Looks like a nice tent. Me and my brother had been discussing the advantages and disadvantages of trying tent camping again verses hammock camping. Thanks for the review Bruce
It is a tough choice isn't it. My problem is I like them both a lot. It is much easier if you have a group that wants to be together like a couple or family in a tent I have found, but nothing beats good sleep with no interruptions like the hammock though.
the best looking tent i have ever seen i know before i ask its going to cost good money, you are buying the best so i think you will not mind because it worth it
I agree jacob. They just came out the Allak 3 and I went by to see if I could check it out, but they are still doing their videos for it. Maybe in a couple weeks. I did need to adjust my gear a bit with the Allak 2 when 2 people were in it. As with most of these 2 person, as light as they can make them for condition, tents, having any extra gear causes problems. Take care.
Thanks. Had to do it a few times, but gave me a lot more excitement with every nuance of how the it was designed. Wish I could remember all the little details when I talk. Pretty nice tent and now my ability to pick a favorite is even harder. Tarra is next up.
Nature Calls I understand you issue, took my forever to decide on a Keron 3. If you can remember some tents have an optional mesh inner tent and some don't. Although I think I might be able to use a Nammtj mesh inner in my Keron as they are the same length poles. I just might end up with one vestibule and an extended porch if I did.
Worth a shot. I love the mesh inner and wish it was just an option of the mesh or the full fabric really. May just be a Europe vs US thing as I am used to the mesh inner.
Awesome Tent! The inner bath tube length is a perfect fit for both my sleeping pad and bag. I'll be fully protected from the next big storm that hits the high Sierra. Tip: Before stuffing the tent back in the stuff sack, I used some 3/4" Velcro tape to secure the guy lines. The result is you don't trip over the guy lines and they don't get tangled up or stepped on.
That is a great tip for the guylines. I will make up some velcro. It is hard to feel secure in anything but a Hilleberg once you experience them. I do fully set up my other tents better now though. Hilleberg tents are so fun to completely set up. Then they are ready for almost anything.
Watching this for third or fourth time. Seriously considering this for bicycle touring as prefer free standing. I feel I need something more durable than the hubba hubba for a trip from UK to New Zealand and then Prudhoe bay to Ushuaia
The Hubba Hubba is a nice tent. What is nice about the Allak is that you can make it into a covered work center if you need to work on your bike. Take out the inner, open the doors and you are set.
Staika is what I picked over this tent. It was a tough decision but the larger interior size, non-tapered design won me over. I may not push it to its limits but it's nice to know it can take just about anything nature can throw at it. Nice review my friend.
The Staika is an ultimate tent. I recall when I did my first review of the Hilleberg gear on the Keron 4 GT. Can't beat having the room and the robust structure of a bigger tent.
Hi Bruce, I think that I read that you were out with some others using both the Allak and the Staika. Any impressions that you'd like to relate. Torn between the 2. I have 2 other Hillebergs but want a dome this time. I'm not overly concerned with weight. Thanks for the videos. Jerod.
Hi Jerod. Yes we took them out in this video th-cam.com/video/KEfcc_cT6ec/w-d-xo.html and there is some talk about 2/3rds through. We were in the Allak with 2 25 inch wide sleep pads that just didn't fit well and blew out the inner. Jon who was in the Staika, and he actually owns it for his hunting explains that the Allak is narrower and tapers at the foot end to help in weight reduction. He packs his Staika around all over Alaska and really loves it. I wouldn't personally get the Allak for its size only. Other than that I really like it. Hope that helps.
Great review Bruce. I like the allak and was considering one until I saw the staika in real life. But there's absolutely nothing wrong with this 2 man soulo epic bit of kit. With my new "companion " I think the staika is the one for us. As we're both a bit unhinged lol. Out in some awful conditions etc. But this is one of the best reviews on TH-cam. Nicely done my friend. Atb Andy
Nature Calls Backpacking look forward to seeing that. Hope you video it. I'm out this Saturday hopefully a little bit snow. Definitely cold though. Out in the RED nallo. Atb.
I might have a tent addiction. Objectively I am covered for all situations, from light weight backpacking to heavy blizzard wintercamping, but then I think, I could do with another tent...
@@koko-lores But are you covered for a growing family? That's our current problem now. We have several great tents, but we don't fit into them anymore.
I have a feeling that would be hard to justify. I would say they are somewhat equal. The Allak shape is the same no matter what the direction of the wind though, but if you get the Soulo set up so the wind is inline longitudinal the whole time, it would have less face into the wind. The Allak is also a bit taller and when it comes to wind, the more in the air, the more the wind force is, that is from my sailing knowledge. But both are outfitted with some great stake out points and great guylines, so I feel it would take quite a bit with either tent to be an issue.
