Fjällräven Abisko Dome 2 Review ( 2016) - Vandrefalk
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ย. 2024
- Fjällräven has yet again proven to make great tents along the line of tent makers like Hilleberg and other quality tent manufacturers with their new Abisko and Keb series of tents. The Abisko Dome 2 is a highly durable tent in both wind, rain and light snow- this tent and its great sense of space in both the inner and outer tent, provides clever solutions for storage, for living, and especially for ventilation. Take a look at my review and let me hear what you think! :)
Specifications:
Weight: Total: 3160g/Minimum: 2790g
Fabric inner: 15D Ripstop DWR 100% Polyamide
Construction: Dome
Non Textile Parts of Animal Origin: No
Pegs: DAC V-Pegs Small
Poles: DAC Featherlite NSL
Number of persons: 2 persons
Mosquito net: 20D No-see-um mesh 100% Polyester (3000mm)
Floor Material: 40D Ripstop PU 100% Polyamide (6000mm)
Number of seasons: 4 seasons tents
Stuffed size: Length: 44 cm / Diam: 19 cm
Link to my Hilleberg Niak 1.5 2016 Review: • Hilleberg Niak 1.5 Rev...
Twitch:
/ vandrefalk
Twitter:
/ itsvandrefalk
The fabric is NOT flame retardent in any fjallraven tents. One of the reasons they are not allowed to sell in some states in the US.
You are absolutely correct, I had no idea I even put that in the video O.o It goes for the entire range of Fjällräven tents, because they don't like the ingredients/compounds used for this, so this is a mistake on my part! I've still done cooking in previous tents I've had from Fjällräven, but you gotta be 'extra' careful, even though you should be regardless of what you're cooking with, in any tent. I'll pin this to the top, as I can't put a correction in the video itself. Thank you!
Fantastic video! I can't wait to see more on this tent. This is the one for me without doubt. It has all the features I'm looking for and a few more as well.
Thank you for sharing brother
Be well
Craig
Thank you so much for your comment! :) I'm just waiting for the right weather to get on the next video on it. :) ATB, Vandrefalk
Would be great to see a full outdoor rain wind put up take down review Thanks for honesty.
Hi and sorry about the late reply! If I'm ever in a situation where I'm able to film it, I will do so. ^^
@@VandrefalkTV Thanks I ended up getting the Keb dome 2 very happy with it top quality.
@@tonyallen1953 That's awesome! I envy the mesh doors especially :D hehe.
Such a great tent! I even like the color of the inner tent better then previous tents I've tried, what you YOU think? I could talk for days bout this tent, so leave a comment and we'll get to the talking! ;)
Thank you so much for your kind words! :) I'd say it dries just like any other decent tent, meaning if you've tried other tents from Fjällräven, Hilleberg or other "high-end" tents from any tent manufacturer that uses great materials in their tents, then you'll know how it is. In short, they are great. The color of the inner tent I actually don't have a problem with. Though its not as 'happy' as the bright yellow in the Hilleberg tents, its not a bright yellow either. ;) I sometimes found that the yellow they used was counter to sleeping well if the tent got too bright, but that is a personal preference. This 'sand'/lighter color they use on the Fjällräven tents, I think is the perfect middle ground between a Hilleberg-yellow and other various inner tent color schemes. Its not so bright that any light will have it light up, and not so dark that it 'eats away' light and makes things seem dim. Its great for my taste and preference. I like it more so then the Hilleberg-yellow.
On the tents in them selves, the Allak is to Hilleberg, what the Abisko Dome is to Fjällräven. Apart from the way in which you pitch the tents, which I think Hilleberg has an easier way of doing, I like Fjällrävens other solutions better. Double doors EVERYWHERE for ventilation, in the right places. So far I haven't been able to find any particular flaws with it, once I got a hang of pitching it by myself, I'm as happy as I could ever be. The Allak is a really good tent though, they are just slightly different in solutions, at the same weight. Allak is also more expensive where I live. Staika is the tougher version of the Allak, and Keb Dome is the same to the Abisko Dome, but Abisko Dome and Allak are both really great 4-season tents without being expedition tents in heavy snow etc. Hope this answers your questions! Feel free to ask anything else should you need to. :)
Thanks for the video, i hope the filming has improved?
We'll have to see when that day comes. ^^
Hi, quick question, what is the smallest pack size you might achieve with rhis tent? I'm considering for bike packing.
Great review, many thanks
very nice review!
