Southern Uplands | Solo Wild Camp | Cold & Windy | Helm Compact 1 | 2022
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 พ.ย. 2022
- After using my Hilleberg Akto last week for a windy camp , I came away disillusioned so I sold it the next day knowing this was no longer the tent for me .
I then straight away bought a new replacement in the Wild Country Helm Compact 1 , I had done some research and this budget priced tent ticked all the boxes for me.
So being a big kid I needed to get out and give it a road test as such, not the best of weather but I can’t rearrange the weather for my days off.
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Great video.Thanks for sharing it.
Glad you enjoyed it atb Dave
nice trip. and a great new tent. The Helm 1 is excellent.
I was very impressed , it’s a solid little tent ⛺️👍
Cracking tent! I absolutely love mine!
Thanks, I’m looking forward to getting back out in mine ⛺️👍
Aw nooo! All the respected TH-camrs getting this tent - Messener, Hardy Tempest and now you to name 3 off the top of my head - going to have to save my pennies as you’re all saying it’s fit for the job 👍🏻
I spent one night in my Akto recently on a rainy night - I swear the inside was wetter than the outside in the morning. Fed up with it. Why can’t they sort out the condensation issues?
Enjoyed your film here, thanks for sharing 🙂
I think I re bought the Akto with rose tinted glasses on 😂 , it just had to go and I had been eyeing the compact 1 up . the last camp sealed it for me …. like you the condensation was flapping all over me in the wind.
Really glad I got it , bye bye Akto ⛺️👍
Hi. LOVE. LOVE. CAMPING. VIDEO.
Thank you for watching atb Dave
That looked like a lot of fun Dave, Thanks for the video and steering me to this channel from your camera review one.
Thanks for checking by , yes it was cold fun lol atb Dave
Bloody hell Dave. I felt cold just watching that. New tent looks tidy 👍. ATB pal.
Cheers Dave , it was brutal in that wind , I didn’t venture far from the tent lol tfw atb Dave ⛺️👍
Great video, I have the compact 1, i love this tent!
Good to hear , thanks for watching atb Dave ⛺️👍
Looks like you made a good purchase Dave! I'll have to look at your last video with the mc-flappy Akto 🤗 It's a flappy one for sure!! Looks like you enjoyed your night out on the hills when tucked up in your quilt...I could imagine that wind chill on my face!!
I’m happy with it Miriam , the lack of headroom was always an issue for me in the Akto . I was nice and warm under the quilt and wasn’t for leaving it , it was bitterly cold in that wind that’s for sure . Tfw atb Dave
Good stuff Dave, nice new tent , totally agree about the head room in the akto . I still have one , i dont fancy 14 odd winter hours stuck in it but i'll need to get it back out in the summer . I'm waiting a Doumid at the momment , another to add to the collection lol ..cheers Stevie
Cheers Stevie , it was the headroom that did it for me lol
Now the Duomid that’s got loads of room just a long lead time till they are shipped eh tfw atb Dave ⛺️👍
Good one Dave. Nothing like using new gear. That tent looks pretty good 👍. ATB
Thanks Jim , very happy so far and a fraction of the cost of my akto ⛺️👍
Good stuff Dave, that wall’s been your saviour a few times now ha ha… Love the Moffat area and the Helm 1, a proper Ford Fiesta of the hills. Nothing pretentious, easily affordable for the everyman and solid as a rock. Just give in to it 😊I also drive a Fiesta, say no more 👍
Thanks mate , yeah solid and reliable just like those walls 👍 nowt wrong with the fiesta I drive my wife’s occasionally 😂 atb Dave
Nice camp Dave
The Akto is a great tent but as you say very flappy. I have a Terra nova laser thats is very flappy too.
I must sat the Wild country looks a great Winter tent. I need a nice winter tent with 4 seasson inner.
Sandy
I agree it’s a great tent , but I think hilleberg need to redesign the inner to solve the flappiness lol
pleased with the helm 1 and look forward to getting a few camps in it .atb Dave
awsome Dave tad windy mate lovely tent mate like them tfsu atb Bryan 🙂
Cheers Bryan , winter has arrived lol atb Dave ⛺️👍
As a similar age gent the ability to sit upright was #1 when I got a replacement bikepacking tent last year, but at 6’2” I probably had a more limited choice. Very pleased with the Vango Helium 1 I got.
