Wrong information about the Hilleberg soulo. Hydrostatic head of the outer tent is 5000mm (not 3000mm) and 15000mm of the floor (not 5000mm) Thank you for the comparison. It was nice to see it.
Hello András. Thank you for pointing this out. It looks like I've made a mistake here. Unfortunately I can't change the video now, but I need to be more careful in the future. Thanks for this comment; it will help me to improve 👍
Five years ago I bought the Hilleberg Soulo (sand color) for 500 Euros and the groundsheet for another 60 Euros. Shops here in Switzerland sell the tent & groundsheet now for 1145 Euros...😅 Absolutely love this tent and used it all over the world in every condition and would never sell it. If I detach the inner tent, I can even sleep with my Huskies and Samoyed sled dogs inside. 😁 Cheers from Switzerland
You should have bought ten! 😅 I'm in a similar position with my Soulo. I love an investment that holds its value. They are expensive, but a £600 tent that depreciates by no more than £100 in 5-10 years makes far more sense than a £200 tent that is worth £50 after 3 years - particularly when the Hillebergs are so much stronger than a budget tent. Good to hear from you over there in Tobleroneland! 😁👋 James.
Thank you very much, Pete. Very kind of you to say so 😊 By all means let me know if you have any suggestions for future videos or things you'd like me to cover!
Great informative video . What a superb price on the SC1 . I got mine for 460 with points from trekitt. I see the door clips and vent here clearly, thanks for sharing.
£460 is still a fair whack off the "official" price, and they still sell very well on the second hand market. I hope your next trip out is a drier one!
Good stuff mate, well delivered and informative breakdown. The poles on all 3 options are the weak point I’d say, even the 9mm on the Soulo, in high constant winds in exposed pitches they are the first thing to cause issue. Really enjoyed this. 👍
Thanks for that. Having seen the Soulo (not mine) stand strong in winds over 70 mph, I hope I'll never find the limitations of its poles! I've hears rumours about stronger poles being available for the Southern Cross 1, but haven't tracked them down yet. Cheers for watching 😊
@@joinmeoutdoors The 10mm poles for the Hilleberg’s are much stronger, noticeably so. They are such tough tents, a red label Soulo’s poles could certainly fail in 70mph winds. Just depends on all the factors. People tend to hugely over estimate wind speed too, in 70mph you’ll generally struggle to stand. The Kestrel units are great for getting an accurate measurement though. The Southern cross tents middle pole is it’s biggest let down, when it’s hit side on by wind especially on its large side panels. The joys of tents in bad weather 😂
@@OutdoorIntrigue Have you seen beefier poles for sale for the Southern Cross? The 2 man version does have some very big panels on it, so I bet it would really benefit from stiffer poles. Some big fat 9.5/10 mm poles would go down a treat!
Great video. Glad you picked the SC1. I picked mine up from Cotswold Outdoor and it’s been out twice now in January and March. Absolutely brilliant tent - I’ve got the footprint too and plan to tie it to the tent so I can pitch them in one go.
Thanks Mark! You are one of the chosen few - Cotswold Outdoor have been out of stock of the SC1 for some time now I think. I'm glad you're enjoying yours. My Soulo's footprint remains connected to the tent at all times using Hilleberg's toggles. The Vik 1 footprint doesn't attach in this way, which makes it a slight faff, so I like your idea. Thank you for watching 🙏
@@summitupmark5615 Why does it suddenly feel like Jeremy Clarkson is commenting on my videos? 😂 Yes that was a soggy spot, but at least you now know that your groundsheet will keep you dry! Perhaps I'll take a dinghy next time 😁
Great video. Even before you announced your favourite I was thinking the Terra Nova is the best for my needs and with your previous comparison video I do think it is tent-shopping time 😊
Cheers Stu. You guessed right! A year on, my opinion hasn't changed. See here for my one year review of the Southern Cross if you're considering it: ua-cam.com/video/-RKnv3Gc2uQ/v-deo.html
Hah! You'll be sick of the sound me tonight 😅 You're just down the road, so by all means pop over if you want a look at my tent before ordering, if you want to 👍
That was indeed an outstanding review. Superb... 👍👍👍 and very much appreciated. This also give us a rather nice look around these 3-tents and their materials etc. However, I'm still using my Terra Nova Voyager because its only 300-grams heavier than most 1-person 4-season winter tents, and my Voyager is 2-person tent with incredible waterproofing, space to sit-up with my Trekker chair and the 3-pole semi-geodesic design.is very stable the only downside of the voyager is pitch inner first (but I can live with that) for the luxury and space. Thank you so much and Cosider me Subscribed to your channel. Kindest regards.
George Orwell himself! 😯😉 I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The Voyager is a seriously sturdy bit of kit, and I agree that 300 grams isn't a huge weight penalty for all of that stability. Welcome to my channel and thank you for your comment 🤗 James.
Thanks Rick! The Southern Cross has been hard for people to get hold of. I had to wait a few weeks for them to come into stock, then I swooped! How are you finding the Copper Spur?