Thank you! :) There are so many details I know that I haven't touched upon with words, but I hope some of the awesomeness of this tent shows in the video. If not; ask! Thank you for the comment! :)
How are the poles coping rubbing against each other in winds?
Looks a great tent.
Excellent Review too.
Hi! :) Sorry for the late reply, I didn't get a notification for your comment, so I hope my answer is still of value to you. Thank you in advance for the comment. :)
I've never actually given it much thought to be honest, and I'll take that as a good thing. Granted I haven't been out in severe storms, we've had some pretty decent wind, gusts and some snow all in combination and it's been brilliant. So far so good! Can't seem to see any signs of "wear" either. Enjoy your travels!
Great thankful for your review! Im looking for a new tent for bicycling, camping, and be interesting at this Fjallraven tent quite a long time. Compared to the similar Hilleberg Allak / Staika, it seems have much more ventilation ( two doors half roll up, two vents more ) , because Im living in the south China, a semi tropical area. The route im planning to go to bicycling in the few years mainly is SE Asia, India, Far west and the northeast of China ( XinJiang, Inner Mongolia, Tibet area and so so so...). Half is hot and half is cold, so thats why Im looking for a 4 season tent have great ventilation. I almost purchasing order one this days, but I still not have a clear travel date, and still some doubts, So I hold back my impulse, and hope find some tent owner's opinon. lol
About the durablity of the tent, do you think its in a same level of the Hillyberg's? Because its bloody price tag, i wish it could be used 3 or 500 times 😹.
The vestibule's space, do you think it could place a small wheel folding bike? A mobile garage is a huge temptation. Im using a bikefriay 20" folding bike, when it standing its dimension about 150 length x 70 height x 20 cm wide, when it fold and laying down on the ground it a about 90 x 90 cm. I draw the dimension of the tent and the bike in the computer, it seems could be fitting each other, but of course it just 'seems', because I can't find a real tent here, I just can order it on the internet😹.
Hello! :) Sorry about the late reply, but I am happy that you enjoyed the video and commented. :D Next time I'm the tent, I will do a measurment and see if it seems to be able to store your bike folded, without it being a problem on the tent fabric. :D I cannot make any promise as to how soon I can do this, but I will comment again once I have. The vestibules are BIG though, with a great amount of space, and there's two! So if its able to store it, then it should be really great for your purposes. In terms of durability, I absolutely do think so. Know so. Hilleberg's tents along the same line have stronger tent fabrics if you count the entire fly/outer tent, but Fjällräven has a stronger tear strenght along the entire bottom/skirt of the tent, among other places, where they see the greatest risks of tearing. This also cuts down on some weight, and the fabric I feel is amazing. Its also highly water and dirt repellent and resistent. Easy to clean, and never an issue with heavy, heavy Scandinavian rain. I would love tents like MSR has (They have a Hubbe Tour 1-2 tents that are made for biking etc) which seem interesting, but ventilation and water proofing is still iffy, to me. Anyway; Fjällräven, Hilleberg, Helsport and many others are at the top of the game. Usually in price too, but you can always find offers online every now and then. I will get back to you when I can! :) Have a great weekend! :D
Hi man! Great thankful again for your quick reply😀. I totally agreed your view to the design of the abisko dome. Compared to the HB's same line , it use a lighter / low level fabrics to made it , but have a higher level design features in the tent. Its really fit for some guys like me maybe will never climb a 5000m peak or across a no man district , but also like solo biking around, hope a high quality tent. Ye, pls do not any pressure, have a great weekend too! (Im a freelancer, so I will be a hard work weekend😂)
Just purchased the tent. My innertent seems to be to tight, the corners are raised 15 cm on each side, which is much higher that what they do in your video. Additionally, the doors are not Even close to as "tight" as yours - I Imagine they will make a lot of noise in windy conditions. Moreover, there is a huge gap between the tent and the grund - can't compare to yours. No idea what I am doing wrong. Any tips?
