Hilleberg Soulo Tent - first time pitch, a look round & why I bought it.
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- čas přidán 14. 07. 2024
- Having spent a couple of years procrastinating, I spotted a Hilleberg Soulo tent in stock at Taunton Leisure and snapped it up straight away.
This video shows my first attempt at putting it up and what my initial thoughts are.
One thing everyone mentions about the Soulo above everything else is the price, I felt sad for about 20 minutes after pulling the trigger and paying.. but now I have a continual warm feeling knowing I own it, and every time I camp in it I have a massive smile on my face.. It really is a magnificent tent in terms of quality
That is the impression I have of it, just from the first pitch. The quality of construction is obvious.
@@thecampingastronomer8554 the rubbery pole straps, the guys, the zips, the actual tent material.. it just screams quality and strength when you get your hands on it, and will last a lifetime if properly looked after (unlike me when I killed mine🥺🤣)
@@BulldogBadger ah yes, I watched that video. You have managed to get a new top hat I gather, and I guess fixed the pole. Is the tent back up and running fully now ?
@@thecampingastronomer8554 yes I was able to get a new top hat, and repaired the broken pole with the spare pole section, I was very very lucky! And a lesson learnt
@@BulldogBadger that's good news 👍
That Kerlon 1200 is insanely strong, I damaged the top hat and was able to source a new one.. I then tried to rip the damaged one and it wouldn’t tear.. gives me enormous comfort knowing that when sleeping in it in tasty conditions
That is really good to know 🙂
Yes!! Welcome to the club John! 👏👏👏 I hope you are incredibly happy with it for years to come!
Oooh hello Mr Badger, allow me...🥈🦡☕️👍❤️
@@TeaInValhalla thank you very much kind Sir! 👍
I am over the moon with it 🙂
Interested to watch this one John, the Hilleberg is a proper bit of kit that will last you a lifetime and keep you safe, warm and dry wherever you decide to pitch it, giving you peace of mind as you put head to pillow 😴 ⛺️ ❤️
Will watch along now and catch you again soon! Have a great weekend and stay hydrated, Ceri and a very 🔥 🥵 Kat! ⛰️🏕👍🤗❤️
One of tge things I tend to do now is buy things that I think will see me out. I am 58 now and hope to get another 10 years or so of fully active stuff. It means spending more money in the expectation of something lasting a long time.
Have a great weekend 👍
@@thecampingastronomer8554 not much is built to last nowadays, so it's nice to find something like this that clearly is 👌
Great video John I look forward to your next one 👍👍👍
Thanks Gary 🙂. My next camp (next week) is going to be in a bivvy bag as its too hot at night for the Soulo at the moment. Then hopefully I'll be out in the Soulo.
Hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend 🙂
I use the red label with 10mm poles. Still going strong and survived some real nasty weather. This is a good combination of strength and weight for me, the best of both rl/bl worlds.
That's a good idea, I'll look into that 😀
@@thecampingastronomer8554I know it's more expense but I wanted the thinner material of red label as its more comfortable if I use the tent on warmer days. With the black label poles it's solid as a rock in bad conditions 👍
Great vid John.
I love that tent in my-bucket list.
And very clear review of it 👍.
Atb Graham
Thanks Graham, based on this first look I am very pleased with it. The nights will have to get a bit cooler before I try it out properly though. Next week I'll be doing a bivvy camp which is a bit more suitable for the hot nights I think.
What a well done, in-depth video on a great looking tent! That looks really nice! The vestibule area looked very roomy. Can’t wait to see your first night in it!
Thank you, I am very pleased with it. I am looking forward to taking it out in a couple of weeks now that the night temperatures have fallen to a more comfortable 12 deg C rather than the 20 deg C we have had recently. This tent would be too warm for me I those conditions.
Crossing to the "dark side" eh? Very thorough video about the tent and I can see you're really happy with it. I look forward to seeing you out in it 0 probably for many years to come! ATB Roger
Thanks Roger. I think I need it to cool down a bit at night before going out in it though 🙂. Next week I am hoping to do a bivvy bag camp, better suited to the warm nights.
