It is truly fortunate that we have the opportunity to explore the wilderness with equipment that offers a diverse range of comfort, safety, and protection. Although we often debate the cost of gear, there are various alternatives available at different price ranges. When browsing through UA-cam, it is challenging to come across a video where Hilleberg tents fail to deliver on the company's promises. Personally, I have complete faith in a Hilleberg tent to shield me from the elements, and that is the primary reason why I choose to invest in one.
Good to see another video Ray, hope you're able to get out more often. Now that you have the Soulo, keep it forever, it's the king of one man tents and if you're ever caught out in bad weather you're in the best available shelter to deal with it. That kind of peace of mind is worth every penny, and it's no joke up where you are. Imo you need that tent, focus on the safety and forget about the price, buy once cry once!
HAHA Buy once, cry once. Never heard that one. Buy cheap buy twice is my saying. Looking into tents at the mo to replace my Hubba Huuba NX2 for winter which is a very cold tent. Seriously looking at this but complete overkill. That said, I have been caught out in the MSR once or twice which coped amazingly well
@@iansankey6320 I bought the Robens Starlight 2 after watching Ray's video camping in it, and after lots of homework seems to be great value compared to other more expensive tents. Very sturdy and affordable, impressed enough to buy another Robens, the Voyager 2ex, competition for the hilleberg nallo at a quarter of the price
I have had a Hilleberg Soulo for three years, and had it out about 25 times in all four seasons, lots of snow and blow-the only tent I’ve had that I liked as well is a private company hand made expedition mountaineering tent I had made for me in 1966. Wonderful tent, almost five times the weight of the Soulo. Big fan of the Soulo. My camping has always been at altitudes of 12,000 to 14,000 feet here in Colorado. Would I buy the Soulo again-yes, definitely.
Good to see you out Ray. Life and age are pulling me in near the fire more and more. Watching your film has inspired me to get out again. I miss it. Thanks.
Keep an eye on that breathlessness Ray. I started struggling with the hills and put it down to being 63. My wife got me to see the Doc and it turns out I have half the haemoglobin I should have due to bone marrow cancer. Incurable but a slow grower. I could have another ten years so, a few more wild camps yet. I've had the thermarest xtherm mat down to minus 8 on dartmoor and it's kept me toasty warm. Great video.
Have had some scans recently as have other things playing up myself which I didnt bring up in the video. Hope you keep as well as you can mate and thoughts are with you. Atb
Welcome back Ray, we were just talking about you a couple of minutes before the video went up. We were about to send out a search party! I have the same mat and it goes everywhere with me even in a hot tent and hammock camp. I hope your doing well and you get some more time out and about we have missed your vlogs mate 😉 Us auld yins still have it in us! 👍
Keep it mate. Up on Cairngorm in December I was so thankful for mine. It was crazy weather up there. Tent wasn’t fully pegged but it never budged. You never ken when you might need that “bit extra” especially in Scotland 🏴. Good to see you “back out” Ray. Atb 👍
Stunning scenery, good to see you back out. Never had a soulo ...very expensive, too small for the weight, but when it hits the fan it'll probably look after you better than pretty much anything. My compromise for bad winter weather is an abisko lite 2, bit lighter, bit cheaper, more spacious and can tolerate high winds.
@@RS.Outdoors yes I do, a tad over 2 kg, loads of space for me and the dog, high enough to sit up in, low enough for wind to pass over. Strong, well made , good featured tent 👍
At least you didn't spend a fortune on your cooking set up. Speedster Stoves - great bits of kit! Also good to see you putting a list of the kit that you actually used in the description rather than just a load of affiliate links. Thanks.
Good to see you again Ray. Hope there’s nothing significantly bad in your life keeping you away from the mountains. I’m camp Soulo - I love it, taken it everywhere, in terrible conditions, in glorious conditions. Never let me down, I love how it’s structured, but it’s definitely a two season job for me - winter and the harsher ends of spring and Autumn. I like having it and something different for the summer. I honestly don’t think it’s for you - just watching you over the years, listening to what you say, getting a feel of what you like. Anyway, at least the resale value is excellent. Take care mate, Simon
Well thank god you're back Ray, normality has resumed. Really good to see you out and about again. Soulo I can't comment on as never owned one, but for me the tent I always wanted and now own is the abisko lite 2, absolutely love it and just can't fault it. I have sold all other tents apart from the lanshan 2 Pro which is now my summer trekking tent and the lite 2 for autumn winter. I personally think I've got all bases covered with these two tents but, as you well know, it's personal preference. Here's hoping you are back from you're working away and going to be making more videos again. Atb 🍻
Hi Ray great to see you back. Fantastic video as usual. The tent⛺️ buy once cry once I think you would regret selling it. They are hard to get hold of. Cheers Jc👍🏻
Welcome back Ray, glad to see your back again doing your vlogging and returning to the hills!! Hopefully you have kept your MSR access 2 tent as a back up, much better tent! Great video all round!
Tbh the Access is absolute crap of a tent. Very expressive for what it is. It is ultralight,that for sure and i can see the appeal pf the low weight. However it is and inner first pitch, which i would never call a true 4 season tent. They also say on the website that it is made for use below tree line. I have also seen footage of it set up properly,guyied out as well and was still flattened by the wind. No point in weight savings if the tent will be hitting your face. I think the weight of the Soulo is worth the safety it brings you as well as that it will not collapse on you(if set up properly).
Many thanks for watching Andy. Yes cars are a pain at times and to be honest I dont think I will be buying anything much newer than this old barge so I can fix it myself, Atb.
I love my Soulo. I tend not to camp in the height of summer. I have the older xtherm and I tend to use a much lighter bag with it as the heat from below more than makes up for it. Good to see you back out.
Good to see another video from you Ray in spectacular scenery. Have you considered modifying your Hexpeak with a 3ful Lanshan T zip inner, seems to be quite a good modification and drops a fair bit of weight, making a very strong light wind resistant tent.
Thanks for watching mate. Did think about modifying it but getting fed up doing things that the manufacturer should take onboard in my opinion. The Hexpeak has been going for years now with loads of folks offering ideas to improve. Doesnt look like the manufacturer is interested and just sitting on there laurels as they say. Atb
glad to see you back out there Ray. I thought about selling my Soulo this year, but after I took it out for a couple of nights, I changed my mind. Such a quality tent, easy to put up, but more importantly I feel I deserve something as good as this after years of making do in cheaper tents. However, I do draw the line at some things: I've never had a high end Thermarest pad because of the cost. I'll stick with my Sea to Summit.