Hi! Hmm, that does sound very strange. It could be a numer of things, but I can't at the moment pitch the tent and try and recreate what you're experiencing. However, I would try looking at these points; 1: that the poles are inserted correctly, especially where they cross in the middle, and go into the correct color sleeve. 2: Don't over tighten the "hat". It can be firm, but not too tight. 3: Look at the connections between the inner and outer, are they correct? They are easy enough to 'unhook' and put back into place with the outer still standing. 4: There are some pieces of cord/rope that run along the bottom on the tent that crosses the inner space in different places. 5: Check that none of these are tangled or what have you, and when you expand the inner tent with the toggles near the ground, don't over tighten it. 6: See if makes a difference in how you set up the tent and stake it out. Try first with no stakes at all and no guy-lines, just free-standing with the poles inserted and nothing tightened (not even the poles or the "hat") and see if it's still an issue, then work your way from there. Without seeing the actual problem, and not having experienced it myself, it's hard to say. The Fjällräven channel also made a pitching video a few months ago: /watch?v=UhrfJLg06hQ Hope this helps! :) It's a fabulous tent, still have it and still love it. :)
Have you had any problems in the rain? Does it leak?
Never, ever had any problems with it. Be it rain, snow (not insane loads, haven't tried that), ventilation, fabrics- all in all a fantastic tent in these regards. Hope this helps! :)
Quick question,
is it possible to pitch with only two cross poles?
Sometimes theres not enough space to pitch on, then i want to have an option to install the tent without side ridge pole which makes vestibule space.
Hmm.. that's an interesting question. I don't think I ever tried (intentionally or not), but I do wonder if the structure is up for it as long as you secure it with guy-lines and pegs. If I were you, I'd comment on Fjällrävens official video(s) for this tent, sometimes they do reply to things like this; and who better to ask? If not, contact them directly. :) Its an interesting preposition and I like it.
Are you still using this tent? What's your thoughts about it now? Would you recommend the 2p version over the 3p version för 2 people with 65cm wide sleeping mats. We like space, but as you said, the tent i huge and that's my experience as well from when I had the oppurtunity to check the both versions out including Hillebergs dome tents.
Thx for the vid!
Hello! Thank you for commenting! :) Yup, still have it and still use it! Used it on New Years Eve actually, still holding up perfect! Personally I've had zero issues with it, nothing on quality etc. The living space is really great. I haven't tested it with 2x 65cm mats, only 55 and 65 next to each other. But the stated width is 130cm, and that sounds true to me. I've felt cramped or tight on space, in any direction. But I'm only 177cm ish. I've always had room for gear around me and never felt like neither me or my partner were pushed up against the walls or doors. I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to fit those two mats. :) You can even pull the inner tent out a bit with tension cords that run below, on both sides. Don't know if this is what makes it the full 130cm, or if it makes it "more" then so, but either way there's a option to do so :) This I think is one of the few tents (for average people at least) that actually fits two people AND their gear, with lots of space to spare. Cheers. :)
Seems like I will be getting a Abisko Lite 1 (UN-Blue) With a footprint in the mail today.. :o Perfect timing, hiking 2 different Places this weekend!! :D
Vandrefalk Was thinking of getting something lighter, do share a video review when you've figured the pros and cons please! :)
Planning on it! So far I've some time in the tent, and I'm very, very pleased by it. I was a little afraid of the size, if I'd feel like I was in a coffin or too confined, but so far I've been really loving it. And I've had plenty of Space to my Gregory Baltoro 85L Backpack in the entrance With additional gear and some Cooking With the door open (don't want that carbon monoxide lol). But yes, believe me I will! Just want to do it *right* once I do. :D Good to hear from you again, too! Hope everything is well. :)
Vandrefalk Things are fine, wish the weather wasn't so rainy lol. Nice to hear that things are going well for you, was a bit worried about the space too. Is it very flappy in exposed conditions? :) think I saw that complaint in another review lol.
I did see that before I got it yes, hehe. But it didn't turn me off, I've seen so many videos on tents flapping around, be it Hilleberg or others, and in other videos they're not so much in seemingly similar conditions, that I at least want to have tried it myself. Well, fly does require tensioning, just like any other,and I'd say yes, some extra when its wet is needed. Or it CAN be. So far I've had no issues that's been a bother to me, nothing that's really had to og out of the tent and re-adjust it. Granted, I have not tested it in decent snow yet. Still waiting on that! Weather has been really rainy and crap here as well- too much so that its just a hassle to og camping :\ BUT, I will say, just like with the dome- the tent is really, really quiet in the wind. But more testing will provide more Insight for sure! :)
Looks like they'll have a bunch of new clothes and line-up for the summer that'll be announced at the beginning of March. It looks like they already have a Lite 1 mesh inner tent already available though. That option might be useful for me...since I live in the tropics. :D Are you thinking of getting that option at all?