Great video John! Really enjoyed seeing your first impressions and I look forward to watching your future camps in it
I have a bivvy camp coming up next as its too hot at night for this tent I think, then I look forward to a night in the Soulo. I want to practice living in it in decent weather this summer and autumn so that I can use it with confidence in the winter.
@@thecampingastronomer8554 it’s not too bad in summer if you leave the door open and then unzip the yellow fabric on the inner doors so its just the mesh
@@BulldogBadger that's good, I'll try and get out in the next month then.
You are correct, split the poles and pegs and it packs down tiny
Top tips 👌
Thanks for that confirmation 👍
Great purchase Jon 👌. I look forward to seeing you out and about in it 👍
I am very pleased with it, and look forward to the nights cooling down a bit to get out in it. Next week, whilst it is still warm at night I have a camp planned in a bivvy bag, more suited to the conditions (assuming I don't get eaten alive by midges 🤣). Hope you have a good weekend 👍
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Great stuff Jon. Best of luck with the bivvi and the biters 🤞✊
Very through video John, as we have come to expect and enjoy from you 🏕❤️🤗
Am sure pitching will get better ever use 👍
Hi John...I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with your hilly. I’ve got the Hilly Allak 2 and also purchased an extra set of poles to double pole on winter summits. These Hilly’s are absolute tanks and I have absolutely no regrets with mine and tbh I have no desire to purchase any other tent. Hope you enjoy many camps in the Soulo John...cheers Mark 👍
Thanks Mark 🙂.
I went out in mine last week for a night. I was expecting bad condensation as it was warm and raining. However, I had no problems at all, and putting the tent up in the rain was a breeze.
All in all I am very chuffed 😀
The rolls Royce of tents very nice on my list
It certainly is a lovely tent. I am looking forward to it cooling down a bit so that I can try it out properly.
Thank you very much fir watching and commenting David, hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend 😀
My red label soulo has served me very well on summit and winter camps. Space is a tad limited and condensation can be an issue ( every tent gets condensation ) but i have always felt very safe in it. You want to feel relaxed and secure in your tent in the wild weather rather than thinking well the tent will probably be ok but you can't sleep from worry. Hope you get many great trips using it John , ATB.
Thank you Eddie, I am looking forward to it being a bit cooler so I can go out in it. It's still over 30 degrees here so a bit hot for this tent. I might get out in my Elixer next week, but just use the inner tent.
I have had one of these tents for a few years now. You are spot on with your review, I love mine and am happy that it will last me as long as I need it,( I am 57 now). One thing I would suggest is tying up each guy line separately with an elastic band so that they dont get tangled. You dont want to be faffing around in the rain putting it up and have to mess around trying to get tangles out. I have used mine up in mountains here in Scotland in gales and had zero problems,( infact I have sometimes opened it up in the morning and been surprised to find it was a stormy night. In the tent I wouldnt have known).
Thanks for the tip about the guy lines. I tend to try and tie mine up, but this is never that secure, so your idea is a good one.
I am very impressed with the tent, and like you hope that it will see me through my remaining wild camping years (I am 58).
Thank you very much for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it.
Hope you have a good week ahead 👍
Had a 3 season wildcountry tent flattened in the scottish caringorm mountains, winds forecast were 80mph. I then bought a hilleberg Tarra as wanted to be sure it wouldnt happen again. Since then have also bought an akto, nallo, soulo, nammatj and recently an anjan 2 and another akto (previous akto destroyed in a washing machine by the mum of somebody I leant it to).
The tent that was in the highest winds being the akto, the weather forcast being 90mph winds.
Now that's one heck of a tent collection, and you can be confident in pretty well any weather I reckon. Thanks very much for watching and taking the time to comment, it is much appreciated 😊
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Only have 2 Hillebergs at the moment, , the anjan 2 and akto. Gonna get another tent , either the Nammatj 2 or Soulo BL, hard to choose as both great tents.
@DemiGod.. Yes, that is a hard choice. A nice one to have to make though 🙂
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Got the Soulo BL, lovely tent. The porch is not as big as the Akto, but adequate, the inner tent space though is perfect. You feel very safe in the Soulo. Will get a 2nd side pole when it becomes available in spring for more stability.
