Hey Andy, very well done on picking this selection of tents to compare. A great presentation of the pros and cons of these three great tents.. They all have definitely something to offer depending on your preference... Awesome... All the very best wishes Tom
@@LeeRobinson-fq1uw Hi Lee its a tough one for sure.. As you probably can guess it would be the Akto as I place such a value on quality and durability. I prefer a tent that is proven in challenging 4 season conditions and although the Akto has less space and is lower, this helps reduce its wind profile ask poor weather performance. I also prefer the DAC pole in the Akto over the own brand Terra Nova pole in the Laser. Personally after having two Aktos I have never had any issues pitching even on uneven ground. I do see the appeal to many for the other two as they offer greater space and features, but for now I will still stay with the Hilleberg as I have had my hands on about 15 of them by now and never seen a single fault or performance issue after thorough testing and has use and that's my preference for 4 season camping... All the very best wishes and thank you for throwing out this question... Tom
Hi Tom, thank you for taking the time to respond. It’s definitely down to size for me. Although it’ll be a while before I get into winter camping. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure with the Jannu! That or the Allak would be my ideal winter tent for space etc!
Hi to follow up on my previous comment I have now a change of opinion based on actually owning and buying a Scarp1 Ultra.. The quality is actually very good and the Ultra fabric and other design factors make it extremely strong..Its a very light tent and an amazing space to weight to strength ratio.. The options are also amazing with the crossing poles and choice of actual poles too such as carbon or aluminium.. I am not plugging my Channel here but for a full detailed review on the scarp 1 ultra have a look if you wish. Honestly I just wanted to admit that I was wrong about the tent after now owning one.. best wishes Tom
Some YTers in Scotland had a Lanshan, TTScarp 1 and an OEX Bobcat 1 and tested all on a blustery day. The Scarp and Lanshan both ripped their fly sheets and the Bobcat got flattened both then popped back up into shape once more (longitudinal pole vs cross pole of the others). I’d pick the Laser AS. Though it’d be interesting to see you test a Robens Starlight 2, as it looks like a modified Akto (wider, taller, better venting & 50cm deep vestibule) and £280.
Not mentioned in the review but the Terra Nova and Hilleberg are 'stealthy', which is never a bad thing in the UK. IMO the Tarptent (and other silver) tents really do stand out in a green landscape, you can see them from miles away when the sun is out.
Great video Andy, love single pole tents as they are generally light enough. Must admit I have the Fjallraven myself, but all good tents and it is all just personal preference. Any way, bashes wishes 👍🏻
Just back from 9 days in the Lakes with the Scarp1....... For me it was the perfect tent for the sort of trip I did. I had the Lanshan2 & Nordisk Telemark 2.2LW with me in the truck just so I had a choice depending on conditions...... Because of the wind I went with the Scarp. I got a Vango GP505 Nevis/Apex Compact/Cairngorm 200 footprint, it fits the Scarp perfectly & fairly cheap, to use as I knew that some of my pitches would be rocky & didn't have 100% faith in the Scarp floor. Overall I'm sold on the Scarp1, although nowhere near the 'perfect' backpacking tent, it scores highly overall. If I were doing a long-distance hike, such as the Pennine Way, I'd use the Lanshan2, which is what I did in 2021. That tent makes so much more sense when you are crunching heavy miles, day after day after day. Is there any chance you could do a video on the various different ways you can add extra guy-out lines? I'm looking at the guys you've added to the pole-sleeve on the Scarp, nice. Great channel Andy, keep up with the top-notch content!
I have the scarp 1, what it lacks in quality it makes up for by being very modable (is that a word?). It's a great tent, very stable, I've never had an issue with rain etc and I've taken it out for days at a time in driving rain. What I actually like least about it is the pack size (long due to the 'pitch lock' ends) but when I got it it was about £400 including shipping etc.
I've had the Terra Nova since late 2023 and I think it's a great little tent, personally I get all my gear into the inner other than my boots. I can agree with the lack of vestibule but personally I spend as little time in my tents as possible while hiking/camping but if I need more room inside the Terra Nova I just pop a few of toggles on the top of the inner and sit on it
Good review well balanced have to say I’ve never had a problem with my 12 year old Scarp and never used the cross poles. My main whinge about it is it’s a bit of a pain trying to pack it small but livability is great. If I was likely to be camping when the weather is mad in Scotland I’d take my Akto The AS Lazer is deffo worth a look Bit of a conundrum dark green tents stealth verses sweat box I took Lazer 1 to Australia last year it tried to cook me!
Had a Scarp and an Akto. Akto great quality. Scarp suspect quality. Now have a T/N compact 2 has two doors more space and only 1.23Kg, only 3 season. Also have a Fjallraven Abisko Lite 2 which is 4 season and my favorite tent out of all that i have ever had.
Plus 1 for the TN 3 season cp2. Great durable lightweight reasonable living space tent. Thought about replacing it lots. Never found anything more suitable. I just want to buy it again as a backup and for parts spares.
