It was interesting to see the difference between the 9mm and 10mm poles. Great seeing you testing in windy conditions showing the true impact on the tents. Thanks.
Thank you William I try to bring content a little bit different. I have actually never pitched the Akto with the 9mm pole until the video and think I will leave it at home in the future... ATB Tom
Hi thank you very much for the comments and watching of course... I try to think of the practicallities and aspects that users will be interested to know... ATB Tom
Hey thank you very much for your positive comments.. I try hard to field test when I can and bring content thats a bit different to my channel.... ATVB Tom
Hi yes it all was great fun, apart from removing the salt from the tents. The morning after was great for filming but just difficult to manage good audio in the high winds, but this is what happens when its out in the outdoors with challenging conditions. ATB Tom
An excellent demonstration of the effect of wind on these two tents. To be fair they both stood up well to the wind challenge although the touching of the outer to the inner on the Akto is disturbing as rain combined with the wind could cause an upset. For me, that would drop your 40mph threshold to a lower number. . Am I right in thinking that your preference for the Akto is purely because of its weight advantage ? I suggest that you need to test the Enan against the Akto as it’s possible that the Akto may be too close the Soulo in weight. An Enan in the collection may make the Akto redundant and provide a definite alternative to the Soulo. I hope somebody is able to lend you one for a day. Tom, the effort you’re putting into these video’s is appreciated. ATB. . Regarding the poles, I did suggest to Petra Hilleberg that 10mm poles should be included with all 4 season tents. Her response was that the label colour was the determining factor and red label tents get 9mm poles. A pity, IMO.
Hi Gary, thank you for your comprehensive comments as usual. Yes when the inner touches the outer you always get moisture transferred to the inner when its raining. No doubt I will be able to test that soon. To be fair I feel that the 10mm pole helps the strength in the roof which keeps the separation up to higher wind speeds. So maybe the cut off is 30mph with rain and 40 with wind on its own.... The Akto preference is definitely a weight thing although when laying down in the Akto it feels more roomy too. Hilleberg endorse the use of double poles with most of their tents so I feel that 10mm poles are a great compromise. The 9mm poles do very well in the Soulo due to its guying support at the sides but also the pole crossing points in the roof. The Akto doesn't obviously have roof crossing points so the 10mm pole really helps... ATB Tom
Nice comparison Tom. Soulo has my vote though. Almost had an Akto, but eventually landed a Soulo Red Label- call it providence. Re. headlamp choices, point taken on LedLenser. ATB, David.
Hi David, Yeah there is one particular shot in the video that you can see the Soulo not moving and the Akto outer being pushed against the inner. Once the winds get up then its the Soulo for me too. My next review will be on the torch I previewed in a few days. ATB Tom
I do get a bit cheesed off with people doing tent reviews in their fenced back gardens. You on the other hand...well I began to worry about those waves and whether you were wearing a buoyancy aid in your sleeping bag. Great job as ever.
Hi Derek thank you for your positive comments. It is a lot harder filming in the outdoors for sure with many more challenges. I personally don't like doing tent reviews from my garden as I try to show content that's a bit different and completely real. Great that you noticed this. During lockdowns however I did have to bite the bullet and do a few garden ones.... ATB Tom
You didn’t guy the soulo out?? I’ve seen akto v soulo in over 50mph wind. The akto is designed to fold flat with the 1 pole design. Solo just looks like it’s got the shakes. I prefer red pole in first too. I get a strange ridge if I put it in last. Personal preference I reckon. So. Saturday my black label soulo arrives 😬😬😬 Yep. I have a disease. So a red label soulo will be going up for sale. I’m dying to see how the new one looks and feels. Good review and well filmed 👌 Atb 👍
Hi Andy, hey thank you for your comments. It was guyed out at all points on the windward side. In reality I would always guy it out at all points on the lee side too as it balances the structure better. Maybe I should have done this for the video but I know that you understand what it is like filming and the time that everything takes. The tent was under no pressure at any point in this amount of wind. I was disappointed with the wind speed but then at least when you measure it its real and true. I wish you all the very best with your new black label Soulo. I have heard of so many people ordering them that I am starting to think in that direction too. ATB Tom
Hey Neil, me too - had two goes at filming and both times it was about 20mph below what it should have been. Next time I am sure that won't be too long. You know how windy it is here... ATB and thank you for your comments. Tom
