Great review. People mistake the term "4-season" tent meaning you can use it year round. No, with few exceptions, 4-season means "Winter". You need mesh and ventilation for the other three seasons of the year.
This is the most useful and necessary tip or comment I've found, thank you for mentioning this. I've been struggling to determine if this was the case, if someone had an alpine tent like Mountain Gear Trango how it would do in summer at 8000' (seems like too much, too hot)
Totally true, if you are really into backpacking and wild camping in crazy weather you need two tents for the different seasons and take the appropriate tent ie 4 season in winter on the side of a mountain. If you are really into it you won't mind spending the money. For the rest of us I've been fine with a roben starlight 2 for most weather conditions. I just wouldn't go to everest base camp with it.
@@goldenwombat2159 aye, but in fair play to your Starlight it'll handle a lot of winter conditions pretty well. As you say not an Expedition (aka 5 Season) rig but very few things are!
@@darthkek1953 yeah it's a great little tent, almost overkill with the 5000mm hydrostatic head but piece of mind is always worth it when it's lashing it down sideways
As others mentioned, a four-season tent is actually only meant to be used in winter. The water resistance of the tent is made differently to a 3-season tent, as they are only intended for snow.
Just looking for replacement for our current setup. Like many others, am surprised at the quality issues you have had in such a short space of time, given the high end price tag. Solid and honest review in real world conditions. Thanks for posting, very insightful.
A superb and honest review. I am shopping for a bombproof, condensation free, 4 season, tent for bikepacking. Single person and waterproof. Reviews like this are priceless. Thank you.
Yes Jane Can I will do. As you pointed out, the condensation in a tent when you’re using a quality down bag, is the main problem. I want to keep weight to an absolute minimum and using a bivvy bag inside the tent to keep my bag dry, is a real nuisance. I have done it though as you do, but I won’t if I have long trips, just too much to bikepack for me.
This has totally thrown me, I was just about to get one of these and I have been waiting ages to make a decision. I guess they are built for the alpine market. Looks like it’s back to the drawing board again! But thanks for the heads up and I have subscribed too. Regards
Hi, thank you for sharing with us not only advantages, but also disadvantages of this tent. Based on that I think I will choose not MSK Access 1 tent, but Hilleberg Soulo. It has bigger weight, but this is not a problem.
I've got the MSR Hubba NX and it's been great for about 4 years. That was until the waterproof coating on both the bathtub and the flysheet started to break down and turn into either a sticky mess or flakey pieces covering the seams. I contacted MSR about it and all they gave me was some advice on how to clean it and re-waterproof it. Bit crap really seeing as I've had OEX tents that seem to last for years without any problems.
I was seriously thinking of buying one of these for winter camping, after seeing the pole damage and other issues plus the actual weight after all the necessary additions I'm so pleased I went for the Hilleberg Soulo instead. Great review :)
Thanks Jane. Reinforces my opinion of MSR tents and my experiences with them. They make great hiking stoves but when it comes to tents I've moved elsewhere.
Hi Jane, great review but shocked by the condensation issue which I didn't expect. I've just put a video up comparing it with my Lightwave S10 Sigma which touch wood doesn't have the condensation issue , thanks for sharing this. Atb Andrew
Andrew Park Hiya, yeah, the condensation issue drives me nuts. If you're on a hill with a constant wind hitting it, you might well be fine. But I want as much shelter as possible and in our damp conditions it doesn't seem to work 85% of the time for me in the UK. Just watched your review, let us know how you get on in non-windy conditions.
The condensation issue was to be expected. The Access tents have no vents in the rainfly and they are better suited for below freezing temperatures, if you can keep the door open, since it's the only real way to vent it. MSR did a poor job designing the Access tents. It should have for starters proper vents in the rainfly and all mesh panels need a backing of solid fabric to block spindrift. The rainfly should also extend all the way to the ground. The poles are interesting, but I keep hearing how they bend too much in the wind and the middle pole restricts your access to the vestibules. The weight is nice, but that's about it.