Hi! I was wondering how the view to the outside when lying down inside is in this tent compared to Hilleberg Allak. Do u know?
HI! Sorry about the late reply, I don't know how this compares, no. Sorry. I only know how the Dome 2 is. :) Ta kontakt i så fall. :)
Quick question for you,
As it's been about a year or so since you got the tent how have you liked it? How has it stood up in heavy rain or snow. Overall what are your impressions now about it. How would you consider this one compared to the Keb Dome? Also have you though of doing an update video?
Hi! Sorry about the really late reply here; life sucks. :p But the tent has been phenomenal. I had to sell both the Dome and the Lite 1, to afford trying other gear, but I did have it for almost a year or so. Again, fantastic tent. The Keb Dome has sightly different things, like double outer doors, which seem really great, for several seasons actually, but just as is; the Abisko Dome was incredible to me. So sturdy, great ventilation, really clever design choices on every aspect of the tent. Right now I've only had a Hilleberg Unna since July 2017. When I start making videos again it'll be on a different channel most likely, I just want to have several things ready before I do so. Lots of testing remain on equipment. :) I will make a announcement on this channel though, so stay tuned I guess. :) Hope this answers your questions!
Hello, oquestion. What do you think about the tent after 4 years?
Hello :) Thank you for commenting, I will post the reply on the other video: Still have it, even if I've had several others to try out (some solo tents, others for 2+), I've kept this tent and still use it. :) Fabrics have held up well, no problems there (but I do take care with it), and the solutions like ventilation are top notch! Still, highly recommended. :) Cheers!
Hi! Thanks for your review of the Abisko. I have just used a friends Abisko 2 Dome and have also been in the Allak 2. I am trying to decide between the FR and Hilleberg but feel swayed by the Hilleberg due to the ease of pitching (Hilleberg using clips rather than sleeves) and clever free-standing setup Hille uses in place of FR's ropes between each corner of the dome. Do you have any opinion to sway me between Abisko dome 2 and Allak 2/ Staika? What would you choose?
Hey Bubz! Thanks for the comment. :) Hm, well, considering I still have the Abisko Dome 2 still after 'all these years', even if I've purchased other tents for solo use, it must say something. And you are correct about the pitching. I will say that doing it alone does require some practice, with two it's easier, but it is something to consider between the tents, Allak being the more comparable. Staika is more comparable to the Keb Dome 2, but regardless. Apart from all tents mentioned being of absolute top quality, there are some key differences I'd like to point out.
Other then the pitching though, I really can't find anything else that the Allak has over the Dome 2. Staika has asymmetric doors, which the Dome 2 has, but the Allak does not. And sure, in good weather that won't matter too much. But once it gets windy, rainy, snow, sleet and whatnot, it feels great usually then having the option of one door not being as exposed. With the Allak, if one door is exposed, odds are both of them are. I'd love a version of this tent that uses the pitching method of the Allak/Staika, but every other design feature I'd take the Dome 2's.
I also really enjoy the colors. Not just on the outside, but the sand color of the inner tent is incredibly pleasing. The bright yellow I know a lot of people don't seem to mind, but having tried it in a couple Hilleberg tents, and then moving away from it, it does make a difference. Especially when the days and nights are brighter. Personal preference, but I had to mention it as I really do like it. It makes the inner tent easy to light up, but not make it overly bright. It's very neutral and nice, cozy even.
Another thing is the zippers and zipper polls. They don't make any noise really on the FR tents, and that includes the Dome 2. The metal zipper polls on the Hilleberg tents have reeaaally annoyed me at times with how noisy they can get. And if you're already a light sleeper, this won't help. Sure you can put some earplugs in but, I like to "keep an ear out for stuff" when I'm in the tent.
Finally I will mention another fantastic feature that I also believe strongly in; the design, especially the ventilation and the designs on that. Having the options of two vents at the top below the "hat", having two large vents low at the head and foot end (both on the outer and the inner tent, with mesh AND panel), being able to do a "half way roll up" on the outer doors, having mesh AND panel on the inner doors; it all means a LOT of options in the way you control the climate of the inner tent. But the big vents out low really adds to the so-called chimney effect of the tent, and I have zero complaints about the ventilation design and options it brings. I've used it solo and with a partner in anything from -10c to 20+C's, with next to no condensation. Yes, if the weather is sleet and rain and all kinds, you can definitely get some, like with any tent, but man.. this design has proven absolutely brilliant, and I cannot give kudos enough to the designers on that part.