@@Northern_Rockhopper Tell me about it! Perhaps you could use the Copper Spur through "summer" and then pick up a Southern Cross in time for the poorer weather 👍
Think I’ve watched this 3 times now! Always comes up when I’m searching soulos or terra nova! Such a good informative watch! As much as I’d love a soulo I’m still not 100% I need to see a 6ft2 geezer putting it through its paces 😂
Haha no way 😂 I'm glad you're able to cope with watching me three times over! I'm sure I've seen some pretty tall people using the Soulo. There was a Welsh fella I used to love watching - he was tall and had a Soulo. Hilleberg tents have a bit of a reputation for being suitable for the taller camper. It almost feels too big for me 👍
What a wonderfully clear review. Thank you. I'm trying to find a 3 / 4 season tent that fits two purposes : a) mountain walking / wild camping / mountain leading and b) long distance walking. My ideal tent would be: 1. around 1 kg 2. small packability 3. 4 season (or 3 season but able to deal with high winds and driving rain) 4. Outer pitch first 5. Self standing 6. Dual vestibule (primarily to help with air flow and reduce condensation) 7. As much internal living space as possible to cope with long stretches inside the tent 8. Double skinned preferably I have the tarp tent scarp 1 at 1.4kg which is a super tent but not free standing. There are extra external poles which do make it free standing but take the weight to 1.8kg. I also have the Dan Durston trekking pole tent 1p xmid which is 900g and is strong and super quick and simple to set up...(but the inner is limited in space and its obviously not free-standing etc). Your favourite - the Southern Cross 1 - seems to tick many of my boxes except its weight...it's not ideal at 1.7kg. Any thoughts? It looks like I need two tents or to compromise on one of my requirements. Dang!!!! :)
Hi Imran. I'm glad you found the video helpful, and it sounds like you have a real challenge on your hands there. I had the Scarp 1 in mind as I was reading down your list, but I can see that you're looking for something very light for its size. Have you considered the Hilleberg Niak yet?
Wow...what a beautiful tent....and, at £900 +, what a price! The scarp 1 or the Vango helium may need to suffice. But they do say: buy once, cry once! :)
Great review. I have the Southern Cross 2 which has way more space and worth noting that it weighs 2.29 kg which is still lighter than the Hilleberg Soulo 👍🏻
Thanks. I'd love a look inside a Southern Cross 2 - it seems to be a genuine 2 person tent, so 2.29 kg isn't bad at all. Lighter than the Naturehike Cloud Peak 2 also, and only 200 grams heavier than the OEX Phoxx II, which isn't a 2 person tent.
Good day to you! I am a grandpa rider on HONDA motorcycle from Japan. Enjoying camping ,touring and upload video. Your outdoor tents video is so nice! Awesome! Full supported ! Have a nice day my friend!
What a thoughtful and detailed review, one of the best I've seen yet; my only slight disappointment was the lack of explanation at the end for why you chose the SC. Sometimes understanding the emotional reasons for a purchase help others with the same challenge!
Thank you very much. My given reasons at the end there (the SC1 being a four season tent but still only 1.7 kg) are the headline deciders for me really. A lot of the competent 4 season tents weigh the heavier side of 2 kg, which starts to feel noticeably weighty for a solo camper to carry. Being so quick and easy to pitch is also a huge plus. Check out my recent video where I talk about what the SC1 has been like to use for the last year if you're considering one and want to understand a bit more about why I like it so much 😊 James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Cheers, will do! Now you explained it, makes sense! I just bought a TN NL2, the SC2 was on my list, but it's just too pricey for me, for what I need.
Nature Hike StarRiver 2 & a SC1 owner (wish I'd paid yor price ! :-D) . I think the Naturehikes are fantastic value (accepting mine was pre-VAT on Aliexpress so cheaper than now) and make for great 3 Season tents. the SR2 is very similair size and style to the Vik 2 but with a fly. Not convinced on a single skin though. I espeically like that neither has the little "top hat" arrangement of the Soulo. For some reason that style (on other, older tents I've had) drives me mad trying to clip in after the dome us up. Love the comparison through - very useful.
I just had a look at the Star River 2. Certainly very similar to the Vik, but I'm sure the flysheet gives it much broader capabilities. I think single skin tents' capabilities are pretty narrow really, unless you enjoy condensation! The top hat designs can be fiddly and also noisy, can't they? Thanks for watching 👍
Good choice, man... at least I hope it is... coz I also went for the Southern Cross...😅 For that size, weight, materials, being 4 season, free standing and pitching the inner and outer together... there are not many other models which offer that... hope it holds up to the expextations once I get it... THANKS for the good comparison !!!
It's good to hear from someone who looks for all the same stuff that I want from a wild camping tent! 😁 For me, I don't think I have seen anything else on the market that I would rather own 👌 I'm sure you'll love it! Thanks for your comment 😊 James.
I'm on my second Soulo now, a Black label. I struggle when I see its competition, everything seems so fragile in comparison. I wouldn't trust the 3 way pole design on the end of the Terra Nova. Great video. I particularly liked the video you did showing various ways of securing the guy lines in high winds. You see so many failures of lesser tents on UA-cam because people consider the Soulo too heavy, when in reality, that extra weight is the thing saving your life.
Congratulations on your second Soulo! It is a weighty shelter, but as you say - not much is going to topple it in the UK countryside. My Terra Nova weighs two thirds of the Soulo, which is a really useful weight saving. No issues with the poles yet after its first year, and it's seen some fairly high winds. Thanks for your comment 👍 James.
That's the one I'd pick as well, especially for the price you paid! Used Soulos, even battered ones, still command silly money. Just too expensive for most people to justify.
I agree - you pay for the quality and development of the Soulo, but I think it's gone beyond that now. Demand is far greater than the supply chain can keep up with, so I don't blame Hilleberg for their pricing. The SC1 is a good buy at less than half the price of the Soulo in my opinion. Thanks Kev.
It is nice and light! I just think it's important to consider the weather conditions. In my opnion it is a good tent for when the wind is 30 mph or less, and the air is warm (minimum 5 Celsius) and dry.