Iv used the lightwave in a dutch wet forest during late autumn. I had condensation on the tapesealed seams (because the fabric is closed of there) and that was it. Not even on the upstanding parts of the bathtubfloor and I allways have condensation there. Without a doubt they tackled the condensation issue with that fabric. Curious to learn how long that fabric will last and perform like that.
Thank you very much for this very informative as well as honest review. The condensation issue is simply something I could not get past. Thank you very much for informing all of this issue. Why they did not have better ventilation is quite puzzling, especially considering the cost of the tent. Those polls most definitely need a redesign and better materials. All my best wishes...
Thanks a lot for the review. In other reviews it's more about the pro's. Anyway...hope you got reviews about the Vango and Hilleberg too. I guess the difference in price between those two should tell a lot already. Again...thank you very much. Personally I like the Coleman tents a lot. If you're going cycling that is. They're quite sturdy but heavy
Thank you for your amazing review. You have answered all my doubting thoughts about the tent. I started my shortlist a while ago and it seems to me that Hilleberg has the advantage with everything. Except price. I want a strong tent for the nw Scotish winds and rain. I am struggling with size weight and price. I would love a Hilleberg Tarra. If it was lighter. it would tick all my boxes. well done for having the guts to head to the hills yourself. Not many like you. Hopefully they will come out of the hills one day... Cheers
Great and truthful review Jane. I personally think MSR are overrated and overpriced. I recommend a Naturehike cloud peak 2 in discreet green and upgrade the poles to DAC Feathelite NSL Green press fit. Basically a Hilleburg Allak in function and stability for a tenth of the cost.. pack weight 2250grams ... Semi deogesic design super strong in high winds.. Alternatively The Robens Kestrel , a little heavier pack weight... Both options have little or no condensation issues... You have a new subscriber...
Not sure any tent with complicated pole set up is a good idea for long term winter use. I can recommend the Scarp 1 by tarp tent weighs a bit lighter and more comfy and cheaper even after import from the USA.
Hi Jane. Since i spoke with you last ive gone a bit mad and bought a Hilleberg Tarra and Soulo. I absolutely love both tents. I havent used them in winter but i have in strong wind. They are by far the best tents i have ever owned. I always used North face since the 80s. Hilleberg are way ahead of any other manufacturer out there. Yes people say you are paying for a name. Maybe so but the name for me is not the issue. I looked at Hilleberg and seen the flaws with other tent manufacturers. I am not saying they are the best on price. They are very expensive are they worth it so far yes to me. I use the tents in the North of Scotland and they have had quite a hard time in the hills. I have no issues with condensation. The Tarra is absolutely amazing at venting. The Soulo is good but on a calm night you have to be mindful of just how you pitch. Aim into the direction of the morning wind. I seriously looked at your tent as an option but your honest review confirmed my fears about the tent. I bit the bullet and dug deep into my food budget till i could afford the tents i have now. Take care Bye.
Isn't it just! Not sure how many hours I spent researching tents, felt like a lifetime. Unfortunately, the perfect one doesn't exist, so it's a case of what you're prepared to compromise on. I also have a review about the MSR Hubba NX ua-cam.com/video/amovS_gzBHU/v-deo.html which is a 3-season tent.
Very nice of you to produce an actual user review. It is a shame the overwhelming majority of videos are nothing but manufactures specs, and features commercials. Theory is fine, but real life, in the field experience is what most of us want, and need to see, in order to make an informed decision where to pony up our hard earned money. Thanks again, and subbed.
Thank you for this! I was thinking about buying it, but you confirmed a few things that I was worried about, so won't buy it now. Sorry you had all this trouble with it :/
Nice one Jane. It sounds like you prefer the three season version of this tent for a number of reasons? I’m considering the hubba hubba nx2 so hopefully the condensation won’t be such an issue?? Be good to know your thoughts on this cheers Jane. I wonder whether the Hilleberg Akto/soulo 4 season tenst might do the job better for you here?