Hope this helps! You can't go wrong with either of them really. :) Cheers and enjoy the outdoors!
@@VandrefalkTV Thanks so much for your reply. I think you may have swayed me into the FR, especially considering the Dome 2 is currently £400 cheaper than the Allak/Staika! That's a lot of money considering the only benefit maybe the pitching method used by the Hille.
I was very impressed with the ventilation of the FR as was in -10 with no wind and had no issues with condensation. I hadn't considered the benefits of the asymmetric doors.
Cheers!
@@B_Dog_Supreme Happy to help, and whoa that's a great deal! Cheers :)
Would you choose this tent or Abisko Shape 2? I’m debating right now on which one to get
The simplest answer is, do you want your tent to be freestanding or not? I enjoy both, but my preference is definitely towards having tents be as free standing as possible. Both of them are exceptional tents, but if the choice was mine, then you already know it. :) That being said, tunnel tents do have advantages over dome tents on the interior aspect, but like I said, I'm all about tents being as free standing as possible, to be able to pitch and stand "anywhere". :)
one more question: I tried the tent out and i had some issues with the third pole while pitching. It was very hard to get it in the socket/holder (im not quite sure how to call it). Did you have any trouble with this?
Hmm no, none at all. Are you sure the straps near the sockets where lose on all 3 sides? If they are as lose as they can be, it should require almost no strength to put them into the holders, not more so then any other tent. O.o let me know how it goes!
Thankyou for the review! Can the tent inner be taken down before tent outer to avoid the inner from getting wet during rain? and do you know what is the difference between abisko and keb dome tent is?
If you really need to, then you can detach the inner, yes. So far I haven't really had the need for it, but I haven't pitched it in a absolute downpour yet, just light rain (pitching, and taking down that is.) The main difference is fabric strength (denier) and also weight. And pole strength. The keb tents are made for the harsher conditions and heavy snow, but the abisko tents are still 4 seaaon tents, save for the View and maybe a couple more. All in all excellent tents, in my opinion. :)
Nice video, still a bit torn to choose between the Abisko Dome 2 and the Allak 2. Any experience with the Allak as well?
Hello and thank you for your comment :) I've never owned one, but I've been on trips with people using one, though never slept in one myself. I have experience with a couple Hilleberg tents however, and just like Fjällräven they produce quality, quality tents. Neither one will do you bad, BUT, I will put out some key differences why in my own opition, I enjoy and like the designs of the Dome 2 better.
The Allak has a slightly easier pitch, for sure. It has real good materials, and over all a solid tent. Where they differ besides the pitching method, and where I think the Dome 2 beats the Allak is:
Asymmetric entries, ensuring you have shelter from wind/rain even with a door open.
Less noise, which all Hilleberg tents I've used have in common. The metal especially on the zipper pulls can get real noisy.
The color of the inner tent on the Dome 2 is also much more pleasant, instead of the bright yellow of the Allak. This is a personal preference but there were certainly times where I was thankful for the light sand color instead of the bright yellow. :p :)
Ventilation: more vents, and an even better chimney effect, this has been -very- good on the Dome 2. There are so many ways to vent the tent and ensure a great climate inside the tent.
I'm sure there are more features about both tents that one may prefer over the other, but these are some of the ones I can think of right now. Hope this helps, stay safe and enjoy the outdoors! :)
@@VandrefalkTV Excellent, thank you, dome 2 it is then :-)
Hello again! Have you measured the exact weight of your tent? My own Abisko tent was heavier than officially stated by 200 grams. And in review of Keb Dome 3 I spotted almost 500-gram difference. Looks like a tendency.
Its been so long that I can't recall if I did or not tbh, and it could be for all I know, but I just enjoyed the tent too much to really be bothered hehe. I even had the footprint! :p
OK, thanks. BTW, I experienced the warranty replacement of my Kaitum 3, you can read about it here: www.trailspace.com/gear/hilleberg/kaitum-3/?review=36506
thanks for the video. question: if rain comes down straight (no side wind) and the porch is fully opened, does the rain hit the inner tent or does it stay dry? many complaints on the internet about the staika concerning this issue... second question: how loud does it get when wind hits the large panels? can that be aliviated by guy lines and using many tent nails?