I’m only around 5 10 myself so the helm was perfect , but another 4 inch would be tight. Glad you found the helium 1 a better size . Atb Dave
I bought this tent earlier this year, still haven’t used it. Great video. 🎥
Get yersel out in it lol ⛺️👍
Solid bit of kit Dave, just goes to show you don't need to spend a fortune on a decent three season tent!👍👍
Absolutely Anthony , finally I see the light lol atb Dave ⛺️👍
cheated with the wall wind break mind ;)
3.5 season I've heard it's called!
I went the same way, just sold my Drift 1 and my Scarp 1, had an old Helm 1 loved it, found myself using regularly, now bought helm 1 compact, works well, enjoyed your views on it. Cheers.
Great to hear, it really is a great all round tent . tfw atb Dave ⛺️👍
I have the Helm 1 and bought it just before the first lockdown, although I think it was the old model as I got it new but real cheap. Nice bit of protection from the wind with the stone wall and I love the way the tent goes all up in one, nice and quick. Must admit I have been spoilt with the £1 Look What We Found meals, had a few of them now and all of them have been dam tasty. Sounds like the Helm 1 passed the test, early days yet but fingers crossed you stay happy with it, cheers Alan
Very pleased with the Helm 1 , how I missed not buying this earlier than I have . it seems quite a few people I know also have this tent also 👍 I need to try those look what we found meals for myself 😎👍 tfw atb Dave
Great tent choice - love mine . My own AKTO is redundant for the same reasons .
Thanks mate , I couldn’t see me getting through the winter with my Akto it had to go lol atb Dave
it does look a good tent and i personally think having head room is quite important, especially in winter when you are in the tent a long time
Yes headroom was what the helm 1 sold it for me , as you say we are in it a long time in the winter 😂
Nice wee trip out there and a good tent choice. I've got the Helm Compact 2 as I have to fit two Border Collies in as well! It's a great tent though. I love it.
You will need the extra space for sure , glad to hear you love it 👍 atb Dave
Nice one Dave!
I’m watching you camping.
And I’m camping in my helm 1 on the South Downs 😄👍
Spot on Graham , enjoy your camp mate ⛺️👍 atb Dave
@@BorderRambler
Thanks Dave will do 😄
Seen lots of reviews and people using thsi tent so nice to see how you get on with it. Actually decided to buy one myself for an upcoming long distance winter hike to see myself what all the fuss is about :) Atb
Thanks Ray , basically the Akto had to go ! Good knows why I bought another . Like you I had seen lots of folk praising it , so I thought why not . Hope you find it ok on your treks atb Dave
Nice one Dave move the expensive Swedish nylon on to the all-the-gear-no-idea types they'll snap it up!😁😄 Excited to see what you bought next...👍🍺
Thanks Snowy , it had to go I need headroom on a camp . really happy with us new tent ⛺️👍🍺
Belting tent for the money the helm compact 1. Definitely the best bang for your buck 🙂
Looked a good camp too. I've hidden being many walls over time and sometimes it just makes a load of sense ☺️
Adge.
I have to agree there , well worth the money 👍 without that wall I would have been far too exposed 😂 play safe is my motto atb Dave
superb little tents those helms dave ive seen pauls up close & although it may be a bit small for me length wise they look great tents for the money..shows you dont have to pay hilleberg money if you choose the conditions sensibly..
Very pleased so far Andy , and yes it’s all about where you pitch up . I have my duomid for more space for decent weather winter camps ⛺️👍
Haha I've won a coconut.(guessed right)😂great choice dave.doesn't take long for anybody with a bit savvy to realise the value on offer.they seem to make a batch &they sell out very quickly.been top of my list for a while (need to get my mojo back) look forward to a longer term review 👍take care.