Condensation on the Hubba Hubba should be fine, esp if you're just using it for one person. I guess you already saw my review of the Hubba NX? I did look at the Hilleberg Soulo but the weight, and price, put me off!
Hi Nick, a footprint helps keep moisture in the ground away from the tent which helps with battling condensation, especially if you've used your tent so much that there is evidence of tough wear in the groundsheet. It's a personal choice of course but seeing the damage on a different tent I own due to not having one I will now always put something underneath.
I loved the NX (review here: ua-cam.com/video/amovS_gzBHU/v-deo.html) but they no longer manufacture the HP but have heard it's good. Would've been a better choice than this one!
Don't you think that the best option would be to use your Hubba NX during winter, with a very warm sleeping bag and extra layers? This way you'd still have some air flow and less condensation...
Not when temps were hitting -9. Even with my 5-season sleeping bag, reckon I'd have frozen to death! If MSR still made the Hubba HP, that might have been my best bet but they don't make it any more.
Great review and I experienced same condensation issues on hubba hubba also had 2 poles break in fairly tame conditions. In my eyes most overrated company out there. Tents are light in weight but not capable of surviving a British winter. Stick to hilleberg 👌🏽
About the review, very very good review. Only the film quality can be a bit better. When you continue reviewing outdoor items like this I'm sure you will have a lot more describers.
Very glad to see you would not recommend the tent in British winter! I would recommend for heat retention and storm, wind bomb proof the USA made KUIU Storm Star 2p Tent. No MSR tent even those of 2024 can cope with constant 60 mph winds.
Personally I always use a walking pole tarp-tent - if you're using walking poles anyway you get bomber tent supports for no extra weight. But if you don't use poles, as an alternative to the usual mainstream offerings take a look at the TarpTent Scarp 1 - cheaper, roomy, a bit lighter, outer-first pitch, well proven in UK mountain weather, and doesn't seem to suffer from the severe condensation you experienced with the MSR. It's a viable competitor to the Hilleberg Akto at a lower price point.
The Scarp 1 was on my list! I ended up going against it as I wanted green for stealth camping and preferred a geometric design but I've read great reviews about it. I might get one in the future...
@Tim Cameron Disappointing that they would discontinue the Scarp. It's a bit of a classic here in the UK, but maybe that didn't justify holding the stock. For most US conditions it's overkill,. which I'm assuming was the issue. Hopefully someone like TrekkerTent will produce a substitute now there's a gap in the European market.
@Tim Cameron Oh bad news about the Scarp. The Access 2 might be better with two doors for airflow but with two people in it, you've got double the moisture. It would work better with one person, though!
Thanks so much for this honest review, I was looking at this myself and did think the HH 1200 mm was very much on the edge for our environment. I assume the fly gets very wet and takes a while to dry. What surprises me is the poles as they are supposed to be unbreakable, I had a Scarp 1 for three years and found that to be an excellent tent at only 1.4 kg have moved onto the Hilleberg soulo now which is bomb proof but very heavy. Subbed your channel well done on your adventures:) Tim
Hey Tim, I very, very nearly bought the Scarp 1 but the two things that put me off were the colour (I do a LOT of stealth camping and silver does show up in the dark) and the fact it wasn't freestanding. I've pitched a good few times on solid foundations so the latter was important for me, too. The poles on the Access 1 shocked me; I used the MSR Hubba in summer and it was awesome (ua-cam.com/video/amovS_gzBHU/v-deo.html). Wasn't expecting this at all. If I were richer, the Hilleberg would have been my tent of choice! Hahaha! As for drying, it doesn't take too long at all if the weather isn't raining. So that's a plus. Had it in a deluge of rain for past two nights (some mad storm minus the wind, apparently) and it was totally fine.
