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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 เม.ย. 2024
- #nortent #vern
There's been a lot of buzz, good and bad about Nortent these last few weeks and some interesting videos emerging about the real life performance of the Vern series tents in high winds. I think it's time to talk and maybe share a hack too?
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This tent company did well giving so many free samples to all the popular You Tubers. People getting paid for reviews and it’s made me unsubscribe to many biased reviews.
Yes, same here. Unsubscribed from several biased, free-loading TH-camrs over this tent. Nortent decided to run an aggressive marketing campaign through social media. I am sure for them it was money well spent.
Very interesting , thank you ! I've been listening to the saga between Hilleberg fans and Nortent fans but I think the real deal is knowing when not to go for a wild camp if the winds will be crazy and choosing a protected area . Testing a tent to its limit is a personal choice but should not be use to promote it for this nature . Camping is supposed to be a relaxing activity , not an extreme sport . Never saw a TH-camr sleep in gale winds , in fact , they try to look as cozy as they can for camera but actually fear for their safety . Both company makes great tent , good enough for 99 % of the people who will use them wisely .
This isn't a fanboy debate and it's not personal or unpleasant. The majority of comments I've seen have been mature, balanced opinions based on what criteria an individual needs, or looks for in a shelter. Camping might be relaxing for you, for others it might be a test of endurance or pushing limits, or an exercise in adapting to changing conditions. It's whatever you or I want it to be, isn't it? Live and let live, mate. personally, I'm a paying customer trying to do research to make an informed choice.
@@MrCMHUDDY Never said the contrary , I think I said it was a matter of personal choice to use a tent in adverse conditions , but not to be promoted for the majority of campers who dont have all the knowledge for being safe in dangerous conditions . I do like challenges myself , and we do have some good ones here in Canada , but I would not test my tent for the purpoise of TH-cam but for myself .
@@bonpecheur4565 Thank goodness for those who do test for us TH-camrs or the purpose of making great content, I love that stuff and am grateful for the vicarious adventure when I cannot get out due to work commitments. I do love bad conditions, personally. Being huddled in a warm tent when the weather is rotten, knowing I'm safe in a good product without the silicone distractions of modern life. I wish I was in Canada btw, what a beautiful country! Much love from across the pond :) :)
@@MrCMHUDDY best regards from Montreal !
Theoretically, it is a good job that these weaknesses and design errors were highlighted. As you know, the British weather can change, even though the weather is predicted as good or mild winds.
This is also good for Nortent as they can now try and remedy the problem. Hopefully, all of the new Nortent owners will be looked after.
Camping for me is for fun. Don’t mind a bit of cold or rain or a bit breezy, but if the weather forecast is for stormy conditions I’ll stay home and eat crisps.
It's interesting that I emailed Nortent at the beginning of this week saying exactly this. (As well as a couple of other things I feel would improve the tent stability) and they were pretty dismissive. One comment I made about shortening the tent to increase the arch of the long poles and their response was "It wouldn't look right"
I would say I don't think Nortent has rattled anyone. I think the controversy is because certain youtubers (not you) made ludicrous statements before having even tried these out. I do agree it's a decent tent but it's certainly not what some quarters were claiming a couple months back. You keep doing you mate, I enjoy watching honest videos. 👍
Much appreciated!
Interestingly I have a cheap OEX Rakoon 2.1, whose poles cross over at both ends like this. However, the poles are under a very strong flysheet, and if you tension the flysheet properly it really makes a huge difference. If you pack it down in high winds as soon as you take the fly sheet off you see the collapsing effect you've shown here.
Level headed as always Andrew. Thank you!
Great input with a good little hack for those who are still interested in the Vern's. I personally still really like it but know its got limitations that stop it being a full 4 season tent.
I had thought of this myself when I saw the videos. My vern 1 doesn't arrive untill end of April beginning of may , so can't test the theory till then . So seeing you do it has confirmed it.. Thanks, I had been worried that I had just wasted nearly £600 on a tent I can't take out in strong winds. As I go up mountains whatever the weather I need a strong tent. Take care out there.
Thank you for your video and your positive contribution to the Verns “vernurability” issues, I had thought about the same hack of using the trekking poles at the end. Glad to see from your demo that it looks very effective and very simple to do. Your suggestion of the steeper incline at the ends is a good one but surely would mean a shorter overall tent length? Whereas the Nortents design I think was intended to provide more space on the inner. I think the trekking pole maybe if combined with a thicker blue pole or double pole would fix the issue? Hopefully people will be able to try this in the not too distant future as I am sure they will! Thanks again Jason.
