the gear I take (unless I want to try something new out 😁). If the forecast is good I’m always happy to use budget gear too.
Hi Paul I am looking at getting back into longer solo multi day trips and went to you channel for advice and you chose this if you could only have one tent, so I am a little confused about your comments.
I agree completely with your points. It is a lovely super strong tent and it has loads of space. You can pitch it basically anywhere, no limitation on that. You just need a reasonably flat spot slightly larger than your sleeping pad. That's all Soulo needs. Maybe it is on the heavy side and there are lighter options available but we in Finland (most of us) are used to carry heavy packs on our multi day trips. The price for amazing strenght and ease of pitching is slightly added weight. Soulo is perfect for kayakers for camping on smooth small rocks which has no vegetation where to push your pegs and to secure your lines. Thanks for a great review!
Nice review. A little tip is to put a karabiner on the guy at the wind end, you can the secure the tent to you pack for safety and also you immediately know which end to pitch into the wind.
Great review mate .. ive had my Hilleberg Soulo since March and it has fast become the best little tent i have ever owned for use over here in Tasmania. These tents are pearlers !
For me, it’s the ultimate one person tent. I could of chosen anything, but this suited me physically and it is tried and tested in all conditions. I bet there isn’t a single owner out there who regrets buying one.
There's no doubt their prices are seriously expensive for tents. However, they are proven to work in the worst of conditions. I'm a massive fan of budget tents (Naturehike, OEX, etc) and that's because in most instances they do the job perfectly AND they weigh less too!
It’s a bombproof tent, and it’s the tent I take with me when heading to the mountains. It’s a tent that can take on alpine conditions, and the Soulo has proved exactly that on expeditions worldwide. I trust the Soulo to protect me from the elements when Mother Earth lets me know how small I really am 😉🇳🇴
Just to clarify one thing mate, you can buy Hilleberg tents at the official dealers. They are the ones that bought up all the stock and that’s why Hilleberg themselves don’t expect to have many tents in stock until next year. New shipments have been coming in and will continue to in the coming weeks and months 📦 ⛺️ Other Nordic brands like Fjallraven have been sold out too btw. It’s not the reputation, it’s the 🦠 Cheers ✌🏽
I should say I got mine from Taunton Leisure (currently no stock there either). I’ve got lots of gear from there in the past. All the tents with the best reputations are unavailable. Other less reputable brands have stock in big numbers so I’m not 100% convinced is purely down to COVID.
I backordered my Soulo from the Hilleberg website about a month ago (there's a subtle "backorder" button). It's in queue to be made and expected to ship at the end of July.
Nice tent,Andy. Good review. Fancy swopping It for my 1994 Argos Outbound Rocky? It’s certainly maintained itself in some ‘harsh environments’. Redding Festival, Glastonbury Festival, Run to the Sun. It’s certainly seen some action….🤣😉 Regards
Agree. I considered to buy different single tents by many brands - need one for my solo hiking in Russia. Every time I compare them I find the Hilleberg Soulo is the best one. (Sorry, my English isn't good).
If you can get over the weight (and price!) it’s the perfect tent. Some people are too weight obsessed and end up choosing a tent that is lighter but offers less protection. I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t regret that choice.
@@BackpackingUK the cost of a hilleberg is in a league of its own. If someone is choosing a different tent, I highly doubt it's because they picked something over the hilleberg, I would assume it's because of the cost. Weight is a big thing to factor in, personally I would not want to carry that kind of weight for 1 item, others will.
Love the review and it's an amazing tent! For me, I would suggest at 2.4kgs it's not ideal for backpacking but probably great if you want a bomb proof option in a storm!
Honestly I love this tent and from what I've seen in stores, Hilleberg tents in general. They scream high quality start to finish. I'm interested as a 'gear nerd'! Not sure if I'll buy one though..I think they're way too heavy for a 1 person tent...although I'd still love to have one. The reason people dislike outside poles is because in freezing conditions they can ice up and be a nightmare to defrost before you can even break it down. In high winds / rain you don't want to stuff around like that, boiling water to melt ice etc. This is one of the reasons I decided to go with a mountaineering tent for winter use (Rab Latok summit) which weighs 1.5kg, it's designed to handle storms on Everest, K2 etc and has internal poles and can be setup much quicker. They have a bigger 2 person version (Latok Mountain 2) which weighs 1.8kg which I'm also considering. There are limitations; they don't have mesh to save weight but are very light and strong but still have a 15,000 hh for the ripstop fly and are single wall but have the same breathability rating as some Gore-Tex. They are another option people may want to consider but no one thing is perfect for everyone including the Rabs. Thanks..