The trick is to buy a second hand Hilleberg I never buy new, so many people buy top of the range tents never use them and stick them up on eBay for a fraction of the price :) happy days
Great Review Jane, clearly the recent usage allows you to be judgmental and offer an honest and accurate perspective for UK use, and i'm real glad I found this video going to sub your channel see what else you got going on ...regards Matt
In others words, a crap tent, with the only plus point being the colour. (Why do so many companies make bright coloured clothing and tents as if they're Xmas lights?😂 Plus I hate anything that has reflector tape on it so you show up like a beacon if anyone shines a torch in your direction). Nice review though, and always good to see someone providing the negatives as well as pluses. That severe condensation would make me bin it after the first 🌃 night ☺️
What a shame, I feel for you, £450 for a tent that can't perform as it's supposed to. Why oh why hasn't it got any vents to reduce the condensation, surely that's a no-brainer!? And I really don't understand why tent manufacturers make tents with such flimsy groundsheets, so you're forced to use a separate groundsheet, like you say it's a marketing ploy to make the tent appears more lightweight than it actually is with all the necessary extras. Did you look at the Wild Country Helm 1 or Helm 1 Compact? Really sturdy and well made, the Helm 1 Compact has a solid inner and fly that goes to the floor. They are well vented, spacious, green, and go up fly and inner together, under 2kg and only £150. I have the Helm 1 and it has performed brilliantly and I'd say the new compact version could be considered a 4 season tent. Thanks.
regardless of all & all the tech specs.... if you're 3,,,,4 seasons in u.k,,, pitch outer 1st,,, the inner gubbins you get together under cover.. groundsheet/inner tent/radio comms Etc. undercover , Bendy poles break.... afaik no one does kevlar mix carbon bendy poles ...... pahhhhh, Go lowtech use walking sticks....nail yer skirt down then add volume with yer guys
Great and honest review . I concur . At the price point , MSR are shite... Heads up buy a Naturehike cloud peak 2 . Upgrade the poles. And Hey presto a 4 season bullet proof tent for 250 quid..
Great review. People mistake the term "4-season" tent meaning you can use it year round. No, with few exceptions, 4-season means "Winter". You need mesh and ventilation for the other three seasons of the year.
This is the most useful and necessary tip or comment I've found, thank you for mentioning this. I've been struggling to determine if this was the case, if someone had an alpine tent like Mountain Gear Trango how it would do in summer at 8000' (seems like too much, too hot)
Totally true, if you are really into backpacking and wild camping in crazy weather you need two tents for the different seasons and take the appropriate tent ie 4 season in winter on the side of a mountain. If you are really into it you won't mind spending the money. For the rest of us I've been fine with a roben starlight 2 for most weather conditions. I just wouldn't go to everest base camp with it.
@@goldenwombat2159 aye, but in fair play to your Starlight it'll handle a lot of winter conditions pretty well. As you say not an Expedition (aka 5 Season) rig but very few things are!
@@darthkek1953 yeah it's a great little tent, almost overkill with the 5000mm hydrostatic head but piece of mind is always worth it when it's lashing it down sideways
I'm in the Uk and have the MSR Hubba. It's a 3 season and if it wasn't too cold, can be used all year. It's well ventilated compared to this one too.
Thank you for an honest review. I was worried about condensation since there’s only 1 vent
As others mentioned, a four-season tent is actually only meant to be used in winter. The water resistance of the tent is made differently to a 3-season tent, as they are only intended for snow.
Just looking for replacement for our current setup. Like many others, am surprised at the quality issues you have had in such a short space of time, given the high end price tag. Solid and honest review in real world conditions. Thanks for posting, very insightful.
A superb and honest review. I am shopping for a bombproof, condensation free, 4 season, tent for bikepacking. Single person and waterproof. Reviews like this are priceless. Thank you.
If you find the holy grail of tents, let me know!
Yes Jane Can I will do. As you pointed out, the condensation in a tent when you’re using a quality down bag, is the main problem. I want to keep weight to an absolute minimum and using a bivvy bag inside the tent to keep my bag dry, is a real nuisance. I have done it though as you do, but I won’t if I have long trips, just too much to bikepack for me.
