Mine turned up today and then I watch one of the best reviews on the akto that I've seen. You show everything, which few have done. My life's so tragic that I'm really excited about a tent and cannot wait to get out in it. I heard that condensation can be a problem in these but from my long experience with small tents it's just one of those things and easily dealt with. It's called a towel.
I am very excited for you and hope you have a bunch of trips planned. I think that when I get condensation issues is when I don't vent enough or at all. I am now not depending on the tent to give me warmth but make sure my sleep system is working that part of the equation. Then I push the venting as much as possible weather allowing. Thank you for the compliment, it means a lot. Take care, Bruce
Small, condensation prone, which wets your clothing when entering and exiting. Bring a cloth to wipe the underside of the roof and vestibule to stay as dry as possible. It can withstand very high winds and moderate snow. Secure staking is crucial, but it is for a freestanding tent in bad weather as well. Very good, thorough review. 👍👍
Excellent points Daniel. I agree with all of them. Personally I like a bigger tent. I will be doing the PCT in a few years and will use an Enan for part of it.
Thanks you two. Shooting for a neat feature called Steamboat Rock if you want to look it up. No water where I am going, but surrounded by it below. One of our best examples of glacial action in the area.
Great review Bruce. As I enter the world of Hilleberg your reviews have become my go to guides. Purchased a tarra already (after watching your review) and now looking at a single person tent. Cheers for the great reviews and information you share.
Hi Bruce, Another great review. Got to be the best one person tent on the market. Proven too. We love ours and they have never let us down, so easy to pitch after a long day on the trail. Thanks for sharing...Take Care Roger & Diane
Hillebergs are absolutely superior. The older one of my 2 is turning 16 this year and it is just as strong as when i got it. I'm not a fan of the new, very dark green though, I think the lighter green on the older models is way better. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the input. The new green is really dark isn't it. I know they work with the Alaskan hunting guides a lot, so I wonder if that is where the change came from. They are so robust though. I keep asking if I can get some of the fabric to do my own testing but they just never have any as the tents rarely fail enough to have a surplus of fabric around.
I worked in a Outdoor gear store about 15 years ago. Back then they always sent out pieces of the different Kerlons with the catalogues for costumers to test it themselfes. Man, that stuff was hardcore! A friend of mine and I were unable to rip it despite grabbing it with pliers and pulling as hard as we could. The tents are also sold in a sand color, at least here in Germany. The Akto is very high on my list of gear, I'd certainly get it in sand if I had the money now :D Keep these vid coming man, realy like them! Cheers RaubElch
Thanks Ranger42. I am on a new trail right now in doing the tent reviews. Seems all manufactures are playing the who can be the lightest game. All of them are cutting in some of the places normal people don't even consider. Just lowering a height a half inch, or narrowing the foot area of a tent just to lose a few grams. The problem then is on the buyer who later finds out that only 20 inch pads can work, or if two men want to be in a tent, they have to sleep opposite. Not a good trend in my opinion. What are you looking at now?
I agree. Small though, so someone that is used to the open tarp like me this should be interesting. I remember a lot of people had these when I first started UA-cam and I just haven't had a chance to use one yet. Should be fun.
I like it too. We don't really have a ton of tunnel tents over here in the states. Seems like most tents in Europe are this design. Plus, watching the videos of the group over like in Scotland and England they are always exposed where we seem to have a lot more cover. I am taking to a very similar terrain as they have, so it should be good.
Thank you Elmer. There are a few tents that the tent fanatic can point to as a game changer and I feel the Akto is one of them. And the places it has been taken by people is equally amazing. I appreciate you commenting.
I noticed when you were explaining how to put the stakes in you put the stake in the wrong way so the ring wouldn’t get caught in the stake groves. Just thought I’d mention it.
Yes, I am a little torn on the stake stuff. I have been doing tests and the way I do it is stronger, but in rattling wind the little notches are great. I am going longer myself with like a MSR groundhog, but the close in perimeter stakes work better with the notches engaged
I have used mine for over 15 years on wilderness canoe trips.i got it for the light weight I need on the portages.looking back I wish I had got one of their small free standing tents. canoe country has a lot of bare rock and getting a good place in get a stake in is tricky. using rocks to hold the pull outs sort of works but getting something in to hold the end struts calls for more hassle when your pitching in bad weather. great tent problems and all.