Well done Geordie , it had to go and I have had my eye on the helm 1 and for that money it’s a steal . Really impressed with it so far , it will do as my winter tent from now on 👍 atb Dave
The Helm one is a really nice tent, especially at that price. Atb Darren
It had to be done mate 👍
Yip enjoyed this nothing like setting up a metal camera for utube exposed to ridge line winter bite. Fun. I am pleased to say bought the helm 1 compact earlier this year and quite sympathise with your observations except was little surprised you found it bit blowie. To increase wind resistance of structure even further Ive added 2 long guylines to the exposed pole cross over point on v top of tent. That there are so many additiinal guyline options was another positive point for me. Thx for posting and thx for getting in the LNT messaging so reliably. I really appreciate it.
Cheers Mate , the finger ends certainly feeling that wind chill 🥶 I think I was referring more to blowy in general , I found the tent held out just fine . But yeah a few extra lines will sure help with stability . Really liking this tent , so many positives that I have taken away . Yeah I always try and show the LNT message 👍 atb Dave
@@BorderRambler something I notice is that the pole webbing to peg down the pole has two grommets - a double hole on each end - for both the blue pole and red poles. This suggests either the Helm 1 was designed to be pitched at a choice of two heights and pole tensions, or to be double poled as a heavy wind option. I have seen no discussion of double poling this tent. I checked the wild country website: a red pole is available £32, a blue pole £38. A second blue pole is more sensible as it does not have the kinks of the red but then again I have only known the Helm 1 to rock side to side suggesting a red as choice. I really would like to try a second red in heavy winds. Thanks for putting in all the effort so we can all share our hobby online.
Great video Dave. I’ve never really understood all the fuss about the Akto. Although it’s a 4 season shelter head space is not great. In Winter you need that extra space. Like the look of the Helm Crag 1 Dave. ATB - Simon
Thanks Simon , yeah I sold mine after a camp where I was tent bound . Headroom was dreadful overpriced . I don’t have that issue with the compact 1,at a 1/4 of the price 😂 atb Dave
The only problem with the Helm 1 is it’s popularity , becoming the Banshee now. That being said it’s hardly surprising considering how good it is for the money. There’s a new model coming soon though……
Great video as always Hardy
It’s seems a firm favourite as showcased by yourself and many others . New model you say , I will be checking that out for sure . TFW atb Dave ⛺️👍
Been pondering getting one of these Compact 1 tents - you have just tipped me to buy it now - got it directly from Terra Nova for £147 . I look forward to my trial !
It’s a cracker of a tent and I am well pleased with it , I need to rain test it next 😂 happy camping ⛺️👍
Good morning Dave, seems like a wise choice that Helm 1, I've got a TeraNova Wild country Zephyros 1, I was selling it on ebay as I hardly ever used it then changed my mind... so easy to pitch as one with inner attached, warm as anything too... a bit tight on space especially headroom but I sort of like it, seems bullet proof in the 10 times or so I've slept in it. My mate Will has the older style helm 1 and he managed to split the sleeve where the overhead pole goes!! So watch out for that 👍
Morning Lee, very pleased so far with the Helm 1 I just couldn’t see me seeing the winter out in the Akto 😂 Sounds like the Zephyros is ticking the boxes for you 👍 I will be mindful of that pole sleeve now , thanks for the heads up . atb Dave ⛺️👍
@@BorderRambler He actually ripped a massive hole in tbe sleeve!! It still held up and he had to stitch it... it was the first Helm 1 so maybe the newer ones are stronger.
@@BurtonOutdoors I will still be mindful tho 👍
Nice Dave, just sold my Akto after 3 consecutive nights. Prefer my Fjallraven Abisko Lite 2.
Thanks Steve , I didn’t fancy a long winter in the Akto it had to go lol atb Dave
I have the Helm 1 & 2, although not the compact versions. I'd suggest they give the best bang for your buck out there.
Yep deffo value for money ⛺️👍 atb Dave
This tent seems to be popping up everywhere on my TH-cam channels at the moment…
I do really like this tent though, and almost brought one a few months back!
But I decided I wanted a true 4-season shelter, one that could also stand up in a hurricane, so I brought the Nordisk Svalbard-1 PU instead.. and I already had a 1-man “3 season” shelter in the form of the Alpkit Soloist XL.
However, my budget Mountain Warehouse Dome-2 is still my favourite for wild camping in, as it has so much room inside but it’s purely a 2-season shelter, because the whole of the inner is mesh..
