Absolutely second to none tent, bomb proof, withstanded terrential rains of epic proportions where all of my friends tents were leaking, I slept worry free. However, in hot summer it is an inferno, unless you open everything you can. Other than that I can't recommend it more. Great review as always Rob.
If you can find one, you can buy an inner mesh for the Staika, then it will be a tent that would also work well in summer. Were your friend’s tents that were leaking low budget cheap tents, or were they at least a more well known brand? Yeah I hear some people say that even good tents have leaked on them in bad enough weather, but never their Hilleberg.
@@joebuck4496 I spoke with Hilleberg about this. They are concentrating on tents, not floors or mesh liners. Much understandable given the last couple years.
Ha ha--I can relate to the inferno comment. I have a Nammatj 3. If the sun hits it in warm weather it can get very warm inside. But, to protect the fabric I always try to find a shady spot. Then it is great to fold back the vestibule, and enjoy a nice view.
Great vid mate. I really like the Staika. It’s basically a Soulo with more space. I don’t personally notice the design stuff - it does it’s job very well. You’re right - it’s for very windy / extreme weather. And for that, it’s basically perfect.
Cheers mate 🙏 Yeah it’s growing on me but still wish the easy fixes would have been implemented to update it slightly. Still wondering if Allak would not be better for most cases 😁🤷♂️
@@OutdoorPrep The Allak appears a bit cramped when trying to cook in front of door. I would like to see one as well. Also it is Red Label, just not as strong and durable of time. But still better than about anyone elses.
@@samhill3496 I think it might be the other way around. Staika has a 50/50 door/vestibule ratio whereas the Allak is more like 60/40 because the center pole is not in the center. Also because it's less of a pyramid shape, the walls are more vertical at the bottom, giving even more space in the vestibule. And sure, 40d is stronger than 30d but it's still strong and durable. The poles will make most difference.
@@OutdoorPrep Hey thanks. I found and ordered the Staika today. Hard to find any Hilleberg. I still an looking for a black label Soulo so when they are available I may get one as well. Now trying to find a footprint. May have to make me one for time being. I have the production schedule rom Hilleberg.
I have an old one with leather label. It's permeable even after i sprayed it. I used it with a tarp. Also a plastic tarp on the bottum. Now a stick broke, and many have tears. I think it's time to say goodbye, but not easy..when do you decide to disgard a hilleberg☺ I like it's pretty warm in winter, as little wind comes through.
Very good presentation and review. I've watched several and you covered more than any others put together. Somethings I didn't know. I like this tent. It does have some features that need updated, mainly the guy lines. I can live with it and in it. I motorcycle around the world and also hike in very bad conditions in polar areas during off riding seasons. I need a tough tent. This may be it. The two vestibules are handy for the items you need on one side and items you just need to store off the bike and keep dry under the other. It's tough, much tougher than competitor's. Thanks for you work and review.
Thanks for your comment, Sam. I appreciate it and happy to hear you found the information valuable. The tent needs updating indeed. I’ve been talking to Hilleberg and they are aware of it, will update it in the future but not anytime soon. If you can live with some of the annoying features of this tent and also can fit in it comfortably - then it’s an awesome tent. I have switched to Allak and am much happier with it. With 10mm poles it’s also very strong. I think the difference will be minimal and will only be noticeable in 60mph+ winds due to difference in shape / aerodynamics.
Staika inner tent 140cm*230cm. Allak 2 130-120cm*225cm. My current tent is 120cm * 210cm and it feels small (too tight). If I choose the Allak model would it be better for Allak 3?
How a tent feels is very personal of course, but I found the Allak 3 to be quite roomy. It’s also higher than the Allak 2 and walls are less steep compared to the Staika. If you’re also interested in other, less premium brands, Jack Wolfskin Yellowstone Vent 3 or 4 offers a lot of space, but it’s a different class of tent.
I’d recommend it if you’re backpacking in harsh environments… strong winds or loads of snow. It’s also a so called Nordic pitch, like all Hillebergs - so you don’t need to get your tent wet first and then put over the rain fly. If you want something a little bit lighter, have a look at the Allak
that is definitely an option. Allak2 is smaller however, A3 is great for 2 tall people. From what I've heard they still do great in bad weather, so unless it's very extreme I think it would be fine
They are both very good, but if I had to pick one I’d say the Soulo, simply because of its smaller size. The Staika does have a very aerodynamic profile.
@@OutdoorPrep Thanks for the repley Rob. Much appreciated. That's what I thought about the Soulo BL with regards to high winds. I might still have to select the Staika though, as my dog is with me most times, and it might be a bit tight in the Soulo with both of us. Thanks again for your help :)
@@citizenwolf8720 hiya mate I’ve got the staika and my red label soulo is far superior in high winds. Probably because it’s smaller, plus the staika guidelines don’t wrap around the poles which makes the tent more flappy. I still think the staika is the best 2 man tent money can buy it just could do with an upgrade
@@Paul-eu9jp Thanks Paul. In the end, I did get the Staika for the extra room. I also really like the doors on the opposite sides of the tent as it gives more options if the wind/rain shifts around.
Here's where it get's interesting. Black label tents have this philosophy that they should be easy to set up in storms. To help with that - the poles are exactly the same so you don't need to worry about grabbing the wrong one! Saitaris and the new Soulo BL are the exception here.