Have a detailed look at the Nortent Vern 1 PC, amazing workmanship!
My HB Staika has given me many secure nights in some foul weather. The Vern 1 PC has not let me down yet.
great honest and constructive review! look forward to watching your content!
An informative video.
Thanks for sharing a very handy hack.
Was. Looking at these tents but the first review I saw showed just how weak the pole structure was front to back. My storm star doesn’t have this problem….so sticking with it.
Great vid Andrew. I was just asked on my TH-cam short what I thought about my 10.25mm DAC's. I was to the point saying the same thing you mentioned. The strength is on the sides which isn't what you want. The end geometry needs addressing even with my 10.25mm DAC's, yes it's way stronger, but it doesn't solve the end geometry issue. Thankfully it's not just me that thinks this. The Gamme series were left out in the elements for nearly a year to test, doubt this was. Wind tunnel testing should be mandatory and certified by a third party. But still a great tent especially where I use it in massive boreal forests the size of UK counties. Tom Heaney adventures also put out a video on this similar topic. Cheers.
Ok so backpackersuk thinks the guy should stop the wind from varying in direction or he's at fault, not the design? and now you want us to go buy and carry 4 trekking poles to correct the it's flaws? (which will in total cost same price as a hilleberg) it's really is amazing what free samples can do to a youtubers mind and integrity 🤦🏻♂
It's fairly well known that the direction of the wind changes as our predominantly cyclonic low pressure systems barrel in from the Atlantic. They usually travel from west to east and as they track across the UK, the wind direction changes relative to your position & that of the storm as it moves. It's therefore correct to state the winds changed direction. No matter how you pitch your tent, the winds will usually change direction - nobody gets out of their tent to rotate a fully kitted out tent, guys and pole config should be able to handle the direction changes well 👍 the winds almost do a 180 as they're usually more southerly and then become more northerly as the system tracks east 👍
@@MCMOutdoors agreed and it's interesting you mention this as I just had a reply after stating this from backpackinguk saying and I quote "You’re telling me Storm Kathleen did a 180?!?! Give over 😂" I replied to him with this response "you can see from his video inside the tent that it was flattening the end of the tent which suggests either the vern 1 is a pancake all round or it was pitched into the wind.".
Brilliant video Andrew. Been laughing all week at the drama unfolding. Have to admit, I had been fancying the vern 1 until I seen that video floating around but what you did was so simple. Done things similar with walking poles on tents myself. Can’t see how folk can argue with the physics you used there.
Thank you for the informative video. As a Vern 1 owner, it's concerning that a tent sold as four seasons may require external bracing or a design change to correct a possible design issue. Whilst I don't intend to head to a peak in a storm any time soon, I do intend to spend time in the Scottish Highlands in Autumn so peace of mind is high on my list of priorities with any tent.
Good work Andrew. Class act
Just picked up this tent after seeing this video. I was nearly put off by the pole failure video. Just had a test weekend in my garden with it. This is a fantastic tent. I have a heavy weather pole kit now prepared that fits easily in this tent's generous bag. Putting it to the test proper in Scotland this June.
it's a great tent and I think you'll see many on the hills for years to come. Future classic !
Hi Andrew, great video, I would like to say I was out at Angle Tarn in the lakes at the weekend in my Vern 2 and about halfway up Angletarn Pikes, during the night the wind really picked up and you could hear it roaring towards me before hitting the tent. I had the red poles facing the wind and never had any issues, the tent seemed to handle the wind OK
That's good to know, were heading out in it this weekend !
Will be good to know how you get on. Enjoy the weekend
Here's the thing. Unless you're on an expedition most of us don't need a tent that's going to see us through 50,60,70mph winds. If I know the wind's going to be that strong, I'm using my head and saving it for another day.
I'm not impressed one bit, by the folk who actively go seeking these conditions to summit camp in. I think it shows a certain recklessness that shouldn't be encouraged. Remembering that when it all goes wrong, it'll be volunteers that have to come and bail you out. G❤️🏴
A b&b if you're already on the road.
Couldn't agree with you more on this.
"I'm testing my kit and my skills"
No, you're just being reckless.
What seems reckless to you …. Is an exciting challenge to others that maybe be more skilled. These people need stronger more capable gear than this tent provides. Why the negativity about people who are more adventurous than you and perhaps more capable?
@Sneaky-Sneaky all tents have their limits, regardless of your skill set. I've been exploring the mountains for over 20 years, doing my ML qualification, have friends who volunteer for the local MRT, so I'd happily put my knowledge up against others.