This is how I first started out (now clocked up 23 nights solo) wild camping with this one back in January of this year, I’ve done sub zero nights in it with sub standard sleeping mats/bags, never again 🥶 lol.
Yes it’s a popular tent that’s for sure , but I hear what you say about wanting a 4 season tent . I’m not really one for putting myself in that sort of area so I can get away using 3 season shelters .
I’ve done my share of cold camps and never again , my -12 quilt and xtherm mat serve me well in those cold camps . Nothing worse than shivering away all night 🥶🥶 atb Dave
I wonder if the condensation problem with the Akto is something to do with newer models? My old tent has never had a problem with condensation, above that of any other tent. I do agree though, headroom is a pain in the 'arris especially in winter. I can't justify a new tent atm, but I'm going to be interested to follow your journey, I might be tempted in the future.
Maybe is Si , but honestly last week after 20 mins it was flapping condensation all over me lol , but that never really fazed me too much but the bloody ducking in and out 😂 the helm 1 will do as my winter tent from now on atb Dave
Hi,did you say you sold on your Hilleberg,I’ve been watching a lot of you tubers using Hillebergs to the point of if I get back into cycle camping I would buy one but the price tag is frightening compared to your Helm 1,thanks for the video & test on a much better priced bit of kit,atb Colin P.
The Akto is a solid tent but overpriced , the helm 1 is much more affordable and better in my opinion . I also have the MSR Hubba nx which I have used for bike camping which is lighter but around £300 is not cheap either . TFW atb Dave
Good looking tent Dave. Everything I hear about the HC1 is positive. Will this be your go to winter tent or will you mix it up? Once again, a wall comes to the rescue👍. After my recent camps I might just camp next to a wall on all my winter camps......I need a long break from the wind! ATB mate.
Thanks Chris , really pleased so far , it will be my winter tent but if forecast is cold and not windy I will mix up with MLD and Hubba . the windchill was brutal , I didn’t stray far from the tent that night 🥶 the wind kills a camp as you can’t really enjoy it . atb Dave ⛺️👍
Great video Dave.
My Dad has the Helm Compact 1 and has had it out in very bad wind and rain and it’s been champion.
I had my first night in my new Duomid (SiNylon) on Monday night at Angle Tarn. It was really bad wind and rain so it got a good test. I’m used the inverted V pole set up and it was solid!!! I think the single Pole set up is even more stable. Do you
Not rate the Duomid in wind, is that why you went for the Akto and then Helm compact 1.
Love you videos mate. Thank you 👍
Good to hear about your dads tent 👍👍 . I would say the single pole setup is much stronger in wild weather , I’ve never really had it out in strong wind I should give it a go as I have enough guy lines on mine 😂 I just like to swap and change my tent on different camps . tfw atb Dave ⛺️👍
@@BorderRambler actually Dave, hope you don’t mind me asking another question about the Duomid.
Where did you attach the Guy line that connects to the apex of the tent?
I fed it through the vent at the apex and looped it through the plastic ring of the kitten hook that you attach to the apex of the inner. Do you follow?
I’m guessing there may be a better place to attach the apex guy line.
Good decision Dave. You can build up an amazing 'Wardrobe' of tents by buying cheaper. Lots more choices for when you get bored using the 'same old' all the time. I gave up buying expensive DCF tents/shelters way back. Much better having ten tents than one LOL. S Uplands can be a cruel place this time of year..😫.atb from llama-ladee-anny👍
Cheers Annie , yeah I had a brain fart when I bought the Akto in March , but one night out and I sold it the next day lol . Very happy with the Helm compact 1 and your right the SU is unforgiving this time of year , but soooooo quiet ⛺️👍 atb Dave
Nice one dave. So you swapped the akto for the helm. I always think of you camping behind a wall when I’m pitching but there are far fewer walls in the north of Scotland to hide behind it seems. Gordon
Thanks Gordon , headroom was my issue being unable to sit up in it. I’m always on the lookout for walls to hide behind lol atb Dave
Well I’m happy to report that I too have now joined the ‘non-exclusive’ HC1 club!..😄
Couldn’t resist the sale price this time of £139, and money off the footprint as well! 🙈
I’m putting my Nordisk Svalbard-1 up for sale now, I do much prefer Dome style tents personally, especially freestanding ones! 👍🏻
That’s a steal at that price , I hope it serves you well ⛺️👍
@@BorderRambler Thanks buddy, really looking forward to testing it out on my next camp! 😁
Hope yours serves you well also for a long time to come..