Thanks for the review. The Enan also seems to be an interesting option, with more robustness than many others (save for the Akto) yet with some improvements on the Akto, inc. ventilation. But if I'm going outside of winter, or even mild winter without heavy snow forecast, then I'd generally take my Telemark 2. Less ventilation options yet with a huge internal area for a single hoop tent and the ability to adjust the inner, something which Scarp subsequently copied. I don't have the Telemark 2.2 but that would give the increased ventilation and the double entry options. All for less than 1kg. The tent, my western mountaineering sleeping bag and my Nemo filo pillow, all for under 1.7kg. Full sleep system and tent, mat inc, for approx 2kg.
Great video; I would have definitely also placed the Fjallraven Abisko Lite 1 in there, having watched Bushman and Blue videos and various favourable comparisons against the Akto, especially with the DAC poles and pegs. I have no issues with headroom though I am only 5'9", that said I am morbidly obese and yet I fit in just fine. You can adjust vestible/inner space ratio and activate all vents from inside. I would also say that, with longer guy lines, it can probably take any storm at least as well (if not better) than these three. The Laser Compact is a VERY good looking tent, probably the most handsome out there alongside Vern 1.
When camping in New Zealand, South Island most kit was Fairydown and / or MacPac and for a while I owned the 1 man MacPac tent that was highly rated in the business. I have not seen any reviews for either gear company in any of the numerous online tent review sites ; any ideas why ?
Great shortlist of tents. Issues with the Scarp 1 are the only thing that's stopped me buying one,. For me best = most versatile and that rules out all 4 season tents as they are overkill for most conditions (unless you are really into summit camping/ mountains). I've got a Laser Compact 1 that I love and definitely couldn't justify an extra .7kg for the All Season. It doesn't match the single pole criteria.... but Terra Nova are selling the Southern Cross 1 for £490 at the moment, and I'd definitely have that over the AS for the extra strength, ease and flexibility in pitching.
I have the TT SCARP 2 for car camping and winter ski camping here in the western US mountains. Although Inever had any floor leakage prior to coating for "belt & suspenders" I have coated the floor exterior with known process: 1 part clear Silicone caulk : 5 parts odorless mineral spirits placed in a lidded jar and shaken very well. Using a small, short knap paint roller and small tray I coated the exterior of the floor and then immediately wiped it down with blue shop towels (no paper bits left behind with blue towels). Coating with a roller required i turn the tent inside-out and slide a table wit 1/2" plywood cut to 3/4 of the floor width into the tent to get a flat surface on which to work. ->X-ing Pole MODIFICATION: I took the Crossing Pole grommeted nylon straps off the exterior ties and sewed each one inside the fly JUST ABOVE EACH PITCHLOCK strut APEX. This creates an extremely secure placement for the X-ing Pole ends Then I cut my X-ing Poles an appropriate length (trial and fit) but about 6". Once this process is complete I used shortened double-sided Velcro straps and sewed (and seam sealed) them under the fly at the location of the reinforcements for the exterior X-ing Pole straps. I attached 2 straps per pole at the lowest 2 attachment points. Then I removed the exterior straps. This gives the fly MUCH more support in high winds and snow load. A bit of a pisser to set up but well worth the time. So yeah, I modify most of my backpacking gear to suit my needs. It's a fine madness.
The Enan is a good half kg lighter. That’s a huge amount. I think it pitches easier too because of the different ends. No chance in height though, both tents have the pole going through the middle.
Great comment i just wish they had put the rain door sleeve from the Akto on it, real design flaw for nothing weight wise IMO. Then it would have been perfect for our UK Scottish Summers (rain and more rain lol) But weight and ventilation so much better with the end designs. Not tested in high winds is my only caveat from personal perspective (climbing partners etc).
Morning Andy, really well put together video, thanks for the great information. I am shortlisting for a single person back pack tent at this moment so this has been very valuable to me. I would like to ask why , in your opinion, the Fjallraven Abisko was not considered worthy of being in this company. I am either going to get the T.N laser compact as or the Fjallraven Abisko so with your attention to detail I would like to ask for your reasons against the Abisko please.... 🙂
The Abisko probably would have been 4th. It’s just a bit too small for me. It’s 90cm high at its peak, 55cm wide / 35cm high at the ends. Weather resistance is great though.
Nice review... very interesting as it's the same three I ended up shortlisting a couple of years ago when I decided I really needed to upgrade my original TN Laser Competition to something a bit more robust and more suitable for exposed summit camping and winter trips. The Laser AS would have been the default no-brainer choice just because I was so familiar with the Laser Comp but as it happened that was back in the "Covid supply crunch" days and TN were out of stock for the foreseeable future and Aktos could only be had for silly money... so a Scarp-1 it was and I've been very pleased with it! Yes it's relatively lightweight materials (I wouldn't call it "low quality") but it seems plenty robust and waterproof in everything I've put it through (I do make more of a point of using a footprint with it than I ever did with the old Laser though). Found myself appreciating the extra door/vestibule and the "1+" size a lot more than I thought I would and the crossing poles are a nice option to have (for wind too, not just for snow). Be interested to see what you make of the new "Ultra" version if you ever review that.