I recently had a camp up in Scotland on the Old man of Storr in my soulo. For me solo camping it’s the perfect tent, can take a battering in the weather and not a massive footprint to pitch in tight spots. Love mine. 🏕️
Great to see you back out Ray it's a killer when you haven't been out on the hill's for a while but I'm sure you will soon be back to normal after a few camp's I got a hexpeak only used it in the woods but looking forward to hitting the cheviot hills for a few camp's atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍
Good to see you got your mojo back Ray.. I'll keep an eye out for ya... Sell the tent and buy more stuff... I didn't get on with the thermorest Ray.. found it hard.. I do however love my Big Agnes... I'm shifting a few bits on this year. May even try a zip mod on the Hexpeak.. 😎😎😎
Thanks for watching mate. Do have the Big Agnes as well and think it is a great tent. Like with the Soulo I had to try that and the Thermarest as I had never used them and everybody raves about them. However I think I may have a different take on them now :) Mojo slighly back shall we say. Atb
Hi Ray, good to see you back on UA-cam and nice to see your Volvo feature! Might catch you at a VOS meet one day? Defo sounds like you need to sell the soulo and go back to the MLD mate. The fact you miss it is telling so you should go back to one of those and leave it at that. Maybe a trailstar for the summer months too? Keep well!
Great video. The weight and pack size have always put me off the Soulo, but I prefer multi-day hikes. If you are doing lots of summit camping, probably makes sense to keep it as a winter option.
Good vid, enjoyed. Good review of the pad, may do one myself or a Big Agnes. I've used the old Thermarest 2 inch x30 for years, maybe 30. The Hilleberg I would hold on to. It took me quite awhile to get one in USA. Scarce as hen's teeth. I have a green Black Label. Heavy winds 60 mph plus stable heavy snow and rain, all good. Made by people you can meet and see. Not china. Great quality and wil be hard to replace with anything even close to being comparable. Next time, be safe
Good to see you back out there Ray, enjoyed the scenery. Not sure the Soulo is for you, but it is bomber tent. Thanks for the mod tip for the corners, I’ll look into that for the Niak as think it would benefit… Thank again Ray, ATB 👍
Hi Ray. Is that the back label or red? I’m going for red label as I think the black label is overkill for uk weather. Glad you are back posting videos. 😊
Good to see you back out and about. No need for a tent that expensive it is overkill for Scotland unless you are the type who goes out midwinter without checking a weather forecast. Especially when you have that car to sleep in if it gets nasty. Lightweight multiday hikes for me, so never aspired to something so heavy.
I have just bought the Zpacks Duplex Zip.... its essentially the lanshan 2 pro in dyneema at 600gms..... nearly perfect for me. Im using it on the Cape Wrath Trail in May
Great to see another video Ray 😊 Absolutely beautiful. You talk sense about cost/usage re the Soulo - Hilleberg tents are such an outlay, you need to justify it or it’s a waste.
Nice peaceful video Ray looks like you needed it, also good work with the car I wish I had the confidence to tackle such jobs, I remember pulling my 1990s VW polo to pieces and getting it going again but wouldn't want to try fixing my 2016 Skoda Scout. As for the tent I couldn't justify spending that much on a tent for camping a few hours from the car, for light weight trips into the wilderness I'm currently using the Lanshan one, which replaced my old Saunders Jet Packer, usually only plan these trips for good weather so get away with it but even if the tent let me down I would be ok, also do some bad weather camping/fishing trips close to car using fishing bivi very sturdy but they weigh 10kg. Now that you have the tent maybe you should just keep it as you camp often and that is your thing.
Good to see you back out Ray , Meall Mor must be a favourite of yours now . The Soulo , it’s really up to yourself but I wouldn’t part with mine . It’s perfect for summit camping, especially in winter . For backpacking /multi days I’d prefer something lighter , I’ve bought the Doumid for that . .. BTW a perfect night you got mate .. cheers Stevie
Good to see a Renagsde Scot vid apper for a change😊 My view on the Soulo is great tent and if it were a two man at that weight I'd be sold , but it isn't.... overkill for Scotland.
I’d keep your Soulo Ray. I sold my Soulo RL in 2015 and regretted it for ages. So much so that I ended up buying the Soulo BL which I love, sure it’s heavy but it’s not intended to be an ultralight tent, it’s there to be a bombproof mountain shelter and it excels at that. New whip looks immaculate mate. 👍🏼
great views. I liked my Volvo XC70 and now xc90; cracking cars. its a throwaway culture now sadly. that hille is a great tent its just a question of it costing the thick end of a bag of sand. nature hike do sort of copies of the Hilleberg alto and Soulo but maybe a bit lacking in strength in extreme weather although for most scenarios probably ok.
Great to see you back out Ray, another interesting video. I bought the Soulo at the end of summer last year and have used it 5-6 times. I am intending to use it for all but mid summer, so it will be interesting to see how it fares. I love my MSR Elixir 1tent, and think I will rationalise my collection to just those 2. I was interested to hear your new mat was a wide one, and fits in the Soulo OK. I want a wider mat, but wasn't sure it would fit.
I live in the lakes and wouldnt use anything else in bad weather tbh, and it dosent seem like the weathers getting any better these days, worse in fact. I have the Black version and while its heavy for the size its bullet proof especially if youre caught out.
For me the moment was when my MSR got smushed by the wind on Kinder Scout. Got a Soulo for winter and mountain trips and if you're the sort who likes to push it, it's worth every penny.
Ray, your right about how folk used to work on their own car back then! Still try to keep my hand in. I remember my dad setting the points and timing with a strobe light,helping dad bleeding the brakes. I pressed the brake pedal on and off 😊. Spose now days cars rely so much on electrics, computers etc that it doesn't encourage home mechanicing 😆. Great to see you back out filming etc and I got the soulo in red,for stealthy camping... not. All the best pal, Fraser👍 P.s. if you can,keep the soulo. Mine stepped up this winter when I went out wild camping with a dodgy weather forecast 😳. Its the normal red label one but it gives me options, like shifting pitch when the wind shifted. I know other geo tents can be picked up and moved but the soulo seems more robust than any tent I've had before....
Thanks for watching Fraser. You made me luagh when you mentioned the strobe. Remeber trying to get some Tipex on the small timing mark pulley many a time. Atb
Good to see you back out Ray! Always fancied trying the soulo but the weight and of course, The price always put me off. Maybe I'll find a nugget of gold of the hills one day and be able to get one 😁 Great vid, cheers! Kris.
It’s always the last peg which finds the hidden rock. My old Duomid came with just panel centre guy lines so I was worried but having some adjustment in the corner pegging points has worked so far. That makes me think your modification will be successful.
keep it , i have one and its a lifetime tent. i only have 2 tents the soulo for silly scoltand weather and a Tarptent stratospire IL for longer summer camps. many tents will come and go, but i can always depend on my soulo.... its really has saved me in stupid weather...