@@OutdoorPrep Hi Rob! Very nice of you to take the time! I should have realized they are all the same length! So it is measured such the poles arc at different degrees to cause the same three differences in arch height no matter what order you insert the poles. One tutorial says to start with the blue sleeves first so the very top hook doesn't twist when you hook it because of the way the hook strap is sewn into the tent top. The problem for me was the hooks got progressively harder to hook as I got towards the top and I worried something would rip or break. I staked the bottom out into the hexagon shape with six stakes first correctly but I ended up with quite a few hooks at the top not possible to hook and a flat top probably where condensation would have collected. I'm going to practice setting up quite a few times before my first camping trip. Also I found every pole the guy-lines go alternately one with lines to the left, the next with lines to the right and that wasn't in the Hilleberg video. I went more by their video than the little book, but looked at that too. Any advice would be appreciated but understand if you don't have time. Thanks for your info!
@@mwj5368 Not sure if I understand the issue. The poles are exactly the same. They arch at the same point but once you "stack" them on top of each other they look different. I agree with blue, white, red - that's what I suggested too. Hilleberg said it didn't matter. Maybe they have changed it now. You do need to press down on the poles a bit when clipping them in - that's fine. The last few hooks are quite hard to get in. Just make sure you're holding them correctly with both fingers and not pulling it open - if you understand what I mean. That way you won't break the hook. And again - press down on the pole a bit to get the hook over it. This is what Hilleberg recommend doing too. The guy line attachments are a bit outdates (as is the tent) but it doesn't matter much. Just stake them out in the direction of the poles and you'll be fine. One last tip - once in the field - keep in mind that the ground is not even. Keep that in mind when setting up the poles and you think something is not right. Hope this helps. Cheers
@@OutdoorPrep I use my Staika as you described in the beginning of the video, kayaking in the archipelago, mostly on bare stone slabs with nowhere to put any stakes. My experience is that the tent in those situations get a tad more stable if you put the blue in last, and clip the center clip in that pole. Then that pole is securing the others by pressing them down slightly.
Rob- I have had quite a difficult time deciding btwn the Staika and Tarra - did you ever consider purchasing the Tarra (weight issues aside)? Thanks, Winston
Hi Winston, Tarra is not for me I think. but I might change my mind in the future. What makes you consider it? How and where will you be using it? I would enjoy the vertical walls like on the Kaitum / Keron but What I'm missing is ventilation in the vestibule (like on the Keron / Kaitum) in case you want to boil some water (what you of course should never do). Also, the long, extended vestibule exists for aerodynamic purposes, and is less usable, especially when there's a lot of snow on top. I prefer getting in and out of the tent in this way. Just some random thoughts - hope this helps :)
@@OutdoorPrep great points and thanks for replying......the more research I do on the company the more it becomes apparent that one should consider several tents if that is something one can afford.....the new Soulo BlackLabel will be interesting.......I will use his in Maine, here in the US...mostly for winter and early spring tenting....I will not be backpacking with it....I do love the vertical walls on the Tarra but have hesitations b/c it is really designed for extreme mountaineering....I have also considered the Allak 2...your video was well organized and articulated....all tough choices!! Best, Winston
@@sophieholt2177 yes, it's hard to choose just one... I have two more Hilleberg tents that I'll be posting videos on soon as well, so I had trouble choosing just one as well :)
Would there be enough room for my Dutch Shepherd and me ? I can't find anything suitable ;.( in this Time you cant go to shops and look the tents in real and just looking viedeos are not exactly enough...
Don’t know how big you are but a man and a dog will fit just fine in this tent. Check out the other one on my channel about the Staika and you’ll see it with a sleeping pad. Maybe that will help. I’m 196cm tall
Answers from anyone! What do you think of just using the Outer tent for camping as I think the FE active camp bed feet will damage the ground sheet.(I am an old guy who has difficulty sleeping on the ground) I don't want to put a jam jar lid under each of it's 10 feet, also I can wipe off the condensation easily, as I had to do when dismantling the inner of a Soulo in the rain, also this will compensate for the extra weight I will have to carry and help drying/airing out the whole tent at home. Thanks.
Hi Mike! I see the camp bed is 19cm high and 190 long. It might be a tight fit because of the sloping walls. I’d recommend looking at Helags / Kaitum or Keron tunnel tents. In there it will fit better. If you want a dome tent, then perhaps the Allak 3. As for the legs damaging the ground sheet - not sure. Perhaps you could put something under it indeed to help distribute the weight. Let me know how it goes ✌🏽
I have this tent and I use the Helinox Cot as my bed and have had no issues with damaging the tent, that includes using the optional cot legs that raise it even higher.
get extra floor from Hilleberg. I also use Tyvek from Dupont for extra protection from rocks etc. Call me crazy but I also put thin painters plastic from Home Depot on the ground first (cut to exact dimensionright on place after staking) so i dont have to wash it home from dirt. This way I protect the tent as much as possible. Of course this is only for car camping, for wilderness I use hammock. (I also have Kaitum 3GT with extra floor, Tyvek and plastic :-))
@@peterolsovsky I've carried a tarp for forty years to put on the ground. Just fold the outer edges under for size. In the desert there are cactus balls that will pierce the toughest bottoms and you have to slow them down. Punctured a couple Thermarests from them in time. Sometimes it's just plain handy to have a tarp with you.