Nice one Andy Great review !! That’s so hard I don’t own them but would love all 3. 👍👍 If I had to pick one tent and that was the only tent I could have I think it would be the scarp because it’s ticks more boxes 2 vestibules and can do summer and winter Cheers Graham
Thanks Andy really helpful review. Planning a long distance adventure around Britain next year and struggling to work out right tent. Currently narrowed it down to the terra nova laser compact as or a durston x mid but swaying more to traditional backpacking tent like terra nova
I was at work this morning looking at these exact 3 tents, comparing inner size etc. I’m 187 cm’s tall & 108 kgs so need some space. Think I’d go with the Terra-Nova. A few things put me off with the Scarp, having to pay extra for sealing the seams or doing it yourself 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ The material quality. Comes from America so import duties etc plus what if there’s an issue & needs sending back? Terra-Nova are renowned for their customer service, British company. Tent is made in Derby. Easy to return if there’s a problem as well. Can be double poled if needs be.
Hi Andy, How would you compare the Southern Cross 2 to the Scarp? I know they’re different & the Cross 2 is a bit heavier. Is there anything that stands out on either tent to beat the other? It’ll be a while before I move into winter wild camping & I fancy the cloud peak 2 as my next tent as well for space. Comparison videos was really good & very informative.
I’ve got a laser compact 1 have had for 10 years plus classed as a 3 season but I’ve used in the depths of winter never had an issue so for me Terra Nova anytime top quality …
Hope you include your BL soulo in the dome tent video. I’ve taken mine to Snowdonia and the Cairngorms and what I need is some serious weather to give it a real test. I love using that tent more than my MSR elixir and hubba hubba. Maybe because it’s special! It’s too good to use on my DofE expeditions though so I still use the elixir the most
Good video I agree with most of your analysis but to criticise the Hilleberg for only having two pegging points at the ends rather than the three of the others is wrong, as there's nothing to stop you converting the two points of the Hilleberg to three points. The Terra Nova would be my choice too but the very low 'bathtub' walls concern me a bit, having once been camped in heavy rain in a saturated campground and woken up to a 'water bed' situation 😂, luckily my Saunders Jetpacker at the time had a very high 'bathtub' wall.
Unfortunately that won’t work. You need a supporting pole in the middle of the ends otherwise you would inadvertently pull the fly down towards the ground. The Scarp and Lazer both have 3 poles at both ends hence the 3 pegging points and hence why Hilleberg has 2.
Yae jet packer was my first quality tent it survived Glen Brittle camp site when a storm flattened most tents and turned two caravans over deffo the stormiest night I ever had 1976 I think
Great video, really informative and a lot of food for thought. I watched your recent video on the West Highland way using the Helm Compact 1 and was very drawn to that tent. I'm now torn between spending an extra £300 for the Lazer Compact AS as an investment or going with the Helm.......oh, the agony of choice lol.
A good solid review of these tents I used to have a single pole tent from wild country and the inner was crap but if I had to choose I'd go for the Terra Nova. But as this shows no tent is perfect
And in my biased opinion mate...... You chose right..... The scarp 1 has been a fantastic tent........ Nothing is perfect and this is coming from a cotton tent with a ridge pole and rubber stops on the poles........ Tents have come on a long way in the last 30 years. The force 10 was the one. I still have a wild country hyperspace in my back catalogue. Great review by the way
Hi Andy great video. I have an acto. I do love it. I do have to agree with your comments. Could do with more inner pockets. And yes it is a bit dated. And the price dose go up every year. I am looking now at an allack. I am 6-3. The acto can be a bit claustrophobic. 👍🏻
The other problem I meant to say was more and more people are using thicker and wider pads. A 10cm thick, 65cm wide pads gives you very little room in the Akto. At your height that causes big problems!
Came to say this! Absolutely fantastic tent for the price, packs away to nothing, super light weight, have had no major issues with condensation and their customer service was excellent when I had an issue
First time viewing and enjoyed your presentation of these 3 tents. It seems the less tent you get the more you pay ! Not too sure what ‘stealthy’ means other than low profile and natural colour fabric?
Enjoy the videos, but a big disagree on this one. Owned or experienced all 3 plus the Abisko Lite 1. I have to say if it was only one from the four, it would be Abisko Lite 1 all the way.
What about the soulo? The dome shape is better for those of us of advancing years with less mobility and agility! FWIW I've seen a vid where a gust of wind ripped the tarp tent across the width of the rear close to the guy points. The other guy had had a phoxx that just went flat and spring back up!
@@vvs3796 I'll answer for him. Unlike Akto you can adjust the vents from inside without getting wet, also you can choose to have solid or mesh across the whole inner door. It also has a "half door" option on the fly. It packs down to half the size of the Akto, is slightly lighter, you can adjust the porch area/sleeping area ratio too using a toggle.
Why would anyone buy any of these tents when you can get a freestanding Southern Cross 1 for the same weight? With a freestanding tent you can camp on rock, beaches, cliffs, and woodland way easier than any of these tents, and when you do guyline them out they're way stronger. Am I missing something here? What's the point?
Hillaberg akto is the first of its kind all the other brands copied the akto I have the akto and I really like it but terra nova is about half the weight maybe I should of got the terra nova I’ve never used a terra nova tho
I am going to take a guess here, but it is a larger tent and so less of a direct comparison. Nearly bought one myself but in the end went for Abisko Lite 1 which has 10 guying points on a smaller tent. Vern 1 is probably the best looking tent ever made though! I still have questions over its guylines though.