What a beautiful spot Ray 😊 I love my Duomid up in the hills, so light and packable. Sell the Soulo and buy the latest Duomid XL maybe. I'm interested in trying my hand at some landscape photography, would you mind me asking your thoughts on a good camera to get me going please? All the best , Andy
Do miss my Dumoid and likely will get one again at some point. As for a camera I would start with your mobile phone. The key thing to learn in photography is composition of images and becuase of that it doesnt matter what camera you have. Start witht hat and them maybe look into gettin g a better camera. On side note another secret photographers dont tell you is editing in software such as Lightroom is critical to getting good looking images. If you seen images that Pro photographers take and what they actually looked like direct out of the camera you would be shocked. All get tweaked in software and thats what makes them look good and stand out. Atb
An addition on photography advice from @RS Outdoors , learn about the exposure triangle(Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO), histogram, how lenses affect photography and shooting in RAW which gives more amplitude when editing. Modern phones allow to start playing will most of these (select 'pro' modes). Most modern cameras are fantastic and electronic viewfinders will present on screen pretty much what the photo will look like when taken. Still I'd suggest learning the basics well as it'll give you an idea before getting camera out and getting you out of trouble at times. ATB
@@ipedros7 Thankyou Pedro for taking the time to offer your advice 😁 That definitely makes sense to me as I do have a basic understanding of the triangle you are talking about. All the best
Great to see the video, looked like a great wee adventure. I love gear, but entirely agree with you. I’m finding it very difficult to justify new purchases given the way prices are going. All the best 👍🏻
Thanks for another great video, Ray! Had the Soulo myself for a few years. Absolutely loved it. However, needed some more space + ventilation for winter wild camping, so sold it and bought a used Allak 2 instead. Great tent, but I have to admit that I miss the simplicity of the Soulo. 🙂 All the best, Marius.
Many thanks for watching. Do plan to do it again at some point in one go and try and film it a bit better as well. Do also have some other walks planned this year so lets see what happens. Atb.
Seriously considering buying one myself . Fed up of buying and selling tents chasing the ‘perfect’ setup that doesn’t exist. I have a hexpeak v4 with a Lansan 1 four season T zip inner that I use when the forecast is decent ish and would use the Soulo when the weather might be a bit dodgy. I think these two would cover all bases. Agree that they are not cheap but when you consider that the new mat you have retail at the thick end of 300 quid it kind of puts it into perspective.
Great to see you out and yet another bit of inspiration to get me back out. I too have struggled the last few months to find the time or drive to get out but that scenery and hearing I might not be alone in the feeling has been a boost. I'm with you on the car fixing front and remeber my first few cars all being fettled with by myself... ah the Saxo and Corsa 😂 Great video as always and I hope you get more trips out this year.
Nice motor, I spend more time under the bonnet of my auld Jag than I do driving it. Have you tried humphing the soulo off a mountain when it's soaking yet? ...jeezuz. I've been using the x mid, great tent with a few wee tweaks.
Many thanks for watching mate. Not sure I am sold on the X-Mid and wasnt keen on it from the day it come out. Do see lots of folks rave about them and then a shedload up for sale on Ebay, Atb.
@@RS.Outdoors I just took a punt on it because I can't be arsed watching a shit load of ads to find out what folks think about it, pluses for me so far are weight, two vestibules and it's a doddle to take the inner out in the morning without yer arse hanging oot the door getting drookit. 😊
I think with any camping equipment people need to answer how often and what conditions they want to use it in then if they are out all seasons then the solou and thermarest are good choices yes expensive but good quality with great guarantee's.think I'll have to look at doing that mod with the corners I've found my niak could do with that extra option on the corners
I had a Soulo and currently have a Nammatj 3 GT and a Nallo 2. The Nallo 2 is the same weight as the Soulo but with much more sleeping and vestibule space. I also have a second set of poles for really bad weather. Unless the freestanding feature of the Soulo is important to you, the Nallo is a far better option in my view.
Good video. I think like you say, Soulos are just so expensive and quite heavy that if you're not using it to it's potential then all it really provides is confidence. Personally, I wish I'd just bought an MLD Solomid XL + 3F UL inner at the start of my tent journey. Good enough and light enough for pretty much all my use cases. Would have saved a lot of money and messing around.
Great Video, I also use a Soulo and find it to be bomb proof like a Volvo V70. by far the easiest tent I've put up in strong winds with being able to guild out half erected. cut off the zip handles and fit cordage will stop any rattling in high winds... I've a friend with a 15 year old Akto still going strong, so it's not expensive in comparison..
Good solid tents, but they are overkill for most of us unless you go out in all seasons and weather. Bit too heavy for backpacking imho. Anyways good to see you out mate and the big Volvo looking good. 👍🏼 😎
Yeh you are right. But as an outdoor channel I thought I would try one and see what the fuss was about. Great well made tent and storm proof, but..... Atb
It is just as you come over hill and start heading towards rannoch moor. You will see the telephone mast on left and layby further along on right hand side.
As a winter tent it's absolutely the dogs B's, but as a solo female overnighter.. it weighs a bloody tonne. Sold mine last year, sticking with my msr for short nights & my ultralight for long multi nights, life is too short to ruin a hike by suffering from weighty packs
I would consider the Soulo a 'luxury' item. It has niche applications at which it excels but outside of that niche other tents can be lighter and / or cheaper. But does life have to be something that is based solely on financial optimisation? Life without some small luxuries is not being lived to the full. I bought one second hand and only use it for 2-4 nights a year when the weather demands it, truly that is an extravagance. However as I look forward to my second trip to the Cairngorms later this year I'm glad I have a Soulo to take with me as it will stand up to stronger winds than anything else and will allow me to camp at altitude in safety and comfort. Last time I was there I had to change my plans as I only had a three season single hoop tent - this year I stand a much better chance of beating my camping altitude record!
Good to see you out again, Ray. I can't stomach the price tag of a Hilleberg myself, though I'm sure it's worth it for someone who gets out as much as you, especially with the Scottish weather. Do you still have your MSR Access?
Thanks for watching Callum. Sold the MSR while ago now as I can only really afford to have one tent at a time to try. So have to sell one to try one. But due to prices that idea is going oout the window :) Atb
I have a Soulo as well - its an older model and I agree that the cost today is ridiculous!! I like it for mountain top and winter camping, and agree its overkill for summer backpacking.
4 winter them tents I do spring summer so use an anaris so depends how much winter camping one does I'd just keep it my winter tents an oex cheap job coz winters a rare thing it's 2 big all 4 season tents are 2 bulky imo each 2 there own.