Thanks so much mate! I’m working on the Allak. Very hard to come by these days. Hoping around November. I do know it a bit if there’s anything I can maybe try and help you figure out - let me know 🙏
@@OutdoorPrep I actually have one on order, it’s due end of October, as you say very difficult to get hold of,..and also getting very expensive! I had originally intended to buy a Hilleberg Soulo, but when I viewed one at Nordic Outdoors in Edinburgh I just decided that it was too small for my needs and quite claustrophobic , if I’m spending this kind of money it has to be right and I think the extra space, ventilation, twin doors and vestibules of the Allak 2 will be worth the extra outlay 💵💰! Keep up the good work mate, I much appreciate the effort you put into these detailed and balanced reviews 👍
@@1956colinb yeah I get that. The Soulo is not always the right choice. The Allak is great and I’ve been thinking about switching from Staika to Allak… but there’s still something special about the Staika 🙈 Anyhow, I think my review of the Allak will be very positive based on what I’ve experienced with it so far. I have found one issue on it. I can forward you the video via Instagram @ourdoorprep so you know what to look out for when you get your A2 🙏
@@OutdoorPrep Thanks Rob, but I’m an old Luddite and I don’t do Instagram, Twitter, Facebook etc, I like to fly beneath the radar if you know what I mean 😬 I’ll be happy to wait for your review 👍 The deed is done, it’s ordered and I’m sure it’ll be great when it turns up, Cheers 🍻
They are not very fast with updates and this is not a big priority. If they update it, it will be on their website in the news section. I would not hold my breath though.
Hello sir I'm thinking of getting the staika or the Nammatj 2. What did u mean by the double guy lines and some thing u said about easier to tear with how the guy lines r put in?? This tent the staika costs 1,150$ for me I live in the USA. The Nammatj 2 is 875$. Both black labels. I wanted a very strong tent and both r strong. But I was first gonna buy the Nammatj. Now before I saw ur video I was leaning toward the staika. But after seeing ur video I dont know. I sent in a couple questions to hilleberg but if u cud offer some more insight between the two tents or just the staika I would be soo grateful. And please look at my first questions too. Lastly how's the space in this tent? And this staika seems more technical then the Nammatj. Which the Nammatj looks way easier to set up. I'm just concerned the Nammatj isn't gonna be as strong as the staika but the Nammatj has amazing features.
On the Staika, you have one guy line at the corners and it's connected to two attachment points. If you were to cut it in half, you'd have two single ones - as you do on the Soulo / Allak. Again, annoying but can be fixed easily. If you expect to have a LOT of wind from all different directions or the tent to get buried in snow - consider the Staika. You also get two entrances and two vestibules. One door always away from the wind as they are on the opposite sides. If you are camping solo and < 185 / 6'1 you can consider the Nammatj. If you are taller, your feet will be touching the walls. I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask any follow up questions - happy to help
@@OutdoorPrep Thankyou so much for the great reply. I'm 6 ft and a good sized guy. I really want the staika for some reason. It'll be me and a dog. Hence the 2 person tent for me. I'd like to get both the staika and Nammatj. But staika first. But I need it to be long enuf. As far as length and room what is ur opinion in relation to being 6 ft. I know u mentioned 6'1. I just need the room and hoping its not to tight of a fit. Thankyou!
@@OutdoorPrep Also do u wrap the guy line around the pole for strong support or do u just pull the guy line straight from the reinforced fabric and stake out?
at 6'1" I think you will fit just fine in the staika, especially if you plan in staking it out. That increases the inner space by about 2". Unless you're expecting a lot of snowfall you could also consider the Allak 3. The walls on that one are less slanted so you actually get the 230cm.
So the Staika is an older design and it does not have the option to wrap the guy line attachment around the pole as it's done on the Soulo and Allak. You can watch my Soulo Review video to understand what I mean - you'll see it in there. It's still very strong regardless. So what kind of weather are you expecting?
Dziekuje Szymon. Kupiłem jakiś czas temu, juz ich nie ma. Jeśli naprawdę potrzebujesz to mógłbym być otwarty na oferty. Możesz przesłać na IG @Outdoorprep.
It’s a bit of an odd one, especially the pole. Not the most “consumer friendly” tent i would say, but specifically for mountain use. Good indoor space but vestibule becomes unusable for cooking if the wind presses on it. Advantage of the Staika is having a vestibule on opposite sides. If you need the strength of Jannu - sure, go for it. But other than that I prefer Allak.
@@lisetteschutte5495 hey late reply from someone random, im 2,01 meters tall which is about 6'6ft i believe, tent is completely fine, you obviously wont be standing in this tent but when i sit in this tent I dont have to bend my back. This is also a very durable tent so if I were to do soemthign clumpsy and quickly lift my head into the roof I do not have to be afraid that I will damage it.
Damn, a Hilleberg Black Label and the guy lines don’t even wrap the poles in the superior way! That’s crazy that there would be a design weakness for strength in a Black Label (I would call that a deal breaker).
Yeah, the idea for doing that came later and Hilleberg doesn’t want to update the design of the Staika 🤷🏻♂️ I wouldn’t necessarily call it a weakness, the tunnel tents don’t have it either and I have never heard of a Staika being damaged by the weather. It’s still one of the strongest tents out there, but shame they don’t improve it.