Firstly, I'm glad you survived to be able to post this comment! Secondly, I know what you mean. I had heard rumours that some thicker poles were available for the SC1, and searched for some for a while without luck. Chunkier poles could make it feel quite different I think. Thanks, James.
The data mentioned is wrong unfortunately. Hilleberg hydrostatic head of floor is three times greater than as stated in video, and the triple coated silnylon walls are also more! I liked the clear presentation (shame about the inaccuracies 😂). Another point I think every review of cost should examine is resale value. With cars we do it. Hillebergs retain their value really well so the through life cost is actually quite low, and sometimes less than cheaper tents that don’t last.
Hi Peter. You're absolutely right, and it was embarrassing when these inaccuracies were pointed out by someone else in the comments. This was one of my earlier videos, but I'm already noticing that even these early videos are accumulating a few views now, so it's important that I get this information correct. If only already-uploaded videos could be edited to correct mistakes like these! I often make that very same point, about depreciation, when people ask me about my more expensive tents. It's a bit harder to get an accurate average price for used tents than for used cars, but I agree that it should be considered when weighing up a purchase. Thank you for watching, and for your comment. Hopefully I'll improve as time goes on 🙂
I have the Soulo black for winter use here in the lakes, but it's too heavy and stuffy for summer use, I had a little zephyros 1 for summer use and have had it for 10 years and it served me well but it's now starting to be worse for wear....so terranova and wild country tents are solid, have a wild country trisar 2 ATM for me and the young un mainly for camp sites but am looking for a new lightweight summer tent which could be either this Southern cross or maybe the laser 1.
A black label Soulo would definitely be a heavy old lump to lug up and down the mountains of the Lakes, wouldn't it? 10 years of service from the Zephyros is pretty decent! The Laser is extremely light isn't it? More of a 3 season tent too, so maybe that's closer to what you're after? I'll definitely still use my Southern Cross through the summer. I'm wondering about using it without the inner for a really light pitch!
I found your video as I’m looking for a lightweight inexpensive tent to use in Mediterranean countries. The Naturehike Vik1 might just fit the bill. Thanks
Apart from a few trekking pole tents, I don't think there can be many tents that come in at under 1.2 kg and under £125. I really enjoy using my Vik 1, and Mediterranean conditions would probably suit it well. I've made a review video purely about the Vik 1, so watching that may be of use too? Happy shopping!
I need to pay more attention to my inner the next time I pitch the SC1. I always remember to tension all five inner tent straps these days, and am not so aware of it being saggy inside. I often forgot in my earlier days of ownership, and it did used do bug me a bit.
Nature hike would be great for the summer as really lightweight only use the hillaberg if your in really extreme weather as weight is a big issue I have the hillaberg akto but terranova do a copy that is half the weight maybe I should of got that one not sure
Thanks for weighing in on the discussion Mr Willy Face 69 😂 Best username I've ever seen pop up in my notifications to date! 😆 That's exactly how I use my tents though - Naturehike Vik 1 in summer whenever I can, and the Hilleberg when I need some beef in my shelter. The Akto has caught my eye a few times - it has a lot of plus points. I remember there was a really cheap Akto copy a couple of years back. It only cost about £150 I think, but was an orangey/reddy colour.
@@joinmeoutdoors everytime I am pitching I tell myself I will wrap them up when I pack away and make sure its easier next time… then I pack away and just throw them into the middle and fold it over and then stuff it into the stuff sack.. 🤷♂️🤣
@@BulldogBadger Hahaha! I took care the first time, they still get tangled on the clips, so I simply don't bother now. Two different approaches, same outcome! 😆
The hilleberg is strong and nicely made but there are a lot of annoying design flaws they’ve never bothered To correct over the years. Tedious tangles guy lines (some small guy pockets could solve this) rattley old zips which add weight and make noise (don’t know why they don’t use dynema line like everyone else) not enough internal pockets and baggy stretchy elastic door ties. For nearly £1k it should be perfect. Price is a joke. I have a sierra designs flash Ul which is my favourite tent. So easy to pitch and strong for what it is and lots of cool features. I like the southern cross one but again it’s too heavy and too expensive and they supply pony pegs which aren’t acceptable for that money.
I did just untie the loops of the guyline and no more tangles, it just slide through like spaghetti. Cow hitch two lines around the peg. Not sure it will hold up in high winds, I'm usually camping in the woods.
Wrong numbers for Hilleberg : Is it is Soulo from "Red label" line : - Fly / outer tent is 5 000 mm - The floor is 15 000mm If it is "Black label" Soulo - it's even more.
Yes it made a noticeable difference against what was already a really keen price! Almost immediately after I bought mine, the SC1 was removed from Cotswold Outdoor's website, so I suspect they might have brought the price down to clear their last stock? Either way, it worked out to be a really good buy 😊 Thanks, James.
@@joinmeoutdoors I'm still stuck on what to buy - especially as next weekend when we're hiking looks like snow/sleet forecast! We have the MLD Trailstar at the moment and a Vango Force10 canvas. Those weather conditions may see me lugging 10kg of Vango around on the current kit. (Maybe we'll sleep together and split the vango between us, though camping on a Scout site I have to wonder if I'm allowed to do that as although it's my son I'm signed in as a leader and it's usually strict leaders/youth sleep apart). The Southern Cross is still over budget. The Pioneer 2 is on good offer. There's the Laser 2 Compact and the Helm 2 Compact too. And the MSR Hubba Hubbba which, on leader discount, is pushing budget.