Man you love your tents!!! LOL Good stuff Bruce, I really like your reviews, because you know what you are talking about down to the material! Plus, I don't know a lot about a tent, more about cheap tarp shelters... LOL Good stuff buddy
Thanks Maurice. I appreciate the input as well and will do that from now on. What would be most helpful? Squishing it tight? Placing it next to something?
I agree. Someday I will have to make a real choice if my boys ever leave, or I feel I need a tent I can really abuse. Hilleberg gets a little angry with me if I bring back a dirty tent. In the beginning we could deal with it in the warehouse and get it all clean and hang it to dry, but they have become so busy that there isn't that room anymore. So know my living room is a nylon explosion for a few days.
I am going to explore them more this year. It should be a little hard as hammocking is so open. I will need to do tent, then hammock, then tent to keep sane.
Another great review Bruce. I really like your tip on the clove hitch around the peg to stop the guylines moving. I've had an Akto (and Soulo) for several years now. The Akto is a great tent, very strong. It's been very popular in the UK but in recent years, as many hikers go ultralight, I think Hilleberg is losing out to Zpacks and MLD shelters and the humble tarp of course. The number of Trailstars one can see on the English hills in the summer is nuts! The door tie back on the Akto is really annoying, the door constantly comes loose and flaps around. I notice you suffered from the same problem in your video. It's a long standing design fault, small but irritating nonetheless. Keep up the great gear reviews.
Thanks Walk and Cycle. I completely agree with you on all points. In talks with Hilleberg, they understand that the lightweight crowd is getting more traction in Europe. They are trying, but just can't leave the strength of the Kerlon enough yet. Personally I would take the Enan or Niak anyday, and even the Rogen. But the lightweight crowd only look at the weight and that is hard to overcome unless they make sacrifices in durability. I have a feeling they are constantly researching how though. The Kerlon 600 was close, but proved too hard in manufacturing apparently. And if the bonding of cuben gets better in cold conditions may really be the avenue for them. And yes, the Akto door issues could be remedied pretty easily, but alas they don't listen to me that much. Been trying to get some hammock and bushcraft specific tarps made by them, but nothing yet. Thanks for the comment.
Yes, condensation is a little more in this tent compared to others, but I find them all susceptible depending on the circumstances. The inner in my experiences is good though, just the outer gets the condensation. Lots of venting helps, but when it is raining and your gear is wet along with wet ground the small tents do suffer.
I think that is the best description of it. If I don't have to live in it for days in the rain I can see how it would be fine. It has been proven by many to protect great, but coming from a hammock orientation where everything is open I will need to keep an open mind. The trip I am taking it on there are no trees and very open to the elements so it should be perfect. Also there will be no water so the weight savings will be nice.
the akto is an outstanding solo tent, but im sceptical to it being a 4 season. it does not have much space for sheltering winter gear, and the ventilation looks like it would be clogged up by snow pretty quick
I see what you are saying. The whole 3 season, 4 season term I use is more of an industry term. Tents that have strong fabric, strong poles and the outer goes to the ground are the basic requirements. Hilleberg ups all those categories so fulfills the industry term quite easily. So any tent that has ventilation dependent on the ground level air movement would have trouble, thus all 4 season tents by definition. Luckily this tent, and probably most serious builders put as much ventilation up at the top within the parameters of still keeping you protected. I agree with you though about one person tents being practical for 4 season use. The vestibule on this tent is pretty nice, but still would be packed with a good mountaineering pack set up. Then if you needed to cook inside that would involve a lot of gear re-situation. I am amazed at those who can do the one person tent in the snow. The Soulo seems to be a good choice though. Thanks for the comment and have a great year in the wilderness.
Hi Graeme, I am 6 feet on the button. I would have to say if you are going for a small robust tent this fits the bill, I wouldn't say it is great if you get stuck in the rain for a long time that you would like it though. Do you need the stoutness?
