Great review Rob, well done. I love the detail that you go into and you really showcased the Akto very well. I like the way you have shots of it in different locations and conditions. Great camera work with angles to show the inside volume and space. Keep up the excellent work and looking forward to your next one. ATB Tom
Thanks again Tom 🙏 tried my best to highlight all I know about it. The Soulo is up next. That might be a 3 part video 😁 What are you using for filming btw? I got the GoPro but it’s not all that great for this kind of work...
Oh that’s a very nice one. You can really take advantage of the 35mm with a full frame. I had a Sony alpha years back but switched to Canon. My DSLR backpack is as heavy as camping gear so the ZV1 might be a better option indeed. Thanks buddy 🙏💪🏼
Hello from Sweden! I need to say that your review is one of the best reviews on Hilleberg Akto as I ever so far has watched! Thank you so very for your very good and excellent review even with important hacks in detail! Much much appreciated! Wishing you all the best always! Best regards from Sweden!
Thanks so much for this! Really appreciate you letting me know it was helpful. And thanks for sticking out till the end of this video - I know it was a long one but tried to let u know everything I know about this tent :) Tack!
Thanks Rob. My tip is to unhook the first (top most) elastic loop during the day. This gives space for your head outside the inner tent to give extra height, while still enabling you to sit inside the inner tent on the comfy inflated air mat!
Sensatve and thoughtful review thank you. Something you noticed which I had just assumed was that there is no peg point on the pole capture cups. Very nice review.
Great video! When buying this tent, one should also buy an "ExPed" leaning matress. It's a blow-up matress that you use sort of guy lines to modify to a chair, a leaning chair or a bed. This makes sitting in the tent very comfortable. Look it up, guys!😊
@@OutdoorPrep Oh.. yeah maybe😄 I usually use it in good weather conditions. I open the inner and outer doors of the Akto, sitting with straight back where it's tallest in the tent - with my legs stretched out through the doors. So my head doesn't touch the "roof"😅
Very good review and tips. I have only had my Akto for a couple weeks and used it for a week on the West Highland way. Unfortunately there was lots of rainfall but this tested the tent and I was dry as a bone inside. The only problem was that I had a leak or constant drip in exactly the spot you pointed out in the vent. I have emailed Hilleberg and await their response. All in all I love the tent and can't believe how much space their is as I'm 6'1" Atb Graeme
Thanks so much Graeme. West Highland way seems like a very good place for the Akto. Hmmmm sad to hear the issue with the leakage still exists. You'll probably get a reply from Kim soon. Curious to see what he'll say.
Just picked one up for some motorcycle camping next week, at 5' 9", the way you fit at 6' 4", I should be able to play basketball!! Great, detailed review, thanks fir sharing
It's never occurred to me to loosen the footprint by the pole so I'm not walking on it with my boots when entering or leaving the tent. I'll be doing that from now on with my Enan. I only wish you'd included pitching this tent during a rainstorm or when there are strong & gusty winds. That would better showcase the ease of pitching this tent by one person when the weather is inclimate. Yes, I've just subscribed & rang the notification bell. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
Great stuff! Happy to hear! Yeah I know what you mean. There's something about Hilleberg tents that turns people into storm chasers. Maybe I'll be able to record it one day. How's the weather in Reno? I'd think its mostly sunny. Last time I've been to Nevada it was quite hot, but that was on the other end of it (Death Valley)
Great review Rob, the akto is a of a legand of a tent and I like it alot. However for my personal requirements I find the fjallraven abisko lite 1, which as you say is inspired by the akto, is a better choice. I think this because you can open and close the end vents from the inside as you pointed out, which in very bad weather is a great feature. Also the front door can be zipped into a partially opened position for better ventilation without having to mod it with a shock cord like you demonstrated with the akto. Another good feature that sets the abisko lite 1 apart from the akto is the corner poles which are aluminium on the abisko and not fixed in, enabling the tent to be compressed smaller when packing it away. They also make the tent stand slightly higher at the ends giving a bit more space internally which helps to reduce the possibility of the inner tent fabric touching your face or feet as it's flapping about in very windy conditions, which all single hooped double wall tents tend to do to a certain extent. One small and final feature the abisko tent has which is better than the akto in my experience, is that the zip pulls are cord and not metal so when it's windy they don't tinkle all night like miniature wind chimes which I find irritating plus they shave a few grams off the overall weight of the tent. I do think the end guy line set up on the akto is superior to the abisko as it only requires two pegs to set up the guys at each end as opposed to three pegs each end on the abisko, but I and many others have modded the end guy line configuration to the same system used on the akto.
Thanks Dave! And for your elaborate analysis! Appreciate it and it's good to hear from an owner. I've looked at the Lite 1 too but couldn't find one in real life last year. You're analysis of the differences is spot on. It seems they've "fixed" the Akto in many ways :) It does seem like it's a bit smaller. Is that something you could confirm?
@@OutdoorPrep it's been years since I've been inside an akto but on paper the abisko is slightly taller both at the internal central point and at the ends but slightly narrower inside the inner tent. The fabrics used are of a lower denyeer count on the fly, internal tent body and the ground sheet of the abisko, but still plenty strong enough for all but the wildest four season conditions. One thing both tents have in common is that they both have relitivley long roof spans either side of their central hoops meaning in very high winds the fly sheets flap and come into contact with the inner tent which can cause issues in long periods of heavy rain when the fly starts to wet out or condensation has built up inside the fly sheet. My personal preference is the abisko and the lower price is an added bonus but they are both fantastic and very very very similar tents. Should you ever want to sell, I think the hilleberg akto would sell for a much higher price than the fjallraven abisko. Hilleberg is a brand where used prices, even on tents many years old, are almost the same as new prices, certainly here in the UK at least.
Excellent comparison of the tent features. You make no mention of "Customer Service" with the fjallraven abisko lite 1. Do they provide replacement parts, is "Customer Service" accessible or does it leave a lot to be desired. Hilleberg "Customer Service" is legendarily a cut above all other customer service depts. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
@@azclaimjumper tbh I have only ever contacted fjallraven customer services once and they were very helpful. I needed two replacement guy lines for my abisko endurance 2 tent because my puppy had chewed them and they don't sell them on their website. They sent me two replacements free of charge even though I offered to pay.