@@joinmeoutdoors The Vango is still a nice bomb-proof winter camping tent for when I'm on Scout Camp and can throw it in the car or on the bus. Also for family camps I can put 2 younger kids in there and they'll not break it. (Though they broke its predecessor eventually. It was over 30 years old and had seen a lot of UV)
Excellent comparison! I’m currently in the market for an upgrade. SC2 or a Soulo . I prefer the look of the SC2 . I’m curious to know what the SC are like in strong wind ? Lots of extreme videos of Soulos , not much on SC’s . Great video. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪 Atb Tony
Thanks Tony! I've found the SC1 to be highly competent in wind. Although the pole system might not be as strong as the Soulo (the SC only has two poles, which are also a slightly smaller diameter than the Soulo's three poles), the SC1 is quite well-shaped for wind. It's fairly low-lying, and nice and pointy on the ends, so it's also nice and quiet in the wind, whereas the Soulo gets quite flappy. The SC2 is a bit different to the SC1 as it has bigger panels. I only own the SC1, so can't comment on the SC2 from personal experience. I hope that helps a bit, but feel free to ask if you have any more questions! ATB, James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Thanks James . Yes it’s hard to find the balance. I prefer 2 man tents . Particularly here in Ireland we get lots of inclement weather.
Yeah I've seen a good few wild camping vids from over your way! 😮 I would love to have my own wind tunnel and an array of loads of tents so I could test them all. The Soulo is (to my mind) a fairly spacious 1 man tent, whereas the SC1 is noticeably smaller. I get on really well with both tents, but I don't think the SC2 would be as close to the Soulo in wind strength as the SC1 is.
i've read online multiple times that the naturehike vik 1 is too short for people 170cm tall or more, is this really true? i'm 174cm and don't wanna touch the walls and get my sleeping bag wet...
Hi Chris. I'm about 174 cm tall and don't consider the Vik 1 to be too short for me, though I do find that the bottom of my sleeping bag will touch the end if I move down the tent a bit (i.e. if my head moves away from the head end of the tent). I consider the Vik 1 to be a warm weather tent really, so I won't be using it in weather where heavy condensation is expected, and will have the vents open and often unzip half of the inner door. Does that help?
@@ChrisLowResDream The warmer weather means that I'll be using the Vik 1 more often now, so I'll try to remember to get some shots of the interior with the sleeping mat and bag set up. You may already have bought one by the time that happens though!
Seems very disappointing that the SC pitches so taught on the outside, yet very saggy on the inside. Bet that would feel so much more spacious if it was taught with a reasonable gap between it and the fly.
I really wasn't too sure about it when I first pitched it (shown in one of my earlier videos), but I don't have too much of an issue with it now that I'm used to it. As I said in the video, I hadn't tensioned the straps on the four corners of the groundsheet, which would have helped a BIT, but it's never drum tight. The search for the perfect tent continues, but I do like the SC1.
@@joinmeoutdoors Mountain Equipment Dragonfly 2XT was the best tent I've ever had. Taught inside and out, robust fabric, stuck like a limpet everywhere and anywhere. The only down was it was a bit heavy. If I could get something similar today for around 1.5kg, it would be tent for life!
@@pritchoutdoors I just had a look at the 2XT - 3 kg is certainly a hefty old weight to lug around! It does look very solid though. I'll pay more attention to the inner on the SC1 next time I pitch it, and will make sure I've tensioned all four corner straps to make it as good as it can be to give an accurate "best case" representation 👍
I probably could have gone into more depth in this review, I agree. That said, my final decision would remain the same 😊 When I made this video I only expected it to be seen by maybe 100 people, not over 10,000 😂 I try to make slightly more informative videos these days, but there's always lots for me to learn ✌️
Wrong information about the Hilleberg soulo.
Hydrostatic head of the outer tent is 5000mm (not 3000mm) and 15000mm of the floor (not 5000mm)
Thank you for the comparison. It was nice to see it.
Hello András. Thank you for pointing this out. It looks like I've made a mistake here. Unfortunately I can't change the video now, but I need to be more careful in the future. Thanks for this comment; it will help me to improve 👍
Five years ago I bought the Hilleberg Soulo (sand color) for 500 Euros and the groundsheet for another 60 Euros.
Shops here in Switzerland sell the tent & groundsheet now for 1145 Euros...😅
Absolutely love this tent and used it all over the world in every condition and would never sell it.
If I detach the inner tent, I can even sleep with my Huskies and Samoyed sled dogs inside. 😁
Cheers from Switzerland
You should have bought ten! 😅 I'm in a similar position with my Soulo. I love an investment that holds its value. They are expensive, but a £600 tent that depreciates by no more than £100 in 5-10 years makes far more sense than a £200 tent that is worth £50 after 3 years - particularly when the Hillebergs are so much stronger than a budget tent.
Good to hear from you over there in Tobleroneland! 😁👋 James.
Really good review. I’m sure your channel will do well. You got a nice manner of taking, clear and concise.
Thank you very much, Pete. Very kind of you to say so 😊 By all means let me know if you have any suggestions for future videos or things you'd like me to cover!
Three great tents! Looking forward to the outcome👏
I do love that Southern Cross tent. It’s a lovely colour and always looks so tort. Enjoyed that video.. great reviews of each tent 👍
Yeah, it is really satisfying to pitch. Cheers Ash 👍
Great informative video . What a superb price on the SC1 . I got mine for 460 with points from trekitt. I see the door clips and vent here clearly, thanks for sharing.
£460 is still a fair whack off the "official" price, and they still sell very well on the second hand market. I hope your next trip out is a drier one!