@@naturecallsoutdoors I’ve recently bought an Allak2 and j see Hilleberg recommend pitching it with the ‘foot’ towards the wind, so presumably there is still a bit of aerodynamic difference between the foot and head ends?
Hi Ryan, yes it is freestanding. With all my tents, Hilleberg or not, I have the habit of staking it our. It really helps with keeping condensation at bay, and if the wind does pick up, like around where I live it does, I am all set. But if you were in a big downpour and needed shelter fast, it will go freestanding very nicely.
Heading up to an area called Summit Lake. It is up in the Cascades near one of the ski resorts so it should be pretty. Lots of snow already and they are calling for a couple more feet. Going with someone else who does video and photography and have told the group that it will take a little longer as we will be filming. Going to be great. Might even make a pulk.
It is solid. Personally I have the Kelty Salida 4 for what you are asking. Probably the lightest 4 person out there. I have some videos of it and hikes I have used it on. Super light for its size and can handle normal northwest weather. Would need to go into super guy out mode in a super strong wind though, or just flatten and ride it out compared to the Hilleberg. But works 90% perfect.
Yea, not alot of reviews on the Allak, Mostly Soulo and the Staika :). Im still on the fence on what to get as a winter tent, I might end up going for a tunnel tent, due to ease of set up during winter. Something like the Kaitum 2 GT is what i am leaning towards atm, gonna attend to Amundsen extreme in 2018 so i need a solid tent for that. Its just a really hard decission to make, since its quite alot of money.
If available and the snow allows, sticks find at the site using a deadman application. So far that has held for my experiences. I do like the standard snow spikes that you get at REI for staking right at the tent side. There are a couple more extreme designs and then the fluke style that I have never tried but they look interesting.
@@naturecallsoutdoors I've seen tents that have more of a geodesic(ish) design to them referred to as a 5th season tent. I think to differentiate a standard 4th season tent with 3 poles from the even more robust tents with 5 poles like Vaude Power Sphaerio or Hilleberg Saivo / Tarra.
Here is a trip with the Allak and the Staika, th-cam.com/video/KEfcc_cT6ec/w-d-xo.html I would say that I would not bring my 25" wide mats with this tent again as it narrows to much at the feet. The Staika seemed the better choice side by side.
Hi Tim. The Staika is a Black label and the Allak is Red label so let's start there. Black label is Kerlon 1800 and Red is 1200 so the fabric used is stronger/thicker. Black label uses 10mm poles whereas Red uses 9mm. Then things like zippers, floor, mesh and those type of things are heavier duty in the Black as opposed to the Red. As design they are very similar. The Allak though is about smaller in dimensions on the whole. Staika is 35.5 square feet in area, and the Allak is 30.1 I am going snowshoeing this weekend and there will be both tents side by side so you can see.
I'm 6'8" and am so tired having to go through 20 tents to find one I could lie in. Forget one person tents and even most 2 person tents. They make sleeping bags and mats long enough but tent companies didn't seem to get the memo that tall people exist :(
Hi , nice tent and Hilleberg is great ... BUt , when you say that thoose who goes to Everest / Denali etc uses Hilleberg . That is just not correct. They often use MH and TNF tents- Yes dome style tents but you dont see many Hillebergs there. Same with Fjallreven , bomber tents but not many explorers that are using them. I use Helsport and they have been crossing all poles several times but not often seen in Everest either. Anyway , great review as always from Bruce.
Hi Audun. Fair enough. I suppose more of the Antarctic crowd. Had to look up the Helsport, neat tent and designs. Would love to get my hands on one. I haven't found any here in the US, but now I know to keep my eyes open. Take care, Bruce
Hi Bruce , Helsport is unfortenently not so easy to fint overseas :-( It is the Norwegian top quality tent maker and the inventor of tunnel tents :-) You have done many great reviews Bruce so thank you for that and keep up the good work .