@@azclaimjumper that's a good question. Looking at the communication and service around Fjallraven Classic events - that looks quite horrible. People being ignored, questions not being answered - that kind of stuff. That's from the "office". In Amsterdam we have a Fjallraven Brand Center which is a big store. The service there is second to none. Amazing people that go above and beyond. I've done some repairs and replacements for clothes and it's been great.
Hej. At 29.00 you show how use the spare pole section to suppoet the fabric a bit better. I had a similar idea but isntead to use hiking/ski poles. This way you can adjust the height and get soke really good tension on the centre hopefully preventing the wind from smashing it against your face so much
Hej hej Yeah thanks 🙏🏻 that can work too of course if you have the right length. Of course you can also pull it up. Something similar is used on Zpacks tents 👌🏼
Allthough it was perfectly comfortable and you could do it just for one night, the video was more for fun and to show that it can be done. Life is much easier with a bigger pack :)
As a 200 cm tall I ended up having Staika instead of Akto / Soulo, and ever since I haven't regretted my choice... Sure, it weighs 4 kg, but at least I don't have to compromise the two most essential things: comfort and durability. My prefered accomodation is still a hammock , assuming there are trees around, of course, which isn't always the case when going to more remote/interesting locations...
The Staika does feel a lot more spacious indeed 👍🏽 I got it for mostly bad weather use as well. How well do you fit in it? I found that I’m touching the walls with my feet.
@@OutdoorPrep I'm mostly sleeping diagonally in it, and there's still plent of room for my large backpack next to me, but even if I'm sleeping straight it's doable. My feet are slightly touching the inner tent, but the inner tent is not touching the outer tent so my sleeping bag is staying dry.
@@Gekkibi Thanks for your interesting comment. I a 198 cm, so your experiences are valuable information for me. I carry an Unna on my sea kayak expeditions. Its floor is 230 but since the walls are inclinated, I still touch the fabric with my head and feet. It is not a problem, but still would have wished just a little bit more length. I expect the Hilleberg Keron tent the best option when it comes to tall people.
@@Gekkibi good to know you’ve experienced the same indeed. I did notice the difference between staking out the tent and not doing that in terms of size. Gained almost 8cm... do you know which sleeping pad you’re using?
@@kayasper6081 yeah it’s exactly that. Tried the Unna last week and it’s not a great fit... Keron, Kaitum and Helags are the best with vertical doors indeed. Allak 3 is also slightly bigger and the shape is different from the Staika so good space 👌🏼
Thanks for this review. I am 6'2 and debating getting the Akto or a 2 person tent by Hilleberg, but I do not think I want to carry the extra weight. Have you encountered any other suitable 1 person 4 season tents?
At 6’4 I’m the happiest in Keron 3GT in REAL winter (cold and snow). Allak 3 fits me well too. Soulo is great but my winter sleeping bag doesn’t fit as well in it. It’s fine for around freezing point but not -30. Maybe check out the Tarra?
@@OutdoorPrep Thanks for the message. I do alpine hiking in the alps so I need to stay light as I am going +1000m elevation hikes. Do you think the material of the tent Kerlon 1200 vs Kerlon 1800 makes any major difference with insulation? Trying to decide between the Black and Red label tents. Is there a reason a Keron (tunnel type) is superior to the Suolo - does it have to do with shape and size?
@@r-e-s-o-n-a-n-t Keron I just MUCH bigger and it has vertical walls which is great in winter. Also great for setting up in high winds on polar expeditions. I would not recommend it for general hiking as it requires a lot of space to setup and it’s heavy. Don’t count on the tent for insulation, it’s just tear strength. 1200 is plenty for most uses. Check out Unna if you fit or otherwise Soulo 👍🏽
A very excellent (in my opinion) and thorough review. I do not own a tent at the moment, I am quite new, but reviews like this help greatly. I cannot make up my mind I f I should get the Akto or the Soulo at the moment. Maybe I will change my mind by the time any are available 🙂 Thank you 🙏
Glad you found it useful! I also have a video on the Soulo if you havent seen that yet. The choice between the two is almost impossible. I'm preparing for a longer trip and still haven't decided between the two...
@@OutdoorPrep I’m 5’10 so I’m quite a bit shorter than you, so size wise it’s probably okay with the Akto but the Soulo has the advantage of being free standing so that it can be pitched in more awkward areas. Is this how it is Rob, I don’t understand much about these tents. I do prefer the inside space of the Akto, it’s more even and seems less eccentric As far as I can see, tge Soulo is more flexible with regards to movement and placement, It probably looks cooler and it has more headspace, but are the materials the same as in weather proof ness etc
@@jarrahdrum that would be great indeed. I think they've tried doing that with the Niak in the Red Label. Weight of the Akto, but inner space of the Soulo
@@jarrahdrum ok so you should be fine in both. If you expect a lot of snow, get the Soulo. It's also better on hard surface, as you said because it's freestanding. Materials are the same. The advantage of Akto is a slightly bigger vestibule for your bag. And a bit lighter. It's a very hard choice. I have both and still can't decide which one I'm taking on my next trip...
One of the best reviews I've seen of the Akto. Thanks so much. I am considering purchasing one myself because I have not found any other tents with similar features (for example, the vestibule has a floor and it's doubled walled). I live in a very wet climate so want something where I could spend a day in the tent if I had to wait out a nasty rain storm.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it. All Hilleberg Red and Black label tents have optional ground sheets that also cover the vestibule. I'll be posting a review on the Soulo soon, maybe that would be a good option for you too. Also, consider the Enan. Let me know which one you got :)
@@OutdoorPrep Actually Enan could be a good option. I am 6'3" though so I'd be curious how that serves tall people. Are you planning on doing a review of Enan as well?
@@time_experiment The Enan uses the same pole and groundsheet as the Akto. The inner tent is slightly shorter though and because of the single pole in the corner I don't fit well in it. Akto has a rectangular shape in the corners, but because of the triangle if the Enan my feet are touching the walls. So take your sleeping pad thickness and shoe size into account. Have you considered the Soulo?