There are certain conditions that regardless of skill are just reckless to camp in, especially with the trend of camping on summit or exposed positions. You're putting yourself and by default others at risk by doing it and glamorising it to the lesser skilled.
It's one thing being caught out by unpredictable weather, that can happen to anyone. It's totally another thing to deliberately seek it out for TH-cam likes and views.
@@mandoesmountains it's always fun to find "idiots to feel better than".
Experience gives you that right, doesn't it?
Really well said, Andrew, and you have a great hack there. People have been doing this on long-established tents such as the Scarp 1 for years, so should come as not too much of a shocker.
Scarp 1 is a backpacking tent though, shouldn't need to do this on a 4 season 5kg tent
@@GregTheCamper lol exactly these two just want the Nortent parcels to keep arriving from China, now they want us to go buy and carry 4 trekking poles to correct the design flaws which will in total cost same price as a hilleberg it's amazing what free samples can do to a youtubers thought processes🤦🏻♂
@@El-Jefethese vern tents are not cheap either .500 plus ! That in itself is marketing . Its a bit like saying rolls Royce is much cheaper than ferrari
@@TheRst2001 exactly also the Norwegian flag and quotes from artic explorers on the bag just makes this tent all the more dubious seeing as it's made in China. I mean would either or these two take this alibaba tent to the artic? I doubt it. Let's face it you could pick up something of similar quality for 100 on ali.
@@El-Jefet why buy 4 poles? Are you mad? You can accomplish the same thing with stacked rocks, or a stick etc. You'd have to be mad to buy and carry 4 poles. Verns still have more room than anything other than a Hille tunnel tent like the Kaitum or Keron. The Soulo is like a coffin for those of us who are tall. Ventilation in Hilles is abysmal as well. We get it, you don't like the Verns. Don't buy them, it's pretty simple.
Thanks for a sensible response to all those who want to complain about the vern 1. I have a soulo and a vern 1 and use them both. If you don’t like something don’t buy it.
Spot on Andrew with your comments. Great video as always 👍
Well said in this video.
Spot on Andy and a well used “hack” that has worked well on other tents. ATB Jiffy 👍
Great hack! i hope we've got to the end of the Vern reviews! I enjoyed yours and one or two others but they must've sent them out to everyone on TH-cam?!! Take me back to mi little Lanshan! ;-)
Andrew, thanks for this content and the effort, really appreciate the thought you've put into this. I have had the Vern on back-order since Feb, and after days of thought and consideration, I am very likely to cancel my order and ask for a refund. Okay, this tent is not anywhere near as expensive as a Soulo, so in hindsight, my expectations needed to be lowered perhaps... But, this is still a premium Scandinavian four-season tent that is shown to fail in what are NOT extreme wind conditions for the UK. That is just not good enough. Nortent asking content creators to test it again with double-poles is a joke. Why should I pay more for a massive hike in weight to fix a problem that shouldn't exist, after already paying good money? Then, if Nortent tweak the design and ship an updated version weeks or months after I've got their prototype and I'm left with an inferior iteration of an evolving design (as they've already hinted might be happening after feedback from the documented failures)... Will I be happy? No.
Nortent should've tested this properly. Again, a four season tent that fails in 40mph winds, really? I'll save more pennies and buy the Soulo, I think. My fault for being seduced in the first place.
Great comment. I've cancelled my order and I hope others do too. It just shows that you tube hype really does work. It's a sorry situation when you are paying the best part of £600 for a tent that can't cope in 45mph winds. My robens starlight 2 has done better and that's a sub £200 tent. Just test it again with double poles, if that fails try triple. Like you said, they will release an update version which should have been the first version and we will feel hard done by. Nortent have not done sufficientl testing if any, and I think the backlash has started. I wont buy a nortent now
@@leeroy5190 Hey Lee, I've literally just cancelled too and I am gutted tbh. It had to be done. I am hugely grateful to Andrew, Tom Heaney, Fellman Dave and especially Rowan Wild camps for their opinions and insights. There's no such thing as a perfect tent, but the Vern just isn't what I thought it was. What a shame.
@@MrCMHUDDY I feel your pain mate. It is so disappointing but those guys saved us money and more disappointment in the long run I guess. It's a beautiful looking tent too. I expected our love affair to last a little longer to be honest ha. I have no idea what tent I want now. Fjallraven maybe?
@@leeroy5190 Lee, I've got the Abisko Lite 1 and I adore it! It's my go to for one night camps when I don't need massive amounts of comfort. It's the best tent I have, by far.
