The time has come to let it go...😲. We've decided to raffle off the Hilleberg Soulo, with proceeds going back in to the CZcams 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
Is this a raffle open to your US viewers as well? I don't want to assume that you are shipping international, as that gets expensive, so I thought I would check first. Cheers!
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.
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! 🙏
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.
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 😝 👍
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.
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.
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 👍🏼
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 👍🏼
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 ☺️
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.
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 👍
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.
Great idea about the widget balls! I have a very similar Marmot Hammer and poking a hole in the fabric has always been a fear. And I even love Guinness!
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
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, 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.
The trouble with social media/CZcams 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.
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’ve watched loaded of your videos Andrew. You like to have something a bit different from the masses too and I’ve seen you use the Latok Summit is a variety of conditions. Thanks for the inspiration 👍🏻
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.
I have a Marmot Hammer that’s almost identical (minus the ledge tie-offs and tube vents), and I’m considering having pole sleeves sewn to the inside to obviate the need for finger-freezing Velcro. I have set it up at around 0F without any freezing, but it was in my yard, little to no wind, and I wasn’t cold or damp.
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.
Thank Tony. It’s an older that I picked up cheap to try something a bit different from the masses. It’s definitely stirred things up a bit. Thanks for the feedback. The gopro is easy and the images are decent but I do prefer the iPhone myself 👍🏻
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!
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.
The Vango banshee brings back memories and some nightmares. I'm 187cm and 105kg and that was my home for 2 awful nights with high winds and pelting rain. To be fair, it didn't collapse but it was far from comfortable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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!
Like you said at the start if you treat it like a large spacious bivi then looks to be a winner. Maybe the addition of the small RAB solo tarp over the door in particularly rainy weather.
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…
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
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.
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...
I'd not have let the Soulo go for this as a replacement, but I understand the desire to try something different / less common. I'd have maybe gone the Akto / Allak route instead though.
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.
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"
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.
The Latok is 2kg and the Soulo 2.4 so not a lot in it I suppose. I just wanted something that won’t be everyone’s go to tent, something different. I’ll work around it’s flaws 😂 and I won’t use it for every occasion. Only the rough stuff.
Looks solid for high altitude,.dealing with snow easily, with an emergency bothy build to boot..Pain in the rain and not light.. Adding rain conditions you'd want the vestibule, more cost and weight..in all, to me, seems a great tent for the right conditions, but far from a good UK general use tent. Especially lakes or peak district. All the best.
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
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.
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
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.👍🏻
looks a good tent , let's hope the manufacturer sees your video and maybe put a fly mesh built into the door and maybe a small rain guard above the door opening just to eliminate the rain dropping in on their next version of this , hopefully wouldn't add too much weight , cracking video Paul
It’s maybe pity that the door doesn’t open from the bottom and then roll up. This way it might have been possible to use the door as some kind of canopy above the entrance.
‘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.
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😂😂
Good for you mate for trying something different and putting new ideas on your channel, there are hundreds of CZcams 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.
A wee tip that might help…….hit the tent a good slap above the door from the inside which should get rid of most of the water before opening the door. Might help until you get a mod done. :-)
That is a really honest review. If Rab would take note. Add a bug net at the door and an overhang with two guy lines to solve the water dripping in problem I would order one tomorrow. Love the material and the inside space and height. Regards John Mac
It’s a very similar tent to the North Face assault 2, which I have just purchased. The North Face as an in built mesh door and mesh vents and a rear escape door / vent with mesh
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 👍
If you can’t find this tent (RAB don’t make them anymore) have a peek at Crux. I use a Crux X1 Assault which is very similar to this tent but it has an vestibule built in which is great for boots and cooking. Very solid tent. It’s also single skin and under the right conditions you can get some condensation. It’s drum tight so it’s fantastic in the wind. Total weight is just shy of 2kg.
Wow it would need to be a super low price, Dec 2023 they are £750! On the other hand, it ticks most of my boxes, true free standing, nice and simple, yeah i like it, cool vid mate.
Love Rab gear, but can't see this in Olive even on their website. Single skinned would normally ring alarm bells for me. Not a massive fan of the not so subtle branding either, lol
I thought the quality of the picture was great. 👍👍 I like the look of that tent. I do a bit of motorbike Camping, I think that would really suit. Great video cheers bud.
I had three goretex tents and none of the really worked in rainy conditions. They were perfect in the snow but there are better tents for in the rain. You will find that you need to purchase a vestibule for it or in the rain water gets in when you open the door.
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.