@@naturecallsoutdoors Hi just to inform you about the Helsport tents are found in the U.K. and on internet websites here in the UK as I have just checked out the company that sells the tents in vast ranges and I can only say that there roughly half the price of the Hileberg for nearly the same tent and I hope that I have gave you some advice on what you are interested in and thanks for your superb advice and advice with your helpful guide to the Hileberg range 😉👌
Thanks for watching. Weight is subjective, and yes there are plenty of tents that weight less. The direction tents like these are going is to give protection in bad conditions by using the best materials, then finding the balance of weight, design and real structure. I have plenty of lightweight tents and use them quite often, but in protected, light weather use. If I was at all concerned though I would choose a stronger tent, and by default heavier. I have easily carried this and heavier though up elevation as I live in Washington State, but I am conditioned to carry even more weight than this tent. Would I take it on a thru-hike? Possibly sections like the Sierras or Washington in winter, and doing so I would get a lot more sleep than I would in my REI, MSR, Big Agnes or Marmot that I do use.
I really love how you always notice and mention every little detail!
Looks like a nice tent. Me and my brother had been discussing the advantages and disadvantages of trying tent camping again verses hammock camping. Thanks for the review Bruce
It is a tough choice isn't it. My problem is I like them both a lot. It is much easier if you have a group that wants to be together like a couple or family in a tent I have found, but nothing beats good sleep with no interruptions like the hammock though.
the best looking tent i have ever seen i know before i ask its going to cost good money, you are buying the best so i think you will not mind because it worth it
I agree jacob. They just came out the Allak 3 and I went by to see if I could check it out, but they are still doing their videos for it. Maybe in a couple weeks. I did need to adjust my gear a bit with the Allak 2 when 2 people were in it. As with most of these 2 person, as light as they can make them for condition, tents, having any extra gear causes problems. Take care.
Yes! I've been waiting for a review on this tent!
Thanks. Had to do it a few times, but gave me a lot more excitement with every nuance of how the it was designed. Wish I could remember all the little details when I talk. Pretty nice tent and now my ability to pick a favorite is even harder. Tarra is next up.
Nature Calls I understand you issue, took my forever to decide on a Keron 3. If you can remember some tents have an optional mesh inner tent and some don't. Although I think I might be able to use a Nammtj mesh inner in my Keron as they are the same length poles. I just might end up with one vestibule and an extended porch if I did.
Worth a shot. I love the mesh inner and wish it was just an option of the mesh or the full fabric really. May just be a Europe vs US thing as I am used to the mesh inner.
Nature Calls It doesn't get as hot in Europe as it does in the US which might play a part.
Boodieman72 Really! Given that Europe is a Continent perhaps your statement is a bit disingenuous. I mean, have you ever experienced a Spanish summer?
Like the way you explained and presented this thank you.
Awesome Tent! The inner bath tube length is a perfect fit for both my sleeping pad and bag. I'll be fully protected from the next big storm that hits the high Sierra. Tip: Before stuffing the tent back in the stuff sack, I used some 3/4" Velcro tape to secure the guy lines. The result is you don't trip over the guy lines and they don't get tangled up or stepped on.
That is a great tip for the guylines. I will make up some velcro. It is hard to feel secure in anything but a Hilleberg once you experience them. I do fully set up my other tents better now though. Hilleberg tents are so fun to completely set up. Then they are ready for almost anything.
Watching this for third or fourth time. Seriously considering this for bicycle touring as prefer free standing. I feel I need something more durable than the hubba hubba for a trip from UK to New Zealand and then Prudhoe bay to Ushuaia
The Hubba Hubba is a nice tent. What is nice about the Allak is that you can make it into a covered work center if you need to work on your bike. Take out the inner, open the doors and you are set.
Just bought an Allak2. Awesome review
Staika is what I picked over this tent. It was a tough decision but the larger interior size, non-tapered design won me over. I may not push it to its limits but it's nice to know it can take just about anything nature can throw at it. Nice review my friend.
The Staika is an ultimate tent. I recall when I did my first review of the Hilleberg gear on the Keron 4 GT. Can't beat having the room and the robust structure of a bigger tent.
Definetly a tent for serious weather! Cheers, Marc
Thanks Marc. It will be fun this weekend. Supposed to snow heavily.
Outstanding tent. Good stuff Bruce.
Thanks Darrell. I thought is was really neat how this one canoist transformed into a work shed.
Good to see you Bruce ! Nice tent ,top of the line indeed !
ATB john
Thanks John. Always great to hear from you
Hi Bruce, I think that I read that you were out with some others using both the Allak and the Staika. Any impressions that you'd like to relate. Torn between the 2. I have 2 other Hillebergs but want a dome this time. I'm not overly concerned with weight. Thanks for the videos. Jerod.