Thanks. I did this video a long time ago so not sure what I said about it anymore, but yeah depending on wind intensity you might or might not have it blowing into the vent. Foot end into the wind allows wind protection when unzipping the vestibule. Then again, the wind direction can always change 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for your continued support. It seems you’re really into tents and outdoor 😃 Great question too. Short answer would be that The Soulo has more room for sitting up, but the Akto more length wise. Have you ever used any of those tents yourself on a trip?
@@OutdoorPrep haha your videos inspire me to look at tents differently and appreciate the artistry. I have not used either tent yet- still wondering which one would be best on a solo trip without feeling claustrophobic 🙊
Hmmmmm I think the Soulo would offer a bit more spacious feeling, especially above your head. Another option would be the Niak. Are you more of a summer user or are you looking for something that you can also use in the snow? ⛄️
Hey Rob, I bought an akto last year. And for the life of me I can't get the end lines untangled. I messaged hilleberg folks. And no one can't give me am answer. Wondering anyway I could send a small video of my problem to you.
I'm 6 ft dude. Normal weight. Also a girl, who is fairly short. Do you think we could squeeze inside if we removed the inner tent? All the gear, cooking, etc. will have to be sacrificed.
@@OutdoorPrep That's a great idea. After having done that, I presume it's going to be a very tight fit. Near impossible for winter. Definitely impossible in winter above tree line. Unless I get creative and throw her out in a bivy. Idk.
@@OutdoorPrep It's primarily for Norway's highland, which is a plateau above treeline. Ergo, anything from snow, to freezing rain in the shoulder seasons. Hurrican level winds maximum. She's not an avid hiker, so it's not a huge priority.
Hmmmm how about the Unna (2.3kg)? You can use 10mm poles from Staika to give it more strength when needed. Next up would be the Allak2 at 3.3kg. Staika would be the strongest but it’s 4kg.
@@OutdoorPrep thanks, will do! Tested the Rogen last weekend. Way too big for me! Planning to cycle round the world starting February 2023 and so looking for a tent that is at least reasonably comfortable in most conditions. Do you have any recommendations? No need to be limited to Hilleberg. Currently thinking of Akto/Enan/Abisko Lite 1, but feel I'd need to bring both the mesh and solid Akto inner tent with me, which is additional weight I'd rather not have to bring. Any thoughts on Anjan 2 in non-snowy but cold winter conditions? Thanks for your help!
Hmmmm reasonably comfortable can mean a lot of things. Given your tent options I assume you’re not super tall. Do you need a big vestibule? Will you need to cook inside? Stay in for a few days? Is weight important? If there’s no snow, the other concern is wind: both how it will blow through the tent and if it’s stable enough to withstand it. But don’t rely on your tent for warmth. You bag / clothes should take care of that. If you can create some wind block out of bags / rocks etc then a “summer” tent can be just fine in winter. I’m happy with Anjan 3. I would consider a freestanding / self supporting tent for more flexibility. If the ground is hard then you can still set it up. Look at Hilleberg Niak. If you want one for all conditions - I’d go with the Hilleberg Soulo, but it’s 2.4kg. It has better mesh vents compared to Akto. If you want to go in the other direction, check out ZPacks (I have the Altaplex but there is a smaller one too). You do need a separate pole. Single wall can be less fun in sub-zero conditions but you can make it work if you want to save weight. Hope this helps - feel free to ask more questions 🙏
I'm 1.87 (6'2). I like lying in an Akto much more than in most other 1/2/3 people tents ; a lot of room and margin even around a winter bag. And I dislike sitting in an Akto much more than in most other 1/2/3 people tents ; the apex forces my head to hunch down.
hmmmm really not sure. Maybe hilleberg "our history" page could reveal some more info on that, or you can always send them an email. The new inner does not really feel like plastic either though
Hmmmm depends on the climate of course. If you're in 4 seasons, in this case wind and snowfall, this is a good option, if the weather is milder but you still want the reliability of Hilleberg - have a look at the Enan. Which Zpacks were you considering? Duplex or Plexamid?
I'll take the Enan on my tru-hike of the CDT next year. I had both, the Enan and the Akto, at home. The Enan is lighter, has bug nets at the openings (huge advantage!) and just one glass fibre pole per end instead of two. That means the fabric above your head can't sag and won't touch your face. Plus there is more space between the inner and the outer tent which means more space for airflow. It's a yellow label tent and therefore no "4-season" tent. But the outer tent goes down to the ground, the openings at the end can get closed if necessary and the openings themself are big (aka high) enough to allow some airflow up to, don't know, maybe 20 cm of snow. I had a hard time deciding which I should buy but in the end, I brought the Akto back to the store. It's half a kilo heavier and I don't see a real advantage over the Enan. Sure, the Akto is more resistant but the Enan is still a Hilleberg and more stable than most (if not all) tents you'll see during your thru-hike. But comparing a Hilleberg with a Zpacks is like comparing a mountain bike to a road racing bike. Both are top players in their categories but they're not making the same product. A Zpacks doesn't offer protection against the elements. It keeps you dry, that's it. And not even that is guaranteed. You can't pitch it everywhere, you have to take extra care while pitching etc. But you have more space. Extra protection and extra comfort (double wall, temperature inside the tent, safety etc.) comes with extra weight. If you're willing (and, on a thru-hike, able) to pay that price, don't take the Zpacks. If you want to keep your backpack as light as possible, you must chose a dyneema tent. In my eyes, the Enan offers the best deal. I'd call the Akto overequipped and therefore too heavy for a thru-hike. One last word: A Hilleberg is as heavy as the describtion says it is. You don't need to buy tent pegs by yourself, you don't need a footprint, you don't need to seam seal anything etc. You need to add that weight to the Zpacks which reduces the weight difference.
@@kobold90 good insights - thanks for sharing. Enan is quite capable but is also substantially smaller on the inside (despite the footprint being the same). People over 6 feet tall will have a hard time in it. At 6'4" I didn't like it for me.
I have but not on video. It’s super small length wise. There is an huge distance between the inner and outer tent and walls are sloped so even less leg room than in other tents. I don’t fit unfortunately otherwise it would have been a nice climbing tent.
The tent is 220 long so both you and I have room length wise. Thickness of the mat will determine the headroom, both sitting and laying down. It’s a tight fit in any case. I ended up selling it because I could not sit up without touching the inner with my head. I wish there was an XL version of it - great tent and super quick setup.