@@vvs3796 Unlike Akto you can adjust the vents from inside without getting wet as well as choose mesh or solid for the whole inner door. It also has a "half door" option on the fly. It packs down to half the size of the Akto, is slightly lighter, you can adjust the porch area/sleeping area ratio too using a toggle. Bushman and Blue videos show the Abisko only failing (single poled at the time, with an unfavourable side wind) above 80 mph so it is absolutely solid. My only issue with it really is the fabric stretch in the cold and wet.
@@hedleythornewould you recommend a footprint for it? I really wanna save weight,but it s an expensive tent and I found that bathtub floor is not high enough if it was boggy ground ..
@@vvs3796 I would thoroughly recommend one, awaiting delivery of mine. I took one on my first (mountain) wild camping trip with it, but it was from another tent. Definitely protect your investment with a footprint
HB occasionally run offers in terms of adding a groundsheet etc - which cost a ridiculous amount of money… I got this on my HB Anaris. I have two TN and two HB tents… and a TarpTent Stratosphere DCF, if I could only keep one - it’s the TN Laser AS Compact 2.
@@BackpackingUKIts like buying a cruise liner for a couple of days on the resovoir. Now if it was titled, mountaineering tents instead of backpacking tents i would be inclined to agree. Good review all the same.
The AKTO is NOT the"... best in winter". A snow load will collapse the ends. The TT SCARP 1 (and SCARP 2) in 2024 now has a heavier coating for a hydrostatic head number. I say the quality of ALL Tarptents is very good, having owned 5 or them over the years. Do not equate BUILD QUALITY with FABRIC COATING THICKNESS. TheTarptents do not leak in the heaviest of rains in my years of experience with 5 of them.
I also have the Telemark 2 which I enjoy tho I don’t think I would use it in the worst winter weather I use either my Scarp or if the weather is looking to be serious the Helm 1 it’s also cheap enough for everyone to own one.
All these tents are far, far too expensive, and far too heavy! Why does a backpacking tent have to be 4 season, this criteria is surely only relevant if you go backpacking in the winter? Not trying to be disparaging, but made you come to the decision you've chosen?
You’re right, this criteria is only relevant to a 4 season tent. To be the best tent out there, it’s got to be usable all year round. Otherwise it’d just be ‘best backpacking summer tent’.
Hey Andy, very well done on picking this selection of tents to compare. A great presentation of the pros and cons of these three great tents.. They all have definitely something to offer depending on your preference... Awesome... All the very best wishes Tom
Hi Tom,
Which of the 3 tents would you have chosen?
@@LeeRobinson-fq1uw Hi Lee its a tough one for sure.. As you probably can guess it would be the Akto as I place such a value on quality and durability. I prefer a tent that is proven in challenging 4 season conditions and although the Akto has less space and is lower, this helps reduce its wind profile ask poor weather performance. I also prefer the DAC pole in the Akto over the own brand Terra Nova pole in the Laser. Personally after having two Aktos I have never had any issues pitching even on uneven ground. I do see the appeal to many for the other two as they offer greater space and features, but for now I will still stay with the Hilleberg as I have had my hands on about 15 of them by now and never seen a single fault or performance issue after thorough testing and has use and that's my preference for 4 season camping... All the very best wishes and thank you for throwing out this question... Tom
Hi Tom, thank you for taking the time to respond.
It’s definitely down to size for me.
Although it’ll be a while before I get into winter camping.
Looking forward to seeing your next adventure with the Jannu!
That or the Allak would be my ideal winter tent for space etc!
@@LeeRobinson-fq1uw no worries Lee, I may be able to source an Allak at some point.. ATB Tom
Hi to follow up on my previous comment I have now a change of opinion based on actually owning and buying a Scarp1 Ultra.. The quality is actually very good and the Ultra fabric and other design factors make it extremely strong..Its a very light tent and an amazing space to weight to strength ratio.. The options are also amazing with the crossing poles and choice of actual poles too such as carbon or aluminium.. I am not plugging my Channel here but for a full detailed review on the scarp 1 ultra have a look if you wish. Honestly I just wanted to admit that I was wrong about the tent after now owning one.. best wishes Tom
Fjallraven Abisko Lite 1 is my favourite single pole. Light enough, strong enough, quick pitch and great little features to help you in all seasons.
That would have been my 4th choice. Also, this is just my personal opinions, it doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone!
Fjallraven Abisko Lite 1 ---number one for me ^^
@@AnSham agree!
I sold my hillie for the Abisko lite 1. And you can extend the vestibule area with the adjustable cable.
can it be double poled?
Some YTers in Scotland had a Lanshan, TTScarp 1 and an OEX Bobcat 1 and tested all on a blustery day. The Scarp and Lanshan both ripped their fly sheets and the Bobcat got flattened both then popped back up into shape once more (longitudinal pole vs cross pole of the others).
I’d pick the Laser AS. Though it’d be interesting to see you test a Robens Starlight 2, as it looks like a modified Akto (wider, taller, better venting & 50cm deep vestibule) and £280.