Shivering just watching this 🥶Looks a nice tent that. Can’t see any reason why it won’t be solid through winter with the cross poles, and a bit of change left over from the Akto is a bonus as well! Can I ask you what’s the make of that thermometer? Cheers Sean.
Yes it was rather cold in that wind , very happy with the tent and few extra quid in the bank for more camping gear 😂 link for thermometer - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LKNRMJM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
atb Dave
Thanks Dave 😊
Nice camp,
Been looking at that tent seems popular,
Only thing is, how long is the inner at a height of 8cm ? Is it enough for me at 6’3” if you get a min next time take a tape !
Camping food ideal in bad weather it’s just dear
Cheers
Cheers mate I’m 5 10 if that helps , but if I mind on I will take one. I try and buy the camp food when on offer but you’re right it’s pricey . tfw atb Dave
Could you wrap the guy lines around the red poles for extra support? Not sure if this tent allows for that.
I suppose you could , I will check next time I’m out in it atb Dave 👍
Dave, did you consider buying the Compact 2 given that it's only a tad heavier? Thanks. Atb.
Nah I wanted the smaller footprint so was always looking at the helm 1 atb Dave
Just come across your channel. Excellent. I've put a fell running comedy up on TH-cam which could keep you company on those cold dark nights. Might give you a giggle. Best wishes to you and your trips out.
Thank you , I will check your channel out atb Dave
I've been looking at the Helm2 for a month or so now Dave, prices are very good - but I've always fell shy of pressing that buy button so it's great to see you got a Helm 1. Maybe you can help, I'd trust your opinion. The clips on the fly that attach to the red pole - how tight are the clips on the pole? And the head and foot end of the fly appear to bow in quite easily at ground level either side of the main pole, but I know a couple of well placed tarp clips would solve that. Did you notice the inner bending in much at the head and foot ends? Looked quite close to the top of your quilt at the foot end.
I shan't say anything about the Akto. 🙄 Great vid and yip, it sounded brutal over the other side of the wall.
They are tight but not overly tight , as in you can put them on without losing a finger. Yes I agree the quilt was touching at the foot end a bit , probs my fault as I had all my shite at the top end pushing me down. I should have stashed them down one of the sides.
It’s surprisingly solid compared to the Akto which really surprised me, the compact 2 will have loads of room . I do also like that you can access the other porch to stash wet stuff, boots bag etc
The wind really did make it very cold and didn’t venture far from my quilt 😂😂 winter is here again 🥶 atb Dave
@@BorderRambler Yip, winter is here, it's been foggy over east for 2 days now, that proper foggy stuff that we had in the 70's. Pea soup. I might treat myself to a Helm 2 after Christmas.....a girl can never have too many tents and I do like the stealthy green colour ;) Cheers for the info Dave.
the aluminium foil pad under the sleeping mat where did you get that and what was the cost. Thanks
£13.99 from here - www.treadlitegear.co.uk/ripstop-aluminium-camping-groundsheet-footprint-for-exped--neoair-88-p.asp
Atko's & Hilleberg tents in general definitely have a condensation problem that isn't really acknowledged in all the rave reviews they get.
Yeah it does seem to be one of their traits , but people still happy to pay big 💷💷💷 for them
Hello Dave! Appreciate your video for the HC1. Im planning a multi day hike in Mt. Apo in the Philippines, it's the highest peak in the country and it constantly rains.
I have been watching a lot of videos recently about which tent to buy and this one seems to be really good and it's not as expensive as the other top brands.
In your opinion would it be alright to use in a tropical scenario?
Thank you
Nat
Hi Nat , for value for money and reliability this tent fits the bill. Although being tropical I would expect condensation , there isn’t many a camp I do that I don’t get condensation so I carry an absorbent cloth to minimise it .