Short guy here, 5'3" (160cm); I have no interior space problem with any tent. I currently have the Enan in Dark Green. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
People shrink as they get older. With the longevity of Hilleberg, it will fit you better in 30 years! Unfortunately, peoples feet get longer with age, so you'll need to wear a second pair of socks in your boots.
Hi mate have you had any issues with the seam above the door vent leaking because after years of dreaming about getting an akto I finally got one and this seam leaks ..quite badly on mine (you can see this in the video on my channel) Iv complained to hilleberg and I just wondered if this is an issue on all the aktos Great video and review mate 👍
On no mate - sorry to hear that. I think I’ve mentioned it in the video, it seems to be a common problem, I’ve seen others had the issue. Not sure if mine has it too because I’ve never used it heavy rain. Kim from Hilleberg will tell you to apply some sealant. This seems to have worked for most. I do think they should just address it properly and not like this, but it seems they can’t 🤷🏻♂️ do let me know how it goes mate Good luck
@@OutdoorPrep yeah afew people have said the same it just seems like it would be beneficial for them and there customers if they just applied the seam sealer there self because they put up all there tents and inspect them before shipping so while it’s up they could seam seal it easily. Anyways I’m sure there customer service will be spot on so I can’t complain too much before I get a response Will do thanks mate
@@OutdoorPrep hi mate hilleberg said that they can’t deny that there is a small problem with the akto in this spot and unfortunately the only way to prevent this would be to remove that vent cover .they said the material used can stretch and cause stitching holes to leak .they offered to replace the tent with another one but that may leak in the same place , in the end they sent me some sil-net and some pegs as an apology they assured me that seam sealing it would solve the problem (I did this yesterday so fingers crossed 🤞)
@@ROBOLOGY.wildcamping hmmmmm ok at least they've acknowledged. From the stories I've read, that's not always the case. For some the seal solves the issue, others have struggled as you've seen. Let me know how it goes mate. Good luck!
Good tent but for smaller people. With that little space for head when laying down, in stronger winds the flapping tent might smack your head around resulting in a bad sleep.
Since I'm close to 2,10m it's hard for me to find a solo tent. I use the qeedo light spruce 3,however it's close to 4kg and pretty heavy for my bike packing. I really like the akto but I don't think I would be happy with it, considering that I pay so much to have the inner tent on my face. I have my eyes on the Lightwave T10, it looks good for me in all ways
Don’t know if it would suit your needs, but you would fit in the ZPacks Altaplex (better). Duplex XL looks even bigger but I have not tried that one. Also looking at the Lightwave t10 - that’s not gonna fit you. The wall is sloped
@@OutdoorPrep I looked up the doupleXL and I think you just found me my tent. Now I just need to sell my liver or something so I can afford it :D Thanks, I didn't look for tents that uses trekking poles so I would never find this one, you helped me a lot with this suggestion!
@@highdlsbbx3037 that’s awesome! Happy to help! Let me know how it works out. I have my eye on the XL too but got the altaplex like a week before it launched so will use that for now :)
No point having a tent that is 100% waterproof, yet has very little ventilation abilities, and is a condensation collector! Defeats the object! The Fjallraven Abisko 1 ticks all the boxes for me as it resolves the issues that the Hilleberg Ackto has!
The best review I have ever seen on the akto, so much detail and tips from an obviouslyvery experienced user. Great job!!
Thanks Steve! Happy to hear you’ve enjoyed! Cheers 🙏
Great review Rob, well done. I love the detail that you go into and you really showcased the Akto very well. I like the way you have shots of it in different locations and conditions. Great camera work with angles to show the inside volume and space. Keep up the excellent work and looking forward to your next one. ATB Tom
Thanks again Tom 🙏 tried my best to highlight all I know about it. The Soulo is up next. That might be a 3 part video 😁
What are you using for filming btw? I got the GoPro but it’s not all that great for this kind of work...
@@OutdoorPrep Hi Rob. I use a Sonya7111 and a sigma 35mm art f1.4. Both very heavy and expensive. Look at the Sony ZV 1
Oh that’s a very nice one. You can really take advantage of the 35mm with a full frame. I had a Sony alpha years back but switched to Canon.
My DSLR backpack is as heavy as camping gear so the ZV1 might be a better option indeed. Thanks buddy 🙏💪🏼
By far the best review of this tent.
Thanks so much 🙏
Hello from Sweden! I need to say that your review is one of the best reviews on Hilleberg Akto as I ever so far has watched! Thank you so very for your very good and excellent review even with important hacks in detail! Much much appreciated! Wishing you all the best always! Best regards from Sweden!
Thanks so much for this! Really appreciate you letting me know it was helpful. And thanks for sticking out till the end of this video - I know it was a long one but tried to let u know everything I know about this tent :)
Tack!
This is a great review that lots don't cover. The space inside, and some fantastic tips.
Happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it!
Thanks Rob. My tip is to unhook the first (top most) elastic loop during the day. This gives space for your head outside the inner tent to give extra height, while still enabling you to sit inside the inner tent on the comfy inflated air mat!
Yes - Good one. When the Inner is (partially) removed there's a huge amount of space inside.
I've never seen such a detailed review. It's the best.
Happy you’ve enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting!
Great vid and the idea of adding a short centre pole like the Enan is is brill👍👍
Thanks Steve. Glad you’ve enjoyed it 👍🏽
Sensatve and thoughtful review thank you. Something you noticed which I had just assumed was that there is no peg point on the pole capture cups. Very nice review.
It’s all about the details. Glad you enjoyed! 👍🏽 thanks for letting me know - appreciate it
Great video!
When buying this tent, one should also buy an "ExPed" leaning matress. It's a blow-up matress that you use sort of guy lines to modify to a chair, a leaning chair or a bed. This makes sitting in the tent very comfortable. Look it up, guys!😊
Hahah yeah seen it. Afraid it will wear out the mat though…
@@OutdoorPrep Oh.. yeah maybe😄 I usually use it in good weather conditions. I open the inner and outer doors of the Akto, sitting with straight back where it's tallest in the tent - with my legs stretched out through the doors. So my head doesn't touch the "roof"😅
Very good review and tips. I have only had my Akto for a couple weeks and used it for a week on the West Highland way. Unfortunately there was lots of rainfall but this tested the tent and I was dry as a bone inside. The only problem was that I had a leak or constant drip in exactly the spot you pointed out in the vent. I have emailed Hilleberg and await their response.