This has totally thrown me, I was just about to get one of these and I have been waiting ages to make a decision. I guess they are built for the alpine market. Looks like it’s back to the drawing board again! But thanks for the heads up and I have subscribed too.
Regards
It’s a great tent, but a winter tent... Like all other winter tent, humid conditions will generate condensation... It’s just normal.
Hi, thank you for sharing with us not only advantages, but also disadvantages of this tent. Based on that I think I will choose not MSK Access 1 tent, but Hilleberg Soulo. It has bigger weight, but this is not a problem.
I've got the MSR Hubba NX and it's been great for about 4 years.
That was until the waterproof coating on both the bathtub and the flysheet started to break down and turn into either a sticky mess or flakey pieces covering the seams.
I contacted MSR about it and all they gave me was some advice on how to clean it and re-waterproof it. Bit crap really seeing as I've had OEX tents that seem to last for years without any problems.
I was seriously thinking of buying one of these for winter camping, after seeing the pole damage and other issues plus the actual weight after all the necessary additions I'm so pleased I went for the Hilleberg Soulo instead. Great review :)
Great assessment, very detailed. Interesting info on the condensation limitations too.
Excellent review, thanks. I'm still tempted for pure winter conditions.
Great to see and hear the information in this review before spending alot!! of cash on one of these tents. Thank you very much, it is appreciated.
Thanks Jane. Reinforces my opinion of MSR tents and my experiences with them. They make great hiking stoves but when it comes to tents I've moved elsewhere.
I thank you for this.. Saved me making a mistake in buying it..
Buy a hilleberg saves you lot of hassle
Can I suggest that a cable tie or two (covered with a bit of duct tape to protect the fabric) may well stop those pole ends splitting
Great review! Very detailed and helped me in making a final decision...
The same situation. Will not buy it.
Thank you for a very helpful and a very honest and realistic appraisal of the Access tent... It looks like it won't meet my needs sadly...
Great review. Try to look al Vaude Power Lizard SUL 1-2P which i have it for 4 years. 1Kg tent for 1 person + gear and very stable in powerful wind.
Thanks for this honest review ... and congrats to your long distance hike through Britain. Greetings from Switzerland! René
Merci René! :)
Jane, Thanks for your honest opinion!
I was looking at this tent and I'm glad I seen your video. Thanks for sharing
Hi Jane, great review but shocked by the condensation issue which I didn't expect. I've just put a video up comparing it with my Lightwave S10 Sigma which touch wood doesn't have the condensation issue , thanks for sharing this. Atb Andrew
Andrew Park Hiya, yeah, the condensation issue drives me nuts. If you're on a hill with a constant wind hitting it, you might well be fine. But I want as much shelter as possible and in our damp conditions it doesn't seem to work 85% of the time for me in the UK. Just watched your review, let us know how you get on in non-windy conditions.
The condensation issue was to be expected. The Access tents have no vents in the rainfly and they are better suited for below freezing temperatures, if you can keep the door open, since it's the only real way to vent it. MSR did a poor job designing the Access tents. It should have for starters proper vents in the rainfly and all mesh panels need a backing of solid fabric to block spindrift. The rainfly should also extend all the way to the ground. The poles are interesting, but I keep hearing how they bend too much in the wind and the middle pole restricts your access to the vestibules. The weight is nice, but that's about it.
Iv used the lightwave in a dutch wet forest during late autumn. I had condensation on the tapesealed seams (because the fabric is closed of there) and that was it. Not even on the upstanding parts of the bathtubfloor and I allways have condensation there. Without a doubt they tackled the condensation issue with that fabric. Curious to learn how long that fabric will last and perform like that.
Thank you very much for this very informative as well as honest review. The condensation issue is simply something I could not get past. Thank you very much for informing all of this issue. Why they did not have better ventilation is quite puzzling, especially considering the cost of the tent. Those polls most definitely need a redesign and better materials.
All my best wishes...