I get that this video was made 2 years ago, But in High winds I don't get any form of bowing from the Akto due to simply adding extra guys, I don't need high tension or anything, it just works. Getting the angle of the guys right on the Akto the first few times is difficult but when I realised they are meant to be at a 45 degree angle from the centre pole as advised by Hilleberg, it soon changes the structure of the tent, I haven't seen 1 single video on TH-cam or elsewhere of anyone pitching the Akto the same way that Hilleberg advises it to be pitched, it's so bizarre, in fact, on the official Hilleberg demo video for the Akto, the guys are pitched incorrectly, this is according to there own diagram in the small tut book that comes with the tent. I don't get it haha. Any way, solid channel! 🙂
Hey thank you for your comments and thoughts... I actually position the guy line 45 degrees away from the wind.. This keeps more tension on the windward panel for better separation between inner and outer... Thank you too for the positive feedback the channel.... best wishes Tom
Hey thank you very much for your positive comments and subscribing. I am glad that you enjoyed it and try to do real wold field tests if I can. ATB Tom
Yes I camped a little too close to the sea.... Got blasted by the spray from the waves hitting the rocks and then the tent. Totally dry though and woke to a fab morning, perfect for setting up the Soulo and comparing wind performance with the Akto ... I hope that you enjoy this video. Look out for the lovely dog too. ATB Tom
Absolutely 😁 .. I sold both my Soulo s but now I think I regret it... Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.. All the very best wishes Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Hi Tom . yes structurally a dome is logically the best shape for stability and panel support. Can't see the fixation on hooped tents whose sides flail in the wind making for a poor night's sleep .. yet some folk love them .. its a case of tunnel vision 😁 I'm not in that camp I've been watching quite a few videos trying to home in on domed tents the purpose being for expedition sea kayaking when one never knows what campsite they find; might be rock shelves or just be sand hence free standing tent are important. Weight not being critical it's preferable for a larger abode should foul weather strike and you're stuck for days with only a good book for company when cabin fever strikes. Ventilation is important for hot weather to be genuinely a 4 season tent. Yet with 4 season tent reviews there's a preoccupation on their winter and snow virtues with precious little discussion about the other 4 season extreme.. namely summer In terms of domes, I'd like to see a comparison in hot weather between the Fjallraven Abisko Dome 2 and the Hilleberg Allak for ventilation features .. I think you'll find that the Fallraven wins both with its ability to hook up the base of the doors yet still keep rain out and even more brilliantly with the two ventilation openings at either end that provide air flow across one's body as its drawn in and up through the upper tent like a chimney - this review shows its virtues for kayakers th-cam.com/video/y0QsBOm3qYA/w-d-xo.html Only query is the longevity or potential failure of the Fjallraven 20 denier fly fabric - I hope to see a comparison domes tents over several seasons - warm to windy and cold to see how compare
I had the misfortune on a solo winter journey through Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia, that the ice broke under my feet and I fell into frozen water for many minutes until I was able to get out. There I discovered a HIDDEN advantage of the Soulo: it can be armed with frozen hands. Saved my life. How many other tents can be set up with frozen hands?
I got fed up with trying to manage pitching certain tents in harsh conditions. Also worrying if I was going to be able to get the tent pitched in high winds or rain or even both. The first time I set up the Soulo I couldn't believe how easy it was in 30 mph winds. I mean what are manufactures doing not considering this. It is so annoying watching set up videos OF 4 SEASON tents being done on You Tube with no sort of environmental challenges. It was great to hear of your experience and that you survived. When I used the Soulo in 60mph winds and it stood strong I also thought it nearly saved my life. Back to the set up again - The North Face tents have Velcro attachments to secure the poles to the fly. I hate these so much. In high winds you cant get them done with gloves on and when you take off your gloves, if its cold your hands get in a terrible state. This has happened to me on many occasions. ATB and I really appreciate your input of your experience and living to fight another day. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 As you say " if its cold your hands get in a terrible state", imagine with frozen hands. It can be a good test to add to your excellent tests (not with frozen hands, just tie your fingers together)
Hey thank you for commenting on this video. Yes decent wind on the coasts on many occasions. When its a northerly wind here it blows for days... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 it was the perfect video review for me Tom. I have a Hilleberg Akto which I've only had the chance to use on one back country ski tour here in Australia. I've been curious about the performance vs soulo which has all of the great features you've mentioned. I've just purchased a pole kit for the Akto that will allow me to set it up without the outer fly if the weather is warm but with no likelihood of rain. I'm looking forward to trying out this extra versatility as the weather warms up.