Good stuff mate, well delivered and informative breakdown. The poles on all 3 options are the weak point I’d say, even the 9mm on the Soulo, in high constant winds in exposed pitches they are the first thing to cause issue. Really enjoyed this. 👍
Thanks for that. Having seen the Soulo (not mine) stand strong in winds over 70 mph, I hope I'll never find the limitations of its poles! I've hears rumours about stronger poles being available for the Southern Cross 1, but haven't tracked them down yet. Cheers for watching 😊
@@joinmeoutdoors The 10mm poles for the Hilleberg’s are much stronger, noticeably so. They are such tough tents, a red label Soulo’s poles could certainly fail in 70mph winds. Just depends on all the factors. People tend to hugely over estimate wind speed too, in 70mph you’ll generally struggle to stand. The Kestrel units are great for getting an accurate measurement though. The Southern cross tents middle pole is it’s biggest let down, when it’s hit side on by wind especially on its large side panels. The joys of tents in bad weather 😂
@@OutdoorIntrigue Have you seen beefier poles for sale for the Southern Cross? The 2 man version does have some very big panels on it, so I bet it would really benefit from stiffer poles. Some big fat 9.5/10 mm poles would go down a treat!
Great video. Glad you picked the SC1. I picked mine up from Cotswold Outdoor and it’s been out twice now in January and March. Absolutely brilliant tent - I’ve got the footprint too and plan to tie it to the tent so I can pitch them in one go.
Thanks Mark! You are one of the chosen few - Cotswold Outdoor have been out of stock of the SC1 for some time now I think. I'm glad you're enjoying yours. My Soulo's footprint remains connected to the tent at all times using Hilleberg's toggles. The Vik 1 footprint doesn't attach in this way, which makes it a slight faff, so I like your idea. Thank you for watching 🙏
@@joinmeoutdoors watched your mildly moist test of the SC1 on Dartmoor now. Did you consider taking a boat instead 🤣🤣
@@summitupmark5615 Why does it suddenly feel like Jeremy Clarkson is commenting on my videos? 😂 Yes that was a soggy spot, but at least you now know that your groundsheet will keep you dry! Perhaps I'll take a dinghy next time 😁
@@joinmeoutdoors ah well he’s a Donny lad like me and was in the same classroom as my cousin at school! Never met JC though 🤣🤣🤣
@@summitupmark5615 Haha it was just the "mildly moist", which took me back to good old Top Gear days!
excellent compare video. Thank you for that. Very helpful .
Good, I'm glad it was helpful for you!
Great video. Even before you announced your favourite I was thinking the Terra Nova is the best for my needs and with your previous comparison video I do think it is tent-shopping time 😊
Cheers Stu. You guessed right! A year on, my opinion hasn't changed. See here for my one year review of the Southern Cross if you're considering it: ua-cam.com/video/-RKnv3Gc2uQ/v-deo.html
@@joinmeoutdoors I'm watching that very video as we speak.
Hah! You'll be sick of the sound me tonight 😅 You're just down the road, so by all means pop over if you want a look at my tent before ordering, if you want to 👍
Great test review. Thank you.
Thanks Simon. I hope you found it useful. James 👍
That was indeed an outstanding review. Superb... 👍👍👍 and very much appreciated.
This also give us a rather nice look around these 3-tents and their materials etc. However, I'm still using my Terra Nova Voyager because its only 300-grams heavier than most 1-person 4-season winter tents, and my Voyager is 2-person tent with incredible waterproofing, space to sit-up with my Trekker chair and the 3-pole semi-geodesic design.is very stable the only downside of the voyager is pitch inner first (but I can live with that) for the luxury and space.
Thank you so much and Cosider me Subscribed to your channel.
Kindest regards.
George Orwell himself! 😯😉 I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The Voyager is a seriously sturdy bit of kit, and I agree that 300 grams isn't a huge weight penalty for all of that stability. Welcome to my channel and thank you for your comment 🤗 James.
Great video mate.. I’ve just bought a big Angus copper spur ul2.. wanted the southern cross but sold out everywhere
Thanks Rick! The Southern Cross has been hard for people to get hold of. I had to wait a few weeks for them to come into stock, then I swooped! How are you finding the Copper Spur?
@@joinmeoutdoors it hasn’t arrived yet.. from reviews it’s not made for winter but will perform great during summer… that’s if summer ever arrives 🤣
@@Northern_Rockhopper Tell me about it! Perhaps you could use the Copper Spur through "summer" and then pick up a Southern Cross in time for the poorer weather 👍
Seriously good review. 👍🏻
Thanks Phillip! 👍
Great video. Really like the look of the terra nova.
Thanks. I think the Terra Nova somehow looks like a tent "should" look!
Great review, thanks !
Thanks Andrew. Your new little friend, the Vik 1! ATB, James.
Think I’ve watched this 3 times now! Always comes up when I’m searching soulos or terra nova! Such a good informative watch! As much as I’d love a soulo I’m still not 100% I need to see a 6ft2 geezer putting it through its paces 😂
Haha no way 😂 I'm glad you're able to cope with watching me three times over! I'm sure I've seen some pretty tall people using the Soulo. There was a Welsh fella I used to love watching - he was tall and had a Soulo. Hilleberg tents have a bit of a reputation for being suitable for the taller camper. It almost feels too big for me 👍
6ft2 here and doing just fine in the Akto with a similar height to the Soulo (Akto measures 93 cm. vs. Soulos 95 cm. - official specs).
Thanks for sharing that 👍
What a wonderfully clear review. Thank you.
I'm trying to find a 3 / 4 season tent that fits two
purposes : a) mountain walking / wild camping / mountain leading and
b) long distance walking.