@@DemiGod.. fantastic, congratulations on your new tent 👍🙂
Think the reason for HB to now suggest to put the red-marked pole in last (over) is because of the introduction of the Soulo BL. The 10mm poles are so strong so if you do it the other way around you might damage the tent.
I own a Soulo BL myself, really enjoying it. If the weather is OK you can put a waterbottle or similar between the outer tent and the ground and in that way improve airflow.
Anyway, great video, hope you get many nights out in your Soulo, it's a great piece of kit!
Thank you for the tips, that us very useful. Thank you for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it.
Hope you have a good weekend 👍
Great film and a great tent. Nice one. It sure does get windy up on the downs so i completely understand.
Thanks Rob, I was quite taken aback last winter with how windy it was, often much worse than the forecast suggested. Luckily my tents survived OK, but it was touch and go I think.
Looking forward to getting out in the Soulo now. Thanks very much for watching and enjoy the rest of the weekend 👍
@@thecampingastronomer8554 I've not really put my current tent (wild country helm 2) though it's paces properly yet. It's seen some midnight rain but not much wind. Looking forward to getting out again soon.
@@TheSussexOutdoorsman the Helm 2 gets very good reviews so I reckon it will do you proud.
They certainly are brilliant tents, the Hillebergs. I hope you enjoy many safe, secure, storm ridden nights in it. 👍🏼
Thank you Dougie, I am looking forward to it getting a bit cooler so I can get out in it 😀
@@thecampingastronomer8554 I bet. I must say I’m enjoying this heatwave, it’s 26c here in Scotland today, but you can’t beat winter camping. No midges.
@@dougieranger we have 33 degrees here today, too hot for me 🤣
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Yeah, that’s mighty hot John. Well, don’t go out until evening my friend and stay hydrated, take electrolytes too.
@@dougieranger I am probably going to go out next week using my MSR Elixir 1 tent and just use the inner, which has loads of mesh.
The other issue down here is the huge risk if wild fires as everything is tinder dry. Consequently I will nit take a stove and just eat cold food.
Hello John, new subscriber here.
I can comfortably you won't ever regret buying this tent. I know there is the initial pain but it's money well spent. If you do a lot of camping I don't even think it's more expensive in the end. You have a tent that with a modicum of care will last you a lifetime.
It might sound a bit prissy, but even in conditions were you don't really need a shelter of this calibre, they are simply a joy to use. They ooze quality. I like to use the yellow label Enan for 3 season lowland camping and the Soulo for summit and winter camps.
Enjoy.
Thank you for your support Frederick 🙂. I am very impressed with the quality of the tent and really look forward to going out in it. I am now 58 and hope to be out wild camping for another 10 years or so. I figured that by spending the money now I would have something that will last me until I decide that a hotel bed is a better bet.
Thank you very much for subscribing, I really appreciate it.
Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend 🙂
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Thanks John. Well I'm 68 now and only bought my Hillebergs a couple of years ago. Fully intend to keep going as long as possible. I've got two stepchildren who are getting into backpacking in a serious way and I hope they'll get the benefit from my tents when I decide that brick tents are the only way to go.
Take care.
@@frederickridall628 Now that is an inspiration for me to keep at it 😀
@@thecampingastronomer8554 👍🙂
Welcome to the Honourable Order of Hilleberg John - you can check in; but you will not really want to leave it:) Having used the Soulo for some years it is refreshing to see how you put it up and your enthusiasm for this superb tent! Based on what you say I have a few remarks to make based on my practical experience. While an extra groundsheet is good to have and provides extra protection/warmth; the bottom of the tent is very durable and waterproof! I cannot remember any occasions where water has seeped into the tent from the ground and I have been in some wet places. As for condensation it has never been a major issue in my northern climate and I find the ventilation to be working well; but it will be interesting to see how your experience is. And the strength and durability of the tent is such that it can handle rough treatment when push comes to shove and you just have to get the tent up in a hurry! But it is a small tent and a good tent drill improves the experience as you mentioned. And the vestibule will handle a 65 litres backpack nicely - on long treks I store my 90 litres there without too much of an issue! So once again congratulations on a good purchase and a tent that will provide a good shelter in outrageous weather! All the best, Ant P.S The inside of my Soulo in a Norwegian rain storm: czcams.com/users/shortsS5iumNDE_Zo
Thank you for the tips Ant, I am really looking forward to going out in the tent. I looked at your video, it us very therapeutic. There is something very relaxing about listening to rain on a tent once you are confident it won't leak 🤣
@@thecampingastronomer8554 It will not leak and it will handle the wind well - and snow as well if you get to such a place🥶
@@ArcticNatureExperiences I am looking forward to the winter already 😃
@@thecampingastronomer8554 P.S One other good thing with Hilleberg tents is that they have reflectors mounted on the sides. However not all stealth campers might be thrilled by this feature 😄
@@ArcticNatureExperiences I'll check that out in the dark. I don't think it will cause a problem to me. I usually hope that nobody will come anywhere close enough to me to be able to shine a torch on me.