@@MrCMHUDDY tha ts good to hear. I'm thinking the abisko lite 2 maybe a good choice for me. I'm going to take some time to research this time haha. It was love at first sight with the vern 1. Have I learned nothing from my teenage years haha
I think when people start to define themselves by the tent they own then they have forgotten the point of camping outdoors.
good point... get out there and use a bin bag if you have to, just enjoy it :-)
Andrew to the rescue. 😂 I feel sorry for all the people who have purchased the Vern thinking it's going to be something it's not. At least you've shown them a fabulous workaround. Hopefully they will all see this.
Like you said, it's still looks like a fabulous tent for the money though, maybe just not quite what some were thinking it would be.
Great video mate and you deserve so many more subscribers than you currently have.
This tent will definitely break in high winds, doesn't seem to be made for this. As I wrote before, this tent is a dangerous product
By your logic, every tent that could break in high winds is therefore similarly ‘dangerous’. What to do…….
@@freeforester1717 Yes I understand, but this tent advertises for use in such weather
I love all these videos and I go wild camping when I can, but I only have a Vango Helvellyn and it does the job - so far anyway 😅
I'd love to see an honest review of something like a Vango v Nortent on an average wet Scottish wild camp to really see what the difference is.
Andrew, I think Nortent should be sending you a design fee for your simple but impressive solution with one simple, small pole for the back. Thank you, from a new subscriber in the White Mountains of New Hampshire!
great thinking, great work. Could become the basic design fix for many brands, rather than trying to fix the arc.
also your point about possibly aligning these combined tunnel/geodesic designs sideways to the wind would be worth seeing in wind tunnel testing
Good video Andy. I had the same idea just in the last 24 hours, to use a walking pole in this way, like the Scarp 1 does I think. I wasn't sure if that lower guyline point would be high enough to make a difference, but it certainly looks like it is from your video here.
I'm not even going to comment on the tensions and strong words people have been exchanging online about these tents. I mean...they're tents! 🤷🏻 Thanks for restoring a bit of calm and sanity, and for demonstrating a really good way to strengthen a tent like this 👍 James.
I'd be concerned with high winds causing that walking pole folding, and risk to puncturing the tent. Care with that pole angle is a must. Id be much happier with tip down too, well bedded into the ground, with a clove hitch can then be used to tether the guyline to the pole handle.
Yep, I think either end up will work. a
If you have 2 poles you could perhaps make a triangle-shaped brace with the tips buried and the handles crossed and bound together? That would be much more stable. Then run the guy line in the "V" between the handles?
I think the problem is some youtubers have bigged up there gifted vernes so much it becomes sickly and clearly obvious it's a bias review . Then they have started a direct competition with the soulo and all without testing the item properly first. Now a lot of them are eating humble pie. 😂
I dont think I've ever seen a company give out so many tents in one go , a complete blitz 😅
@@TheRst2001 coz there shite lol 😂just joking. Good tent but it's no soulo, I'd say my helm 1 performs better in the wind ATM until design is rectified and My soulo is on another level.
@@etztz123 😅 yes I forgot about WildCountry tents , I was thinking of vango oex tents as competition. I've got an old ebay laser comp1 which I use more than my posher tents 😀 The helms a great tent . Just looked at the helm 2 . 300 quid just over 2kg thats a very competitive price 💪
@@TheRst2001 300! Sure you can get them cheaper. I paid about 200 for mine from summits I think.
The Soulo is a good tent but when it comes to surviving strong wind, it’s no Oex Bobcat!
I think for an extra hundred quid the Kuiu Storm Star, which was flavour of the month before the Vern 1 was released, looks a better choice.
Defo.
Me too…and I bought one….very strong pole structure for big wind…..
Been following the drama online with interest. I don't look at it as fanboys getting upset but more about the way this tent was marketed on YT. There was a saturation of content and some disingenuous statements made by well respected influencers. I believe this has pointed out a flaw in the community with the rush of being first rather than factual. I was actually put off by all the hype personally and I mentioned it in a video a few months back. I learned my lesson when I purchased a tent that was highly recommended by an influencer, but I didn't check his other videos where it was obvious he was in bed with the brand. Wasn't a disaster but it was the only tent I've ever sent back. I've yet to find an influencer actually criticising a big brand company only ever see Walmart or I spent £100 on Amazon style vids. I think a bit to consider by all on the the subject. It will a pass once the next big thing comes out! 😂 great video and well put across 👍
It seems everyone is forgetting TBS…….
Tension Band System……only Vango has the patent/rights on this and it is totally a game changer in high winds.