@@naturecallsoutdoors Thanks for your quick reply. I would like a tent like this for multiple day hikes and overnighters on the mountain tops where I would be spending most of the day walking but still having the insurance of the tent not blowing away when the forecast changes. I presume I'm one inch taller than you that I'd still have room to stretch out whilst sleeping. Many thanks Graeme
Thanks Steve. It is the smallest in the Hilleberg line which is something I am looking forward to a hike with it soon. The Enan which is the same model but lighter and a lot more mesh wasn't bad. If you don't have to live in it for days it should be fine though. A lot of people sure depend on it too, so I am confident I will be protected.
In your opinion, what tent would you recommend a pregnant woman to have; if she had to live in that tent for, not only a long period of time but, in crazy weather such as snow rain ect. What would you pick?
For one I would go with a Soulo. Pretty solid, great vestibule and it has a little extra room where you sleep where its geometry goes out. I would think the entry would be good too rather than a front entry. Depends on how crazy you are talking too. I love the Niak and it holds up to nasty weather great. Just it is Yellow label and I think people think it means weak...it isn't. Around here our snow is super wet and heavy and when it drops off the tree it hits like a ton of bricks, and I have had Red Labels in that so I don't think you need to go Black label. Where are you going?
Nature Calls Backpacking thank you for the tip. I’m heading north from tx to get to an apprenticeship. I don’t know how I’m going to get there. but it promises a good life for us so i’m going for it as soon as i can.
Nice review Bruce. I am begining to think you have most of the Hilleberg range now! Dare I ask how many tents do you have? I have 3 ( 2 terra nova's and 1 NF ) and a hammock and my hubbie thinks that's too many but it doesn't stop me checking out more! Cheers Mary
Hi Mary. Fortunately my twin sons, who are both Marines, work for HIlleberg when they are available. They take really great care of my boys and I love to support that company this way....and I get to borrow the demo tents. Personally I do own some of the tarps as I hammock and really use them a lot. Someday I will have to make a choice though and I don't know what to do. I think I will need the Keron 4 GT and a Kaitum GT so far. Maybe an Atlas too. Oh the choices.
It's a tough choice as so many good tents! Really nice that the company take care of your sons, may they stay safe, and brilliant you can check out so many tents. Try before you buy. They do seem to be a great company and good quality tents. You can never have enough! I keep trying to talk my hubbie into camping/hammocking but, sadly its a no. Cheers Mary
I have done a few videos Bruce but nothing last year. They do take up a lot of time especialy when you are having fun. Got into sailing and this year hopefully get in a fair bit, but I still want to go camping. To much to do and not enough time!! He is taking early retirement in April so you never know.
Another opportunity to video! Just sold our sailboat. Not very many sailors around here that don't already have their own boat. Get him a new camera for his birthday
There are a lot of people I respect with them. I am wondering if it was just the weight that caused that as even Eddie has switched to something bigger now. You have a great tent anyway. I haven't been able to find yours yet over here, hopefully someday.
I did this video a few years ago, ua-cam.com/video/WANy6SiGTxQ/v-deo.html when I was new at this whole youtube thing. It has been our favorite tent for car type camping so far. Love the vestibules. We had to quickly store about 4 big totes one night and the rear vesti took it all and in quick fashion. One of the biggest issues I had was the strings that span across the front vestibule. Once i made sure I knew where it was I had no issues, but there is a lot of fabric up there and I had it relocate a couple times. Have a ton of fun with your palace.
The Akto is a red label category tent suitable for 4 seasons and all conditions except the most extreme. This is important to mention and I wouldn't say, as you did, that it will protect me in the worst conditions. The Kerlon 1200 fabric is not super strong and it is not impossible to tear! Which the Kerlon 1800 (black label category) in practice is. There is a difference and one should be careful when recommending products for use it is not fully intended for. This is also very clear from Hilleberg themselves.
On Hilleburg’s website they have a guy who climbed Denali in January using a red label three season tent. You won’t experience greater severe conditions on the planet than that.