I love my Soulo. It is a bit heavy on the Alpine tent side of things, but it's indestructible. Since I use it not only for above tree line but also for high wind camping in places like the Channel Islands (off of California USA), it's a keeper in the "extreme" 4-season 1P category for me. The only real competition for this tent might be (1) the SlingFin CrossBow 2 (USA company), at about 1 LB lighter, and (2) the Samaya Assault2 8K (French), at about 2 LBS lighter and made out of DCF material (and just as stupid expensive as the Hille), but they have their own design drawbacks. Cheers!
I'm with you with the state of the outdoors market these days. It's bonkers. At some point you just get fed up with all the choices and changes and the next "big thing". Most of these changes really are just incremental.. I'm similar to yourself, have the soulo and the v4a (with Ali express inner), as well as a Trailstar. I think I'll get rid of the v4a simply because it still uses a PU backed silnylon which is much weaker, but on the tipi I'll admit this likely won't be much an issue. Unfortunately I don't think just having one tent will ever be enough. Fast and light i always take the Trailstar. If I'm out longer than a few days in the middle of nowhere I take the soulo. Heck, sometimes I've taken both the Soulo and just the Trailstar without the inner (500g) just for chilling in during the evenings before going to bed in the soulo. That combination actually made me consider a simple bivvy setup with the Trailstar, but when the bugs are out and you've got no door on the Trailstar and just a bivvy to protect you from the wee buggers, it's not fun
Ye sound the same as me, I gurn about the expense but still buy it, and never use it for what it's made for, I do sometimes long for the auld 2 man army canvas bivi I had when I was a boy, I'm 64 now and know I could never hack going back to the old school stuff but who knows like you say, and my da used to say the world's gone mad! All the best.
You go winter camping on the tops in the Highlands Then you have the bombproof tent for those conditions Not the lightest or cheapest but this is the price for security
Nothing like each other. The Southern Cross you cant sit up inside with a normal thickness airmat as head room is too low. I am 5'10" and had to lean on arm whilst cooking when you are inside the inner tent. Had the SC1 many years ago and was one of the worst tents I have ever owned. However many others rave about it. For the price differernce now and the little bit of extra weight I would go for a Soulo before going for a SC. But thats just my opinion and you really need to do some deeper research before biting the bullet on an expensive purchase. Atb
@@RS.Outdoors Cheers Ray. On the suolo been put off with have issues with the suolo on condensation (more than they'd expect) although sturdy. Price is near 2x of the sc1 too. Years ago had a Vango banshee (still have it) and even at 5'8 it's even less a "sit up on 3" matt" tent. I've got the newest SC2, bigger so vents work ok. Inner could've done with not being attached just on the centre line for when in the inner. My x-mid 1p for lighter camping, blew my mind when I set it up despite reading and watching so much about ut. First pole tent. Both really in similar footprint size. Think less than that if expect needing fitting in tighter spots, might be back to tarp and bivvy. I will need to see them by myself as you suggest.
It is truly fortunate that we have the opportunity to explore the wilderness with equipment that offers a diverse range of comfort, safety, and protection. Although we often debate the cost of gear, there are various alternatives available at different price ranges. When browsing through UA-cam, it is challenging to come across a video where Hilleberg tents fail to deliver on the company's promises. Personally, I have complete faith in a Hilleberg tent to shield me from the elements, and that is the primary reason why I choose to invest in one.
You make a great point and thanks for sharing. Atb
As soon as you started talking about fixing your own car I knew I was going to enjoy your vids!
Thanks 👍 Atb
Good to see another video Ray, hope you're able to get out more often. Now that you have the Soulo, keep it forever, it's the king of one man tents and if you're ever caught out in bad weather you're in the best available shelter to deal with it. That kind of peace of mind is worth every penny, and it's no joke up where you are. Imo you need that tent, focus on the safety and forget about the price, buy once cry once!
Thanks for watching Marko, Atb.
HAHA Buy once, cry once. Never heard that one. Buy cheap buy twice is my saying. Looking into tents at the mo to replace my Hubba Huuba NX2 for winter which is a very cold tent. Seriously looking at this but complete overkill. That said, I have been caught out in the MSR once or twice which coped amazingly well
@@iansankey6320 I bought the Robens Starlight 2 after watching Ray's video camping in it, and after lots of homework seems to be great value compared to other more expensive tents. Very sturdy and affordable, impressed enough to buy another Robens, the Voyager 2ex, competition for the hilleberg nallo at a quarter of the price
I have had a Hilleberg Soulo for three years, and had it out about 25 times in all four seasons, lots of snow and blow-the only tent I’ve had that I liked as well is a private company hand made expedition mountaineering tent I had made for me in 1966. Wonderful tent, almost five times the weight of the Soulo. Big fan of the Soulo. My camping has always been at altitudes of 12,000 to 14,000 feet here in Colorado. Would I buy the Soulo again-yes, definitely.
Great stuff and thanks for sharing. Atb
The Scottish accent is magical
Fantastic video as always Ray - missed your videos and great to see you back - catch up soon
M
Cheers mate and speak soon. Atb
Magic Ray, Beautiful scenery, never owned a Hilleberg but just remember...... a tent is for life, not just for Christmas ! 😉
Thanks for watching. Lucky if tent is for a fortnight with me :) Atb
Good to see you out Ray. Life and age are pulling me in near the fire more and more. Watching your film has inspired me to get out again. I miss it. Thanks.
Thanks for watching mate and I know what you mean. Finding it a struggle and needing to dig deep at times to get out myself. Atb
Good to see you back Ray. Was actually watching your Cape Wrath escapades earlier on today for my morning entertainment commuting on the train 😊
Thanks for watching Steve, much appreciated. Atb
Just discovered the channel - good content, looking forward to working my way through the videos. Thank you.
Nice to see you back Ray ....hopefully more to come 👍🏻
Many thanks for watching, atb.
Good see back mate thanks
Many thanks for watching, Atb.
Wow Ray great to see you back missed you videos lately, love the new gear and the views were awesome, looking forward to the next one ATB 👌👍
Cheers Keith and thanks for watching. Atb
Keep an eye on that breathlessness Ray. I started struggling with the hills and put it down to being 63. My wife got me to see the Doc and it turns out I have half the haemoglobin I should have due to bone marrow cancer. Incurable but a slow grower. I could have another ten years so, a few more wild camps yet. I've had the thermarest xtherm mat down to minus 8 on dartmoor and it's kept me toasty warm. Great video.
Have had some scans recently as have other things playing up myself which I didnt bring up in the video. Hope you keep as well as you can mate and thoughts are with you. Atb
Very good to see you again Ray. Top video.