@@OutdoorPrep interesting, I never even knew about the difference between the pole wrappers vs the fabric hoop until you pointed it out…but my glass half empty azz immediately complained lol. I suppose you might be right though, since the Black Labels are tough Kerlon 1800 strength maybe it’ll be a cold day in Hell before a guy line tears through a loop, so maybe it’s fine.
Yeah I wouldn’t worry about it from the strength perspective. 10mm poles make the most difference by the way. Kerlon 1800 you will notice in durability
@@OutdoorPrep you know what, after further research on tents and Hilleberg I might retract my complaint about the Staika guy lines because of how it’s a freestanding tent, therefore guy lines are less important. Not that it wouldn’t still be an advantage, but I guess it’s less of an issue when the tent doesn’t depend on the stakes for its stability.
I see why you might think that Joe, but let’s have a closer look. What a tunnel tent needs to stand up is also just 4 stakes in the ground. Two front and two back. No guylines. I’ve used my Keron 4GT like that on quiet nights - no problem. Loads of people do. Except one time when a storm came rolling in in the morning and I needed to go outside in the rain and set everything up properly 🙄😄 The guylines are to keep the tent (poles) stable in the wind. That is just as important on dome tents as on tunnel tents. The Staika, because of its aerodynamic design and10mm poles is strong without guylines, but I wold never use it like that if there’s any wind. The slightly bigger and I think less stable Allak 3 will not do very well at all without the guylines. Hope this makes sense.
Too heavy for me when hiking but I LOVE it for my motorcycle trips. They space is great since I can put my riding gear in 1 vestibule and keep the other for entry, cooking, etc. The motorcycle doesn’t care about the weight. At a rally there was a big storm that collapsed multiple tents around me but my Staika never even shook!
@@OutdoorPrep I can't backpack any more due to a ruptured disk and trying to avoid surgery, so I'll be bike camping. Have you heard that a lot of bicycle campers use the Staika and the 9lbs isn't too bad? I like to have more room if there is weather that's so bad I have to camp for a few days. I'm going to get a front rack and plan to bungee cord it to the front, but not sure if weight up there is a problem for steering. Have you heard, or do you also bike camp?
@@mwj5368 I’m planning on cycle touring and deciding between this and the allak. An awful lot of cycle tourists have lighter tents. I am concerned about the weight of this Staika
Hey that's for the video - Do you think if you get the 10mm poles for the Allak 2 it will perform the same at the Staika in wind ? Also, what do like about the Allak over the Staika .... Thank you for your time ... Gaz
Planning on doing a video on that soon(-ish). I got the A3 with 10mm poles. It makes a huge difference. The Staika is still a bit more aerodynamic due to its shape but Allak is just a more “user friendly” tent. The issues I had with Staika have been fixed with the Allak. Not a whole lot to complain about. If you see your tent as a survival shelter for the harshest conditions - get the Staika. If you want a great tent that can also handle some strong winds - Allak is the one. Hope this helps Let me know if you need more info Cheers
How about the condensation, is that an issue? (In comparison: the Hille`s 4-season tunnels, for example Nammatj, Keron and Kaitum get a reliable cross ventilation from both ends.. )
The ventilation openings are smaller indeed, but it really depends on the conditions. I’ve had everything soaking wet in Kaitum and Keron as well, despite the vents being open.
Absolutely second to none tent, bomb proof, withstanded terrential rains of epic proportions where all of my friends tents were leaking, I slept worry free. However, in hot summer it is an inferno, unless you open everything you can. Other than that I can't recommend it more. Great review as always Rob.
It’s one hell of a tent indeed. It has made room for another one in my gear closet though. Keep an eye out 😉
If you can find one, you can buy an inner mesh for the Staika, then it will be a tent that would also work well in summer.
Were your friend’s tents that were leaking low budget cheap tents, or were they at least a more well known brand? Yeah I hear some people say that even good tents have leaked on them in bad enough weather, but never their Hilleberg.
@@joebuck4496 I spoke with Hilleberg about this. They are concentrating on tents, not floors or mesh liners. Much understandable given the last couple years.
Great that you spent plenty of time looking at the door options. That’s something others don’t - doors can make a tent a pleasure or an annoyance.
Ha ha--I can relate to the inferno comment. I have a Nammatj 3. If the sun hits it in warm weather it can get very warm inside. But, to protect the fabric I always try to find a shady spot. Then it is great to fold back the vestibule, and enjoy a nice view.
Sounds like a sweet deal! Thanks for sharing!
Great vid mate.
I really like the Staika. It’s basically a Soulo with more space. I don’t personally notice the design stuff - it does it’s job very well. You’re right - it’s for very windy / extreme weather. And for that, it’s basically perfect.
Cheers mate 🙏
Yeah it’s growing on me but still wish the easy fixes would have been implemented to update it slightly. Still wondering if Allak would not be better for most cases 😁🤷♂️
@@OutdoorPrep The Allak appears a bit cramped when trying to cook in front of door. I would like to see one as well. Also it is Red Label, just not as strong and durable of time. But still better than about anyone elses.
@@samhill3496 I think it might be the other way around. Staika has a 50/50 door/vestibule ratio whereas the Allak is more like 60/40 because the center pole is not in the center. Also because it's less of a pyramid shape, the walls are more vertical at the bottom, giving even more space in the vestibule. And sure, 40d is stronger than 30d but it's still strong and durable. The poles will make most difference.