Vango tents are not of great manufacture BUT they hold out against other brands due to the TBS. Add a walking pole to the equation and it can handle crazy winds. Also no broken poles with Airbeam!
It seems quietly in the background Vango has created what appears to be a game changer that nobody is talking about.
Keep your Hilleberg and Nortents…..😆🙈
Good point though I'd say Slingfin etc do something similar, I wonder if they could be legally pursued or if it's unenforceable?! 🤔
@@AndrewParkOutdoors I guess the patent needs to be looked at in detail. Other brands could licence it from Vango? Maybe AMG group would not allow it?
Hoping to test this Xenon F10 Airbeam soon…..I guess the worst that could happen is it gets flattened and pops right back up again 😆 It seems a winner to me!
I’m glad someone has done this video after my comment on RowanWildCamps 45mph failure video. I raised the issue that long flatter longitudinal poles have. This is exactly the solution I suggested. Just a shame that no one gave this a thought at the design stage or even from the “experienced” TH-camrs that were given these for free. Some even said that “it could be a Soulo rival, at half the price”. So much for unbiased & unreasoned assumptions by so called “experts”.
Exactly. Instead of saying “this is an opportunity for Nortent to improve their product” I’m left rather disgusted that Nortent started selling their product without first testing the design exhaustively in strong winds (which an unnamed reputable manufacturer would do).
At last!
A simple hack to improve an already good tent. Thank you.
Sick of other petty, ignornant tubers and keyboard warriors who just want to jump on the bashing bandwagon to gain attention.
Well said.
Hi , try out the barents snota 1 - light akto killer ?
I have the vern 1 but as I do astro photography and enjoy a camp fire I wont be going out in really high winds also someone had a pole snap out in high winds but it does mention in the booklet about double polling the tent as well.
YES! If you look at the Vern 2 wbpage the first option is adding double poles for extreme weather, but not on the Vern 1 page. If you read the blurb on the Vern 1 page it states you need double poles in extreme weather, it's not as if they haven't mentioned this...maybe some people know better and can't read...
@@LoremIpsum1970 I read the booklet that came with my vern 1 and its stated on there about doubling up on the poles I don't think many people have read their instructions in the booklet, they just go out in high winds pitch the tent up without it being doubled poled and expect it to with stand the conditions so another test is needed with a double pole tent in high winds.
@@darkshaman7087 Yep, it's a case of FTFM. I agree with Andy's (Backpacking UK) latest video, and what Tom Heaney says. There is a case for manufacturers to give guidelines for doing this along with windspeed and gust figures, even snow loading, though there are other variables like guying and pegging out that will have to come with experience.
@@LoremIpsum1970 yes the tents should be tested to their max before being sold and the manufactures can say what the tent is capable of so we will know what to expect from them, also someone like myself out in high winds will find a cove or a solid quarry etc to pitch up out of the winds but not always possible as I understand, also if I had the strongest tent in the world I would still find a shelter area before setting up camp its about survival at the end of the day and we must think for ourselves as can't rely on man made materials out in the elements. I was just on a hike one day and the winds was so high it was catching my breath also I could not walk down the other side of the valley as the wind was pushing me back it was unreal and I don't think many tents would have survive that.
Sorry Andy didnt say thanks for the vid. Very interesting point about the structure.
I don't think there is necessarily anything wrong with the design. The pole may be a bit crap. But really it comes down to having solid anchors with rigid tents like this. This is why I'm not a fan of very rigid tents where the fabric is supported by the poles in every direction. It means that if one of your anchors pulls out, you have s great chance of breaking a pole not matter which way the wind is blowing. This is the case for the hb Soulo too. An MLD trailstar for example will just flap or eventually the centre pole will dislodge itself. But nothing catastrophic. Tunnel tents will also just flap and deform but highly unlikely to break a pole so long as the wind is not blowing from the side. The akto, while being known for being flappy in the wind, is part of its strength imo. This is because it will flex and shift with the patterns in the wind, instead of against it, reducing the likelihood of any singular stress point existing and any failures from happening. Imo tents need some kind of built "controlled" weakness. I'll take some Hilleberg flap every now and then than be paranoid that if a peg pulls out my tent might break.. this is generally why i just prefer mids or tipis for snowless periods and tunnels for winter.
always carry an arrow shaft then? (use the notch) :) if you don't use trekking poles!
Seems to be the most sensible and cost effective solution to safeguarding the integrity of the tent, if anyone is frankly sufficiently determined to camp in conditions that might end up damaging their investment in kit and risking their wellbeing to boot. I’m not for a moment suggesting that people only go camping in fair conditions, merely to consider the best way forward when they do intend venturing out in less than pleasant weather, and there are always options for more sheltered pitches off the exposed summit - when discretion becomes the better part of valour.