Bruce, how tall are you? I'm 6'2". And which DownMat model was that? Mine is the LongWide model LW 77" x 26". I'm afraid I won't fit as well as you do.
I am glad you remarked as I took it on my last trip into the desert and used that mat which is 25" wide and it didn't fit so well. I would use a 20" in the Akto. Or if you haven't bought it yet, I would go for either an Unna or a Niak personally.
Thanks a ton. If you haven't guessed, my sons work for Hilleberg so I get to have a lot of fun. I may be able to get some answers for you but if you are on Facebook the Hilleberg Owners Group is pretty amazing.
Nature Calls Backpacking I did wonder how you could have all those Hillebergs! I'm after the Akto, but it's crazy money for what is essentially 2 pieces of material, some bits of string and a pole lol. Hopefully I'll be getting one very soon.
Believe me the Akto is worth the money.The build quality is superb and I have survived torrential rain and near hurricane force winds in the scottish highlands in this tent.
I agree. It seemed like there were a ton of these out when I first started doing UA-cam. Must have been the weight that pushed people to have them as most of those have moved to larger tents now. I am going on a hike where I will be very exposed and no water so I am hoping this will be the right choice.
There are plenty of less expensive tents, and if you just do fairweather backpacking you wouldn't need this strong of a tent. The people that do buy this tent, or similar North Face/Marmot/MSR high performance tents understand what this tent can do and rely on them.
I advise not buying one of these as my new one leaked the first it rained due to the wire around the vent near the door. I took it on a thru like of the Appalachian trail and it leaked every it leaked every time it rained. I call Hilleburg to complain and they told me it was condensation so I took video of the water dripping in. I also met anther chap on the trail with the same tent an the had the same issue. You pay a lot of money for this tent and expect it to work however Hilleberg clearly hid behind their good name and refused to fix the problem. I now have a 600 dollar tent that i never use because it leaks.
I can’t imagine what the problem could be with your Akto but I have one and it’s the best one person tent going never had any rain issues and I live on the west coast of British Columbia and it knows how to rain here. I also have two other Hilleberg tents and have never had rain issues or any other issues for that matter any of the Three Tents. I’ve been a Extreme outdoor enthusiast for over 50 years and have tried all the so called best tents out there and have found Hilleberg to be nothing but the Best.
Mine turned up today and then I watch one of the best reviews on the akto that I've seen. You show everything, which few have done. My life's so tragic that I'm really excited about a tent and cannot wait to get out in it. I heard that condensation can be a problem in these but from my long experience with small tents it's just one of those things and easily dealt with. It's called a towel.
I am very excited for you and hope you have a bunch of trips planned. I think that when I get condensation issues is when I don't vent enough or at all. I am now not depending on the tent to give me warmth but make sure my sleep system is working that part of the equation. Then I push the venting as much as possible weather allowing. Thank you for the compliment, it means a lot. Take care, Bruce
Best wishes!
Small, condensation prone, which wets your clothing when entering and exiting. Bring a cloth to wipe the underside of the roof and vestibule to stay as dry as possible. It can withstand very high winds and moderate snow. Secure staking is crucial, but it is for a freestanding tent in bad weather as well. Very good, thorough review. 👍👍
Excellent points Daniel. I agree with all of them. Personally I like a bigger tent. I will be doing the PCT in a few years and will use an Enan for part of it.
Always top quality from Hilleberg. Outstanding review Bruce, enjoy the next outing with it. Looking forward to the vid to follow.
Thanks you two. Shooting for a neat feature called Steamboat Rock if you want to look it up. No water where I am going, but surrounded by it below. One of our best examples of glacial action in the area.
Worst weather had the Akto in was a storm with 90mph forecast winds, was using a single 9mm pole. With 2x10mm poles thugh it is bombproof.
Great review Bruce. As I enter the world of Hilleberg your reviews have become my go to guides. Purchased a tarra already (after watching your review) and now looking at a single person tent.
Cheers for the great reviews and information you share.