Many thanks for watching mate, Atb.
Good to see you back out Ray 👍
Great too see you out and about Ray, always enjoy your videos.
Many thanks for watching Patrick, Atb.
Great video Ray. Superb area, must get up there again soon. Keep the tent definitively. ATB - Simon
Cheers Simon and thanks for watching. Atb
Welcome back Ray, we were just talking about you a couple of minutes before the video went up. We were about to send out a search party! I have the same mat and it goes everywhere with me even in a hot tent and hammock camp. I hope your doing well and you get some more time out and about we have missed your vlogs mate 😉 Us auld yins still have it in us! 👍
Thanks for watching mate. Just been busy with work, life and bloody car ;) Hope to try and get out more this year but say that every year, lol. Atb
Nice to see you back out Ray 👍
Cheers Steve and thanks for watching. Atb
Keep it mate. Up on Cairngorm in December I was so thankful for mine. It was crazy weather up there. Tent wasn’t fully pegged but it never budged. You never ken when you might need that “bit extra” especially in Scotland 🏴. Good to see you “back out” Ray. Atb 👍
Many thanks for watching mate and hope you get out yourself lots this year :) Atb.
Great post Ray, good to see you out.
Cheers Callum and thanks for watching. Atb
Good to see you back Ray, I'll be interested to see what you decide with the tent. ATB
Thanks
Thanks Martin much appreciated. Atb
No worries Ray, I didn't realise until today that you could send a little something that way, it all helps.
Great to see you out again Ray! Brilliant vlog and the scenery amazing as usual! Roll on to your next adventure!👍👏👏👏👏
Stunning scenery, good to see you back out. Never had a soulo ...very expensive, too small for the weight, but when it hits the fan it'll probably look after you better than pretty much anything. My compromise for bad winter weather is an abisko lite 2, bit lighter, bit cheaper, more spacious and can tolerate high winds.
Do like the look of the Abisko and many thanks for watching, Atb.
@@RS.Outdoors yes I do, a tad over 2 kg, loads of space for me and the dog, high enough to sit up in, low enough for wind to pass over. Strong, well made , good featured tent 👍
At least you didn't spend a fortune on your cooking set up. Speedster Stoves - great bits of kit!
Also good to see you putting a list of the kit that you actually used in the description rather than just a load of affiliate links. Thanks.
Thanks for watching. Really enjoy using the Speedster, a nice and simple setup. Much like my tent setup change coming soon. Atb
@@RS.Outdoors I'll look out for it.
Good to see you back at it again Ray missed the great videos 👍👍
Thanks for watching Noel. Atb
Good to see you again Ray. Hope there’s nothing significantly bad in your life keeping you away from the mountains. I’m camp Soulo - I love it, taken it everywhere, in terrible conditions, in glorious conditions. Never let me down, I love how it’s structured, but it’s definitely a two season job for me - winter and the harsher ends of spring and Autumn. I like having it and something different for the summer. I honestly don’t think it’s for you - just watching you over the years, listening to what you say, getting a feel of what you like. Anyway, at least the resale value is excellent. Take care mate, Simon
Doing Ok Simon and thanks for watching as always, much appreciated. Atb
Well thank god you're back Ray, normality has resumed. Really good to see you out and about again.
Soulo I can't comment on as never owned one, but for me the tent I always wanted and now own is the abisko lite 2, absolutely love it and just can't fault it. I have sold all other tents apart from the lanshan 2 Pro which is now my summer trekking tent and the lite 2 for autumn winter. I personally think I've got all bases covered with these two tents but, as you well know, it's personal preference.
Here's hoping you are back from you're working away and going to be making more videos again. Atb 🍻
Thanks for watching Phil, much appreciated. Atb
Hi Ray great to see you back. Fantastic video as usual. The tent⛺️ buy once cry once I think you would regret selling it. They are hard to get hold of. Cheers Jc👍🏻
Many thanks for watching mate, Atb.
Great vid, good to see you out. Get rid of it, for the money you really should love it! Find another tent you’re not sure about for half the price!!
Many thanks for watching mate, Atb.
Welcome back Ray, glad to see your back again doing your vlogging and returning to the hills!! Hopefully you have kept your MSR access 2 tent as a back up, much better tent! Great video all round!
Many thanks for watching, Atb.
Tbh the Access is absolute crap of a tent. Very expressive for what it is. It is ultralight,that for sure and i can see the appeal pf the low weight. However it is and inner first pitch, which i would never call a true 4 season tent.
They also say on the website that it is made for use below tree line.
I have also seen footage of it set up properly,guyied out as well and was still flattened by the wind. No point in weight savings if the tent will be hitting your face.
I think the weight of the Soulo is worth the safety it brings you as well as that it will not collapse on you(if set up properly).
I'm 55 and fix all 3 of my cars. It is getting harder though as technology moves ahead of my limits. Great video and love the new motor 👍
Many thanks for watching Andy. Yes cars are a pain at times and to be honest I dont think I will be buying anything much newer than this old barge so I can fix it myself, Atb.
Really enjoy your videos ray, thanks for sharing
Thanks Keith, Atb
I love my Soulo. I tend not to camp in the height of summer. I have the older xtherm and I tend to use a much lighter bag with it as the heat from below more than makes up for it. Good to see you back out.
Cheers Alan, Atb.
Good to see another video from you Ray in spectacular scenery. Have you considered modifying your Hexpeak with a 3ful Lanshan T zip inner, seems to be quite a good modification and drops a fair bit of weight, making a very strong light wind resistant tent.
Thanks for watching mate. Did think about modifying it but getting fed up doing things that the manufacturer should take onboard in my opinion. The Hexpeak has been going for years now with loads of folks offering ideas to improve. Doesnt look like the manufacturer is interested and just sitting on there laurels as they say. Atb
Always great 👍🏻👍🏻
Many thanks very much for watching, Atb.
glad to see you back out there Ray. I thought about selling my Soulo this year, but after I took it out for a couple of nights, I changed my mind. Such a quality tent, easy to put up, but more importantly I feel I deserve something as good as this after years of making do in cheaper tents. However, I do draw the line at some things: I've never had a high end Thermarest pad because of the cost. I'll stick with my Sea to Summit.
Many thanks for watching mate and the S2S is a great mat and owned many, Atb.
I recently had a camp up in Scotland on the Old man of Storr in my soulo. For me solo camping it’s the perfect tent, can take a battering in the weather and not a massive footprint to pitch in tight spots. Love mine. 🏕️
Many thanks for watching mate, Atb.
love the tent its like a Rolex very expensive although the Rolex increases in value with age ! great video thanks for sharing
Thats for sure. Thanks for watching. Atb
Nice to see you back out in the wilds again, ray 😊 Dam wind so annoying lately.