My ideal tent would be:
1. around 1 kg
2. small packability
3. 4 season (or 3 season but able to deal with high winds and driving rain)
4. Outer pitch first
5. Self standing
6. Dual vestibule (primarily to help with air flow and reduce condensation)
7. As much internal living space as possible to cope with long stretches inside the tent
8. Double skinned preferably
I have the tarp tent scarp 1 at 1.4kg which is a super tent but not free standing. There are extra external poles which do make it free standing but take the weight to 1.8kg.
I also have the Dan Durston trekking pole tent 1p xmid which is 900g and is strong and super quick and simple to set up...(but the inner is limited in space and its obviously not free-standing etc).
Your favourite - the Southern Cross 1 - seems to tick many of my boxes except its weight...it's not ideal at 1.7kg.
Any thoughts? It looks like I need two tents or to compromise on one of my requirements. Dang!!!! :)
Hi Imran. I'm glad you found the video helpful, and it sounds like you have a real challenge on your hands there. I had the Scarp 1 in mind as I was reading down your list, but I can see that you're looking for something very light for its size. Have you considered the Hilleberg Niak yet?
Basecampgear.co.uk list the Southern Cross 1 as 1.57 kg excluding pegs and bags.
Wow...what a beautiful tent....and, at £900 +, what a price! The scarp 1 or the Vango helium may need to suffice. But they do say: buy once, cry once! :)
@@trytheoutdoors ahahahah
Great review. I have the Southern Cross 2 which has way more space and worth noting that it weighs 2.29 kg which is still lighter than the Hilleberg Soulo 👍🏻
Thanks. I'd love a look inside a Southern Cross 2 - it seems to be a genuine 2 person tent, so 2.29 kg isn't bad at all. Lighter than the Naturehike Cloud Peak 2 also, and only 200 grams heavier than the OEX Phoxx II, which isn't a 2 person tent.
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Hello! That sounds like a lot of fun 😁 All the best, James.
Great outcome, for the Price, features etc I think you made the right choice.. I’m just a self proclaimed Soulo fan boy 🤣
Haha just saw this comment 🤣 I am too, but wish it weighed 1 kg less! Horses for courses 👍
@@KOL630 that would definitely be nice 👍
What a thoughtful and detailed review, one of the best I've seen yet; my only slight disappointment was the lack of explanation at the end for why you chose the SC. Sometimes understanding the emotional reasons for a purchase help others with the same challenge!
Thank you very much. My given reasons at the end there (the SC1 being a four season tent but still only 1.7 kg) are the headline deciders for me really. A lot of the competent 4 season tents weigh the heavier side of 2 kg, which starts to feel noticeably weighty for a solo camper to carry. Being so quick and easy to pitch is also a huge plus. Check out my recent video where I talk about what the SC1 has been like to use for the last year if you're considering one and want to understand a bit more about why I like it so much 😊 James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Cheers, will do! Now you explained it, makes sense! I just bought a TN NL2, the SC2 was on my list, but it's just too pricey for me, for what I need.
@@joinmeoutdoors and I subbed, I much prefer a methodical review of a tent. Most vbloggers just ramble on about how good it s, without explaining why.
The NL2 looks like a brilliant tent. I'd love to try one. You'll have lots of room in that. Welcome to my channel! 🤗 James.
Nature Hike StarRiver 2 & a SC1 owner (wish I'd paid yor price ! :-D) . I think the Naturehikes are fantastic value (accepting mine was pre-VAT on Aliexpress so cheaper than now) and make for great 3 Season tents. the SR2 is very similair size and style to the Vik 2 but with a fly. Not convinced on a single skin though. I espeically like that neither has the little "top hat" arrangement of the Soulo. For some reason that style (on other, older tents I've had) drives me mad trying to clip in after the dome us up. Love the comparison through - very useful.
I just had a look at the Star River 2. Certainly very similar to the Vik, but I'm sure the flysheet gives it much broader capabilities. I think single skin tents' capabilities are pretty narrow really, unless you enjoy condensation! The top hat designs can be fiddly and also noisy, can't they? Thanks for watching 👍
Good choice, man... at least I hope it is... coz I also went for the Southern Cross...😅 For that size, weight, materials, being 4 season, free standing and pitching the inner and outer together... there are not many other models which offer that... hope it holds up to the expextations once I get it... THANKS for the good comparison !!!
It's good to hear from someone who looks for all the same stuff that I want from a wild camping tent! 😁 For me, I don't think I have seen anything else on the market that I would rather own 👌 I'm sure you'll love it! Thanks for your comment 😊 James.
I'm on my second Soulo now, a Black label. I struggle when I see its competition, everything seems so fragile in comparison. I wouldn't trust the 3 way pole design on the end of the Terra Nova. Great video. I particularly liked the video you did showing various ways of securing the guy lines in high winds. You see so many failures of lesser tents on UA-cam because people consider the Soulo too heavy, when in reality, that extra weight is the thing saving your life.
Congratulations on your second Soulo! It is a weighty shelter, but as you say - not much is going to topple it in the UK countryside. My Terra Nova weighs two thirds of the Soulo, which is a really useful weight saving. No issues with the poles yet after its first year, and it's seen some fairly high winds. Thanks for your comment 👍 James.
Congratulations on your new tent. I hope the SC2 serves you well ✌️
Commented on another video about I am going to buy the SC1, mind made up, SC1 will be next years main tent!
Nice one! New tent day is always a good day! 😎
That's the one I'd pick as well, especially for the price you paid! Used Soulos, even battered ones, still command silly money. Just too expensive for most people to justify.