@@OutdoorPrep Hey thanks. I found and ordered the Staika today. Hard to find any Hilleberg. I still an looking for a black label Soulo so when they are available I may get one as well. Now trying to find a footprint. May have to make me one for time being. I have the production schedule rom Hilleberg.
@@samhill3496 congrats on the find. It's hard to get some of the models indeed. Where are you located?
Great review as always, structured, detailed and informative. Helping me on my hille decision making 👍
Thanks for taking the time to let me know. What did you end up deciding on?
@@OutdoorPrep thinking of the allack2 with 10mm poles lol
That could work. What are your requirements? Do you expect a lot of snowfall?
I have an old one with leather label. It's permeable even after i sprayed it. I used it with a tarp. Also a plastic tarp on the bottum. Now a stick broke, and many have tears. I think it's time to say goodbye, but not easy..when do you decide to disgard a hilleberg☺
I like it's pretty warm in winter, as little wind comes through.
Sounds like it’s been out on some trips. How old do you think it is by now? And what tent will you choose next?
Thanks for the video - great detail!
Very welcome! Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent video once again. Great info, well presented and an awesome tent.
Thanks for watching and for you kind words 🙏🙂
Very good presentation and review. I've watched several and you covered more than any others put together. Somethings I didn't know. I like this tent. It does have some features that need updated, mainly the guy lines. I can live with it and in it. I motorcycle around the world and also hike in very bad conditions in polar areas during off riding seasons. I need a tough tent. This may be it. The two vestibules are handy for the items you need on one side and items you just need to store off the bike and keep dry under the other. It's tough, much tougher than competitor's. Thanks for you work and review.
Thanks for your comment, Sam. I appreciate it and happy to hear you found the information valuable. The tent needs updating indeed. I’ve been talking to Hilleberg and they are aware of it, will update it in the future but not anytime soon. If you can live with some of the annoying features of this tent and also can fit in it comfortably - then it’s an awesome tent. I have switched to Allak and am much happier with it. With 10mm poles it’s also very strong. I think the difference will be minimal and will only be noticeable in 60mph+ winds due to difference in shape / aerodynamics.
@@OutdoorPrep Hi there. Does this mean that there are also 10mm poles for the Allak 2? Or do those from the Staika also fit the Allak?
@@ronaldkuntzable check the website for the length of the poles and you can get the same length in 10mm 👌🏼
@@robertlewandowski8491 The 10mm from the Staika are 10cm longer. So it won't work.
Hi Rob, this is a great look around this tent. Well done. Just subbed too. ATB Tom
Thanks Tom. Means a lot coming from you. I’m honoured to have you as a subscriber 😍
Quite a few issues with the tent you pointed out. Had the Tarra, don't recall having any issues with it.
I get that. Those are two very different tents though
Staika inner tent 140cm*230cm. Allak 2 130-120cm*225cm. My current tent is 120cm * 210cm and it feels small (too tight). If I choose the Allak model would it be better for Allak 3?
How a tent feels is very personal of course, but I found the Allak 3 to be quite roomy. It’s also higher than the Allak 2 and walls are less steep compared to the Staika. If you’re also interested in other, less premium brands, Jack Wolfskin Yellowstone Vent 3 or 4 offers a lot of space, but it’s a different class of tent.
looks like a great tent but would you recommend it for backpacking trips? it weighs about 4 lbs more than a North Face Ve25...
thank you
I’d recommend it if you’re backpacking in harsh environments… strong winds or loads of snow.
It’s also a so called Nordic pitch, like all Hillebergs - so you don’t need to get your tent wet first and then put over the rain fly.
If you want something a little bit lighter, have a look at the Allak
@@OutdoorPrep Thanks Rob!
Maybe an option is to go for an Allak to get the newer features and then purchase a set of 10mm poles for it.
that is definitely an option. Allak2 is smaller however, A3 is great for 2 tall people. From what I've heard they still do great in bad weather, so unless it's very extreme I think it would be fine
Very detailed, brother. Thanks.
Glad you’ve enjoyed it 💪🏼
@@OutdoorPrep yrs enjoyed the detail you don't get elsewhere. Thanks.
Do you know whether the Staika or the Soulo black label is better in very high winds? Thanks for your videos.
They are both very good, but if I had to pick one I’d say the Soulo, simply because of its smaller size. The Staika does have a very aerodynamic profile.
@@OutdoorPrep Thanks for the repley Rob. Much appreciated. That's what I thought about the Soulo BL with regards to high winds. I might still have to select the Staika though, as my dog is with me most times, and it might be a bit tight in the Soulo with both of us. Thanks again for your help :)
@@citizenwolf8720 hiya mate I’ve got the staika and my red label soulo is far superior in high winds. Probably because it’s smaller, plus the staika guidelines don’t wrap around the poles which makes the tent more flappy. I still think the staika is the best 2 man tent money can buy it just could do with an upgrade
@@Paul-eu9jp Thanks Paul. In the end, I did get the Staika for the extra room. I also really like the doors on the opposite sides of the tent as it gives more options if the wind/rain shifts around.
How do you know which pole goes into the sleeves first, and second, and third?
Here's where it get's interesting. Black label tents have this philosophy that they should be easy to set up in storms. To help with that - the poles are exactly the same so you don't need to worry about grabbing the wrong one! Saitaris and the new Soulo BL are the exception here.