Yep it's hard to find the perfect tent. I have been using the Vango Mirage Pro 200 (for single use). It's great for the price, great shape, freestanding and stands up superbly well to the elements. One downside for me is that it weighs 3kg and with groundsheet even heavier. I'm looking for something with similar decent space, 4 season, if possible freestanding but 1kg lighter :). If the Hilleberg Niak was 4 season and still sub 2kg it would be close to perfect or if the Soulo redesigned came in at just under 2kg with maybe adjustment to the ventilation system it would be close to perfect. Anyway changing your setup seems to have worked as intended 😀👍.
Got the mirage pro and yes it is a palace but not something to lug around. I am contemplating a helm 1 compact to replace my berghaus peak 3.1, nothing wrong with it but too narrow to sit up in think (OEX Bobcat)
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 👍
I saw this minutes after you dropped it. I watch all your shows on the big screen and there's nowhere to add my comments. Brilliant content....as usual. I have to say this is by far the best filming I've seen to date. You have really got a grip on different angles whilst physically standing in the same position. Well done. Have you thought about using two or three cameras at the same time, capturing all the angles simultaneously? (if you haven't already) one minor note. Have both zips together on one side, then from the inside you could open by unzipping left to right with one hand, whilst pushing the 'door' out with your free hand. Should stop the 'door' folding in on itself ? 😃
Liked that editing on the walk in. Fair enough on dropping out the Soulo. I still like mine except for weight penalty. They’re really for exceptional environments I guess. This Rab one looks cool but that entrance ain’t for me (like the soloist). Regarding condy, I just think with all these shelters you just have to be canny about venting. I leave as much open and unzipped as poss, but mainly started to do this more after watching tarp users approach. With this Rab one Paul, looks like you just need to leave those vents open to avoid that condy. Cinching them up is just asking for it. Good thing about those hosey vents is that even horizontal rain is less likely to get in, same with spin drift I’m guessing. Tents don’t make as much difference keeping you warm anyway - it’s all about sleep system. ATB, Chris 👍🏻
Interesting video but I think you will change tent very soon! Event wear very quickly, the fabric delaminates fast and the seam tape only needs lift slightly to you will have leak. I had Event ascent bivi which leaked 13-14 months. Used possibly 25-30 occasions but the top of the bivy delaminated and leaked. Recommend storing this tent very loosly to lengthen its lifespan. You likely also find that in winter conditions you have large ice patches internally as the rear of the fabric holds mositure rather then allows it to run which is design of fabric and can speed up delamination where moisure freezed between layers.
This is close to what a lot of people want. Needs a vestibule and bug net but size and weight plus pack size looks good. Very stable. So a decent thing to take up high
Picture quality looks good 👍 as for the tent ⛺️ more for high altitude mountains and not for hiking. The door is a big problem and also the rear vent would be a massive problem if pitched facing into high winds in torrential rain IMHO. As always a great video though 👌
The time has come to let it go...😲. We've decided to raffle off the Hilleberg Soulo, with proceeds going back in to the CZcams 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
Is this a raffle open to your US viewers as well? I don't want to assume that you are shipping international, as that gets expensive, so I thought I would check first. Cheers!
What kind of pants are you wearing ? the one you but on the outside of the ones you are wearing ?
Paul, what happened to you having this as your go to tent. Did you ever use it again?
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've never seen a tent with an opening at one end to pee out of in the night, what a great feature!
😂😂😂👌
Tend to pee in a nalgene and use that as a hot water bottle.
😬🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for pointing out that hidden, brilliant feature... just need some brave soul to demo that and post to YT!
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.
It only rains here mate so let Pauls nightmare begin lol
How is it a nightmare in the rain? What are your views?
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! 🙏
No vestibule tents are fine only if it's hilleberg unna. Never seen others that are even half decent, and this one isn't stellar either
I have this tent, it’s really nice, and you can buy a vestibule too. 👍🏼
Without a tarp or vestibule looks like a nightmare in wet weather
I would agree , I love Rab stuff but that is more for just jumping in with a full down suit on with it blowing a gale outside .
@@daveandemmaoutdoors3171 exactly- this is 100% a mountaineering tent.
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.
@Gillie Monger yeah, it's not designed for rain. The vesta makes an improvement though
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 😝 👍
Buy yin, I'll look on in trepidation 🤔
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.
What does that mean? @JohnCarpenter-tx4vr
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.
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 👍🏼
I'm with you on that - from New Zealand 🇳🇿 🙆🏻♀️ 😊
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 👍🏼
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 ☺️
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.
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 👍
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.
Great idea about the widget balls! I have a very similar Marmot Hammer and poking a hole in the fabric has always been a fear. And I even love Guinness!
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
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.