Hi Bruce, Another great review. Got to be the best one person tent on the market. Proven too. We love ours and they have never let us down, so easy to pitch after a long day on the trail. Thanks for sharing...Take Care Roger & Diane
I wish I could be over with you two. You are my inspiration and I love to see your collection of tents and gear and great destinations.
garn fora ratch
so you use this on non-couple solo trips or?
garn fora ratch
used on solo trips or how incorporated as a couple??
Hillebergs are absolutely superior. The older one of my 2 is turning 16 this year and it is just as strong as when i got it.
I'm not a fan of the new, very dark green though, I think the lighter green on the older models is way better.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the input. The new green is really dark isn't it. I know they work with the Alaskan hunting guides a lot, so I wonder if that is where the change came from. They are so robust though. I keep asking if I can get some of the fabric to do my own testing but they just never have any as the tents rarely fail enough to have a surplus of fabric around.
I worked in a Outdoor gear store about 15 years ago. Back then they always sent out pieces of the different Kerlons with the catalogues for costumers to test it themselfes. Man, that stuff was hardcore! A friend of mine and I were unable to rip it despite grabbing it with pliers and pulling as hard as we could.
The tents are also sold in a sand color, at least here in Germany. The Akto is very high on my list of gear, I'd certainly get it in sand if I had the money now :D
Keep these vid coming man, realy like them!
Cheers
RaubElch
Just the green from what I have seen.
Great review. You saved me $500+ after showing us that you can barely sit up inside. TY
Thanks Ranger42. I am on a new trail right now in doing the tent reviews. Seems all manufactures are playing the who can be the lightest game. All of them are cutting in some of the places normal people don't even consider. Just lowering a height a half inch, or narrowing the foot area of a tent just to lose a few grams. The problem then is on the buyer who later finds out that only 20 inch pads can work, or if two men want to be in a tent, they have to sleep opposite. Not a good trend in my opinion. What are you looking at now?
Very cool design. Thx 4 sharing, Bruce! Cheers, Marc
I agree. Small though, so someone that is used to the open tarp like me this should be interesting. I remember a lot of people had these when I first started UA-cam and I just haven't had a chance to use one yet. Should be fun.
Other than minor details which I’m probably over critical this was a Great Review.
Thanks Robert. Sometimes I miss things.
Outstanding tent and review I like the poles on these nice set up
I like it too. We don't really have a ton of tunnel tents over here in the states. Seems like most tents in Europe are this design. Plus, watching the videos of the group over like in Scotland and England they are always exposed where we seem to have a lot more cover. I am taking to a very similar terrain as they have, so it should be good.
Outstanding video
Thank you Elmer. There are a few tents that the tent fanatic can point to as a game changer and I feel the Akto is one of them. And the places it has been taken by people is equally amazing. I appreciate you commenting.
Great review. I've had mine for 15+ years. Thinking of a new one this year as I broke the zip in the summer
Thanks. 15 years that is awesome. They may put in a new zipper for you.
I noticed when you were explaining how to put the stakes in you put the stake in the wrong way so the ring wouldn’t get caught in the stake groves. Just thought I’d mention it.
Yes, I am a little torn on the stake stuff. I have been doing tests and the way I do it is stronger, but in rattling wind the little notches are great. I am going longer myself with like a MSR groundhog, but the close in perimeter stakes work better with the notches engaged
Akto also has a mesh inner tent that is great in the summertime. It's a really complete 4-season system tent.
Yes, thanks for adding. I wish they had the mesh as the option from the beginning.
I have used mine for over 15 years on wilderness canoe trips.i got it for the light weight I need on the portages.looking back I wish I had got one of their small free standing tents.
canoe country has a lot of bare rock and getting a good place in get a stake in is tricky.
using rocks to hold the pull outs sort of works but getting something in to hold the end struts calls for more hassle when your pitching in bad weather.
great tent problems and all.
I wish I had the budget to get this tent mine is leaking and terrible. Awesome review.
Take a look for a used one. They are built really well and a used one is probably just as good.