@@OutdoorPrep Hi Rob! Very nice of you to take the time! I should have realized they are all the same length! So it is measured such the poles arc at different degrees to cause the same three differences in arch height no matter what order you insert the poles. One tutorial says to start with the blue sleeves first so the very top hook doesn't twist when you hook it because of the way the hook strap is sewn into the tent top. The problem for me was the hooks got progressively harder to hook as I got towards the top and I worried something would rip or break. I staked the bottom out into the hexagon shape with six stakes first correctly but I ended up with quite a few hooks at the top not possible to hook and a flat top probably where condensation would have collected. I'm going to practice setting up quite a few times before my first camping trip. Also I found every pole the guy-lines go alternately one with lines to the left, the next with lines to the right and that wasn't in the Hilleberg video. I went more by their video than the little book, but looked at that too. Any advice would be appreciated but understand if you don't have time. Thanks for your info!
@@mwj5368 Not sure if I understand the issue. The poles are exactly the same. They arch at the same point but once you "stack" them on top of each other they look different. I agree with blue, white, red - that's what I suggested too. Hilleberg said it didn't matter. Maybe they have changed it now. You do need to press down on the poles a bit when clipping them in - that's fine. The last few hooks are quite hard to get in. Just make sure you're holding them correctly with both fingers and not pulling it open - if you understand what I mean. That way you won't break the hook. And again - press down on the pole a bit to get the hook over it. This is what Hilleberg recommend doing too.
The guy line attachments are a bit outdates (as is the tent) but it doesn't matter much. Just stake them out in the direction of the poles and you'll be fine. One last tip - once in the field - keep in mind that the ground is not even. Keep that in mind when setting up the poles and you think something is not right. Hope this helps. Cheers
@@OutdoorPrep I use my Staika as you described in the beginning of the video, kayaking in the archipelago, mostly on bare stone slabs with nowhere to put any stakes. My experience is that the tent in those situations get a tad more stable if you put the blue in last, and clip the center clip in that pole. Then that pole is securing the others by pressing them down slightly.
Rob- I have had quite a difficult time deciding btwn the Staika and Tarra - did you ever consider purchasing the Tarra (weight issues aside)? Thanks, Winston
Hi Winston, Tarra is not for me I think. but I might change my mind in the future. What makes you consider it? How and where will you be using it? I would enjoy the vertical walls like on the Kaitum / Keron but What I'm missing is ventilation in the vestibule (like on the Keron / Kaitum) in case you want to boil some water (what you of course should never do). Also, the long, extended vestibule exists for aerodynamic purposes, and is less usable, especially when there's a lot of snow on top. I prefer getting in and out of the tent in this way. Just some random thoughts - hope this helps :)
@@OutdoorPrep great points and thanks for replying......the more research I do on the company the more it becomes apparent that one should consider several tents if that is something one can afford.....the new Soulo BlackLabel will be interesting.......I will use his in Maine, here in the US...mostly for winter and early spring tenting....I will not be backpacking with it....I do love the vertical walls on the Tarra but have hesitations b/c it is really designed for extreme mountaineering....I have also considered the Allak 2...your video was well organized and articulated....all tough choices!! Best, Winston
@@sophieholt2177 yes, it's hard to choose just one... I have two more Hilleberg tents that I'll be posting videos on soon as well, so I had trouble choosing just one as well :)
@@OutdoorPrep Rob, many thanks...I am glad I am not alone in having difficulty choosing just one!! Best,
Winston
@@UhuruFrontierNiak is great too! I am curious what made you choose that combination?
Would there be enough room for my Dutch Shepherd and me ? I can't find anything suitable ;.( in this Time you cant go to shops and look the tents in real and just looking viedeos are not exactly enough...
Don’t know how big you are but a man and a dog will fit just fine in this tent. Check out the other one on my channel about the Staika and you’ll see it with a sleeping pad. Maybe that will help. I’m 196cm tall
Answers from anyone! What do you think of just using the Outer tent for camping as I think the FE active camp bed feet will damage the ground sheet.(I am an old guy who has difficulty sleeping on the ground) I don't want to put a jam jar lid under each of it's 10 feet, also I can wipe off the condensation easily, as I had to do when dismantling the inner of a Soulo in the rain, also this will compensate for the extra weight I will have to carry and help drying/airing out the whole tent at home. Thanks.
Hi Mike! I see the camp bed is 19cm high and 190 long. It might be a tight fit because of the sloping walls. I’d recommend looking at Helags / Kaitum or Keron tunnel tents. In there it will fit better. If you want a dome tent, then perhaps the Allak 3. As for the legs damaging the ground sheet - not sure. Perhaps you could put something under it indeed to help distribute the weight. Let me know how it goes ✌🏽
I have this tent and I use the Helinox Cot as my bed and have had no issues with damaging the tent, that includes using the optional cot legs that raise it even higher.
get extra floor from Hilleberg. I also use Tyvek from Dupont for extra protection from rocks etc. Call me crazy but I also put thin painters plastic from Home Depot on the ground first (cut to exact dimensionright on place after staking) so i dont have to wash it home from dirt. This way I protect the tent as much as possible. Of course this is only for car camping, for wilderness I use hammock. (I also have Kaitum 3GT with extra floor, Tyvek and plastic :-))
@@peterolsovsky I've carried a tarp for forty years to put on the ground. Just fold the outer edges under for size. In the desert there are cactus balls that will pierce the toughest bottoms and you have to slow them down. Punctured a couple Thermarests from them in time. Sometimes it's just plain handy to have a tarp with you.