@@JamesGoldenboy I second the UCO or Early Winters candle lantern. Keeps condensation at almost zero, adds a tiny bit of warmth, and the low candle light is soothing for sleeping.
All my tents have a use but my Soulo is what I turn to if there is a chance the weather will turn when up above the tree line anywhere. It's a special tent, special in price too as you say but it makes me smile each time I'm in it lol! Video well edited as always! Andy
I’m always genuinely excited when it comes out. The weight doesn’t bother me. When I’m backpacking it gives me the confidence I will be fine whatever the weather.
Lovely tent, you get what you pay for.. A friend of mine uses a Hilleberg for his trips and is absolutely satisfied with it- but I'm an MSR-man to be honest. Enjoy your new tent! Cheers, Hal
I’m a big fan of MSR tents too. Two of my mates have the Elixir’s and one of my mates has the Naturehike Hubba Hubba NX 2 copy. I really like the design.
Cheers. This tent is on a completely different level to anything I have owned or seen before. People moan they weigh more but that extra weight makes the tent the highest quality tent available and useable in all conditions.
I would use it all the time but I want it to last for years. I give it a full clean down, air and wash the pegs after each use! It's like looking after a classic car 😆
@@BackpackingUK I do exactly the same with mine too, gets well looked after, they last years if you looking after them 👌🏼 just get out and use it ... best tent in the world
I got a black label when they released in 2021, had it over 18 months and still haven't ha chance to use it yet due to work and lockdown 🤣 hopefully soon.
As you said in your introductory comments, at 2.4kg the Soulo is very heavy for a one-person backpacking tent. There is a fundamental difference between the world's best one-person backpacking tent (your title), and the word's most capable foul-weather one-person backpacking tent, which I think is a more accurate description of your Soulo. It's horses for courses, and while undoubtedly the Hilliberg Soulo is overkill for most UK backpacking conditions, I appreciate there are those who value its qualities sufficiently to justify the weight and cost penalties. Something that's often overlooked when evaluating Hillebergs is their durability. The materials used and the build quality is such that they can be expected to outlast most other brands, so if you're happy with using the tent extensively and over many years, it will pay for itself.
The pole cups are big enough to double up the poles if you’re going somewhere really harsh! Superb design. Expensive but worth it. This’ll last a lifetime.
I don't have the strong wind conditions, the heavy snow conditions, or the blistering heat conditions. I don't need the extreme four season tent. However, I don't know of any other solo tent that is very light for long daily treks, and will not fall apart after a year or two. There are other very durable solo tents, but ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain.
What a nice video, my friend! Great backpacking equipment review! Enjoyed watching, very useful info. Cheers from Russia, man, and welcome to my channel about bushcraft tips and hacks! Kind regards, Yuriy! 🙂
Been looking at this one, as so far all one man tents I have looked at have quite a lot of limitations. Given the rainfall in the U.K. a vestibule big enough to sit in is a main requirement for me.
A couple more benefits - the tent is so much warmer and insulated than you'd think so with this beast you can carry a lighter sleeping bag and clothes. Also it's so rigid that you really don't have to carry more than 4 pegs unless you know it's going to be stormy.
thanks for the review... looking hard for a tent and this is a contender but value space as get a little claustrophobic and although its classed as lightweight at 2.4kg for a one man tent it not really that light, with the footprint just shy of 3kg. My sensible head tells me a Terra Nova Souther cross 2 which with its footprint is the same weight and specs are very similar so apart from the brand kudos to show off what you have when on your trip is there much difference in the quality between terra nova 4 season and your Soulo ? space on a wet and windy camp when could be in the tent for extended periods of time is a must, well for me anyway.
You’re thinking is spot on. The Soulo is obviously a bit more weather resistant but the Southern Cross 2 offers a lot more space. It’s still a very high quality tent and stupidly easy to set up.
Not as good as my Banshee 😂😂 Great video, I am looking for a decent one man tent for distance walking (west highland way etc) but think this is out my price range. But as I say, Banshee 300 has never let me down and guess I am used to the weight now.