Thank you for the review. A proper critique. I find the pitching and takedown reviews worthless. Will not purchase based on condensation issues.
Thanks for your review, honesty and clarity.
Thanks a lot for the review. In other reviews it's more about the pro's. Anyway...hope you got reviews about the Vango and Hilleberg too. I guess the difference in price between those two should tell a lot already. Again...thank you very much. Personally I like the Coleman tents a lot. If you're going cycling that is. They're quite sturdy but heavy
Have you tried a candle lantern to help with the condensation, I found it very helpful. I didn't get rid of it but it reduces it
Superb to see a true an honest review! thanks for posting
Thank you for your amazing review. You have answered all my doubting thoughts about the tent. I started my shortlist a while ago and it seems to me that Hilleberg has the advantage with everything. Except price. I want a strong tent for the nw Scotish winds and rain. I am struggling with size weight and price. I would love a Hilleberg Tarra. If it was lighter. it would tick all my boxes.
well done for having the guts to head to the hills yourself. Not many like you. Hopefully they will come out of the hills one day... Cheers
You might want to take a look at the Scarp 1 or Scarp 2 from Tarptent in the States, too.
Good and honest review. It was on my list to buy, not now. What are you using now?
I wonder if the MSR Tour would be better. I have heard it described as a 3.5 season tent.
Great review! I ended up getting the MSR Hubba Hubba NX two person tent. Its been a great tent for me. Didn't think I would need a 4 season.
I LOVE the MSR Hubba! I have the one-man version and put that through its paces on my mammoth hike during spring and summer. Happy camping!
Yes Jane Can look forward to seeing a video on that , take care 👍
Great and truthful review Jane. I personally think MSR are overrated and overpriced. I recommend a Naturehike cloud peak 2 in discreet green and upgrade the poles to DAC Feathelite NSL Green press fit. Basically a Hilleburg Allak in function and stability for a tenth of the cost.. pack weight 2250grams ... Semi deogesic design super strong in high winds.. Alternatively The Robens Kestrel , a little heavier pack weight... Both options have little or no condensation issues... You have a new subscriber...
Thanks for the recommendations. Little or no condensation issues have piqued my interest!
Not sure any tent with complicated pole set up is a good idea for long term winter use. I can recommend the Scarp 1 by tarp tent weighs a bit lighter and more comfy and cheaper even after import from the USA.
Hi Jane. Since i spoke with you last ive gone a bit mad and bought a Hilleberg Tarra and Soulo. I absolutely love both tents. I havent used them in winter but i have in strong wind. They are by far the best tents i have ever owned. I always used North face since the 80s. Hilleberg are way ahead of any other manufacturer out there. Yes people say you are paying for a name. Maybe so but the name for me is not the issue. I looked at Hilleberg and seen the flaws with other tent manufacturers. I am not saying they are the best on price. They are very expensive are they worth it so far yes to me. I use the tents in the North of Scotland and they have had quite a hard time in the hills. I have no issues with condensation. The Tarra is absolutely amazing at venting. The Soulo is good but on a calm night you have to be mindful of just how you pitch. Aim into the direction of the morning wind. I seriously looked at your tent as an option but your honest review confirmed my fears about the tent. I bit the bullet and dug deep into my food budget till i could afford the tents i have now. Take care Bye.
Hope they perform well for you! The pole on my Access 1 completely snapped in half on my very last night of my hike!
Great Review Jane, thank you looking at MSR and Hilleberg at the moment it's a painful process 🙄
Isn't it just! Not sure how many hours I spent researching tents, felt like a lifetime. Unfortunately, the perfect one doesn't exist, so it's a case of what you're prepared to compromise on. I also have a review about the MSR Hubba NX ua-cam.com/video/amovS_gzBHU/v-deo.html which is a 3-season tent.