I agree - you pay for the quality and development of the Soulo, but I think it's gone beyond that now. Demand is far greater than the supply chain can keep up with, so I don't blame Hilleberg for their pricing. The SC1 is a good buy at less than half the price of the Soulo in my opinion. Thanks Kev.
Useful video am thinking about getting vik one for the weight....
It is nice and light! I just think it's important to consider the weather conditions. In my opnion it is a good tent for when the wind is 30 mph or less, and the air is warm (minimum 5 Celsius) and dry.
I've got the SC1 and took it out in storm Erwin, it held up but I wish there was thicker poles available for it.
Firstly, I'm glad you survived to be able to post this comment! Secondly, I know what you mean. I had heard rumours that some thicker poles were available for the SC1, and searched for some for a while without luck. Chunkier poles could make it feel quite different I think. Thanks, James.
Oooo I like the zipper switch out, where did you get them?
Just eBay specials! I'll see if I can find them in my purchase history and can drop you a link on Instagram 👍
Great review, nice tents. Subd. 👍
Thank you. Subbed you back and will watch some of your wintery videos when I'm back!
The data mentioned is wrong unfortunately. Hilleberg hydrostatic head of floor is three times greater than as stated in video, and the triple coated silnylon walls are also more! I liked the clear presentation (shame about the inaccuracies 😂). Another point I think every review of cost should examine is resale value. With cars we do it. Hillebergs retain their value really well so the through life cost is actually quite low, and sometimes less than cheaper tents that don’t last.
Hi Peter. You're absolutely right, and it was embarrassing when these inaccuracies were pointed out by someone else in the comments. This was one of my earlier videos, but I'm already noticing that even these early videos are accumulating a few views now, so it's important that I get this information correct. If only already-uploaded videos could be edited to correct mistakes like these!
I often make that very same point, about depreciation, when people ask me about my more expensive tents. It's a bit harder to get an accurate average price for used tents than for used cars, but I agree that it should be considered when weighing up a purchase. Thank you for watching, and for your comment. Hopefully I'll improve as time goes on 🙂
I have the Soulo black for winter use here in the lakes, but it's too heavy and stuffy for summer use, I had a little zephyros 1 for summer use and have had it for 10 years and it served me well but it's now starting to be worse for wear....so terranova and wild country tents are solid, have a wild country trisar 2 ATM for me and the young un mainly for camp sites but am looking for a new lightweight summer tent which could be either this Southern cross or maybe the laser 1.
A black label Soulo would definitely be a heavy old lump to lug up and down the mountains of the Lakes, wouldn't it? 10 years of service from the Zephyros is pretty decent! The Laser is extremely light isn't it? More of a 3 season tent too, so maybe that's closer to what you're after? I'll definitely still use my Southern Cross through the summer. I'm wondering about using it without the inner for a really light pitch!
I found your video as I’m looking for a lightweight inexpensive tent to use in Mediterranean countries. The Naturehike Vik1 might just fit the bill. Thanks
Apart from a few trekking pole tents, I don't think there can be many tents that come in at under 1.2 kg and under £125. I really enjoy using my Vik 1, and Mediterranean conditions would probably suit it well. I've made a review video purely about the Vik 1, so watching that may be of use too? Happy shopping!
Love the SC1 just wish the inner was taught like the outer is.
I need to pay more attention to my inner the next time I pitch the SC1. I always remember to tension all five inner tent straps these days, and am not so aware of it being saggy inside. I often forgot in my earlier days of ownership, and it did used do bug me a bit.
Nature hike would be great for the summer as really lightweight only use the hillaberg if your in really extreme weather as weight is a big issue I have the hillaberg akto but terranova do a copy that is half the weight maybe I should of got that one not sure
Thanks for weighing in on the discussion Mr Willy Face 69 😂 Best username I've ever seen pop up in my notifications to date! 😆 That's exactly how I use my tents though - Naturehike Vik 1 in summer whenever I can, and the Hilleberg when I need some beef in my shelter. The Akto has caught my eye a few times - it has a lot of plus points. I remember there was a really cheap Akto copy a couple of years back. It only cost about £150 I think, but was an orangey/reddy colour.
Haha yes untangling the guy lines from the clips on the Soulo is a pain
You know it 🤣
@@joinmeoutdoors everytime I am pitching I tell myself I will wrap them up when I pack away and make sure its easier next time… then I pack away and just throw them into the middle and fold it over and then stuff it into the stuff sack.. 🤷♂️🤣
@@BulldogBadger Hahaha! I took care the first time, they still get tangled on the clips, so I simply don't bother now. Two different approaches, same outcome! 😆
The hilleberg is strong and nicely made but there are a lot of annoying design flaws they’ve never bothered To correct over the years. Tedious tangles guy lines (some small guy pockets could solve this) rattley old zips which add weight and make noise (don’t know why they don’t use dynema line like everyone else) not enough internal pockets and baggy stretchy elastic door ties. For nearly £1k it should be perfect. Price is a joke. I have a sierra designs flash Ul which is my favourite tent. So easy to pitch and strong for what it is and lots of cool features. I like the southern cross one but again it’s too heavy and too expensive and they supply pony pegs which aren’t acceptable for that money.
I did just untie the loops of the guyline and no more tangles, it just slide through like spaghetti. Cow hitch two lines around the peg. Not sure it will hold up in high winds, I'm usually camping in the woods.
Wrong numbers for Hilleberg :
Is it is Soulo from "Red label" line :
- Fly / outer tent is 5 000 mm
- The floor is 15 000mm
If it is "Black label" Soulo - it's even more.
Correct. Someone commented on this video one or two years ago to address this, thanks 👍
You were lucky with the added discount. I get discount as a scout leader, but it doesn't apply to sale items.