It’s just part of camping and can’t be helped .
Hope this helps atb Dave
@@BorderRambler Hey Dave thank you for the input, i have been putting off buying a tent for a fair bit now and going into the rabbit holes that is the world of climbing is a bit daunting but thank you for the information, greatly appreciate it.
Waiting till boxing day to get my hands on this 😁
I'd take the helm over the akto every time simply just for the ease of use and the room it gives ok it might not be as robust but I bet it's not far off just a bit more selective when pitching.
Yes it’s always advisable to be selective on pitch location , but the helm is ticking all the boxes so far atb Dave ⛺️👍
An off beam question from me, please. I notice you had your meths burner on an upturned Cascade (?) table. What do you put under the burner to stop it melting the table?
PS not certain why TH-cam appears to me to be hiding my user name!!!
David Williams
Your name is showing at my end , I used an insulated foil mat but I have just bought a soldering mat at the foil is wearing thin .
Just got my Helm 1 as solo female wanted a good safe tent in case the wind gets crazy. I'm claustrophobic but the Helm 1 is ok as white colour and head room is good.
Whats that quilt? Im a side sleeper i would love a warm quilt!
This tent will tick that box for you , solid in the wind and I too like the white inner. Ideal for one with storage for boots and rucksack too.
The quilt is my UGQ bandit rated down to minus 12 , got from the states and got stung for duty !!! Plenty of them online in the Uk now but wasn’t when I bought mine . Atb Dave ⛺️👍
Tent looks great, just the weight lets it down. Do you have a link or the name of your new thermometer?
still lighter than Akto tho 👍 thermo link - www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LKNRMJM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
atb Dave
@@BorderRambler i'd have that over an Akto any day. Headroom has always been a problem with the Akto (and condensation when humid)
even when not humid lol
@@BorderRambler I think the Akto is a bit lighter 1.7kg rather than 1.97kg according to the manufacturers. But the price difference is, as you say, very substantial.
@@DavidWilliams-tk3dy possibly I also had the footprint attached at 250g,so pushed it up near the 2 kg for me and around 2.5kg on return with all that condensation lol
Would this be good for me and two small spaniels or the Helm 2 a smarter choice??😊
I would think the Helm 2 would be a better choice 👍
@BorderRambler thanks for your time matey 👍
What is the gadget you have on your right should strap?
It’s my wind meter - JDC Electronics Skywatch Xplorer 1 Wind Meter - Blue amzn.eu/d/3aObvtN
I thought it might be one of those emergency Garmin thingies. Your walks are in remote places. I like the look of the Helm 1. It looks solid. Quite tempted.
Ive just bought this tent for me and my little dog. Just a bit worried because i get claustrophobic. Not sure if i should swap for helm 2. Is it hot in summer if you sleep with the door open?
I haven’t used it for warmer weather camps only used in the winter , but if you want the room for you and the dog the helm 2 would be my choice .
Thanks for replying. I think I'm going to brave it. I'll just leave the door open.
Just put it up in my lounge... it's fab
@@niceaw9766 great stuff , always good to see how it goes together before heading out in it ⛺️👍
Dog loves it.
Was it cold ... You didn't mention bit 😂
Was it cold , I don’t know 🥶😂
Isn't wild camping in england illegal?
It is in certain areas , but this is Scotland where it is legal.
Dave, great video as usual, apologies, I meant to press the like button but pressed dislike by mistake (age related error, both button are next to each other) I really enjoy ALL of your content,
Regards David
Don’t worry David , I have the same problem 😂 appreciate your comment atb Dave ⛺️👍
Enjoy your helm compact 1 great tent very sturdy with next to no condensation use mine for bikepacking and backpacking. Nice video mate cracking hike in and out ATB ...colin.🏕🔥
Thanks, I will do, very happy so far 👍 it seems a solid little tent atb Dave ⛺️👍
Great to see the tent in those windy conditions Dave. Backing up what I think about some mid priced tents. Looked cold up there. Atb Gary
Thanks Gary , I’m very impressed with how well it pitched and handled the wind . Wind made it really cold but not like at the moment 🥶🥶 atb Dave