Haha John I’ve just pitched mine today same colour and got it from the same place
Fantastic 👍. I am currently in bivvy bag on South Downs. Too hot to be in a tent here in the South East at the moment 🤣
@@thecampingastronomer8554 guest what mate last camp was in a bivvy
czcams.com/video/XJ02tW-m34c/video.html
class tent
Thanks Jason, I am very impressed by the quality. Enjoy the restof the weekend.
@@thecampingastronomer8554 bought one last year camped in lakes snow wind .brilliant they are .
@@jasonmaddison6148 that's good to hear 😊
Off topic question. What backpack are you using? Do you maybe have a backpack where you can put a widefield telescope and camera so you can go camp and do astrophotography?
Good question Antonio. I use an Osprey Rook 65 litre pack. The main problem I have is that I have pack weights of between 15 and 18 kg depending on how much water I need to carry. Adding a small scope and a tracking mount with tripod would add about another 8 kg. However, it should be possible to do some widefield shots of the Milky Way using a dslr, 18mm lens and lightweight tripod. This is much more achievable and something I want to try next year (assuming I get a camp where it doesn't rain 🤣).
Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and comment, this is really appreciated 👍.
@@thecampingastronomer8554 no problem. I am in a massive search for some good solution. I don't tend to walk too much with all the stuff. I see my self in scenarion where I would mostly use some kind of transport and walk somewhat. So I don't mind if I get everything with 15kg. I tend to go camp with Star Adventurer GTi and some smaller widefield like Redcat 51 which will reduce the weight big time. Osprey Rook 65 does look great. I can see that I can fit GTi tripod, tent and sleeping bag. I will keep this backpack on the list while doing further research.
@@antoniohaluzan3396 the Rook 65 bag is very good for the money. It seems to carry the weight very well.
@@thecampingastronomer8554 tnx for recommendation. Keep it going with your videos. It is nice to watch them :)
@@antoniohaluzan3396 thank you for watching, and for your kind comments 👍
1st ❤️
That was quick 🤣
Aaaah you beat me 👏😎🦡🦡
@@thecampingastronomer8554 trying not to melt, just come in from the garden and boom you popped up 🏕👍❤️
@@TeaInValhalla it is hot today isn't it. I am planning on doing a bivvy bag camp next week in the hope of it being cooler than trying to sleep at home.
Overweight & overpriced condensation ridiculous,should have gone with a lightwave tent or Fjallraven tent
Thank you for your input. Interestingly I did look at both Lightwave and Fjallraven. However, as I mentioned in the video, I like tents with clip on connectors to the poles (rather than sleeves) with inner and outer pitching together. For me this makes the easiest set up in difficult conditions when you are on your own. The Hilleberg Soulo and Allak models appeared to tick these boxes best. I would rather spend more money and get my primary wants, than spend less and not get what I want.
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Crack on with it dudt
This tent is ideal for mountaineering - regularly used in 50mph+ winds at -30 degrees celsius. Condensation is certainly not an issue. Hopefully you weren't using yours in summer or the rainforest LOL :)
@@simoncolyer8737 although it was bought as a winter tent, I tried it out last week in warm temperatures. I had no problems with condensation although I did have the inner door open.
Thanks for watching and commenting, its much appreciated 😊
The majority of people moaning about condensation (which as we know is an inevitable function of physics) have neither owned, nor used this tent. This tent is without doubt, the best one person shelter on the market today.