Not mentioned in the review but the Terra Nova and Hilleberg are 'stealthy', which is never a bad thing in the UK. IMO the Tarptent (and other silver) tents really do stand out in a green landscape, you can see them from miles away when the sun is out.
Totally agree, sand/brown/khaki and dark green are definitely my preferred colours.
Great video Andy, love single pole tents as they are generally light enough. Must admit I have the Fjallraven myself, but all good tents and it is all just personal preference. Any way, bashes wishes 👍🏻
Just back from 9 days in the Lakes with the Scarp1....... For me it was the perfect tent for the sort of trip I did. I had the Lanshan2 & Nordisk Telemark 2.2LW with me in the truck just so I had a choice depending on conditions...... Because of the wind I went with the Scarp. I got a Vango GP505 Nevis/Apex Compact/Cairngorm 200 footprint, it fits the Scarp perfectly & fairly cheap, to use as I knew that some of my pitches would be rocky & didn't have 100% faith in the Scarp floor.
Overall I'm sold on the Scarp1, although nowhere near the 'perfect' backpacking tent, it scores highly overall. If I were doing a long-distance hike, such as the Pennine Way, I'd use the Lanshan2, which is what I did in 2021. That tent makes so much more sense when you are crunching heavy miles, day after day after day.
Is there any chance you could do a video on the various different ways you can add extra guy-out lines? I'm looking at the guys you've added to the pole-sleeve on the Scarp, nice.
Great channel Andy, keep up with the top-notch content!
Thanks for sharing 👍
I have the scarp 1, what it lacks in quality it makes up for by being very modable (is that a word?). It's a great tent, very stable, I've never had an issue with rain etc and I've taken it out for days at a time in driving rain. What I actually like least about it is the pack size (long due to the 'pitch lock' ends) but when I got it it was about £400 including shipping etc.
I've had the Terra Nova since late 2023 and I think it's a great little tent, personally I get all my gear into the inner other than my boots. I can agree with the lack of vestibule but personally I spend as little time in my tents as possible while hiking/camping but if I need more room inside the Terra Nova I just pop a few of toggles on the top of the inner and sit on it
Good review well balanced have to say I’ve never had a problem with my 12 year old Scarp and never used the cross poles. My main whinge about it is it’s a bit of a pain trying to pack it small but livability is great. If I was likely to be camping when the weather is mad in Scotland I’d take my Akto
The AS Lazer is deffo worth a look
Bit of a conundrum dark green tents stealth verses sweat box
I took Lazer 1 to Australia last year it tried to cook me!
Had a Scarp and an Akto. Akto great quality. Scarp suspect quality. Now have a T/N compact 2 has two doors more space and only 1.23Kg, only 3 season. Also have a Fjallraven Abisko Lite 2 which is 4 season and my favorite tent out of all that i have ever had.
Plus 1 for the TN 3 season cp2. Great durable lightweight reasonable living space tent. Thought about replacing it lots. Never found anything more suitable. I just want to buy it again as a backup and for parts spares.
Thanks for the review. The Enan also seems to be an interesting option, with more robustness than many others (save for the Akto) yet with some improvements on the Akto, inc. ventilation. But if I'm going outside of winter, or even mild winter without heavy snow forecast, then I'd generally take my Telemark 2. Less ventilation options yet with a huge internal area for a single hoop tent and the ability to adjust the inner, something which Scarp subsequently copied. I don't have the Telemark 2.2 but that would give the increased ventilation and the double entry options. All for less than 1kg. The tent, my western mountaineering sleeping bag and my Nemo filo pillow, all for under 1.7kg. Full sleep system and tent, mat inc, for approx 2kg.
I've got the 2022 Laser Compact 1 and no complaints as my Wild Camping tent. For car Camping its got to be the Pioneer.
Great video; I would have definitely also placed the Fjallraven Abisko Lite 1 in there, having watched Bushman and Blue videos and various favourable comparisons against the Akto, especially with the DAC poles and pegs. I have no issues with headroom though I am only 5'9", that said I am morbidly obese and yet I fit in just fine. You can adjust vestible/inner space ratio and activate all vents from inside. I would also say that, with longer guy lines, it can probably take any storm at least as well (if not better) than these three. The Laser Compact is a VERY good looking tent, probably the most handsome out there alongside Vern 1.
This video is perfect!!! It’s it’s finally made me make my mind up! Terra nova it is 👌🏻
When camping in New Zealand, South Island most kit was Fairydown and / or MacPac and for a while I owned the 1 man MacPac tent that was highly rated in the business. I have not seen any reviews for either gear company in any of the numerous online tent review sites ; any ideas why ?
Great shortlist of tents. Issues with the Scarp 1 are the only thing that's stopped me buying one,.
For me best = most versatile and that rules out all 4 season tents as they are overkill for most conditions (unless you are really into summit camping/ mountains). I've got a Laser Compact 1 that I love and definitely couldn't justify an extra .7kg for the All Season.
It doesn't match the single pole criteria.... but Terra Nova are selling the Southern Cross 1 for £490 at the moment, and I'd definitely have that over the AS for the extra strength, ease and flexibility in pitching.