Wow, cool ol makes the design even better...geniuses
I was thinking the same things my Kuiu storm star has thick poles in comparison and steeper slope. Once the hack is done your set. Great thanks! I really like the shape like a wing almost allows wind to go up over. Wished I could get a free one to test. Then again why wrap those poles up with the fly? Why not just put tension on the fly itself. Then giving the poles less stress??? Hmmm. Might solve most issues. Visionary though. Thanks Jim. Hook me up with free tent Nortent I will test my theory!
Andrew - just looking at the pancaking issue and I had another "hack" idea - not sure if it would work and interested in your thoughts. The upper guy lines on the longitudinal poles - instead of staking them straight out, would it work if you crossed them both to their opposite sides of the tent and pegged them out? i.e. left hand longitudinal guy crosses over to the right hand side of the tent, and vice versa? I dont own this tent to try it and maybe that wouldnt make any difference? 🤔 Just an idea.
I think I saw your experiment with that ?
@@AndrewParkOutdoorsyes, it did seem to make a difference
Superb hack. As you also say, "Side on" for that tent would be far better. Those longitudinal poles appear to be a weakspot. I used to have a Voyager and when a strong gust got at its back it went down like a 20 year old German Shepard's hind legs. It never broke mind. The YT stuff is hilarious, especially the sanctimonious 'Told you so" from a certain Swedish brand's fan boys but the bottom line is that it's an effing tent!! Limitations as you say! Sustained 40 mph plus is not ideal anytime for most tents and you are taking some element of risk regardless. We've seen Soulos and Scarps been broken by big gusts and my expedition Quasar got a particularly bad trashing on the bealach between Cobbler and Ben Ime (Bone idle planning and hungover laziness on my part btw). Forward route planning on windspeed and direction is far stronger than any tent........ leeward sides for the win😂. Appreciate some of these YT folks are taking the tent out on a bench test basis with the express intention of pushing it all the way, but in real life, at least in Scotland's mountains, no right thinking sane person is going to put full blind faith in a tent in high winds. If they do, may I reccomend Eric Langmuir's ""Mountaincraft and Leadership".
I'll stick with my Vern 1 version 1. was considering buying version 2 for the space bit I'll stick with what I got,👍🏻
It's a good hack, one that I've used many times with other products. So often in fact I don't consider it a hack but part of responsibly pitching a tent that asks for this. They could make the walls steeper, but that will make it catch more wind which comes with it's own set of problems.
I don't think this is a problem in the design, it's just something to be aware of and know how to work with.
They (Nortent) should be watching you as they have given you Two Tents.
For weight, price and this weak spot on the tent it's a big miss for me.
there is a fair amount of expectation when you jump up to a premium brand. I simply loved my Soulo and no doubt would love this tent too. However, it’s important to think carefully on what sort of camper you are, and in what conditions you normally camp in. That is why I won’t carry anything over 1.5kg (preferably lighter).
Im kind of with you on that. my latest S10 is 1.1 kg and its so great to carry something that light but stable. A
45 mph gusts, or worse, are going to be a nail biter no matter what lightweight hiking tent you bring into battle.. Even a Hilleberg owner should be ready for the worst in those conditions. Obviously, it's become a thing for you tube adventurers to brave the peaks during a storm, testing themselves and new equipment. And it is entertaining. But how many of us would choose to pitch exposed in that weather? Frankly, I hope this competitive trend levels off a bit before somebody gets seriously injured or worse.
And let's face it, these sort of conditions are commonplace these days, especially up here in the Western lakes.
It seems like we are getting storms every other week and the weather is becoming more unpredictable.
So its good that more hardy shelters are out there at lower price points in case people do get caught out, but you're right in that people seem to seek these conditions out which I've never understood.
I have an Soulo bl and was told it was overkill for the lakes, having lived here all my life and camped for the last 30 years of it I knew better, but I've never actively sought bad conditions to camp in I just wanted a tent that could handle the worst should it need to, and both the tents in question can as far as I can see.
There's far too many MRT call outs these days due to people being caught out in weather even when the weather forecasts are for storms, it beggars belief.
I have noticed the Vern 1 polycotton version has fewer guylines, meaning only one lower one at each end. Do you think this makes the issue even worse for the polycotton version? Unsure why one edition would have fewer guylines than another.
Good question, not sure tbh and haven't seen the PC version in the flesh. A
The Vern 2 has also suffered snapped poles.