All in all I love the tent and can't believe how much space their is as I'm 6'1"
Atb
Graeme
Thanks so much Graeme. West Highland way seems like a very good place for the Akto. Hmmmm sad to hear the issue with the leakage still exists. You'll probably get a reply from Kim soon. Curious to see what he'll say.
Just picked one up for some motorcycle camping next week, at 5' 9", the way you fit at 6' 4", I should be able to play basketball!!
Great, detailed review, thanks fir sharing
Thanks for watching. Hope you found it useful! Enjoy your new Akto and all the space it has to offer! :)
Excellent review. I rely on a Hilleberg Unna, but the Akto is also a very attractive and descent tent.
Thanks so much 🙏
Some good and unique tips there, thank you. I also liked the pacing (talking speed) and camera work. Liked and subbed.
Great to hear that Adam!
It's never occurred to me to loosen the footprint by the pole so I'm not walking on it with my boots when entering or leaving the tent. I'll be doing that from now on with my Enan.
I only wish you'd included pitching this tent during a rainstorm or when there are strong & gusty winds. That would better showcase the ease of pitching this tent by one person when the weather is inclimate.
Yes, I've just subscribed & rang the notification bell.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
Great stuff! Happy to hear! Yeah I know what you mean. There's something about Hilleberg tents that turns people into storm chasers. Maybe I'll be able to record it one day. How's the weather in Reno? I'd think its mostly sunny. Last time I've been to Nevada it was quite hot, but that was on the other end of it (Death Valley)
Rob, great review! Ordering mine this week, thx.
Thanks Michael! Great to hear that! And also that you’ve been able to find stock
A small skirt around the edges would help in the snow. Also some peg points on the side of the fly sheet helps with making rain shed quicker.
Good input. Thanks mate 🙏
Excellent review. This may be my next tent as a smaller option to my Allak 2.
Thanks Pixx 🙏 glad you found it useful 👌🏼
What would make you choose this one over Soulo?
Great review Rob, the akto is a of a legand of a tent and I like it alot. However for my personal requirements I find the fjallraven abisko lite 1, which as you say is inspired by the akto, is a better choice. I think this because you can open and close the end vents from the inside as you pointed out, which in very bad weather is a great feature. Also the front door can be zipped into a partially opened position for better ventilation without having to mod it with a shock cord like you demonstrated with the akto. Another good feature that sets the abisko lite 1 apart from the akto is the corner poles which are aluminium on the abisko and not fixed in, enabling the tent to be compressed smaller when packing it away. They also make the tent stand slightly higher at the ends giving a bit more space internally which helps to reduce the possibility of the inner tent fabric touching your face or feet as it's flapping about in very windy conditions, which all single hooped double wall tents tend to do to a certain extent. One small and final feature the abisko tent has which is better than the akto in my experience, is that the zip pulls are cord and not metal so when it's windy they don't tinkle all night like miniature wind chimes which I find irritating plus they shave a few grams off the overall weight of the tent. I do think the end guy line set up on the akto is superior to the abisko as it only requires two pegs to set up the guys at each end as opposed to three pegs each end on the abisko, but I and many others have modded the end guy line configuration to the same system used on the akto.
Thanks Dave! And for your elaborate analysis! Appreciate it and it's good to hear from an owner. I've looked at the Lite 1 too but couldn't find one in real life last year. You're analysis of the differences is spot on. It seems they've "fixed" the Akto in many ways :)
It does seem like it's a bit smaller. Is that something you could confirm?
@@OutdoorPrep it's been years since I've been inside an akto but on paper the abisko is slightly taller both at the internal central point and at the ends but slightly narrower inside the inner tent. The fabrics used are of a lower denyeer count on the fly, internal tent body and the ground sheet of the abisko, but still plenty strong enough for all but the wildest four season conditions. One thing both tents have in common is that they both have relitivley long roof spans either side of their central hoops meaning in very high winds the fly sheets flap and come into contact with the inner tent which can cause issues in long periods of heavy rain when the fly starts to wet out or condensation has built up inside the fly sheet. My personal preference is the abisko and the lower price is an added bonus but they are both fantastic and very very very similar tents. Should you ever want to sell, I think the hilleberg akto would sell for a much higher price than the fjallraven abisko. Hilleberg is a brand where used prices, even on tents many years old, are almost the same as new prices, certainly here in the UK at least.
Excellent comparison of the tent features.
You make no mention of "Customer Service" with the fjallraven abisko lite 1. Do they provide replacement parts, is "Customer Service" accessible or does it leave a lot to be desired. Hilleberg "Customer Service" is legendarily a cut above all other customer service depts.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
@@azclaimjumper tbh I have only ever contacted fjallraven customer services once and they were very helpful. I needed two replacement guy lines for my abisko endurance 2 tent because my puppy had chewed them and they don't sell them on their website. They sent me two replacements free of charge even though I offered to pay.
@@azclaimjumper that's a good question. Looking at the communication and service around Fjallraven Classic events - that looks quite horrible. People being ignored, questions not being answered - that kind of stuff. That's from the "office". In Amsterdam we have a Fjallraven Brand Center which is a big store. The service there is second to none. Amazing people that go above and beyond. I've done some repairs and replacements for clothes and it's been great.
Brilliant review and excellent tips, thank you so much!
Thanks for watching Kris. Glad it was helpful
Great review.
I love my akto. The best tent in the world 🌎 👌 🙌 😍
Cheers 🙏
Hej. At 29.00 you show how use the spare pole section to suppoet the fabric a bit better. I had a similar idea but isntead to use hiking/ski poles. This way you can adjust the height and get soke really good tension on the centre hopefully preventing the wind from smashing it against your face so much
Hej hej
Yeah thanks 🙏🏻 that can work too of course if you have the right length. Of course you can also pull it up. Something similar is used on Zpacks tents 👌🏼
Awesome tips for improved ventilation 👍 thanks
🙏🏻 happy to help
How do you like that setup with the Osprey Talon 22? Is it comfortable carrying the Akto externally like that?