Hi Jerod. Yes we took them out in this video th-cam.com/video/KEfcc_cT6ec/w-d-xo.html and there is some talk about 2/3rds through. We were in the Allak with 2 25 inch wide sleep pads that just didn't fit well and blew out the inner. Jon who was in the Staika, and he actually owns it for his hunting explains that the Allak is narrower and tapers at the foot end to help in weight reduction. He packs his Staika around all over Alaska and really loves it. I wouldn't personally get the Allak for its size only. Other than that I really like it. Hope that helps.
Great review Bruce. I like the allak and was considering one until I saw the staika in real life. But there's absolutely nothing wrong with this 2 man soulo epic bit of kit. With my new "companion " I think the staika is the one for us. As we're both a bit unhinged lol. Out in some awful conditions etc. But this is one of the best reviews on TH-cam. Nicely done my friend. Atb
Andy
Thanks Andy. Going up in a ton of snow this weekend. I will be in the Allak and our hiking partners will be in the Staika. So side by side.
Nature Calls Backpacking look forward to seeing that. Hope you video it. I'm out this Saturday hopefully a little bit snow. Definitely cold though. Out in the RED nallo. Atb.
Andy Wardle : why did you go with the staika over the allak?
Andy Wardle Nudge ...
Looks like another great tent. Too much tent for me though but worth watching the whole vid for the learning.
Thanks of course for watching. I learn a lot from your videos too. Very insightful riding info.
I think I'm having tent envy.
It is fun to have access to all these great tents. Just can't get out enough with them
I might have a tent addiction. Objectively I am covered for all situations, from light weight backpacking to heavy blizzard wintercamping, but then I think, I could do with another tent...
@@koko-lores But are you covered for a growing family? That's our current problem now. We have several great tents, but we don't fit into them anymore.
@@Nerding4Nature No, not yet. But a growth in family isn't on its way right now. Maybe I should prepare anyway already, just in case? ;)
@@koko-lores Every possible circumstance right? lol
You have a great channel! We look with pleasure! Our like # 34
Hi, does this innertent have double doors with a bug screen inner like on the soulo?
Exactly like it. Sorry if forgot to show that feature.
Great, thank you:)
Nice review ,,no I knows! Love it ,,subscribed!
Is Allak as strong as Soulo in high wind?Thank you
I have a feeling that would be hard to justify. I would say they are somewhat equal. The Allak shape is the same no matter what the direction of the wind though, but if you get the Soulo set up so the wind is inline longitudinal the whole time, it would have less face into the wind. The Allak is also a bit taller and when it comes to wind, the more in the air, the more the wind force is, that is from my sailing knowledge. But both are outfitted with some great stake out points and great guylines, so I feel it would take quite a bit with either tent to be an issue.
@@naturecallsoutdoors I’ve recently bought an Allak2 and j see Hilleberg recommend pitching it with the ‘foot’ towards the wind, so presumably there is still a bit of aerodynamic difference between the foot and head ends?
I am confused, if it is a free standing tent then why did you stake it down? You don't have to stake it right?
Hi Ryan, yes it is freestanding. With all my tents, Hilleberg or not, I have the habit of staking it our. It really helps with keeping condensation at bay, and if the wind does pick up, like around where I live it does, I am all set. But if you were in a big downpour and needed shelter fast, it will go freestanding very nicely.
Wow now that's a solid 4 season tent. Can you share where you're heading?
Heading up to an area called Summit Lake. It is up in the Cascades near one of the ski resorts so it should be pretty. Lots of snow already and they are calling for a couple more feet. Going with someone else who does video and photography and have told the group that it will take a little longer as we will be filming. Going to be great. Might even make a pulk.
Hey thanks watched quite a while came up with no price
Sorry Jim, I usually stay away from pricing as these videos go on for years. I appreciate you watching and commenting
This thing is EXTREME! Nice review, Bruce. I'm looking for a four person, three season backpacking tent...any suggestions?
It is solid. Personally I have the Kelty Salida 4 for what you are asking. Probably the lightest 4 person out there. I have some videos of it and hikes I have used it on. Super light for its size and can handle normal northwest weather. Would need to go into super guy out mode in a super strong wind though, or just flatten and ride it out compared to the Hilleberg. But works 90% perfect.
Great Review! Would you know if this tent is good enough for Mountaineering, High altitude, base camps, etc.?
kinda like sleeping inside a smoked gouda
Great review as always :)
Thanks. This tent was a highly requested review as well.
Yea, not alot of reviews on the Allak, Mostly Soulo and the Staika :).