Yes it made a noticeable difference against what was already a really keen price! Almost immediately after I bought mine, the SC1 was removed from Cotswold Outdoor's website, so I suspect they might have brought the price down to clear their last stock? Either way, it worked out to be a really good buy 😊 Thanks, James.
@@joinmeoutdoors I'm still stuck on what to buy - especially as next weekend when we're hiking looks like snow/sleet forecast!
We have the MLD Trailstar at the moment and a Vango Force10 canvas. Those weather conditions may see me lugging 10kg of Vango around on the current kit. (Maybe we'll sleep together and split the vango between us, though camping on a Scout site I have to wonder if I'm allowed to do that as although it's my son I'm signed in as a leader and it's usually strict leaders/youth sleep apart).
The Southern Cross is still over budget. The Pioneer 2 is on good offer. There's the Laser 2 Compact and the Helm 2 Compact too. And the MSR Hubba Hubbba which, on leader discount, is pushing budget.
@@m0rjc If the SC1 is your ideal choice, don't forget that Terra Nova offer a 30% discount on retail price if you trade in an old tent 👍
@@joinmeoutdoors The Vango is still a nice bomb-proof winter camping tent for when I'm on Scout Camp and can throw it in the car or on the bus. Also for family camps I can put 2 younger kids in there and they'll not break it. (Though they broke its predecessor eventually. It was over 30 years old and had seen a lot of UV)
Yes those old canvas beasts are pretty sturdy things! Definitely an issue when you want to walk any distance with them though 😆
Yep, the Terra Nova. No brainer......👍
I'm glad you agree!
Excellent comparison! I’m currently in the market for an upgrade. SC2 or a Soulo . I prefer the look of the SC2 . I’m curious to know what the SC are like in strong wind ? Lots of extreme videos of Soulos , not much on SC’s . Great video. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪 Atb Tony
Thanks Tony! I've found the SC1 to be highly competent in wind. Although the pole system might not be as strong as the Soulo (the SC only has two poles, which are also a slightly smaller diameter than the Soulo's three poles), the SC1 is quite well-shaped for wind. It's fairly low-lying, and nice and pointy on the ends, so it's also nice and quiet in the wind, whereas the Soulo gets quite flappy. The SC2 is a bit different to the SC1 as it has bigger panels. I only own the SC1, so can't comment on the SC2 from personal experience. I hope that helps a bit, but feel free to ask if you have any more questions! ATB, James.
@@joinmeoutdoors Thanks James . Yes it’s hard to find the balance. I prefer 2 man tents . Particularly here in Ireland we get lots of inclement weather.
Yeah I've seen a good few wild camping vids from over your way! 😮 I would love to have my own wind tunnel and an array of loads of tents so I could test them all. The Soulo is (to my mind) a fairly spacious 1 man tent, whereas the SC1 is noticeably smaller. I get on really well with both tents, but I don't think the SC2 would be as close to the Soulo in wind strength as the SC1 is.
i've read online multiple times that the naturehike vik 1 is too short for people 170cm tall or more, is this really true?
i'm 174cm and don't wanna touch the walls and get my sleeping bag wet...
Hi Chris. I'm about 174 cm tall and don't consider the Vik 1 to be too short for me, though I do find that the bottom of my sleeping bag will touch the end if I move down the tent a bit (i.e. if my head moves away from the head end of the tent). I consider the Vik 1 to be a warm weather tent really, so I won't be using it in weather where heavy condensation is expected, and will have the vents open and often unzip half of the inner door. Does that help?
@@joinmeoutdoors yes, thank you
@@ChrisLowResDream The warmer weather means that I'll be using the Vik 1 more often now, so I'll try to remember to get some shots of the interior with the sleeping mat and bag set up. You may already have bought one by the time that happens though!
@@joinmeoutdoors other say they fit alright with 180cm,strange ..
@@ChrisLowResDream Strange indeed. Hopefully the measurements in my video have helped you to judge the size of the tent for yourself.
Seems very disappointing that the SC pitches so taught on the outside, yet very saggy on the inside. Bet that would feel so much more spacious if it was taught with a reasonable gap between it and the fly.
I really wasn't too sure about it when I first pitched it (shown in one of my earlier videos), but I don't have too much of an issue with it now that I'm used to it. As I said in the video, I hadn't tensioned the straps on the four corners of the groundsheet, which would have helped a BIT, but it's never drum tight. The search for the perfect tent continues, but I do like the SC1.
@@joinmeoutdoors Mountain Equipment Dragonfly 2XT was the best tent I've ever had. Taught inside and out, robust fabric, stuck like a limpet everywhere and anywhere. The only down was it was a bit heavy. If I could get something similar today for around 1.5kg, it would be tent for life!
@@pritchoutdoors I just had a look at the 2XT - 3 kg is certainly a hefty old weight to lug around! It does look very solid though. I'll pay more attention to the inner on the SC1 next time I pitch it, and will make sure I've tensioned all four corner straps to make it as good as it can be to give an accurate "best case" representation 👍
You didn't factor into your decision making strenghts of the soulo such as as tear strength, double poling, guyline atachments etc
I probably could have gone into more depth in this review, I agree. That said, my final decision would remain the same 😊 When I made this video I only expected it to be seen by maybe 100 people, not over 10,000 😂 I try to make slightly more informative videos these days, but there's always lots for me to learn ✌️
It is not vi-de-au but vi-de-o as in video
I think you're going to have to explain this comment to me! 🤔
£357 is an absolute bargain
I couldn't believe it. Good old Cotswold Outdoor and their discount policies! 👌