Great to see you back out Ray it's a killer when you haven't been out on the hill's for a while but I'm sure you will soon be back to normal after a few camp's I got a hexpeak only used it in the woods but looking forward to hitting the cheviot hills for a few camp's atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍
Many thanks for watching mate and hope you have some great adventures with your hexpeak, Atb.
Welcome back, hopefully some more camping videos,
Hilleberg good but far to expensive, even MSR prices are creeping up by a daft amount,
Cheers
Thanks for watching mate. Atb
Good to see you got your mojo back Ray.. I'll keep an eye out for ya... Sell the tent and buy more stuff... I didn't get on with the thermorest Ray.. found it hard.. I do however love my Big Agnes... I'm shifting a few bits on this year. May even try a zip mod on the Hexpeak.. 😎😎😎
Thanks for watching mate. Do have the Big Agnes as well and think it is a great tent. Like with the Soulo I had to try that and the Thermarest as I had never used them and everybody raves about them. However I think I may have a different take on them now :) Mojo slighly back shall we say. Atb
@@RS.Outdoors you're a good man .. 🤜🤛
Hi Ray, good to see you back on UA-cam and nice to see your Volvo feature! Might catch you at a VOS meet one day?
Defo sounds like you need to sell the soulo and go back to the MLD mate. The fact you miss it is telling so you should go back to one of those and leave it at that. Maybe a trailstar for the summer months too?
Keep well!
Many thanks for watching and on side note have been to the last two VOS meetings ;) Atb.
Great video. The weight and pack size have always put me off the Soulo, but I prefer multi-day hikes. If you are doing lots of summit camping, probably makes sense to keep it as a winter option.
Good vid, enjoyed. Good review of the pad, may do one myself or a Big Agnes. I've used the old Thermarest 2 inch x30 for years, maybe 30. The Hilleberg I would hold on to. It took me quite awhile to get one in USA. Scarce as hen's teeth. I have a green Black Label. Heavy winds 60 mph plus stable heavy snow and rain, all good. Made by people you can meet and see. Not china. Great quality and wil be hard to replace with anything even close to being comparable. Next time, be safe
Many thanks for watching, Atb.
Great video thanks 👍👍
Many thanks for watching, Atb.
Good to see you back out there Ray, enjoyed the scenery. Not sure the Soulo is for you, but it is bomber tent.
Thanks for the mod tip for the corners, I’ll look into that for the Niak as think it would benefit…
Thank again Ray, ATB 👍
Many thanks for watching mate and might be worth give it a try with your Niak, Atb.
Nice. I went for the Unna 🙂👍
Nice 👍 Atb
Hi Ray. Is that the back label or red? I’m going for red label as I think the black label is overkill for uk weather. Glad you are back posting videos. 😊
That was the Red Label and more than enough for 99% of folks camping in UK. Atb
Good to see you back out and about. No need for a tent that expensive it is overkill for Scotland unless you are the type who goes out midwinter without checking a weather forecast. Especially when you have that car to sleep in if it gets nasty. Lightweight multiday hikes for me, so never aspired to something so heavy.
Many thanks for watching, Atb.
I have just bought the Zpacks Duplex Zip.... its essentially the lanshan 2 pro in dyneema at 600gms..... nearly perfect for me. Im using it on the Cape Wrath Trail in May
Many thanks for watching. That tent sounds intersting and hope it serves you well. Have agreat time on the CWT it is an amazing adventure, Atb.
Great to see another video Ray 😊 Absolutely beautiful. You talk sense about cost/usage re the Soulo - Hilleberg tents are such an outlay, you need to justify it or it’s a waste.
Many thanks for watching Neil, Atb.
Nice peaceful video Ray looks like you needed it, also good work with the car I wish I had the confidence to tackle such jobs, I remember pulling my 1990s VW polo to pieces and getting it going again but wouldn't want to try fixing my 2016 Skoda Scout. As for the tent I couldn't justify spending that much on a tent for camping a few hours from the car, for light weight trips into the wilderness I'm currently using the Lanshan one, which replaced my old Saunders Jet Packer, usually only plan these trips for good weather so get away with it but even if the tent let me down I would be ok, also do some bad weather camping/fishing trips close to car using fishing bivi very sturdy but they weigh 10kg. Now that you have the tent maybe you should just keep it as you camp often and that is your thing.
Thanks for watching Allan. Got the tent more to try out and see what the fuss is about. It is expensive but even so it has its flaws as well. Atb
Good to see you back out Ray, missed the dulcet tones 🙌🏻
:) Thanks Tony. Atb
Good to see you back out Ray , Meall Mor must be a favourite of yours now . The Soulo , it’s really up to yourself but I wouldn’t part with mine . It’s perfect for summit camping, especially in winter . For backpacking /multi days I’d prefer something lighter , I’ve bought the Doumid for that . .. BTW a perfect night you got mate .. cheers Stevie
Many thanks for watching mate. Yeh that area is getting a favourite spot and easy to get to summer or winter with nice views, Atb.
A great tent Ray , but overkill unless in deep winter . Too heavy imo for day to day use , should have kept the duomid 😂 atb Dave
Yeh tell me about it. Worst decision I have made in my outdoor career parting with the Duomid, lol ;) Atb
Good to see a Renagsde Scot vid apper for a change😊
My view on the Soulo is great tent and if it were a two man at that weight I'd be sold , but it isn't.... overkill for Scotland.
Many thanks for watching Frooster much apppreciated, Atb.
I’d keep your Soulo Ray.
I sold my Soulo RL in 2015 and regretted it for ages. So much so that I ended up buying the Soulo BL which I love, sure it’s heavy but it’s not intended to be an ultralight tent, it’s there to be a bombproof mountain shelter and it excels at that.
New whip looks immaculate mate. 👍🏼
Cheers Dougie and many thanks for watching, Atb.
Great numberplate Ray 😂❤
Many thanks for watching, and did wonder when somebody would notice :) Atb.
great views. I liked my Volvo XC70 and now xc90; cracking cars. its a throwaway culture now sadly. that hille is a great tent its just a question of it costing the thick end of a bag of sand. nature hike do sort of copies of the Hilleberg alto and Soulo but maybe a bit lacking in strength in extreme weather although for most scenarios probably ok.
Great to see you back out Ray, another interesting video. I bought the Soulo at the end of summer last year and have used it 5-6 times. I am intending to use it for all but mid summer, so it will be interesting to see how it fares. I love my MSR Elixir 1tent, and think I will rationalise my collection to just those 2.
I was interested to hear your new mat was a wide one, and fits in the Soulo OK. I want a wider mat, but wasn't sure it would fit.