Its your new and expansive status symbol. You love it, ok. Its a great tent dont get me wrong. But after 15 years there are easier options. My problem is the pitching with with tent. Its stormproof ok. But in a real storm its a torture for me to get this tent up. After a long day of hiking and hungry and just getting into my shelter, 3 poles , several guidelines , a seperated hood that is flattering in the wind whole night. Sry, not my first pick. Not my native language, pls excuse. Allthough very informative video, thx you.
For me, getting the poles in is super quick as is the pole clipping (yes there are lots!). It’s takes me just as much time to sort the guys out as it does pitching the tent! Bit of a faff but do it right and the tent won’t move and you’ll get some sleep. It’s not an everyday tent but I think it’s great in poor conditions.
@@BackpackingUK Absolutely. A feeling safe stormshelter. Every day in the week and twice on sunday. The clippers and 3 pieces of fabric putting toghether is my no go. But your right, after setting up im feeling comfort. greetings and good times outdoor.
Why does the rain cover hang over most of the side that isn’t facing the wind but barely covers the side facing the wind? Is it for better ventilation? Looks like a recipe for blowing rain in
Hilleberg make great tents, and the quality is also great. But the soulo is to heavy for a one person and the soulo have a lot off problems with condensation. I think the Tarptent scarp one is the better choice. Much lighter and the same strength with the upper tent poles and much better ventilation. But this is my opinion. Thank for the nice video.
The Tarptent Scarp 1 is a great tent too. Similar to the Soulo, it's completely out of stock everywhere. Is the ventilation better even with the solid inner? I know you have the option when purchasing.
@@BackpackingUK The scarp one is much better with ventilation. it has much more vents. Also has the solid inner one part with mesh. The scarp 1 is available late spring. But also i love Hilleberg tents, The quality is excellent.
Quick question and sorry if it's been asked before but why are you inserting the cross pole first and below the two longer poles? This isn't the recommended way by Hilleberg. I do the cross pole last and over the top which I think is the strongest configuration. This isn't a criticism of your video I'm interested to hear your answer 👍
I think it’s stronger my way. I’ve had it out in storms and it hasn’t moved a millimetre! I’ve also seen a Hilleberg video pitching it my way too. I guess it doesn’t really matter.
@@BackpackingUK ok thanks that's interesting to know. As you say it probably doesn't matter if your way is tried and tested. Thanks for coming back to me, great channel by the way. 👍
@@BackpackingUK There used to be quite a lot of controversy about this and a lack of clarity from Hilleberg when questioned. The latest Hilleberg advice is to put the shorter pole over the two longer poles...but I don't think it makes a major difference. It's pretty solid either way.
G"day From Queensland Australia. I am putting together my hiking and camping gear as i plan to go hiking and camping after we have reopend. My suggestion is this, The best way to do a review on an subject is to try the item out on an camping trip and vlog it on the tube. Why i say this is because all i see is the reviewers realy do is talk and never go to a location and thats how i see your video. Are you actully going on a trip with the tent ?... i would like to see it in atcion in the open weather in all seasons as i am looking such a tent. Gerard.
I think it's simply supply and demand, so many people have taken up camping the last 18 months. Other high end, well made tent brands are the same such as Tarptent. It appears only the mass-produced tents are available to buy at the moment.
For me, the Tarptent Scarp 1 is a decent size and the Terra Nova Lazer Compact AS. Most of the 1 person, 4 season freestanding tents are more compact. If you're looking at this tent there's the Unna too but that has next to no vestibule space.
The best of the best. But the weight is way too much for anything other than an overnighter. Pack size is also large. If the aim is to spend the night on a mountain top in all conditions this is still it.
I dont know anyone who leaves backpacks in the vestibules .after all the thefts from tents ( while the occupants were sleeping ) buy a 2 person and keep your pack indoors
You wouldn't want to keep your backpack in this tent, you wouldn't have enough room! We use our vestibules, but I suppose that's why we purchased those style of tents in the first place.
The main roof vent is under the roof fly. It vents much better than other tents. At the end of the day it shouldn't matter what it looks like, it should be about how it performs.
The build quality of the Soulo is in a different league. However, the Scarp has more space and is lighter. To make them more like-for-like you really need to add a groundsheet and the cross poles to the scarp and then you’re talking approx 2kg. If the conditions are really bad I’d go Soulo but if you’re not the type of person who camps in the wind and rain go for the Scarp.