Man you love your tents!!! LOL Good stuff Bruce, I really like your reviews, because you know what you are talking about down to the material! Plus, I don't know a lot about a tent, more about cheap tarp shelters... LOL Good stuff buddy
Thanks Todd. I really like to know about such things. Probably you are the same but with other equipment or rigs lately. I love tarps too.
Hi - i love your reviews on Hilleberg tents but pleaaaase show the size when its packed down in the bag next time.
Thanks Maurice. I appreciate the input as well and will do that from now on. What would be most helpful? Squishing it tight? Placing it next to something?
@@naturecallsoutdoors I think packing it into the Hilleberg Bag and placing it next to a Waterbottle or something like that would be great!
Hilleberg makes it so hard to pick a tent :)
I agree. Someday I will have to make a real choice if my boys ever leave, or I feel I need a tent I can really abuse. Hilleberg gets a little angry with me if I bring back a dirty tent. In the beginning we could deal with it in the warehouse and get it all clean and hang it to dry, but they have become so busy that there isn't that room anymore. So know my living room is a nylon explosion for a few days.
Vary cool Bruce, love me some one man solo tents.
I am going to explore them more this year. It should be a little hard as hammocking is so open. I will need to do tent, then hammock, then tent to keep sane.
Another great review Bruce. I really like your tip on the clove hitch around the peg to stop the guylines moving. I've had an Akto (and Soulo) for several years now. The Akto is a great tent, very strong. It's been very popular in the UK but in recent years, as many hikers go ultralight, I think Hilleberg is losing out to Zpacks and MLD shelters and the humble tarp of course. The number of Trailstars one can see on the English hills in the summer is nuts! The door tie back on the Akto is really annoying, the door constantly comes loose and flaps around. I notice you suffered from the same problem in your video. It's a long standing design fault, small but irritating nonetheless. Keep up the great gear reviews.
Thanks Walk and Cycle. I completely agree with you on all points. In talks with Hilleberg, they understand that the lightweight crowd is getting more traction in Europe. They are trying, but just can't leave the strength of the Kerlon enough yet. Personally I would take the Enan or Niak anyday, and even the Rogen. But the lightweight crowd only look at the weight and that is hard to overcome unless they make sacrifices in durability. I have a feeling they are constantly researching how though. The Kerlon 600 was close, but proved too hard in manufacturing apparently. And if the bonding of cuben gets better in cold conditions may really be the avenue for them. And yes, the Akto door issues could be remedied pretty easily, but alas they don't listen to me that much. Been trying to get some hammock and bushcraft specific tarps made by them, but nothing yet. Thanks for the comment.
Yep I’ve heard condensation is a BIG issue with these. From what I’ve seen the TN laser comp 1 compact is a better option.
Yes, condensation is a little more in this tent compared to others, but I find them all susceptible depending on the circumstances. The inner in my experiences is good though, just the outer gets the condensation. Lots of venting helps, but when it is raining and your gear is wet along with wet ground the small tents do suffer.
Great little bomb-proof shelter.
I think that is the best description of it. If I don't have to live in it for days in the rain I can see how it would be fine. It has been proven by many to protect great, but coming from a hammock orientation where everything is open I will need to keep an open mind. The trip I am taking it on there are no trees and very open to the elements so it should be perfect. Also there will be no water so the weight savings will be nice.
the akto is an outstanding solo tent, but im sceptical to it being a 4 season. it does not have much space for sheltering winter gear, and the ventilation looks like it would be clogged up by snow pretty quick
I see what you are saying. The whole 3 season, 4 season term I use is more of an industry term. Tents that have strong fabric, strong poles and the outer goes to the ground are the basic requirements. Hilleberg ups all those categories so fulfills the industry term quite easily. So any tent that has ventilation dependent on the ground level air movement would have trouble, thus all 4 season tents by definition. Luckily this tent, and probably most serious builders put as much ventilation up at the top within the parameters of still keeping you protected.
I agree with you though about one person tents being practical for 4 season use. The vestibule on this tent is pretty nice, but still would be packed with a good mountaineering pack set up. Then if you needed to cook inside that would involve a lot of gear re-situation. I am amazed at those who can do the one person tent in the snow. The Soulo seems to be a good choice though. Thanks for the comment and have a great year in the wilderness.
it's been used on polar expeditions for years, and the top vent is about 90 cm high.