Allthough it was perfectly comfortable and you could do it just for one night, the video was more for fun and to show that it can be done. Life is much easier with a bigger pack :)
Well done that man. Very good in depth talk.
Thanks man 🙏 I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it. Hopefully it helped 👍🏽
Great review, I was considering buying this tent, but at 6'2 I think I will give it a miss as doesn’t seem like much room, especially for sitting up.
Thanks Stu. At your height I would not recommend this one. Soulo is a great alternative 👌🏼
As a 200 cm tall I ended up having Staika instead of Akto / Soulo, and ever since I haven't regretted my choice... Sure, it weighs 4 kg, but at least I don't have to compromise the two most essential things: comfort and durability. My prefered accomodation is still a hammock , assuming there are trees around, of course, which isn't always the case when going to more remote/interesting locations...
The Staika does feel a lot more spacious indeed 👍🏽 I got it for mostly bad weather use as well. How well do you fit in it? I found that I’m touching the walls with my feet.
@@OutdoorPrep I'm mostly sleeping diagonally in it, and there's still plent of room for my large backpack next to me, but even if I'm sleeping straight it's doable. My feet are slightly touching the inner tent, but the inner tent is not touching the outer tent so my sleeping bag is staying dry.
@@Gekkibi Thanks for your interesting comment. I a 198 cm, so your experiences are valuable information for me. I carry an Unna on my sea kayak expeditions. Its floor is 230 but since the walls are inclinated, I still touch the fabric with my head and feet. It is not a problem, but still would have wished just a little bit more length. I expect the Hilleberg Keron tent the best option when it comes to tall people.
@@Gekkibi good to know you’ve experienced the same indeed. I did notice the difference between staking out the tent and not doing that in terms of size. Gained almost 8cm... do you know which sleeping pad you’re using?
@@kayasper6081 yeah it’s exactly that. Tried the Unna last week and it’s not a great fit... Keron, Kaitum and Helags are the best with vertical doors indeed. Allak 3 is also slightly bigger and the shape is different from the Staika so good space 👌🏼
I always keep the door closed during tensioning. Perfect every time
Thanks for this review. I am 6'2 and debating getting the Akto or a 2 person tent by Hilleberg, but I do not think I want to carry the extra weight. Have you encountered any other suitable 1 person 4 season tents?
At 6’4 I’m the happiest in Keron 3GT in REAL winter (cold and snow). Allak 3 fits me well too.
Soulo is great but my winter sleeping bag doesn’t fit as well in it. It’s fine for around freezing point but not -30.
Maybe check out the Tarra?
@@OutdoorPrep Thanks for the message. I do alpine hiking in the alps so I need to stay light as I am going +1000m elevation hikes. Do you think the material of the tent Kerlon 1200 vs Kerlon 1800 makes any major difference with insulation? Trying to decide between the Black and Red label tents. Is there a reason a Keron (tunnel type) is superior to the Suolo - does it have to do with shape and size?
@@r-e-s-o-n-a-n-t Keron I just MUCH bigger and it has vertical walls which is great in winter. Also great for setting up in high winds on polar expeditions. I would not recommend it for general hiking as it requires a lot of space to setup and it’s heavy. Don’t count on the tent for insulation, it’s just tear strength. 1200 is plenty for most uses. Check out Unna if you fit or otherwise Soulo 👍🏽
@@OutdoorPrep Thanks, Rob. Makes sense. i think the Soulo is a good fit indeed.
A very excellent (in my opinion) and thorough review. I do not own a tent at the moment, I am quite new, but reviews like this help greatly. I cannot make up my mind I f I should get the Akto or the Soulo at the moment. Maybe I will change my mind by the time any are available 🙂
Thank you 🙏
Glad you found it useful! I also have a video on the Soulo if you havent seen that yet. The choice between the two is almost impossible. I'm preparing for a longer trip and still haven't decided between the two...
@@OutdoorPrep I’m 5’10 so I’m quite a bit shorter than you, so size wise it’s probably okay with the Akto but the Soulo has the advantage of being free standing so that it can be pitched in more awkward areas. Is this how it is Rob, I don’t understand much about these tents.
I do prefer the inside space of the Akto, it’s more even and seems less eccentric
As far as I can see, tge Soulo is more flexible with regards to movement and placement, It probably looks cooler and it has more headspace, but are the materials the same as in weather proof ness etc
It would be nice (maybe) if Hilleberg took the best of these two tents and designed another one, so the four season child of the Akto and Soulo l
@@jarrahdrum that would be great indeed. I think they've tried doing that with the Niak in the Red Label. Weight of the Akto, but inner space of the Soulo
@@jarrahdrum ok so you should be fine in both. If you expect a lot of snow, get the Soulo. It's also better on hard surface, as you said because it's freestanding. Materials are the same. The advantage of Akto is a slightly bigger vestibule for your bag. And a bit lighter. It's a very hard choice. I have both and still can't decide which one I'm taking on my next trip...
One of the best reviews I've seen of the Akto. Thanks so much. I am considering purchasing one myself because I have not found any other tents with similar features (for example, the vestibule has a floor and it's doubled walled). I live in a very wet climate so want something where I could spend a day in the tent if I had to wait out a nasty rain storm.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it. All Hilleberg Red and Black label tents have optional ground sheets that also cover the vestibule. I'll be posting a review on the Soulo soon, maybe that would be a good option for you too. Also, consider the Enan. Let me know which one you got :)
@@OutdoorPrep Actually Enan could be a good option. I am 6'3" though so I'd be curious how that serves tall people. Are you planning on doing a review of Enan as well?
@@time_experiment The Enan uses the same pole and groundsheet as the Akto. The inner tent is slightly shorter though and because of the single pole in the corner I don't fit well in it. Akto has a rectangular shape in the corners, but because of the triangle if the Enan my feet are touching the walls. So take your sleeping pad thickness and shoe size into account. Have you considered the Soulo?
I have the Enan & yes, the footprint does, in fact, cover the entire vestibule area.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
Well done! In this case I would have turned the tent around though, because the wind blows right into the top ventilation.