@@CameronLittlesustainablecam Hi Cameron, inner only is great option in good weather and saves a lot of weight. I have tried it with my TNF Mountain 25 and Westwind. It worked a treat. The Soulo has much better sitting up volume but when lying down there is not such a noticeable difference. I love both but use the AKTO more... ATB Tom
Excellent Tom. Thorough and clear as always. I will try and do a similar test with and without crossing poles on my scarp 1. You have the cumulus on again which I was trying to forget about!
Hi Dave, thank you once again for commenting. That would be a good test on your Scarp 1. My next video will have some shots indoors as its a review so the Cumulus might get a miss... ATB Tom
Look at the Nordisk Svalbard 1 Is or the Lanshan 1 pro... Both a bit different and much cheaper... I will also be reviewing a Fjalraven Abisko Lite 2 which is only 2kg and a palace for one person..... ATB and good luck with your search... Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 hi Tom, I tried the Svalbard 1 after you told me previously,but unfortunately had to return it as my mat would not fit it’s 197x65cm I can’t change this as it’s my night comfort ! Abisko lite 2 I wonder about wind as I camp on the Cheviots and it’s like your coastal wind !! Cheers
Your spot selection was perfect, you can tell you’re seasoned like a cast iron frying pan , yes u talk much but what u r saying precisely augments what u r showing, some buy a tent use it one or two times and r all of a sudden experts u can tell . Great job love the tents but unfortunately can’t afford one!!!
Hi Frank, thank you for your positive comments. I do try to back up what I say with evidence and I certainly have a lot of experience with many different tents in windy conditions, and still learning..... I hope that your budget can stretch to a nice tent sometime soon. The Hillebergs hold their value very well which is one of many reasons to purchase one. ATB Tom
I just did a wild camping video on the Jurassic Coast. I was fortunate enough to not get much wind but part of me always wants to hunker down in the soulo in high winds!
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thanks Tom! Even though I didn’t have much wind I had a slight layer of salt as well on the outer walls of the tent that I meticulously wiped down at home. Gotta protect that investment!
I liked the video a lot. Smth to take into consideration: record voice after shooting the video, this way the wind doesn't bother the viewer as much. Keep doing videos like this and I'm sure your channel will grow. Greetings from the netherlands
Hi Bart, I try to film in real challenging outdoor conditions if I can, but it can through up some problems particularly with audio and it is impossible to check in the field if it's ok or not. I used two separate mics here and a dead cat covering one of them. I also spoke with my back to the wind, but the audio was poor and I was gutted to be honest and had to salvage what I could. There are always solutions though and one of them is to consider the possibility that I may have to do as you say and record some of the voice after the video. It is not really possible to lip sync this though. I appreciate your comments. ATB Tom
Hey Tom. Good to see the two titans going head to head. I’d be interested to know how much sleep you got with all that wind. I noticed the zip holders on the Soulo rattling a lot too - all part of the ambient noise LOL. The Akto is certainly a strong tent and strikes a good balance between weight and strength. Again, well done.
Hi Barry thank you for your comments once again. Pretty much no sleep at all and took two nights to recover. I have kind of tuned out to the zipper pulls over the years ha ha. ATB Tom
Good point there - pitching by water is not my favoured location. In Brittany and the Isle of Harris/Lewis I've struggled to get a good nights sleep due to crashing waves, or the babbling brook. Pretty though. :-)
Thanks for this great review! Great summation, loved that you tested both 9mm & 10mm pole in the Akto. I would love your thoughts on the new Black Label Soulo.
Hi Fred - The 10mm poles are things of beauty but the guying is very effective in the Soulo to support the 9mm ones. If I didn't have the RL and was purchasing one it would definitely be the BL if that makes sense. The wind here was less than forecast but too many times its more than forecast. Northern Ireland is very windy. This was filmed between Monday and today and the winds kept up the whole time and this is close to summer at sea level. The mountains here are always windy... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thanks Tom. I currently have the NAMMATJ 2 with an extra set of poles, only used it once on a very calm night to see how I liked it, I did like the room, and the build, but I’m not a fan of the front door coming into the front of the tent, I really prefer a side entrance and exit, after long hikes my legs tend to cramp at night, a quick exit is a must. My fav in and out tent was the Northface Slickrock, the fly wasn’t really enough, but some of my most luxurious summer nights were in the Slickrock, the fast setup and ease of getting in and out, light weight, makes me think I would enjoy the Soulo much more than the NAMMATJ 2. You previously mention selling your NAMMATJ 2, may I ask how you went about selling it?