No thanks
Rain ingress when you open the door
Nowhere to cook when it rains
No mosquito netting
Keep the Soulo
That's the best stove I've seen!
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.
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.
The trouble with social media/CZcams 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.
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’ve watched loaded of your videos Andrew. You like to have something a bit different from the masses too and I’ve seen you use the Latok Summit is a variety of conditions. Thanks for the inspiration 👍🏻
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 👌
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.
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 :)
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.
I have a Marmot Hammer that’s almost identical (minus the ledge tie-offs and tube vents), and I’m considering having pole sleeves sewn to the inside to obviate the need for finger-freezing Velcro. I have set it up at around 0F without any freezing, but it was in my yard, little to no wind, and I wasn’t cold or damp.
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.
Rab Latok 2 (€800) reviewed here is the same price as hilleberg Unna (€800)
Thank Tony. It’s an older that I picked up cheap to try something a bit different from the masses. It’s definitely stirred things up a bit. Thanks for the feedback. The gopro is easy and the images are decent but I do prefer the iPhone myself 👍🏻
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!
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.
The Vango banshee brings back memories and some nightmares. I'm 187cm and 105kg and that was my home for 2 awful nights with high winds and pelting rain. To be fair, it didn't collapse but it was far from comfortable.
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.
Love the design. Looks like a bothy, bivvy and tent combined and not that much bulkier than my Terra Nova Jupiter Goretex hooped bivvy.
Hi Paul, this would make a nice addition to complete the setup - Rab Latok Mountain 2 Vestibule
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.
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.
That's quite good material, Rab tent, It's soo simple to built.
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.
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.
Nice tent. Can see using it.
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.
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.
We used to visit and play on those rocks with my grandpa as kids. Happy memories.
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!
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!
Like you said at the start if you treat it like a large spacious bivi then looks to be a winner. Maybe the addition of the small RAB solo tarp over the door in particularly rainy weather.
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…
Promising test. It has good qualities. E.g the weight, space and sturdyness. Have been using similar tent from North Face.
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
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.
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...
I'd not have let the Soulo go for this as a replacement, but I understand the desire to try something different / less common. I'd have maybe gone the Akto / Allak route instead though.
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.
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.
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"
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.
The Latok is 2kg and the Soulo 2.4 so not a lot in it I suppose. I just wanted something that won’t be everyone’s go to tent, something different. I’ll work around it’s flaws 😂 and I won’t use it for every occasion. Only the rough stuff.
Looks solid for high altitude,.dealing with snow easily, with an emergency bothy build to boot..Pain in the rain and not light.. Adding rain conditions you'd want the vestibule, more cost and weight..in all, to me, seems a great tent for the right conditions, but far from a good UK general use tent. Especially lakes or peak district. All the best.
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.
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
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.
Looks great, you could use a small tarp for a vestibule, I use a Hilleberg tarp 5 with the soulo and my Niak
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
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.👍🏻
looks a good tent , let's hope the manufacturer sees your video and maybe put a fly mesh built into the door and maybe a small rain guard above the door opening just to eliminate the rain dropping in on their next version of this , hopefully wouldn't add too much weight , cracking video Paul
It’s maybe pity that the door doesn’t open from the bottom and then roll up. This way it might have been possible to use the door as some kind of canopy above the entrance.
Yes. I used to do that on.my old voyager tent with two trekking poles
‘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.
This is great. Half the price of a Samaya and only 200g heavier. Nice.
Thanks for telling us about this tent.
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😂😂
Love the color 😍
Good for you mate for trying something different and putting new ideas on your channel, there are hundreds of CZcams 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.
I used to have a dome tent with a similar door problem. I learned that in rainy weather, to open the door outward to keep the water from getting in.
A wee tip that might help…….hit the tent a good slap above the door from the inside which should get rid of most of the water before opening the door. Might help until you get a mod done. :-)
That is a really honest review. If Rab would take note. Add a bug net at the door and an overhang with two guy lines to solve the water dripping in problem I would order one tomorrow. Love the material and the inside space and height. Regards John Mac
Interesting tent Paul, but for the sake of 300gm I’d stick with my Niak. Never a condensation issue and a decent vestibule.
It’s a very similar tent to the North Face assault 2, which I have just purchased. The North Face as an in built mesh door and mesh vents and a rear escape door / vent with mesh
That little glory hole vent is hilarious 😂 You’ll have to start mountaineering now! Tenting adventures on top of Mount Blanc.
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 👍
Great-great-great-grandson of the venerable Bibler I-tent! I heartily approve.