Thanks for watching mate. Cant do without a wide mat myself and does make a big diffrence to comfort levels. Atb
Btw, love the old Volvo !
So far so good Andy. Atb
Has to stay Ray . Ive a Soulo - it gives you absolute confidence in tough conditions and cofidence to go i nto calendging conditions 👍
Excellent choice with a V70. I have had five of them over the years. Never had serious issues with any of them. Now on a V90. :-)
Thanks for watching E_Mac, much appreciated. Did look at the new V60 Cross Country and stunning looking car in my opinion. Atb
I live in the lakes and wouldnt use anything else in bad weather tbh, and it dosent seem like the weathers getting any better these days, worse in fact. I have the Black version and while its heavy for the size its bullet proof especially if youre caught out.
For me the moment was when my MSR got smushed by the wind on Kinder Scout. Got a Soulo for winter and mountain trips and if you're the sort who likes to push it, it's worth every penny.
Ray, your right about how folk used to work on their own car back then! Still try to keep my hand in. I remember my dad setting the points and timing with a strobe light,helping dad bleeding the brakes. I pressed the brake pedal on and off 😊. Spose now days cars rely so much on electrics, computers etc that it doesn't encourage home mechanicing 😆. Great to see you back out filming etc and I got the soulo in red,for stealthy camping... not.
All the best pal,
Fraser👍
P.s. if you can,keep the soulo. Mine stepped up this winter when I went out wild camping with a dodgy weather forecast 😳. Its the normal red label one but it gives me options, like shifting pitch when the wind shifted. I know other geo tents can be picked up and moved but the soulo seems more robust than any tent I've had before....
Thanks for watching Fraser. You made me luagh when you mentioned the strobe. Remeber trying to get some Tipex on the small timing mark pulley many a time. Atb
Good to see you back out Ray! Always fancied trying the soulo but the weight and of course, The price always put me off. Maybe I'll find a nugget of gold of the hills one day and be able to get one 😁 Great vid, cheers! Kris.
It’s always the last peg which finds the hidden rock. My old Duomid came with just panel centre guy lines so I was worried but having some adjustment in the corner pegging points has worked so far. That makes me think your modification will be successful.
Wish I still had my Duomid. Atb
keep it , i have one and its a lifetime tent. i only have 2 tents the soulo for silly scoltand weather and a Tarptent stratospire IL for longer summer camps.
many tents will come and go, but i can always depend on my soulo.... its really has saved me in stupid weather...
Many thanks for watching Andy and will see what I think in the next few months, Atb.
What a beautiful spot Ray 😊
I love my Duomid up in the hills, so light and packable.
Sell the Soulo and buy the latest Duomid XL maybe.
I'm interested in trying my hand at some landscape photography, would you mind me asking your thoughts on a good camera to get me going please?
All the best , Andy
Do miss my Dumoid and likely will get one again at some point. As for a camera I would start with your mobile phone. The key thing to learn in photography is composition of images and becuase of that it doesnt matter what camera you have. Start witht hat and them maybe look into gettin g a better camera. On side note another secret photographers dont tell you is editing in software such as Lightroom is critical to getting good looking images. If you seen images that Pro photographers take and what they actually looked like direct out of the camera you would be shocked. All get tweaked in software and thats what makes them look good and stand out. Atb
@@RS.Outdoors Thanks very much for the advice Ray. Sage words indeed. Hope you have a good summer over there.
Cheers
An addition on photography advice from @RS Outdoors , learn about the exposure triangle(Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO), histogram, how lenses affect photography and shooting in RAW which gives more amplitude when editing. Modern phones allow to start playing will most of these (select 'pro' modes).
Most modern cameras are fantastic and electronic viewfinders will present on screen pretty much what the photo will look like when taken. Still I'd suggest learning the basics well as it'll give you an idea before getting camera out and getting you out of trouble at times. ATB
@@ipedros7 Thankyou Pedro for taking the time to offer your advice 😁
That definitely makes sense to me as I do have a basic understanding of the triangle you are talking about.
All the best
Great to see the video, looked like a great wee adventure. I love gear, but entirely agree with you. I’m finding it very difficult to justify new purchases given the way prices are going. All the best 👍🏻
Many thanks for watching, Atb.
Thanks for another great video, Ray! Had the Soulo myself for a few years. Absolutely loved it. However, needed some more space + ventilation for winter wild camping, so sold it and bought a used Allak 2 instead. Great tent, but I have to admit that I miss the simplicity of the Soulo. 🙂 All the best, Marius.
Many thanks for watching Marius, much appreciated. Atb.
Good to see you out 👍
Cheers Steve. Atb
do the Cape Wrath trail again, your cape wrath trail videos was Awesome ❤👍👍
Many thanks for watching. Do plan to do it again at some point in one go and try and film it a bit better as well. Do also have some other walks planned this year so lets see what happens. Atb.
Seriously considering buying one myself . Fed up of buying and selling tents chasing the ‘perfect’ setup that doesn’t exist. I have a hexpeak v4 with a Lansan 1 four season T zip inner that I use when the forecast is decent ish and would use the Soulo when the weather might be a bit dodgy. I think these two would cover all bases. Agree that they are not cheap but when you consider that the new mat you have retail at the thick end of 300 quid it kind of puts it into perspective.
Great to see you out and yet another bit of inspiration to get me back out. I too have struggled the last few months to find the time or drive to get out but that scenery and hearing I might not be alone in the feeling has been a boost.
I'm with you on the car fixing front and remeber my first few cars all being fettled with by myself... ah the Saxo and Corsa 😂
Great video as always and I hope you get more trips out this year.
Great video. Love the channel mate, hope to see more uploads soon :)
Nice motor, I spend more time under the bonnet of my auld Jag than I do driving it.
Have you tried humphing the soulo off a mountain when it's soaking yet? ...jeezuz.
I've been using the x mid, great tent with a few wee tweaks.
Many thanks for watching mate. Not sure I am sold on the X-Mid and wasnt keen on it from the day it come out. Do see lots of folks rave about them and then a shedload up for sale on Ebay, Atb.
@@RS.Outdoors I just took a punt on it because I can't be arsed watching a shit load of ads to find out what folks think about it, pluses for me so far are weight, two vestibules and it's a doddle to take the inner out in the morning without yer arse hanging oot the door getting drookit. 😊
I think with any camping equipment people need to answer how often and what conditions they want to use it in then if they are out all seasons then the solou and thermarest are good choices yes expensive but good quality with great guarantee's.think I'll have to look at doing that mod with the corners I've found my niak could do with that extra option on the corners
Thanks for watching Craig. Atb
I had a Soulo and currently have a Nammatj 3 GT and a Nallo 2. The Nallo 2 is the same weight as the Soulo but with much more sleeping and vestibule space. I also have a second set of poles for really bad weather. Unless the freestanding feature of the Soulo is important to you, the Nallo is a far better option in my view.