Yes Jane Can Well I finally committed myself and went for the Hilleberg Soulo so hopefully fingers crossed it should do the job 👌
Very nice of you to produce an actual user review. It is a shame the overwhelming majority of videos are nothing but manufactures specs, and features commercials. Theory is fine, but real life, in the field experience is what most of us want, and need to see, in order to make an informed decision where to pony up our hard earned money. Thanks again, and subbed.
Thank you!
Needs a top vent or near the top like big agnes copper spur
Thank you for this! I was thinking about buying it, but you confirmed a few things that I was worried about, so won't buy it now. Sorry you had all this trouble with it :/
Best review on tinternet. Well done
Nice one Jane. It sounds like you prefer the three season version of this tent for a number of reasons? I’m considering the hubba hubba nx2 so hopefully the condensation won’t be such an issue?? Be good to know your thoughts on this cheers Jane. I wonder whether the Hilleberg Akto/soulo 4 season tenst might do the job better for you here?
Condensation on the Hubba Hubba should be fine, esp if you're just using it for one person. I guess you already saw my review of the Hubba NX? I did look at the Hilleberg Soulo but the weight, and price, put me off!
A great real world review one of the lightweight tents I’ve been looking at thanks for sharing
very honest and helpful review, thanks
Hi, how will adding a footprint/external groundsheet help with internal condensation?
Hi Nick, a footprint helps keep moisture in the ground away from the tent which helps with battling condensation, especially if you've used your tent so much that there is evidence of tough wear in the groundsheet. It's a personal choice of course but seeing the damage on a different tent I own due to not having one I will now always put something underneath.
brilliant review
brilliant and honest review, thanks a lot. What do you think about the msr hubba hp and nx? Cheers
I loved the NX (review here: ua-cam.com/video/amovS_gzBHU/v-deo.html) but they no longer manufacture the HP but have heard it's good. Would've been a better choice than this one!
Well said I appreciate honesty
Don't you think that the best option would be to use your Hubba NX during winter, with a very warm sleeping bag and extra layers? This way you'd still have some air flow and less condensation...
Not when temps were hitting -9. Even with my 5-season sleeping bag, reckon I'd have frozen to death! If MSR still made the Hubba HP, that might have been my best bet but they don't make it any more.
Thank you , much obliged!
Great review and I experienced same condensation issues on hubba hubba also had 2 poles break in fairly tame conditions. In my eyes most overrated company out there. Tents are light in weight but not capable of surviving a British winter. Stick to hilleberg 👌🏽
GREAT review! Thanks.
Excellent review!!
About the review, very very good review. Only the film quality can be a bit better. When you continue reviewing outdoor items like this I'm sure you will have a lot more describers.
Great honest review 🙏
Thank you for this honest review!
Great review
Thank you for that information!
Very glad to see you would not recommend the tent in British winter! I would recommend for heat retention and storm, wind bomb proof the USA made KUIU Storm Star 2p Tent. No MSR tent even those of 2024 can cope with constant 60 mph winds.
but a macpac minaret around 2 kg + and they are bomb proof
Fab review!
Personally I always use a walking pole tarp-tent - if you're using walking poles anyway you get bomber tent supports for no extra weight. But if you don't use poles, as an alternative to the usual mainstream offerings take a look at the TarpTent Scarp 1 - cheaper, roomy, a bit lighter, outer-first pitch, well proven in UK mountain weather, and doesn't seem to suffer from the severe condensation you experienced with the MSR. It's a viable competitor to the Hilleberg Akto at a lower price point.
The Scarp 1 was on my list! I ended up going against it as I wanted green for stealth camping and preferred a geometric design but I've read great reviews about it. I might get one in the future...
@Tim Cameron Disappointing that they would discontinue the Scarp. It's a bit of a classic here in the UK, but maybe that didn't justify holding the stock. For most US conditions it's overkill,. which I'm assuming was the issue. Hopefully someone like TrekkerTent will produce a substitute now there's a gap in the European market.
@Tim Cameron Oh bad news about the Scarp. The Access 2 might be better with two doors for airflow but with two people in it, you've got double the moisture. It would work better with one person, though!