Hi Rob, I think you do the best reviews on TH-cam, any chance you can get your hands on a Hilleberg Allak 2 and do a review on that one please ??
Thanks so much mate! I’m working on the Allak. Very hard to come by these days. Hoping around November. I do know it a bit if there’s anything I can maybe try and help you figure out - let me know 🙏
@@OutdoorPrep I actually have one on order, it’s due end of October, as you say very difficult to get hold of,..and also getting very expensive!
I had originally intended to buy a Hilleberg Soulo, but when I viewed one at Nordic Outdoors in Edinburgh I just decided that it was too small for my needs and quite claustrophobic , if I’m spending this kind of money it has to be right and I think the extra space, ventilation, twin doors and vestibules of the Allak 2 will be worth the extra outlay 💵💰!
Keep up the good work mate, I much appreciate the effort you put into these detailed and balanced reviews 👍
@@1956colinb yeah I get that. The Soulo is not always the right choice. The Allak is great and I’ve been thinking about switching from Staika to Allak… but there’s still something special about the Staika 🙈
Anyhow, I think my review of the Allak will be very positive based on what I’ve experienced with it so far. I have found one issue on it. I can forward you the video via Instagram @ourdoorprep so you know what to look out for when you get your A2 🙏
@@OutdoorPrep Thanks Rob, but I’m an old Luddite and I don’t do Instagram, Twitter, Facebook etc, I like to fly beneath the radar if you know what I mean 😬 I’ll be happy to wait for your review 👍
The deed is done, it’s ordered and I’m sure it’ll be great when it turns up, Cheers 🍻
@@1956colinb haha fair enough mate. Which color did you get? Sand? You’ll be even more impossible to find then :)
New sub here, great review Rob. We'll done 😁👍
Cheers mate 🙏 🙂
So if its an old design, when are they going to update it, and how will we know if they do, and have updated it?
They are not very fast with updates and this is not a big priority. If they update it, it will be on their website in the news section. I would not hold my breath though.
I like the fact that there is a zip both sides of the door.
That’s great indeks but i think most tents are like that, no?
@@OutdoorPrep Not theae days they don't most have zips on only on side.
@@karlgreene2177 oh that's unfortunate... seems like a bad design indeed...
Agreed!
Hello sir I'm thinking of getting the staika or the Nammatj 2. What did u mean by the double guy lines and some thing u said about easier to tear with how the guy lines r put in?? This tent the staika costs 1,150$ for me I live in the USA. The Nammatj 2 is 875$. Both black labels. I wanted a very strong tent and both r strong. But I was first gonna buy the Nammatj. Now before I saw ur video I was leaning toward the staika. But after seeing ur video I dont know. I sent in a couple questions to hilleberg but if u cud offer some more insight between the two tents or just the staika I would be soo grateful. And please look at my first questions too. Lastly how's the space in this tent? And this staika seems more technical then the Nammatj. Which the Nammatj looks way easier to set up. I'm just concerned the Nammatj isn't gonna be as strong as the staika but the Nammatj has amazing features.
On the Staika, you have one guy line at the corners and it's connected to two attachment points. If you were to cut it in half, you'd have two single ones - as you do on the Soulo / Allak. Again, annoying but can be fixed easily. If you expect to have a LOT of wind from all different directions or the tent to get buried in snow - consider the Staika. You also get two entrances and two vestibules. One door always away from the wind as they are on the opposite sides. If you are camping solo and < 185 / 6'1 you can consider the Nammatj. If you are taller, your feet will be touching the walls. I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask any follow up questions - happy to help
@@OutdoorPrep
Thankyou so much for the great reply. I'm 6 ft and a good sized guy. I really want the staika for some reason. It'll be me and a dog. Hence the 2 person tent for me. I'd like to get both the staika and Nammatj. But staika first. But I need it to be long enuf. As far as length and room what is ur opinion in relation to being 6 ft. I know u mentioned 6'1. I just need the room and hoping its not to tight of a fit. Thankyou!
@@OutdoorPrep
Also do u wrap the guy line around the pole for strong support or do u just pull the guy line straight from the reinforced fabric and stake out?
at 6'1" I think you will fit just fine in the staika, especially if you plan in staking it out. That increases the inner space by about 2". Unless you're expecting a lot of snowfall you could also consider the Allak 3. The walls on that one are less slanted so you actually get the 230cm.
So the Staika is an older design and it does not have the option to wrap the guy line attachment around the pole as it's done on the Soulo and Allak. You can watch my Soulo Review video to understand what I mean - you'll see it in there. It's still very strong regardless.
So what kind of weather are you expecting?
Bardzo dobry film. Dziękuję. W jakim sklepie kupiłeś Staikę? Bardzo ciężko ją dzis nabyć w Europie.. Dziękuje za odpowiedź.
Dziekuje Szymon. Kupiłem jakiś czas temu, juz ich nie ma. Jeśli naprawdę potrzebujesz to mógłbym być otwarty na oferty. Możesz przesłać na IG @Outdoorprep.
What do you think of the Jannu compared to the Soulo and the Staika?
It’s a bit of an odd one, especially the pole. Not the most “consumer friendly” tent i would say, but specifically for mountain use.