Very thorough and detailed comparison mate! Really appreciate the effort you go to with your videos. Never easy filming in wind either. I think the Akto is my top choice, with the balance of weight and strength, especially with the 10mm pole. I remember an old video, it may have been a Daveswildcamping vid that showed and Akto and a Soulo in extremely high wind and the Soulo looked like it was taking off! I wonder if the slightly higher and steeper profile impacts it to some degree, especially in extreme speeds. Picked up an Allak recently for outings for two and it’s cracking! Got 10mm polled for it as I think it’s a great way to improve the red labels strength. Anyway keep doing your thing! Take care, Ben.
Hey, Ben thank you for watching and commenting on my video. Its great to hear of your experience and thoughts re these tents..My favourite between the RL Soulo BL Soulo and Akto changes fairly often. However it's the Akto with a 10mm pole that I use the most so that says something. One of my friends recently bought an Allak. It's a great tent design and 10mm poles will make a big difference. They also really help when pitching in high winds until you get the guy lines properly set up.. Yes filming and getting the audio levels right is a lot harder in high winds. I try to make the effort not to do back garden reviews but had do do some over lockdown. I am also very lucky to have this testing location on my doorstep... ATVB and thank you once again for your very positive input here, I really appreciate it. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Yup, I am glad I finally gave in to buying a Hilleberg, well worth it I have to say. Wasn’t always in my price range especially in the past, and certainly had concerns about the weight (still do) but the quality is something else. Had so many tents over the last 20 years, but none I’ve ever kept for very long.
The Akto to me seems to be so much a tent we're you have to lie down. I understand the weight issue but since I don't do much trekking this is not a big problem for me. In my younger years my bicycle could cope with the weight and now my with my kayak weight is not such a big deal. Volume is though. The Akto seems so claustrophobic. What if you have to spend one or more days in that tent? Thanks for the time and effort you put in these videos.
Hi once again and thank you for commenting and viewing my videos. The Akto is great when laying down but definitely limited for sitting up. I never do more that one nights camping on my own so it works great for me. I totally agree that a few nights or more back to back would not be so good..ATB Tom
Hi Steve thank you for your comments. I was hoping that it was windier but the forecast failed me on two occasions... The head to head worked ok though I think and the wind was strong enough to demonstrate a few points. ATB Tom
Plus, I have never understood footprints that cover the vestibule area - putting a stove on a surface that could be lifted by a strong gust of wind, or suddenly moved by your own foot or whatever pressing on the material - potential for disaster is rife! I do have the Hilleberg footprint for the Akto, and I have sewn a zip about a quarter of the way across (in line with the pole-end tension cord), so that you can leave dry fabric in the pack/boot area, but roll back the section in the vestibule where you will cook and leave wet stuff. If, as Hilleberg say, the vestibule-covering material is for reduction of condensation (the only actual, practical reason for having it there), fine. But - you come back to the tent a tad wet, you get in the tent with wet gear on, et voila, water ON the footprint, which can run between footprint and bathtub inner floor. And that will never dry out if you are on a lengthy backpacking trip. So you will want, at least every second day, to unclip the footprint to try to dry out both it and the underside of the tent floor. Too much faff for me. I only put footprints under the tent floor these days. And check the weight of the footprint too - the Akto's bumps the whole tent dry weight up to just a tad over 2 kg... A piece of Tyvek or Polycro under the tent floor, and nothing in the vestibule for me. What do you think? (and I have been backpacking for nearly 45 years (-:)~
Hey Bob, this is more like it - great input here thank you. For starters I have just finished cleaning the salt off my two tents be using low pressure water from a hose. There was loads of water build up between the tent floor and footprint. I ended up drying it with a cloth as it was never going to dry on its own. Also loads of water pools in the vestibule area on top of the footprint that had to be cloth dried too. What a pain and very unpractical on a lengthy backpacking trip. As you can see in my video when I was using the stove it was very close to me and but at the edge of the footprint. I pretty much never took my hands too far away from it. Accidents do happen and I totally agree that with a footprint in the vestibule it increases the risk. Like you when conditions get more challenging I will remove the vestibule part of the footprint. That zip idea sounds like the solution to increase safety and reduce some of the water that gets between