If you can’t find this tent (RAB don’t make them anymore) have a peek at Crux. I use a Crux X1 Assault which is very similar to this tent but it has an vestibule built in which is great for boots and cooking. Very solid tent. It’s also single skin and under the right conditions you can get some condensation. It’s drum tight so it’s fantastic in the wind. Total weight is just shy of 2kg.
Wow it would need to be a super low price, Dec 2023 they are £750!
On the other hand, it ticks most of my boxes, true free standing, nice and simple, yeah i like it, cool vid mate.
Love Rab gear, but can't see this in Olive even on their website. Single skinned would normally ring alarm bells for me. Not a massive fan of the not so subtle branding either, lol
Glad I do not have this tent, but hope you enjoy it👍.
I thought the quality of the picture was great. 👍👍 I like the look of that tent. I do a bit of motorbike Camping, I think that would really suit. Great video cheers bud.
I had three goretex tents and none of the really worked in rainy conditions. They were perfect in the snow but there are better tents for in the rain. You will find that you need to purchase a vestibule for it or in the rain water gets in when you open the door.
Check out the Black Diamond Firstlight tent. Exact same design, but with less frills, bug netting, and you can buy an optional vestibule.
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.
I respect you changing things up. Good to see something different 👍🏼
It's like a hybrid Tent/ Emergency Bothy shelter
Yep it's hard to find the perfect tent. I have been using the Vango Mirage Pro 200 (for single use). It's great for the price, great shape, freestanding and stands up superbly well to the elements. One downside for me is that it weighs 3kg and with groundsheet even heavier. I'm looking for something with similar decent space, 4 season, if possible freestanding but 1kg lighter :). If the Hilleberg Niak was 4 season and still sub 2kg it would be close to perfect or if the Soulo redesigned came in at just under 2kg with maybe adjustment to the ventilation system it would be close to perfect. Anyway changing your setup seems to have worked as intended 😀👍.
Got the mirage pro and yes it is a palace but not something to lug around. I am contemplating a helm 1 compact to replace my berghaus peak 3.1, nothing wrong with it but too narrow to sit up in think (OEX Bobcat)
@@jonathaniwachiw-toothill29 Yep it's heavy. Helm looks decent for what t is. There's lots of choices around.
@@jonathaniwachiw-toothill29 Yep it's heavy. Helm looks decent for what t is. There's lots of choices around.
Maybe they will come out with a vestibule add-on soon
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 👍
I saw this minutes after you dropped it. I watch all your shows on the big screen and there's nowhere to add my comments. Brilliant content....as usual. I have to say this is by far the best filming I've seen to date. You have really got a grip on different angles whilst physically standing in the same position. Well done. Have you thought about using two or three cameras at the same time, capturing all the angles simultaneously? (if you haven't already)
one minor note. Have both zips together on one side, then from the inside you could open by unzipping left to right with one hand, whilst pushing the 'door' out with your free hand. Should stop the 'door' folding in on itself ? 😃
Liked that editing on the walk in. Fair enough on dropping out the Soulo. I still like mine except for weight penalty. They’re really for exceptional environments I guess. This Rab one looks cool but that entrance ain’t for me (like the soloist). Regarding condy, I just think with all these shelters you just have to be canny about venting. I leave as much open and unzipped as poss, but mainly started to do this more after watching tarp users approach. With this Rab one Paul, looks like you just need to leave those vents open to avoid that condy. Cinching them up is just asking for it. Good thing about those hosey vents is that even horizontal rain is less likely to get in, same with spin drift I’m guessing. Tents don’t make as much difference keeping you warm anyway - it’s all about sleep system. ATB, Chris 👍🏻
Would be nice with a tarp over the front Paul. Not sure about the no mesh to get some fresh air and keep bugs out
Interesting video but I think you will change tent very soon! Event wear very quickly, the fabric delaminates fast and the seam tape only needs lift slightly to you will have leak. I had Event ascent bivi which leaked 13-14 months. Used possibly 25-30 occasions but the top of the bivy delaminated and leaked. Recommend storing this tent very loosly to lengthen its lifespan. You likely also find that in winter conditions you have large ice patches internally as the rear of the fabric holds mositure rather then allows it to run which is design of fabric and can speed up delamination where moisure freezed between layers.
This is close to what a lot of people want. Needs a vestibule and bug net but size and weight plus pack size looks good. Very stable. So a decent thing to take up high
I like it, bit of a pain without a porch, soon find a seamstress to modify for your needs I’m sure
Picture quality looks good 👍 as for the tent ⛺️ more for high altitude mountains and not for hiking. The door is a big problem and also the rear vent would be a massive problem if pitched facing into high winds in torrential rain IMHO.
As always a great video though 👌
One good thing I will say. RAB are UK based and have excellent customer service.
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 👏👏😎