Im still on the fence on what to get as a winter tent, I might end up going for a tunnel tent, due to ease of set up during winter. Something like the Kaitum 2 GT is what i am leaning towards atm, gonna attend to Amundsen extreme in 2018 so i need a solid tent for that. Its just a really hard decission to make, since its quite alot of money.
hi, what kind of snow stakes do u prefer ? thanks
If available and the snow allows, sticks find at the site using a deadman application. So far that has held for my experiences. I do like the standard snow spikes that you get at REI for staking right at the tent side. There are a couple more extreme designs and then the fluke style that I have never tried but they look interesting.
what the difference between a 4 and a 5 season tent
I don't think I have ever heard of a 5 season tent. At least here in the US we only have 4 seasons. Did you hear that somewhere...did I mis-speak?
@@naturecallsoutdoors I've seen tents that have more of a geodesic(ish) design to them referred to as a 5th season tent. I think to differentiate a standard 4th season tent with 3 poles from the even more robust tents with 5 poles like Vaude Power Sphaerio or Hilleberg Saivo / Tarra.
Technically they have 4 labels, Black, Red, Yellow and Blue.
You are correct sir. Hard enough to explain them with justice. Still begging for the Stalon. May need a few extra hands to set that one up.
Nature Calls Hilleberg claims one person can setup the Stalon in good conditions. If you ever wanted to live in a tent, that would be the one.
do you have another vid now you've used it?
Here is a trip with the Allak and the Staika, th-cam.com/video/KEfcc_cT6ec/w-d-xo.html I would say that I would not bring my 25" wide mats with this tent again as it narrows to much at the feet. The Staika seemed the better choice side by side.
also, what are the main differences between the staika and the allak ?
Hi Tim. The Staika is a Black label and the Allak is Red label so let's start there. Black label is Kerlon 1800 and Red is 1200 so the fabric used is stronger/thicker. Black label uses 10mm poles whereas Red uses 9mm. Then things like zippers, floor, mesh and those type of things are heavier duty in the Black as opposed to the Red. As design they are very similar. The Allak though is about smaller in dimensions on the whole. Staika is 35.5 square feet in area, and the Allak is 30.1 I am going snowshoeing this weekend and there will be both tents side by side so you can see.
I'm 6'8" and am so tired having to go through 20 tents to find one I could lie in. Forget one person tents and even most 2 person tents.
They make sleeping bags and mats long enough but tent companies didn't seem to get the memo that tall people exist :(
Hi , nice tent and Hilleberg is great ... BUt , when you say that thoose who goes to Everest / Denali etc uses Hilleberg . That is just not correct. They often use MH and TNF tents- Yes dome style tents but you dont see many Hillebergs there. Same with Fjallreven , bomber tents but not many explorers that are using them.
I use Helsport and they have been crossing all poles several times but not often seen in Everest either.
Anyway , great review as always from Bruce.
Hi Audun. Fair enough. I suppose more of the Antarctic crowd. Had to look up the Helsport, neat tent and designs. Would love to get my hands on one. I haven't found any here in the US, but now I know to keep my eyes open. Take care, Bruce
Hi Bruce , Helsport is unfortenently not so easy to fint overseas :-( It is the Norwegian top quality tent maker and the inventor of tunnel tents :-)
You have done many great reviews Bruce so thank you for that and keep up the good work .
@@naturecallsoutdoors Hi just to inform you about the Helsport tents are found in the U.K. and on internet websites here in the UK as I have just checked out the company that sells the tents in vast ranges and I can only say that there roughly half the price of the Hileberg for nearly the same tent and I hope that I have gave you some advice on what you are interested in and thanks for your superb advice and advice with your helpful guide to the Hileberg range 😉👌
$1000? lmao...I'll take the MSR fury for $600 Alex. lol holy crap.
To each his own. Will need to get the Fury now to check it out. I am a big MSR fan. Not much info on it. Hmmmm, anyone have one I can borrow?
Didn’t anyone noticed that he changed his hat 🤔
playback issue
Sorry will go check it again.
Beautiful tent but, at 3.3 kilos, boy that's a lot of weight to carry.
Thanks for watching. Weight is subjective, and yes there are plenty of tents that weight less. The direction tents like these are going is to give protection in bad conditions by using the best materials, then finding the balance of weight, design and real structure. I have plenty of lightweight tents and use them quite often, but in protected, light weather use. If I was at all concerned though I would choose a stronger tent, and by default heavier. I have easily carried this and heavier though up elevation as I live in Washington State, but I am conditioned to carry even more weight than this tent. Would I take it on a thru-hike? Possibly sections like the Sierras or Washington in winter, and doing so I would get a lot more sleep than I would in my REI, MSR, Big Agnes or Marmot that I do use.