Hi! Sorry about the late reply, I've been running a high fever the last couple of days. I know that in the video, everything can seem a bit off when we're talking sizes and distance from one item to another, but there is still a slight roof even if the the door is fully open, so no, I don't think it would hit the inner tent. I need to try this in really rainy conditions though to back it up 100%. When the door(s) are in half-way rolled up mode, if I sit in the inner tent with my feet out, I can barely get them outside the inner tent. That's how big the distance is. So having the door(s) open in some form or another while its raining heavily, has been no issue on my account. Noise levels is also one thing that surprised me, in a good way. Even though the tent has a lot of zippers, and larger panels due to its size- the tent can be pegged out pretty firmly and through what I've tested and what I've seen in other videos, Hilleberg tents can be incredibly noisy. Extremely at times, and a lot comes from the metal zippers they use. The only metal in the zippers that Fjällrävel use, is only the zipper itself and not the handle, like on Hillebergs tents. So there is no "colliding" with other metal parts if the tent is zipped up and has several zippers for an entry point, ventilation point or what have you. I've been very pleased with it so far- but I always bring some decent ear plugs should the weather get really crazy. Haven't needed them so far though! :) Hope this answers your questions, if not, let em know!
If only everyone on the internet answered thouroughly... Thank you!
Thomas Sebastian Mueller No problem! :) happy to help. :)
sorry - i hope you get well soon! i don't think talking sizes and distances seems off in your video. the issue with this video and and all the other abisko-keb-dome tents is the angle from above/below to show the relationship/ alignment of flysheet and inner tent. it simply doesn't show it enough and reading the negative hilleberg-reviews about rain hitting the inner tent when the zipper is open all the way has made me skeptic of this type of tent architecture. but my local globetrotter store in cologne is massive and well-prepared and i know i can drive there and try the keb-dome-3 person tent myself. then i'll know. if i decode to buy it i will make a video and post it here. thanks for the info on the zippers - nobody wants to be sleep-deprived with jingling zippers and flapping panels in high winds. the whole purpose of a tent is to provide high-quality sleep, right?
Thomas Sebastian Mueller Exactly! At some point I will make a follow-up video, that may or may not replace the review. I have yet to decide. But its important questions that you've asked, and I know that through some of the videos I've seen from the Staika and Soulo, really put me off when it came to the noise levels of just the zippers. But yes! I would definitely go and see it in person. The size is not to be underestimated haha.
Great review! But it looks like a Hilleberg Allak/Staika rip-off, with a Fjällräven logo.
Great review, thank you! I am an owner of Hilleberg Kaitum 3, and I'll consider the Abisko Dome 2 if I decide to buy a 2-person tent primarily for winter use.
Could you please name the key differences between the Hilleberg and Fjallraven's approach to the tent design? Which one do you prefer? Also what is the quality of included pegs in comparison to Hilleberg?
Ooo, nice tent! The Abisko Dome 2/3 are 4 season tents indeed, but if you're planning on heavy snow etc, you might want to look into the Keb Dome 2/3, which is Fjällrävens equivalent of the Black Label tents from Hilleberg. Abisko is along the lines of the Red Label, like your Kaitum 3. :) You'll also get some bigger/stronger pegs with the Keb Dome, meant for tougher weather conditions and winter use. Though diff. pegs can be purchased separately ofc. Quality wise I'd say they are the same. Both the poles and the pegs are DAC, the pegs being V-shaped just like Hillebergs. I've decided to do a follow up on this video about the tent, and I'll show more things like these in detail there. I see that can be useful. The key differences on the top of my head are; they are more environmentally concerned when it comes to materials and construction for one, but for you as a user I'd say this; they have different fabric types, but they are equally strong and light. Fjällräven also use a higher denier along the bottom for added tear strength. If you compare the dome tents with Hillebergs Staika/Allak, then you'll see the ventilation is different. There is more of it on the Fjällräven tents, to make it more efficient. And it gives you more options as well. Additionally they also care more about comfort and smart solutions, like the storage options and double doors on every vent and entry/exit point. The only advantage I'd give the Hilleberg version of the Dome tents, is the way you pitch the tent, through sleeves and hooks, instead of bigger sleeves with a hole under the top vent, as on the Dome versions. This CAN make a difference when pitching, in terms of wind/rain, but I've been able to pitch it on my own in strong gusts of wind, and the more you do it the easier it becomes. And once its up, the advantages of the Dome shines, imo. I kind of like the colors of the inner tent better then the very bright yellow on the Hillebergs, its also less noisy because of the zipper designs primarily. The have fabric straps that you grab, the only metal is the YKK zipper itself, which means that even if you have two pairs of zippers on double doors flapping in the wind and whatnot, its still not going to make nearly as much noise as the Hilleberg tents can do. It made a huge difference for me personally. I really like Hillbergs tents, don't get me wrong. They are solid as heck and they know what they are doing when designing them. However, there is the alternative and for me that is Fjällräven. The Dome 2 is perfect for my taste and use. Its quite large, but it doesn't weigh too much and it can take a beating. It seriously is my fav tent thus far and will be with me for a long time. Not that it didn't cost me enough money to get haha, but once I used it, there was no going back. Feel free to ask me more questions if you have them and I'll reply when I can. :) Until then, see you in the next video!