Does the top vent have a bug screen? Didnt look like it. Infact, does all vents have a built-in bug protector screen? Kind of a dealbreaker for me...
The inner has a bug screen. At the least you can zip a good portion of the door panel down to vent and still have the bug screen.
I am 6' 1" tall and fancy buying one of these tents but am a bit hesitant, can you tell me how tall you are
Thanks
Graeme
Hi Graeme, I am 6 feet on the button. I would have to say if you are going for a small robust tent this fits the bill, I wouldn't say it is great if you get stuck in the rain for a long time that you would like it though. Do you need the stoutness?
@@naturecallsoutdoors Thanks for your quick reply. I would like a tent like this for multiple day hikes and overnighters on the mountain tops where I would be spending most of the day walking but still having the insurance of the tent not blowing away when the forecast changes. I presume I'm one inch taller than you that I'd still have room to stretch out whilst sleeping.
Many thanks
Graeme
great review,I was thinking of buying a new tent
atb
Steve
Thanks Steve. It is the smallest in the Hilleberg line which is something I am looking forward to a hike with it soon. The Enan which is the same model but lighter and a lot more mesh wasn't bad. If you don't have to live in it for days it should be fine though. A lot of people sure depend on it too, so I am confident I will be protected.
thanks for the reply my friend
i'm keeping this tent in mind when i going to compair some tent's
I just cant get my Akto's floor to stand up at the entrance. The zipper literaly lays on the ground. What am I doing wrong??
Do you think a helinox cot max with a length of 82.5 inches can fit inside the akto?
In your opinion, what tent would you recommend a pregnant woman to have; if she had to live in that tent for, not only a long period of time but, in crazy weather such as snow rain ect. What would you pick?
For one I would go with a Soulo. Pretty solid, great vestibule and it has a little extra room where you sleep where its geometry goes out. I would think the entry would be good too rather than a front entry. Depends on how crazy you are talking too. I love the Niak and it holds up to nasty weather great. Just it is Yellow label and I think people think it means weak...it isn't. Around here our snow is super wet and heavy and when it drops off the tree it hits like a ton of bricks, and I have had Red Labels in that so I don't think you need to go Black label. Where are you going?
Nature Calls Backpacking thank you for the tip. I’m heading north from tx to get to an apprenticeship. I don’t know how I’m going to get there. but it promises a good life for us so i’m going for it as soon as i can.
Nice review Bruce. I am begining to think you have most of the Hilleberg range now! Dare I ask how many tents do you have? I have 3 ( 2 terra nova's and 1 NF ) and a hammock and my hubbie thinks that's too many but it doesn't stop me checking out more! Cheers Mary
Hi Mary. Fortunately my twin sons, who are both Marines, work for HIlleberg when they are available. They take really great care of my boys and I love to support that company this way....and I get to borrow the demo tents. Personally I do own some of the tarps as I hammock and really use them a lot. Someday I will have to make a choice though and I don't know what to do. I think I will need the Keron 4 GT and a Kaitum GT so far. Maybe an Atlas too. Oh the choices.
It's a tough choice as so many good tents! Really nice that the company take care of your sons, may they stay safe, and brilliant you can check out so many tents. Try before you buy. They do seem to be a great company and good quality tents. You can never have enough! I keep trying to talk my hubbie into camping/hammocking but, sadly its a no. Cheers Mary
Start making videos. Maybe he will get interested. Make him the cameraman.
I have done a few videos Bruce but nothing last year. They do take up a lot of time especialy when you are having fun. Got into sailing and this year hopefully get in a fair bit, but I still want to go camping. To much to do and not enough time!! He is taking early retirement in April so you never know.
Another opportunity to video! Just sold our sailboat. Not very many sailors around here that don't already have their own boat. Get him a new camera for his birthday
there are great tents bruce i have not had one my self but been told they are great from eddie (scots wildcamper)
There are a lot of people I respect with them. I am wondering if it was just the weight that caused that as even Eddie has switched to something bigger now. You have a great tent anyway. I haven't been able to find yours yet over here, hopefully someday.
nice lookn' rig!