Not interested in buying this tent at all, but great to see a solutions-oriented approach to this storm in a teacup. It would probably also be useful in hard conditions with my more oval profile tents, and I hadn't really thought about that enough until now. Ta.
The vern 1 is clearly not competition for a Soulo. Maybe it's more comparible to an Unna?
These types of tent are too heavy for me anyway. I always am a tad sceptical when a company sends their product out in bulk to You tubers.
Hilleberg and Nordisk didnt need to and neither did people like Dan Durston.
Great video and some very good points. I have cancelled my order for a vern 1 as the main reason is I'm very easily led and I got caught up in all the hype. I ordered a 4 season tent because my elixir 2 died one me so I wanted a tent I could rely on and not have to worry about getting caught out if the forcast was wrong....again.When I saw the recent videos of the vern 1 collapsing in 45mph conditions I decided to pull the plug. I can't cope with that. I'm still looking but this tent is a no go for me.
Also just to add, when you mentioned about the hilleberg owners getting annoyed. There were a couple of hilleberg owners who joined the nortent group on Facebook just to hate on the vern 1. Very defensive haha. Absolutely mad. It's only a tent but they take it very very serously. I find that amazeballs
Cant go too far wrong with Kuiu Storm Star.
I'd like to try one but yet to see one in the flesh which puts me off buying it.
Could you not tie a guide across the top loops and run a line from the center
Being paid for a review or buying the product yourself would almost guarantee a bias review.
If its been given for free then there isn't much incentive to not be honest about it.
People who buy stuff usually want to justify their expenditure, so it'll be "great" regardless.
genuinely one of the better tents out there.
You are just being very kind here Andrew 😇 . Good hack but i wouldn't want the faffing around trying to make something work when the weather turns bad because it doesnt live up to whats its supposed to be designed for. Its the Tent version of someone who takes steroids to look the part but couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag 😆🤣
Good video Andrew mate, seems hilarious the drama created. I do believe this "could" be a good alternative to the Soulo if on a budget. It certainly will have its place and no doubt Nortent will most likely evolve in their next iteration.
Having used Nortent they were great and good quality but but me having to brace a £500 tent with a trekking pole doesn't seem reasonable. Its important that their is competition as it fuels innovation which will ultimately benefit us wild campers.
Anyway mate cheers for sharing Steven
The tent spec is not food for high winds they say that. To make it suitable there's something the manufacturer says to do. So no controversy at all
Use an arrow with a cap at the ground side.
I think the design suits the PC version better
The trekking pole is a good hack and can be used on many tents I think a lot of the controversy was some over claimed what it could do when really they were just 1st impression vids I think gear reviewers have to be careful and state these things like 1st look or long term review before making wild assumptions what it can beat or rival.as for the tent I like the space inside compared to the soulo.i still dubious about the door the wind and rain catching the storm flap rather than being pushed over it so put stress and seeing water going through the zip and I'd say it needs seam sealing for sure.
Great video. I am someone who has spent a lot of time in the Highlands in a campervan and want a tent to reach places I can't in a van. I'd never go out in strong winds but experience tells me that they happen when you didn't expect them often. I'm back to looking at Hilleberg which will mean a longer wait till I can afford one but the stress of being remote with a vulnerable tent was never on the cards.
I would claim there is a much easier hack to solve it than an edgy trekking pole. You need two guy lines where the side guy lines are of these side poles and direct both to come to one more centered peg in the middle of these two side poles, basically above the existing center guy line, just running longer. That way the cross over cannot give in low (first line) and not give in higher (new lines). Btw: when you push against your solution the peg was shifting slightly in the ground. Poor pegs are by far the main problem I see in a lot of UK videos. I will never understand why many carry a steak, but get so cheap on pegs in swampy areas.
Certainly Not a Hilleberg Tent. Seen a video of the Vern failure. More videos showing failure. I have an Akto plus a Jack Wolfskin Gossamer 2 and a Coleman Phad X3
Midges in April?
Midges do go on holiday, you know.😂😂😂😂😂
Great video, this is a decent backpacking tent, it’s not in the same class as the Soulo (to my knowledge the Hillie was primarily designed for mountaineering?) it’s been ‘influenced’ right off the shelves.
I think the main problem here is people forming irrational attachments to a brand. People invest money and time in using a product and start to incorporate that into their identity, i.e. 'I am a Naturehike user'. Then, when something is perceived as a threat to their brand of choice, it becomes a personal matter.