Thank you for such a thorough reply! I'm definitely not interested in Black/Keb tents, as they are too strong and heavy for me. I rarely pitch the tent in really demanding conditions (e.g. Arctic in winter, high mountains etc.), where the strength difference between these tent grades will matter. I'd personally prefer the 2.5 kg 2-person tent or 3-kg 3-person tent, but for 4-season outer-pole tents this will mean huge drawbacks in terms of internal space, fabrics thickness etc.
I am thinking about the Allak or Abisko Dome 2 tents because they are fully freestanding, while my Kaitum is not. For winter use and for camping on rocks the freestanding tent is always better. Also for 2 people in winter the Kaitum is waaaay too large! BTW you may read my review on this tent here: www.trailspace.com/gear/hilleberg/kaitum-3/?review=36506
But I'm not sure if I really need such a tent, because at this time we are travelling with my wife and child, which is too small to stay at home while we travel somewhere. This fact excludes the winter use and 2-person tents. May be the things will be more clear after 2017 camping season.
Is it correct that Abisko tents in terms of used fabric are closer to Yellow Hilleberg tents? I see that they use 40D fabric at floor (in lighter models, including Dome), while in Red tents you get a tougher 70D floor. This may be an advantage for Allak - I have a MSR tent with 40D floor, and to my opinion it is quite delicate, and use of footprint is recommended (I don't have one though).
In the upcoming video it also would be nice to see your suggestions about the pitching process and the differences between Fjallraven and Hilleberg dome tents. It's difficult for me to decide which approach is better. I really like the full-length pole sleeves in Kaitum, where you just push the pole, insert into the holder and tighten it. But in dome tents the pitching seems more complicated anyway, isn't it?
I gotcha, and no problem. :) That review was great! Holy crap- I think we're on the same wavelengths when it comes to this sort of stuff- details are important and to someone like me its really appreciated. :D Awesome stuff, really. I'm almost afraid of how long the follow-up video will be haha. Oh well.
Well, regarding the tent fabrics, they both use completely different types. Hilleberg has their own set of fabrics, and Fjällräven went with the latest and greatest. yes, the denier is higher on the Hilleberg, but the waterproofing is 1000mm less, despite having 70D over 40D. Now, I know that isn't directly related, because the waterproofing also involves other treatments of the fabric, so all I can really say is I've had no issues with it. I would like to try it with the footprint, as I've always leaned towards having the added strength and waterproofing, BUT that's just me. Also its incredibly hard to get a hold of at the moment.
it is an interesting subject though. So far I know that I have had no tearing or signs of wear what so ever, and I've had it on many different surfaces, but only time will tell. Fjällräven really does care about longevity on the things they make though from what I've gathered, and it seems to hold up. Not saying that Hilleberg does it any different though.
I'll have to make a dedicated segment or movie for the pitching on different surfaces I think. On a couple of the trips I've gone with friends and we've just done the pitch together to have it go faster (horrible weather), but I'll have to see how I fare doing it solo on ground that doesn't have anything to fasten the pegs into. Its a freestanding tent yes, but when pitching of the tent once the poles are inserted, it really helps having 2-3 pegs into the ground. Its all in practice though, I am sure. Its not hard or anything, but it was definitely a different thing then tunnel tent or a tent with two crossing poles like the Niak or Abisko View (which I soooooo want to try!) The Allak, Soulo and Staika I would think is easier regardless of weather and people. Its recommended with these as well to peg out the bottom of the tent first, but you CAN technically insert the poles into the sleeves, making them form the shape of the tent, and then add the hooks to raise the rest of the tent. A brilliant way of doing it, but how the performance of the tents themselves are afterwards is really up to the user, I think. some people are more bothered by noise then others, and some just bring earplugs, haha. I always do but so far I haven't used them in the Dome, only the Niak I had previously.