Thanks so much for this honest review, I was looking at this myself and did think the HH 1200 mm was very much on the edge for our environment. I assume the fly gets very wet and takes a while to dry. What surprises me is the poles as they are supposed to be unbreakable, I had a Scarp 1 for three years and found that to be an excellent tent at only 1.4 kg have moved onto the Hilleberg soulo now which is bomb proof but very heavy. Subbed your channel well done on your adventures:) Tim
Hey Tim, I very, very nearly bought the Scarp 1 but the two things that put me off were the colour (I do a LOT of stealth camping and silver does show up in the dark) and the fact it wasn't freestanding. I've pitched a good few times on solid foundations so the latter was important for me, too. The poles on the Access 1 shocked me; I used the MSR Hubba in summer and it was awesome (ua-cam.com/video/amovS_gzBHU/v-deo.html). Wasn't expecting this at all. If I were richer, the Hilleberg would have been my tent of choice! Hahaha! As for drying, it doesn't take too long at all if the weather isn't raining. So that's a plus. Had it in a deluge of rain for past two nights (some mad storm minus the wind, apparently) and it was totally fine.
The trick is to buy a second hand Hilleberg I never buy new, so many people buy top of the range tents never use them and stick them up on eBay for a fraction of the price :) happy days
I did consider that, but was too worried I'd end up with a tent with a big hole! Hahaha! Happy camping. :-)
Great Review Jane, clearly the recent usage allows you to be judgmental and offer an honest and accurate perspective for UK use, and i'm real glad I found this video going to sub your channel see what else you got going on ...regards Matt
Hola podria decirme cual es un peso ?
Hola, el peso está al comienzo del video y es aproximadamente 2.1 kg.
In others words, a crap tent, with the only plus point being the colour. (Why do so many companies make bright coloured clothing and tents as if they're Xmas lights?😂 Plus I hate anything that has reflector tape on it so you show up like a beacon if anyone shines a torch in your direction). Nice review though, and always good to see someone providing the negatives as well as pluses. That severe condensation would make me bin it after the first 🌃 night ☺️
thank you !!!
What a shame, I feel for you, £450 for a tent that can't perform as it's supposed to. Why oh why hasn't it got any vents to reduce the condensation, surely that's a no-brainer!?
And I really don't understand why tent manufacturers make tents with such flimsy groundsheets, so you're forced to use a separate groundsheet, like you say it's a marketing ploy to make the tent appears more lightweight than it actually is with all the necessary extras. Did you look at the Wild Country Helm 1 or Helm 1 Compact? Really sturdy and well made, the Helm 1 Compact has a solid inner and fly that goes to the floor. They are well vented, spacious, green, and go up fly and inner together, under 2kg and only £150. I have the Helm 1 and it has performed brilliantly and I'd say the new compact version could be considered a 4 season tent.
Thanks.
Thank you! not a chance to buy this.
2 poles in two months and MSR still pretends there's no issue and only improvement from their Syclone poles......bummer
10 - 15 pitch time. That’s not brilliant in bad weather
regardless of all & all the tech specs.... if you're 3,,,,4 seasons in u.k,,, pitch outer 1st,,, the inner gubbins you get together under cover.. groundsheet/inner tent/radio comms Etc. undercover , Bendy poles break.... afaik no one does kevlar mix carbon bendy poles ...... pahhhhh, Go lowtech use walking sticks....nail yer skirt down then add volume with yer guys
I couldn't find yours review earlier so I bought this fu.... s... tent.
She's good
Great and honest review . I concur . At the price point , MSR are shite... Heads up buy a Naturehike cloud peak 2 . Upgrade the poles. And Hey presto a 4 season bullet proof tent for 250 quid..
So it's crap then? 😄
excellent review, I will not be buying on of these.
just sub good video
Definitely not for me thx.
I would never use a tent from that shitty company especially for winter. Hilleberg is like 1000x better
Marry me .. thanks for your advice...
Rejected!!!
Fantastic review, thank you!