Andy of Backpacking UK has a video up talking about the Northernt Failure video and has a theory that matters weren't helped by an existing bend in a pole and an imperfect pitch. It also seems like Andy has become a bit of scapegoat for people who dislike Nortent which isn't ideal! It's a strange world we live in.
Common sense jock. Scots engineering to the for. I also like this tent and I also have, had hillebergs. 😊
It would then become a treking pole tent! Some of us don't carry treking poles.
It would also increase the weight of the tent even more.
I thought The Vern's were able to be double poled, wouldn't that fix the issue, also with your 'hack' you would surely need two poles at either end to create A frames, otherwise it would likely fall to one side. Other than that a great vid, I think it's just a lot of salt from the elitist's.
Yes Nortent recommend double poling from about 30mph upwards butit would be a chunky pack !
a welcome voice of reason
Good video Andrew, stay classy .
Thanks, you too!
This brand the past couple seasons is way over-hyped, specs are not truly there, typically overpriced value to cost, given out freely to bunches of youtubers doing short term use overnighters vs. more relevent professional test review, and generally below average product for shoulder 3-season into 4-season reliability. It is not to say these are bad tents... however, they are not all that great. No serious expedition to remote destinations with demanding conditions would right-mindedly place high reliances and trust in this stuff. Will it work / can it work? YES - is the answer... that said... far from optimal. Likely company (like so many today outsourcing and all, etc.) Never did good in-house testing of their own or via additional ways/means.
You seem a really great chap…. So with respect to you all this who ha is just ridiculous and I’m glad I’m leaving the wild camping fraternity behind, seems to have become a very popular pass time for utter numptees and the idiots you meet on the hills makes me cringe. Most don’t respect the environment and just want to cook steak and drink beer and leave a mess behind. Peace out ❤
yes there's certainly a lot of that about !
If you love a Hilly fine, but if you want to save yourself 400 bucks and get a tent even better than the Soulo - more room - better looking), wait for Vern to bring out the new poles (not that you really need them, not unless you go out in very strong winds, which might happen once in a ‘blue moon’). My experience of the Vern 1 is A1 (in an Alpine environment). The Hilleberg worshipping is hilarious. 😂.
You’ll definitely need a true mountaineering tent in alpine big wind situations and the Vern tents are not that….don’t be ridiculous !
@@Sneaky-Sneaky I’ve been using the Vern 1 a lot recently, on one occasion in St Étienne (Mercantour) in extreme conditions (heavy snow then ice as temperatures dropped below -10C). It’s simply not letting me down. Not at all. With respect, no tent would survive a full on Alpine storm. Our forests and villages don’t even survive them so I choose carefully when I’m going to go out (I love camping deep in the mountains in the snow - either snow shoe or Alpine ski’s). I don’t pitch up in a crazy place with no protection. Yes we get caught out from time to time, but if we see a serious weather system approaching then we pack up and we’re on our toes. The room inside the Vern 1 is brilliant. I love it. So glad I chose it over the Soulo.
I must say I love my mark 1 Vern 2.but yeah after seeing Fellmandave’s video on the fail at 50mph.I felt like yourself it would be advisable to as you say peg out the end guy line with a pole.don’t reckon double poling would solve the issue,because of it geometric design.personally I’ll be sticking with my tried and tested mountain hardware Trango 3 for potentially hazardous conditions.👍
I too have the vern 2 mark 1, being a tunnel tent in effect, it should be more stable as the poles are fully bent, and tunnel tents are generally a proven choice in high winds, the weak point could be the triangle vents at the end, have you had your out in strong winds ? if so how did you find it ?
I honestly think people are expecting to much out of some gear , also I do think social media doesn’t help in that some tend to push the boundaries to far in the use off some equipment in some quite silly situations .
Cracking hack mate for those vern owners 👍
This is a great tent and let's be honest if you look hard enough you can find faults on just about every tent on the market.
And having to use a trekking pole or a stick to solve the small issue is not the end of the world. Great tip great video great tent.
100% Agree 👍
It’s only a good tent if you stay with in its limits….its not a good tent in high winds!
Andrew was my comment deleted?
Hi, I never delete any comments. TH-cam has its own bots tho, I've never any idea or see what they do ?
@@AndrewParkOutdoors I maybe used to many big words this morning lol
That's a very very poor design unfortunately
Was going to buy this but not anymore
I'd buy another tomorrow, great tent for the money, you're going to see a lot on the hills in the future. A
@@AndrewParkOutdoors 4 season tent but it caves in when its windy unless we all carry a pole to mod it like you did
Anyone want to buy a Vern 2? :)
How much?
Tent Guru - great stuff