I have the TT SCARP 2 for car camping and winter ski camping here in the western US mountains. Although Inever had any floor leakage prior to coating for "belt & suspenders" I have coated the floor exterior with known process: 1 part clear Silicone caulk : 5 parts odorless mineral spirits placed in a lidded jar and shaken very well. Using a small, short knap paint roller and small tray I coated the exterior of the floor and then immediately wiped it down with blue shop towels (no paper bits left behind with blue towels). Coating with a roller required i turn the tent inside-out and slide a table wit 1/2" plywood cut to 3/4 of the floor width into the tent to get a flat surface on which to work.
->X-ing Pole MODIFICATION: I took the Crossing Pole grommeted nylon straps off the exterior ties and sewed each one inside the fly JUST ABOVE EACH PITCHLOCK strut APEX. This creates an extremely secure placement for the X-ing Pole ends Then I cut my X-ing Poles an appropriate length (trial and fit) but about 6". Once this process is complete I used shortened double-sided Velcro straps and sewed (and seam sealed) them under the fly at the location of the reinforcements for the exterior X-ing Pole straps. I attached 2 straps per pole at the lowest 2 attachment points. Then I removed the exterior straps.
This gives the fly MUCH more support in high winds and snow load. A bit of a pisser to set up but well worth the time.
So yeah, I modify most of my backpacking gear to suit my needs. It's a fine madness.
I prefer the Hilleberg Enan for summer camping for its lightness
The Enan also gives more actual headroom when lying down as the peak is in the centre compared to the Akto
The Enan is a good half kg lighter. That’s a huge amount. I think it pitches easier too because of the different ends. No chance in height though, both tents have the pole going through the middle.
Great comment i just wish they had put the rain door sleeve from the Akto on it, real design flaw for nothing weight wise IMO. Then it would have been perfect for our UK Scottish Summers (rain and more rain lol) But weight and ventilation so much better with the end designs. Not tested in high winds is my only caveat from personal perspective (climbing partners etc).
Great review as usual for the high end market, hopefully see a mid range 3 season review coming soon , great work as always happy to watch 👍
Morning Andy, really well put together video, thanks for the great information. I am shortlisting for a single person back pack tent at this moment so this has been very valuable to me. I would like to ask why , in your opinion, the Fjallraven Abisko was not considered worthy of being in this company. I am either going to get the T.N laser compact as or the Fjallraven Abisko so with your attention to detail I would like to ask for your reasons against the Abisko please.... 🙂
The Abisko probably would have been 4th. It’s just a bit too small for me. It’s 90cm high at its peak, 55cm wide / 35cm high at the ends. Weather resistance is great though.
Nice review... very interesting as it's the same three I ended up shortlisting a couple of years ago when I decided I really needed to upgrade my original TN Laser Competition to something a bit more robust and more suitable for exposed summit camping and winter trips. The Laser AS would have been the default no-brainer choice just because I was so familiar with the Laser Comp but as it happened that was back in the "Covid supply crunch" days and TN were out of stock for the foreseeable future and Aktos could only be had for silly money... so a Scarp-1 it was and I've been very pleased with it! Yes it's relatively lightweight materials (I wouldn't call it "low quality") but it seems plenty robust and waterproof in everything I've put it through (I do make more of a point of using a footprint with it than I ever did with the old Laser though). Found myself appreciating the extra door/vestibule and the "1+" size a lot more than I thought I would and the crossing poles are a nice option to have (for wind too, not just for snow). Be interested to see what you make of the new "Ultra" version if you ever review that.
Nice one Andy
Great review !!
That’s so hard I don’t own them but would love all 3.
👍👍
If I had to pick one tent and that was the only tent I could have I think it would be the scarp because it’s ticks more boxes 2 vestibules and can do summer and winter
Cheers Graham
2 vestibules is a game changer, especially when storing wet gear.
I have a Fjallraven abisko lite one tent and have had it in terrible conditions and it held up brilliantly, wouldn't want any other tent !
Yes, just bought myself one based on favourable reviews over the ones in this video. So far, so amazing.
Thanks Andy really helpful review. Planning a long distance adventure around Britain next year and struggling to work out right tent. Currently narrowed it down to the terra nova laser compact as or a durston x mid but swaying more to traditional backpacking tent like terra nova
I was at work this morning looking at these exact 3 tents, comparing inner size etc. I’m 187 cm’s tall & 108 kgs so need some space.
Think I’d go with the Terra-Nova.
A few things put me off with the Scarp, having to pay extra for sealing the seams or doing it yourself 🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
The material quality.
Comes from America so import duties etc plus what if there’s an issue & needs sending back?
Terra-Nova are renowned for their customer service, British company. Tent is made in Derby. Easy to return if there’s a problem as well. Can be double poled if needs be.
You’re right, but I must also say Tarptent’s customer service is very good. It’s just it’s the other side of the pond 😂
Hi Andy,
How would you compare the Southern Cross 2 to the Scarp?
I know they’re different & the Cross 2 is a bit heavier. Is there anything that stands out on either tent to beat the other?
It’ll be a while before I move into winter wild camping & I fancy the cloud peak 2 as my next tent as well for space.
Comparison videos was really good & very informative.