Wooh tents!
I don't care too much about the water resistance values, because these numbers don't really show you the actual tent performance. For example, you have a 500-dollar American tent with 1500 mm and 50-dollar Chinese tent with 10,000 mm. It doesn't mean that the latter is better.
I have two tents with 1200-1500 mm (Marmot and Big Agnes) - both of them handle the rain equally well. Some folks have tested the water column values of such tents - the actual values were closer to 3000-7000 mm.
In case of Allak vs. Dome 2 the lower denier of the latter simply means that the use of footprint is more recommended. It doesn't mean that the 40D fabric WILL be punctured. Anyway, for winter use the floor in vestibules is very nice addition, as your gear will not lay on snow all night long. So the footprint for 4-season tents, to my opinion, is more important than in case of 3-season tents (excluding the ulrtalight ones).
Unfortunately, I don't see the footprint for Dome 2 being in stock anywhere in the world... Even at the Fjallraven website.
Oh, and thank you for kind words. I'm looking forward for your next video about Dome 2!
Can you afford it? Buy it
Great review! Would you take the Niak or Abisko Dome for the tropics? :)
Thanks! :) Hmm.. That really depends on the space you want, and how many people really. The Abisko View could even be considered as a great middle ground between the two tents. If we were going, two people, and not for very long with not too much gear, then the Niak is fantastic. So easy to set up, light, strong, durable and good ventilation. The Abisko Dome is well suited for the amount of people that it states, with two entrances, doors and a big area on both sides to keep your gear, to do light cooking (its obviously not recommended in most tents unless doors are open, great ventilation etc), and everything else you might need it for. Storing options inside the tent is also really good. The price is about the same where I live, it weighs twice as much, but you also get twice the space and a really awesome tent. So yes, it really depends on the amount of people and gear, imo, seeing as the Abisko Dome is easy to ventilate as well. But do look into the Abisko View, a tent with almost the same size etc as the Dome, but with a slightly different design that can be completely opened up on both sides. :)
Thanks again for your help, I decided to bite the bullet and get the Abisko View because some of the official Fjallraven distributors in the USA can ship to Singapore via Amazon). The cost would have been about half of what a Hilleberg Allak would have cost from Japan. Are you finding the Fjallraven tents to be as durable as the Hilleberg ones? :)
Nobu Always happy to help and talk about stuff. :) Let me know how the View turns out for you, should you have the pleasure before I do! Haha. The 2016 line of Fjällräven tents are incredible solid tents from both my understanding and experience so far. Equal to Hilleberg I'd say, with slightly different solutions. For warmer climates especially, the View looks really, really great. So happy for you!!
Will do! :) I'll be taking it with me to wilds of Cambodia next month so it should be interesting - 39 degrees celsius during the heat of the day, and down to 14 degrees at 4am. I got the blue so that I can hopefully find it in the dark. lol
Nobu That sounds awesome!! :D Tent should be perfect for that. And the UN Blue is a great looking color! Their tents also have reflective threads in the guylines, and reflective material placed in several places all over the tents, so you'd find them easy with a light! The View is pretty much the same size as the Dome, except with 2 poles that cross twice, instead of 3 poles. So lighter, and slightly different design, with different possibilities. But the outer tents are so big, even if you have one side completely rolled up you can store things in the other one, with the door shut- its brilliant! Much more comfortable in that sense, then the Niak.
thanks
many professional reviews never fully take into consideration and show! just how much room jackets, changes of clothes, backpacks, cooking and sleeping gear, lamps... etc..etc .takes up in a tent
and maybe add a dog and :0
vestibule size and usability varies and is impacted by weather and during intense storms may further stress the interior requirements for two.
so the ideal interior space for two in late fall weather and early winter is....
?????
yes, tent weight is a consideration but layers of clothes and winter gear require a home and room for humans... weight or no weight
maybe ..just maybe a small tripod fo part of phone reviews in future??
enjoy the reviews thanks for efforts...!
.
.
.
Hi! So sorry I didn't see your comment until now, you make some great points- I will take with me into future videos! :)
Even though I've had and tried this tent for a while now, as autumn has begun and the temperature is declining; what other thins would you like to see in a follow-up video to this review? Lemme know! :)
Vandrefalk an overnighter for sure. Including gear placement and maybe cooking area usage?
Sure thing! :)