Thanks. I did this video a long time ago so not sure what I said about it anymore, but yeah depending on wind intensity you might or might not have it blowing into the vent. Foot end into the wind allows wind protection when unzipping the vestibule. Then again, the wind direction can always change 🤷🏻♂️
Great review! 👍 I really like the tips and tricks you mention inbetween - like using the spare section! How does this compare to the soulo?
Thanks for your continued support. It seems you’re really into tents and outdoor 😃
Great question too. Short answer would be that The Soulo has more room for sitting up, but the Akto more length wise. Have you ever used any of those tents yourself on a trip?
@@OutdoorPrep haha your videos inspire me to look at tents differently and appreciate the artistry. I have not used either tent yet- still wondering which one would be best on a solo trip without feeling claustrophobic 🙊
Hmmmmm I think the Soulo would offer a bit more spacious feeling, especially above your head. Another option would be the Niak. Are you more of a summer user or are you looking for something that you can also use in the snow? ⛄️
@@OutdoorPrep definitely more summer! 🌻
Really nice reviev. That you are about the same height as me is helping a lot getting to know hob much space i will have ;)
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Glad it helped.
I sold the Akto in the end and have more space in the Soulo 👌🏼
Hi, this is a great review. Thank you 😊
Thanks for watching!
I am only 163cm and I find the interior very spacious (for other smaller people thinking of getting this tent)
Definitely! Starting from 185cm I’d say this tent great!
Just bought an Akto, as a petite female of 5’3” I can curl up in about half the space! Love my dream tent 🥰
Hey Rob, I bought an akto last year. And for the life of me I can't get the end lines untangled. I messaged hilleberg folks. And no one can't give me am answer. Wondering anyway I could send a small video of my problem to you.
Hey - oh that sounds strange. Maybe you can upload it on TH-cam or you can always message me on Instagram @oudoorprep.
@@OutdoorPrep thank you! I sent you a video and pics. Through Instagram
Which would you recommend? Akto or Abisko ? Thnx
Both are nice, Akto being a bit larger. Abisko has a few improvements and bigger mesh panel for ventilation. I’d recommend trying them both.
@@OutdoorPrep dankje!
Rob. Very thorough review.
Thanks mate! That was my aim. Glad you’ve enjoyed it 👍🏽
I'm 6 ft dude. Normal weight. Also a girl, who is fairly short. Do you think we could squeeze inside if we removed the inner tent?
All the gear, cooking, etc. will have to be sacrificed.
I think you could yeah. Look at the drawing of the footprint on the Hilleberg website, tape it out on the floor and give it a try 👍🏽
@@OutdoorPrep That's a great idea. After having done that, I presume it's going to be a very tight fit. Near impossible for winter. Definitely impossible in winter above tree line. Unless I get creative and throw her out in a bivy. Idk.
Yeah it’s a very tight fit indeed. What’s the idea behind this? What will the actual weather be like when you guys go out?
@@OutdoorPrep It's primarily for Norway's highland, which is a plateau above treeline. Ergo, anything from snow, to freezing rain in the shoulder seasons. Hurrican level winds maximum. She's not an avid hiker, so it's not a huge priority.
Hmmmm how about the Unna (2.3kg)? You can use 10mm poles from Staika to give it more strength when needed. Next up would be the Allak2 at 3.3kg. Staika would be the strongest but it’s 4kg.
Do you get much condensation on the inner tent with the footprint?
You can’t m still. All depends on the weather. Check out my video on condensation in the Soulo
@@OutdoorPrep thanks, will do! Tested the Rogen last weekend. Way too big for me! Planning to cycle round the world starting February 2023 and so looking for a tent that is at least reasonably comfortable in most conditions. Do you have any recommendations? No need to be limited to Hilleberg.
Currently thinking of Akto/Enan/Abisko Lite 1, but feel I'd need to bring both the mesh and solid Akto inner tent with me, which is additional weight I'd rather not have to bring.
Any thoughts on Anjan 2 in non-snowy but cold winter conditions?
Thanks for your help!
Hmmmm reasonably comfortable can mean a lot of things. Given your tent options I assume you’re not super tall. Do you need a big vestibule? Will you need to cook inside? Stay in for a few days? Is weight important?
If there’s no snow, the other concern is wind: both how it will blow through the tent and if it’s stable enough to withstand it. But don’t rely on your tent for warmth. You bag / clothes should take care of that. If you can create some wind block out of bags / rocks etc then a “summer” tent can be just fine in winter. I’m happy with Anjan 3. I would consider a freestanding / self supporting tent for more flexibility. If the ground is hard then you can still set it up. Look at Hilleberg Niak. If you want one for all conditions - I’d go with the Hilleberg Soulo, but it’s 2.4kg. It has better mesh vents compared to Akto. If you want to go in the other direction, check out ZPacks (I have the Altaplex but there is a smaller one too). You do need a separate pole. Single wall can be less fun in sub-zero conditions but you can make it work if you want to save weight. Hope this helps - feel free to ask more questions 🙏
I'm 1.87 (6'2).
I like lying in an Akto much more than in most other 1/2/3 people tents ; a lot of room and margin even around a winter bag.
And I dislike sitting in an Akto much more than in most other 1/2/3 people tents ; the apex forces my head to hunch down.
Yeah I hear you. Would be great to have an AktoXL 🙌🏼
@@OutdoorPrep That’s what I think the Zastrugi Vacquita appears to be from the reviews I’ve seen. Though I’m looking at an Enan or maybe a Niak.
Helpful information! Thanks for sharing.
I'm glad you've found it useful. Thanks for watching :)
My old Atko inner tent is more like fine cotton than plastic, what fabric is used.
hmmmm really not sure. Maybe hilleberg "our history" page could reveal some more info on that, or you can always send them an email. The new inner does not really feel like plastic either though
Would anyone recommend using this tent on a thru hike? I’m considering this tent or a zpac.
Hmmmm depends on the climate of course. If you're in 4 seasons, in this case wind and snowfall, this is a good option, if the weather is milder but you still want the reliability of Hilleberg - have a look at the Enan. Which Zpacks were you considering? Duplex or Plexamid?