@@BackpackingUK Crosspoles increases my Scarp 1 to 1.6kg, not 2kg, and they're only necessary for snow loading. It is very much at home in wind and rain!
Apart from the fact you pitched it wrong cos it's white and blue poles first and then the red pole to spread it - also there's not enough pegs cos it needs 18 pegs to get the proper shape and tightness to the material I got one four years ago and won't use anything else - the footprint is also well worth the investment The other thing I do with mine is after I've built it and before pegging out I pick it up and give it a shake to make sure that the poles are properly spread out Love your video though
Hilleberg...... About as overrated as it gets, and much snobbery to go with it. Stupidly expensive. Stupidly heavy. Stupidly complicated and faffy. Stupidly pointless for all but 1% of UK conditions. If you're going to part with £900 for a tent then get two, get a semi geodesic for harsh conditions, and a lightweight for the other 99% of your camping trips. My old North Face Tadpole is roomier, stronger, lighter, and a dam sight cheaper than this thing, and I don't have to worry about it getting damaged, or nicked for that matter. In my tent collection I had an Akto, I thought I would get one to see what all the fuss was about.... I only ever used it once, then got rid.
@@BackpackingUK Not at all, having camped for the past 45 years, and wild camped for the past 15, I tend to look at the bigger picture with an un blinkered look., and like it or not, the Hilleberg tent brigade tend to have an air of superiority over the rest of us mere mortals.
Yeah happy days. Waiting for the serious high mountain video where its designed for rather than the low hills. It's interesting watching all these Soulo camper videos. To really test it means possible mountain rescue conditions but common sense never gets you in the scenario. In other words chasing status and actually a waste of money on that basis. Hilleberg laugh their heads off
The Soulo has a 5000 HH rating so it is incredibly water resistant. I would only be able to get water through it with a jet wash which I’m not prepared to do.
Hey, if you can take the weight why not. It makes me laugh when I see these big muscley American dudes go on about ‘ultra light’ and ‘hyper light’. I say man up and take the weight!
I know what you mean, the pegs are really light too so why the weight? The answer is the fly is much heavier than anything else I 've ever owned. However, it's the strongest too. The inner is solid instead of just mesh and the base is 70D whereas most tents are 20D. I guess you can't have both, a super-strong and super-light tent!
With its weight, I probably wouldn't take it on a trip even if it was offered to me for free.....I think it's too heavy and too big. It's probably ok for one night, but for long trips with a backpack, no way......At least, it's not for me.
@@BackpackingUK In Canada, during the summer, we can get temperature as high as 30-35 Celsius to which you must had humidity. It's intolerable. I have friends that come from south America and they say, because of the humidity, the heat is worse here than in places like Mexico, Columbia or Peru. That's why we need well ventilated tents in the summer 😋
Personally, I think Hilleberg's are in a league of their own. But then again, the cost is too! However, I would say their tents are proven to last for years and years so they're value for money over time.
Definitely not a backpacking tent. Much too heavy. Truly overkill. I'd only use it in winter months above the treeline - it's intended use. Even where I am in northern Sweden/Norway border i only use a Trailstar that weighs about 500grams. Only in winter do I move to a hilleberg tunnel so I can dig down in the snow and create a sitting ledge.
I cannot see how you can possibly compare a mountain tent to a tarp. They are polar opposites. Virtually no one uses tarp tents in the UK outside of woodland, I guess there is good reason for it. Thanks for sharing though, it shows that not everyone uses tents.
@@BackpackingUK I happen to be sitting here again, searching the net for one. If you happen to come across one it would be so appreciated if you'd respond to this thread and give me a heads up. Thank you
Od dear. I was hoping, but being 6ft4" tall and 3ft wide.. basically built like a brick shithouse. This tent is not for me. Thanks for the review though. Regards
Unfortunatly this video convinced me that I have to spend lots of money, so imho this video should come with a RU-vid Wallet Warning... WARNING - this video can seriously effect your wealth.
@@BackpackingUK Im sure you are right. I just think the reasons i have outlined above make the Hilleberg overrated. There is a reason long distance hikers don't (as a rule) use them....
£895 for a one man tent 😆. A blatant rip off, the materials all in probably cost about £50 max, if that, so it doesn't matter how good it is it's grossly overpriced.