I have had my eye on the scarp 1 for a long time. Really love the look and innovative design.
It’s not the best made tent out there, but for me, I love the design and it’s weight is very reasonable too.
@@BackpackingUK cheers man. Playing around with the Vango Xenon 2 at the moment. Well worth looking at 🙂
Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW weights 1.01kg I love it. But you have to seam Seal it before first use which is pretty basic.
my tn lazer as comes today, cant wait
I’ve got a laser compact 1 have had for 10 years plus classed as a 3 season but I’ve used in the depths of winter never had an issue so for me Terra Nova anytime top quality …
Hope you include your BL soulo in the dome tent video. I’ve taken mine to Snowdonia and the Cairngorms and what I need is some serious weather to give it a real test. I love using that tent more than my MSR elixir and hubba hubba. Maybe because it’s special! It’s too good to use on my DofE expeditions though so I still use the elixir the most
Nortent Vern 1 is another good contender!
Just got one, I’ll be trying it out next month 👍
@@BackpackingUK oooo awesome!!
Good video
I agree with most of your analysis but to criticise the Hilleberg for only having two pegging points at the ends rather than the three of the others is wrong, as there's nothing to stop you converting the two points of the Hilleberg to three points.
The Terra Nova would be my choice too but the very low 'bathtub' walls concern me a bit, having once been camped in heavy rain in a saturated campground and woken up to a 'water bed' situation 😂, luckily my Saunders Jetpacker at the time had a very high 'bathtub' wall.
Unfortunately that won’t work. You need a supporting pole in the middle of the ends otherwise you would inadvertently pull the fly down towards the ground. The Scarp and Lazer both have 3 poles at both ends hence the 3 pegging points and hence why Hilleberg has 2.
Yae jet packer was my first quality tent it survived Glen Brittle camp site when a storm flattened most tents and turned two caravans over deffo the stormiest night I ever had 1976 I think
I,ve still got my Saunders Jetpacker+. Still as good as ever. I went for the TN Compact AS as I’ve always been very happy with the build quality.
Great video, really informative and a lot of food for thought. I watched your recent video on the West Highland way using the Helm Compact 1 and was very drawn to that tent. I'm now torn between spending an extra £300 for the Lazer Compact AS as an investment or going with the Helm.......oh, the agony of choice lol.
As always, tent choice is really though!
A good solid review of these tents I used to have a single pole tent from wild country and the inner was crap but if I had to choose I'd go for the Terra Nova. But as this shows no tent is perfect
Spot on, the perfect tent doesn’t exist (yet), it’s all about compromises!
And in my biased opinion mate...... You chose right..... The scarp 1 has been a fantastic tent........ Nothing is perfect and this is coming from a cotton tent with a ridge pole and rubber stops on the poles........ Tents have come on a long way in the last 30 years. The force 10 was the one. I still have a wild country hyperspace in my back catalogue. Great review by the way
There is optional summer kit for Akto. Costs about £20 - £30. I mean hilleberg akto pole holder set. But optional mesh is about £200, true.
It’s approx £200 👍
Hi Andy great video. I have an acto. I do love it. I do have to agree with your comments. Could do with more inner pockets. And yes it is a bit dated. And the price dose go up every year. I am looking now at an allack. I am 6-3. The acto can be a bit claustrophobic. 👍🏻
The other problem I meant to say was more and more people are using thicker and wider pads. A 10cm thick, 65cm wide pads gives you very little room in the Akto. At your height that causes big problems!
@@BackpackingUK total agree Andy. I do find a thicker pad your quite close to the inner.
Great video. Would have been perfect if you had included the NORTENT VERN 1. Wasn’t that in the same league?
Well done mate, great comparison 👏👏
Thanks! 👍
You can get a mesh inner for the terra nova
It's OK. I've called it Solid Mesh myself.
A lot cheaper thus not as good but Vango Helium ul1 is pretty good (3 season though)
Price: £315 (Can be found for £225)
Fly: 15D 3000mm hh
Inner: 15D
Floor: 70D 5000mm hh
Weight: 1213g
@@neovo903 I like the ul2 for that little bit of extra space for my pack
Came to say this! Absolutely fantastic tent for the price, packs away to nothing, super light weight, have had no major issues with condensation and their customer service was excellent when I had an issue
Great information, and I would bet this video tuck a long time to make and edit. So thank you 👍👍
Nice to know it’s appreciated, thanks!
First time viewing and enjoyed your presentation of these 3 tents. It seems the less tent you get the more you pay ! Not too sure what ‘stealthy’ means other than low profile and natural colour fabric?
What we need is Terra Nova to make a scarp 1. 😂 great vid mate.
🙌
Akto for me all the way.
Absolutely!
Enjoy the videos, but a big disagree on this one. Owned or experienced all 3 plus the Abisko Lite 1. I have to say if it was only one from the four, it would be Abisko Lite 1 all the way.
Silly question,but could you please specify why? I own the abisko,used it just once so far.
Enjoyed watching 👍
Cheers 👍
What about the soulo? The dome shape is better for those of us of advancing years with less mobility and agility! FWIW I've seen a vid where a gust of wind ripped the tarp tent across the width of the rear close to the guy points. The other guy had had a phoxx that just went flat and spring back up!