I'll take the Enan on my tru-hike of the CDT next year. I had both, the Enan and the Akto, at home. The Enan is lighter, has bug nets at the openings (huge advantage!) and just one glass fibre pole per end instead of two. That means the fabric above your head can't sag and won't touch your face. Plus there is more space between the inner and the outer tent which means more space for airflow. It's a yellow label tent and therefore no "4-season" tent. But the outer tent goes down to the ground, the openings at the end can get closed if necessary and the openings themself are big (aka high) enough to allow some airflow up to, don't know, maybe 20 cm of snow. I had a hard time deciding which I should buy but in the end, I brought the Akto back to the store. It's half a kilo heavier and I don't see a real advantage over the Enan. Sure, the Akto is more resistant but the Enan is still a Hilleberg and more stable than most (if not all) tents you'll see during your thru-hike.
But comparing a Hilleberg with a Zpacks is like comparing a mountain bike to a road racing bike. Both are top players in their categories but they're not making the same product. A Zpacks doesn't offer protection against the elements. It keeps you dry, that's it. And not even that is guaranteed. You can't pitch it everywhere, you have to take extra care while pitching etc. But you have more space. Extra protection and extra comfort (double wall, temperature inside the tent, safety etc.) comes with extra weight. If you're willing (and, on a thru-hike, able) to pay that price, don't take the Zpacks. If you want to keep your backpack as light as possible, you must chose a dyneema tent.
In my eyes, the Enan offers the best deal. I'd call the Akto overequipped and therefore too heavy for a thru-hike. One last word: A Hilleberg is as heavy as the describtion says it is. You don't need to buy tent pegs by yourself, you don't need a footprint, you don't need to seam seal anything etc. You need to add that weight to the Zpacks which reduces the weight difference.
@@kobold90 good insights - thanks for sharing. Enan is quite capable but is also substantially smaller on the inside (despite the footprint being the same). People over 6 feet tall will have a hard time in it. At 6'4" I didn't like it for me.
@@kobold90 thank you, your review was really helpful!
Have you evaluated the Hilleberg Unna?
I have but not on video. It’s super small length wise. There is an huge distance between the inner and outer tent and walls are sloped so even less leg room than in other tents.
I don’t fit unfortunately otherwise it would have been a nice climbing tent.
I can't wrap my head around how you could fit in that tent. I'm only 183cm and this was way to small for me , both in length and headroom
The tent is 220 long so both you and I have room length wise. Thickness of the mat will determine the headroom, both sitting and laying down. It’s a tight fit in any case. I ended up selling it because I could not sit up without touching the inner with my head. I wish there was an XL version of it - great tent and super quick setup.
Also a tall guy so thanks for this excellent review :) What sleeping pad are you using?
You’re welcome. I’ve just uploaded a video on the sleeping pads I use, also the one in the video. Check out to channel if you’re interested 🙏
Short guy here, 5'3" (160cm); I have no interior space problem with any tent. I currently have the Enan in Dark Green.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
People shrink as they get older. With the longevity of Hilleberg, it will fit you better in 30 years! Unfortunately, peoples feet get longer with age, so you'll need to wear a second pair of socks in your boots.
hahaha who knows. I do wish it was bigger. Every time I see it on pics I love it. Sold my Akto for now though :(
😂 And we know it'll last 30 years
Hi mate have you had any issues with the seam above the door vent leaking because after years of dreaming about getting an akto I finally got one and this seam leaks ..quite badly on mine (you can see this in the video on my channel)
Iv complained to hilleberg and I just wondered if this is an issue on all the aktos
Great video and review mate 👍
On no mate - sorry to hear that. I think I’ve mentioned it in the video, it seems to be a common problem, I’ve seen others had the issue. Not sure if mine has it too because I’ve never used it heavy rain. Kim from Hilleberg will tell you to apply some sealant. This seems to have worked for most. I do think they should just address it properly and not like this, but it seems they can’t 🤷🏻♂️ do let me know how it goes mate
Good luck
@@OutdoorPrep yeah afew people have said the same it just seems like it would be beneficial for them and there customers if they just applied the seam sealer there self because they put up all there tents and inspect them before shipping so while it’s up they could seam seal it easily. Anyways I’m sure there customer service will be spot on so I can’t complain too much before I get a response
Will do thanks mate
Keep us posted mate - curious to hear.
@@OutdoorPrep hi mate hilleberg said that they can’t deny that there is a small problem with the akto in this spot and unfortunately the only way to prevent this would be to remove that vent cover .they said the material used can stretch and cause stitching holes to leak .they offered to replace the tent with another one but that may leak in the same place , in the end they sent me some sil-net and some pegs as an apology they assured me that seam sealing it would solve the problem (I did this yesterday so fingers crossed 🤞)
@@ROBOLOGY.wildcamping hmmmmm ok at least they've acknowledged. From the stories I've read, that's not always the case. For some the seal solves the issue, others have struggled as you've seen. Let me know how it goes mate. Good luck!
Good tent but for smaller people. With that little space for head when laying down, in stronger winds the flapping tent might smack your head around resulting in a bad sleep.
Yupp
Great reveiw
Thanks boss 🙏
Awesome video-subscribed
Thanks so much for the support mate 🙏
Since I'm close to 2,10m it's hard for me to find a solo tent. I use the qeedo light spruce 3,however it's close to 4kg and pretty heavy for my bike packing.
I really like the akto but I don't think I would be happy with it, considering that I pay so much to have the inner tent on my face. I have my eyes on the Lightwave T10, it looks good for me in all ways
Don’t know if it would suit your needs, but you would fit in the ZPacks Altaplex (better). Duplex XL looks even bigger but I have not tried that one.
Also looking at the Lightwave t10 - that’s not gonna fit you. The wall is sloped
@@OutdoorPrep I looked up the doupleXL and I think you just found me my tent. Now I just need to sell my liver or something so I can afford it :D
Thanks, I didn't look for tents that uses trekking poles so I would never find this one, you helped me a lot with this suggestion!
@@highdlsbbx3037 that’s awesome! Happy to help! Let me know how it works out. I have my eye on the XL too but got the altaplex like a week before it launched so will use that for now :)
No point having a tent that is 100% waterproof, yet has very little ventilation abilities, and is a condensation collector! Defeats the object! The Fjallraven Abisko 1 ticks all the boxes for me as it resolves the issues that the Hilleberg Ackto has!
It’s smaller though so not for everyone :/
i put zippers on my own inner foot boxes ... had to!
Better now?