Have you done a review set up on the hilleberg saitaris as I've just bought the green coloured one . Not yet used it yet
I did this video a few years ago, ua-cam.com/video/WANy6SiGTxQ/v-deo.html when I was new at this whole youtube thing. It has been our favorite tent for car type camping so far. Love the vestibules. We had to quickly store about 4 big totes one night and the rear vesti took it all and in quick fashion. One of the biggest issues I had was the strings that span across the front vestibule. Once i made sure I knew where it was I had no issues, but there is a lot of fabric up there and I had it relocate a couple times. Have a ton of fun with your palace.
The Akto is a red label category tent suitable for 4 seasons and all conditions except the most extreme. This is important to mention and I wouldn't say, as you did, that it will protect me in the worst conditions. The Kerlon 1200 fabric is not super strong and it is not impossible to tear! Which the Kerlon 1800 (black label category) in practice is. There is a difference and one should be careful when recommending products for use it is not fully intended for. This is also very clear from Hilleberg themselves.
Great points Anders. I appreciate the input
On Hilleburg’s website they have a guy who climbed Denali in January using a red label three season tent. You won’t experience greater severe conditions on the planet than that.
Bruce, how tall are you? I'm 6'2". And which DownMat model was that? Mine is the LongWide model LW 77" x 26". I'm afraid I won't fit as well as you do.
I am glad you remarked as I took it on my last trip into the desert and used that mat which is 25" wide and it didn't fit so well. I would use a 20" in the Akto. Or if you haven't bought it yet, I would go for either an Unna or a Niak personally.
I'd prefer the shape of the soulo or Allak
Great video - new sub here.
Thanks a ton. If you haven't guessed, my sons work for Hilleberg so I get to have a lot of fun. I may be able to get some answers for you but if you are on Facebook the Hilleberg Owners Group is pretty amazing.
Nature Calls Backpacking I did wonder how you could have all those Hillebergs! I'm after the Akto, but it's crazy money for what is essentially 2 pieces of material, some bits of string and a pole lol. Hopefully I'll be getting one very soon.
Believe me the Akto is worth the money.The build quality is superb and I have survived torrential rain and near hurricane force winds in the scottish highlands in this tent.
How much please
$555 US us.hilleberg.com/EN/tent/red-label-tents/akto/
It's a nice tent but due to it not being a free standing tent, it requires too much room to set up.
Very true. In great weather it is nice to have the freestanders. I do use about the same space if the weather is bad though.
Great vid, i dont like the atko its just too small for solo for me, good design been copied many times but never bettered
I agree. It seemed like there were a ton of these out when I first started doing UA-cam. Must have been the weight that pushed people to have them as most of those have moved to larger tents now. I am going on a hike where I will be very exposed and no water so I am hoping this will be the right choice.
like every other tent but those u get much cheaper
There are plenty of less expensive tents, and if you just do fairweather backpacking you wouldn't need this strong of a tent. The people that do buy this tent, or similar North Face/Marmot/MSR high performance tents understand what this tent can do and rely on them.
I advise not buying one of these as my new one leaked the first it rained due to the wire around the vent near the door. I took it on a thru like of the Appalachian trail and it leaked every it leaked every time it rained. I call Hilleburg to complain and they told me it was condensation so I took video of the water dripping in. I also met anther chap on the trail with the same tent an the had the same issue. You pay a lot of money for this tent and expect it to work however Hilleberg clearly hid behind their good name and refused to fix the problem. I now have a 600 dollar tent that i never use because it leaks.
I can’t imagine what the problem could be with your Akto but I have one and it’s the best one person tent going never had any rain issues and I live on the west coast of British Columbia and it knows how to rain here. I also have two other Hilleberg tents and have never had rain issues or any other issues for that matter any of the Three Tents. I’ve been a Extreme outdoor enthusiast for over 50 years and have tried all the so called best tents out there and have found Hilleberg to be nothing but the Best.
Crap to smoll.