Thanks for watching. The Nallo 2 does look a great tent and recommended by many. Atb
Good video. I think like you say, Soulos are just so expensive and quite heavy that if you're not using it to it's potential then all it really provides is confidence. Personally, I wish I'd just bought an MLD Solomid XL + 3F UL inner at the start of my tent journey. Good enough and light enough for pretty much all my use cases. Would have saved a lot of money and messing around.
Thanks for watching. Yeh my Duomid was great and sold it for silly reason. Atb
Great Video, I also use a Soulo and find it to be bomb proof like a Volvo V70. by far the easiest tent I've put up in strong winds with being able to guild out half erected. cut off the zip handles and fit cordage will stop any rattling in high winds... I've a friend with a 15 year old Akto still going strong, so it's not expensive in comparison..
Good solid tents, but they are overkill for most of us unless you go out in all seasons and weather. Bit too heavy for backpacking imho.
Anyways good to see you out mate and the big Volvo looking good. 👍🏼 😎
Yeh you are right. But as an outdoor channel I thought I would try one and see what the fuss was about. Great well made tent and storm proof, but..... Atb
@@RS.Outdoors yeah why not, easily hold their value too.
Is the car far away from the rannock moor viewpoint on gmaps?.Id love to get those views.Aye it defo is a money pit is camping haha.
It is just as you come over hill and start heading towards rannoch moor. You will see the telephone mast on left and layby further along on right hand side.
As a winter tent it's absolutely the dogs B's, but as a solo female overnighter.. it weighs a bloody tonne. Sold mine last year, sticking with my msr for short nights & my ultralight for long multi nights, life is too short to ruin a hike by suffering from weighty packs
Many thanks for watching, Atb.
I would consider the Soulo a 'luxury' item. It has niche applications at which it excels but outside of that niche other tents can be lighter and / or cheaper. But does life have to be something that is based solely on financial optimisation? Life without some small luxuries is not being lived to the full. I bought one second hand and only use it for 2-4 nights a year when the weather demands it, truly that is an extravagance. However as I look forward to my second trip to the Cairngorms later this year I'm glad I have a Soulo to take with me as it will stand up to stronger winds than anything else and will allow me to camp at altitude in safety and comfort. Last time I was there I had to change my plans as I only had a three season single hoop tent - this year I stand a much better chance of beating my camping altitude record!
Thanks for your comments much appreciated. Atb
Good to see you out again, Ray. I can't stomach the price tag of a Hilleberg myself, though I'm sure it's worth it for someone who gets out as much as you, especially with the Scottish weather. Do you still have your MSR Access?
Thanks for watching Callum. Sold the MSR while ago now as I can only really afford to have one tent at a time to try. So have to sell one to try one. But due to prices that idea is going oout the window :) Atb
I have a Soulo as well - its an older model and I agree that the cost today is ridiculous!! I like it for mountain top and winter camping, and agree its overkill for summer backpacking.
Many thanks for watching Dylan, much appreciated, Atb.
Have you tried the Kuiu storm star?
Hi, no I havent. Did look to buy one when they first come out but were sold out. Might try one at some point in the future. Atb
4 winter them tents I do spring summer so use an anaris so depends how much winter camping one does I'd just keep it my winter tents an oex cheap job coz winters a rare thing it's 2 big all 4 season tents are 2 bulky imo each 2 there own.
I love my Soulo. It is a bit heavy on the Alpine tent side of things, but it's indestructible. Since I use it not only for above tree line but also for high wind camping in places like the Channel Islands (off of California USA), it's a keeper in the "extreme" 4-season 1P category for me. The only real competition for this tent might be (1) the SlingFin CrossBow 2 (USA company), at about 1 LB lighter, and (2) the Samaya Assault2 8K (French), at about 2 LBS lighter and made out of DCF material (and just as stupid expensive as the Hille), but they have their own design drawbacks. Cheers!
I'm with you with the state of the outdoors market these days. It's bonkers. At some point you just get fed up with all the choices and changes and the next "big thing". Most of these changes really are just incremental.. I'm similar to yourself, have the soulo and the v4a (with Ali express inner), as well as a Trailstar. I think I'll get rid of the v4a simply because it still uses a PU backed silnylon which is much weaker, but on the tipi I'll admit this likely won't be much an issue. Unfortunately I don't think just having one tent will ever be enough. Fast and light i always take the Trailstar. If I'm out longer than a few days in the middle of nowhere I take the soulo. Heck, sometimes I've taken both the Soulo and just the Trailstar without the inner (500g) just for chilling in during the evenings before going to bed in the soulo. That combination actually made me consider a simple bivvy setup with the Trailstar, but when the bugs are out and you've got no door on the Trailstar and just a bivvy to protect you from the wee buggers, it's not fun
Ye sound the same as me, I gurn about the expense but still buy it, and never use it for what it's made for, I do sometimes long for the auld 2 man army canvas bivi I had when I was a boy, I'm 64 now and know I could never hack going back to the old school stuff but who knows like you say, and my da used to say the world's gone mad! All the best.
You go winter camping on the tops in the Highlands
Then you have the bombproof tent for those conditions
Not the lightest or cheapest but this is the price for security
Wondering is how the Southern Cross 1 compares to this since they are pretty much same footprint? Cheers
Nothing like each other. The Southern Cross you cant sit up inside with a normal thickness airmat as head room is too low. I am 5'10" and had to lean on arm whilst cooking when you are inside the inner tent. Had the SC1 many years ago and was one of the worst tents I have ever owned. However many others rave about it. For the price differernce now and the little bit of extra weight I would go for a Soulo before going for a SC. But thats just my opinion and you really need to do some deeper research before biting the bullet on an expensive purchase. Atb
@@RS.Outdoors Cheers Ray.
On the suolo been put off with have issues with the suolo on condensation (more than they'd expect) although sturdy. Price is near 2x of the sc1 too.
Years ago had a Vango banshee (still have it) and even at 5'8 it's even less a "sit up on 3" matt" tent.
I've got the newest SC2, bigger so vents work ok. Inner could've done with not being attached just on the centre line for when in the inner. My x-mid 1p for lighter camping, blew my mind when I set it up despite reading and watching so much about ut. First pole tent.
Both really in similar footprint size. Think less than that if expect needing fitting in tighter spots, might be back to tarp and bivvy.
I will need to see them by myself as you suggest.
great vibe, keep your heaart light and your head clear, but always bring two lighters.
Many thanks for watching, atb.