Good indoor space but vestibule becomes unusable for cooking if the wind presses on it. Advantage of the Staika is having a vestibule on opposite sides.
If you need the strength of Jannu - sure, go for it. But other than that I prefer Allak.
Very clear explanation Rob- thanks! How does a tall person like yourself fit in this tent? Roomy enough?
Thanks Lisette. Great question - I just about fit. You can actually see that in my other video: th-cam.com/video/yrtigzd6sUw/w-d-xo.html
@@OutdoorPrep great 👍 thanks 🙏
@@lisetteschutte5495 hey late reply from someone random, im 2,01 meters tall which is about 6'6ft i believe, tent is completely fine, you obviously wont be standing in this tent but when i sit in this tent I dont have to bend my back. This is also a very durable tent so if I were to do soemthign clumpsy and quickly lift my head into the roof I do not have to be afraid that I will damage it.
@@northernvikingr1294 haha thanks for that and good to know a man as tall as you can sit up straight in the tent that is also clumsy-proof 😊
@@OutdoorPrep Hi Rob! What about sleeping at an angle with your head and feet at opposite corners?
Damn, a Hilleberg Black Label and the guy lines don’t even wrap the poles in the superior way! That’s crazy that there would be a design weakness for strength in a Black Label (I would call that a deal breaker).
Yeah, the idea for doing that came later and Hilleberg doesn’t want to update the design of the Staika 🤷🏻♂️
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a weakness, the tunnel tents don’t have it either and I have never heard of a Staika being damaged by the weather.
It’s still one of the strongest tents out there, but shame they don’t improve it.
@@OutdoorPrep interesting, I never even knew about the difference between the pole wrappers vs the fabric hoop until you pointed it out…but my glass half empty azz immediately complained lol. I suppose you might be right though, since the Black Labels are tough Kerlon 1800 strength maybe it’ll be a cold day in Hell before a guy line tears through a loop, so maybe it’s fine.
Yeah I wouldn’t worry about it from the strength perspective. 10mm poles make the most difference by the way. Kerlon 1800 you will notice in durability
@@OutdoorPrep you know what, after further research on tents and Hilleberg I might retract my complaint about the Staika guy lines because of how it’s a freestanding tent, therefore guy lines are less important. Not that it wouldn’t still be an advantage, but I guess it’s less of an issue when the tent doesn’t depend on the stakes for its stability.
I see why you might think that Joe, but let’s have a closer look. What a tunnel tent needs to stand up is also just 4 stakes in the ground. Two front and two back. No guylines. I’ve used my Keron 4GT like that on quiet nights - no problem. Loads of people do. Except one time when a storm came rolling in in the morning and I needed to go outside in the rain and set everything up properly 🙄😄
The guylines are to keep the tent (poles) stable in the wind. That is just as important on dome tents as on tunnel tents. The Staika, because of its aerodynamic design and10mm poles is strong without guylines, but I wold never use it like that if there’s any wind. The slightly bigger and I think less stable Allak 3 will not do very well at all without the guylines. Hope this makes sense.
Perfect for car camping or with all terrain vehicles to carry the extreme weight.
It’s not the lightest indeed but it just might end up in my backpack one day 😃
Too heavy for me when hiking but I LOVE it for my motorcycle trips. They space is great since I can put my riding gear in 1 vestibule and keep the other for entry, cooking, etc. The motorcycle doesn’t care about the weight. At a rally there was a big storm that collapsed multiple tents around me but my Staika never even shook!
@@OutdoorPrep I can't backpack any more due to a ruptured disk and trying to avoid surgery, so I'll be bike camping. Have you heard that a lot of bicycle campers use the Staika and the 9lbs isn't too bad? I like to have more room if there is weather that's so bad I have to camp for a few days. I'm going to get a front rack and plan to bungee cord it to the front, but not sure if weight up there is a problem for steering. Have you heard, or do you also bike camp?
@@mwj5368 I’m planning on cycle touring and deciding between this and the allak. An awful lot of cycle tourists have lighter tents. I am concerned about the weight of this Staika
Hey that's for the video - Do you think if you get the 10mm poles for the Allak 2 it will perform the same at the Staika in wind ? Also, what do like about the Allak over the Staika .... Thank you for your time ... Gaz
Planning on doing a video on that soon(-ish). I got the A3 with 10mm poles. It makes a huge difference. The Staika is still a bit more aerodynamic due to its shape but Allak is just a more “user friendly” tent. The issues I had with Staika have been fixed with the Allak. Not a whole lot to complain about.
If you see your tent as a survival shelter for the harshest conditions - get the Staika. If you want a great tent that can also handle some strong winds - Allak is the one.
Hope this helps
Let me know if you need more info
Cheers
How about the condensation, is that an issue?
(In comparison: the Hille`s 4-season tunnels, for example Nammatj, Keron and Kaitum get a reliable cross ventilation from both ends.. )
The ventilation openings are smaller indeed, but it really depends on the conditions. I’ve had everything soaking wet in Kaitum and Keron as well, despite the vents being open.
Can I put a Electric mountain bike in side the tent and sleep with it?
I don’t think it will fit unless you take it apart
I understand that you love your bike, but I think in this instance you’re taking it too far!
@@strickostricko hahaha
It can also be to put it out of sight… so it’s still there next morning :)