Soulo doesn’t qualify for the ‘single-pole edition’ 😁
@@BackpackingUK I should have read the title d'oh
I had the akto but prefer my abisko lite 1
Can I ask why?
@@vvs3796 I'll answer for him. Unlike Akto you can adjust the vents from inside without getting wet, also you can choose to have solid or mesh across the whole inner door. It also has a "half door" option on the fly. It packs down to half the size of the Akto, is slightly lighter, you can adjust the porch area/sleeping area ratio too using a toggle.
Off topic but what are those shorts?
?
Nortent Vern 1
Chinese doubtless saw all this and theyll make the Scarp 1 exactly the same but fom thicker materials. Oh, and it'll cost £250.
Why would anyone buy any of these tents when you can get a freestanding Southern Cross 1 for the same weight? With a freestanding tent you can camp on rock, beaches, cliffs, and woodland way easier than any of these tents, and when you do guyline them out they're way stronger. Am I missing something here? What's the point?
Hillaberg akto is the first of its kind all the other brands copied the akto I have the akto and I really like it but terra nova is about half the weight maybe I should of got the terra nova I’ve never used a terra nova tho
I love the Akto but it definitely needs an update. The old Lazer did too and the new version is much better.
Seems like Terra Nova has studied the Akto design through and through
What about the Nortent Vern 1?
I am going to take a guess here, but it is a larger tent and so less of a direct comparison. Nearly bought one myself but in the end went for Abisko Lite 1 which has 10 guying points on a smaller tent. Vern 1 is probably the best looking tent ever made though! I still have questions over its guylines though.
Unfortunately, they are not freestanding tents, like light MSR with small pack size, only MSR is unnecessarily expensive
That’s why it’s the single-pole edition!
why is abisko not as good as these?
That’s obviously my personal opinion but I think it’s too narrow and it’s got a lower head height.
@@BackpackingUK but in terms of strength and ventilation?
@@vvs3796 Unlike Akto you can adjust the vents from inside without getting wet as well as choose mesh or solid for the whole inner door. It also has a "half door" option on the fly. It packs down to half the size of the Akto, is slightly lighter, you can adjust the porch area/sleeping area ratio too using a toggle. Bushman and Blue videos show the Abisko only failing (single poled at the time, with an unfavourable side wind) above 80 mph so it is absolutely solid. My only issue with it really is the fabric stretch in the cold and wet.
@@hedleythornewould you recommend a footprint for it? I really wanna save weight,but it s an expensive tent and I found that bathtub floor is not high enough if it was boggy ground ..
@@vvs3796 I would thoroughly recommend one, awaiting delivery of mine. I took one on my first (mountain) wild camping trip with it, but it was from another tent. Definitely protect your investment with a footprint
There a reason why they give discounts bet hilleberg doesn’t give you a code
10/10 for quality. Quality costs money!
HB occasionally run offers in terms of adding a groundsheet etc - which cost a ridiculous amount of money… I got this on my HB Anaris. I have two TN and two HB tents… and a TarpTent Stratosphere DCF, if I could only keep one - it’s the TN Laser AS Compact 2.
No Msr elixir 1?
Single-pole tents only for this review. Dome tents will follow in the future 👍
Would love to see your thoughts on the Copper Spur at some point - I’ve got one coming in the next week or so!
You can't have a true 4 season tent that's lightweight. i.e. under 4.5 lbs.
These are not backpacking tents.They are Mountaineering alpine extreme tents.
Not for a wissfull camp on the moors.
Don't be silly!
@@BackpackingUKIts like buying a cruise liner for a couple of days on the resovoir.
Now if it was titled, mountaineering tents instead of backpacking tents i would be inclined to agree.
Good review all the same.
The AKTO is NOT the"... best in winter". A snow load will collapse the ends.
The TT SCARP 1 (and SCARP 2) in 2024 now has a heavier coating for a hydrostatic head number. I say the quality of ALL Tarptents is very good, having owned 5 or them over the years. Do not equate BUILD QUALITY with FABRIC COATING THICKNESS. TheTarptents do not leak in the heaviest of rains in my years of experience with 5 of them.
My Scarp leaked badly and it was seam sealed by them!
BOBCAT 80% of the year
None of those. Nordisk Telemark beats them all (for me).
Fair enough, everyone is entitled to their own opinions 👍
I also have the Telemark 2 which I enjoy tho I don’t think I would use it in the worst winter weather I use either my Scarp or if the weather is looking to be serious the Helm 1 it’s also cheap enough for everyone to own one.
Tiny pack size. Nothing like setting off on the Pennine Way with a handbag 🤣
All these tents are far, far too expensive, and far too heavy! Why does a backpacking tent have to be 4 season, this criteria is surely only relevant if you go backpacking in the winter? Not trying to be disparaging, but made you come to the decision you've chosen?
You’re right, this criteria is only relevant to a 4 season tent. To be the best tent out there, it’s got to be usable all year round. Otherwise it’d just be ‘best backpacking summer tent’.
All too expensive……
Have a look at my other tent reviews, I’ve got more budget tent reviews than expensive ones by far!