the footprint and the groundsheet, but still provides a clean dry area for other kit. My previous tent footprints have not covered the vestibule so I agree 100 percent that this is a lighter and more practical solution. Camping on snow can also be more difficult with a vestibule footprint too. I like the footprint to protect the tent groundsheet form damage as despite being very careful with my gear I have had a few punctures of a number of 70D groundsheets over the years. The Tyvek idea I feel will be the way forward for me. It can take many years of camping experience to come to the best solution for different conditions. When it is dry and not too windy I like the covered vestibule floor. It creates a larger liveable area as when the tent fly comes right to the ground you are well protected from the outside. ATB and really appreciate your input here. Tom
Had the akto in 90mph measured winds. At those speeds you cant sit up as get belted hard on the head by the pole during gusts, it is incredibly noisy, the only danger is pegs getting ripped out, not the tent or pole. You can probably double pole the akto
Hi Dave of course not. Its a Sony a7111 full frame with a Sigma Art 35mm F1.4. Both amazing in low light. The problem is that the camera and lens weigh 1450g and the tripod to support it the same.... so nearly 3kg in camera gear... ATB Tom
Great video and really helpful. Fairly new to all this and have a question for you. If you pitched the akto with the feet end into the wind would that mean the other end where you had the outer touching the inner wouldn't be as likely to touch if wasn't directly into the wind? Not sure if this is a silly question!
Hey it's a totally sensible question..On the windward side the outer will be pushed against the inner but on the Lee side the opposite will occur and the outer will kind of puff out away from the inner.. This can be an issue in this tent as it's already very small. Once the winds get up to about 40mph there can be some loss of internal volume. I hope this helps.. best wishes Tom
Hi Brian if I could get an Enan I would definitely be doing this too.. The Wild Camping Welshman has such a review worth taking a look but not a field test so to speak. ATB Tom
i also use a 10 mm pole on my akto ---a lot more rigid than a 9 mm pole-- -also added extra guy lines at the pole to form a V and like you extra pegs at the windward end ------slightly heavier----definitely stronger
Hi, thank you for watching and commenting especially as another AKTO user... The changes you have made make very little difference to the weight but add a lot of strength so definitely worth doing.... ATB Tom
@@20yearsagotoday1 Hi Gary I suppose it is a new design for this year. Just a Soulo Black Label. So many people seem to have one ordered I though why not and it will make great Channel content too...
Interesting. I would have expected more flapping on the Akto. Have you ever tested the Unna under high wind conditions? Unfortunately stormy conditions are only a once a year occurence where I live.
Hi Luke, I am waiting for some wind to test the borrowed Unna but not much luck at the moment. The AKTO is great in the wind up to around the 40mph mark. After that I would expect it to flap a lot more.... ATB Tom
Hej tom! Do you reckon it's possible to sit up inside the akto with one of those thermarest trekker chairs? Normally I sit in one of those in my tents with a slight lean backwards (so not sitting straight up)
Really hard question.. It would be tight if you are 6 foot or over.. Height is definitely the limiting factor in the Akto... I hope that helps.. All the very best Tom
Flat Cat Gear (no affiliation) manufactures windscreens for canister-style stoves that won't cause you and your dinner to end up in a ball of fire. Look at their products.
Hi Erik, I get what you mean. Takes a while to adapt to the lack of height in the Akto. Definitely a Soulo for me in winds like that... Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. ATB Tom
Have you considered in severe weather, adding guylines to the pole sleeve aatchments and peging them out along the longitudinal axis into the wind? By the way, you may find this of interest, an akto being setup in winds gusting upto 80mph th-cam.com/video/aNUjVyoGEKs/w-d-xo.html
Hi Yes the poles need support from multiple angles just in case the wind direction changes even slightly.. I have seen that video before but I'll have another look as it's been a while... Once again thank you for the comment.. best wishes Tom
@@DemiGod.. Hey thank you for sharing.. Puts more strain on the fabric though so personally I would not do it too often. If you are out in conditions that need double poles on a regular basis you tent just won't last as long . Only my opinion. Best wishes Tom
Hey thank you for commenting on a number of my videos.... I appreciate you positive comments too on my clothing. I have always loved great kit and over the years have tried to source what I thought was the best for the type of usage that I required. Usually I have preferred expensive from prestigious brands but if something else shows up that has great specification at a lower price then I will give it a try. No one particular brand maker the best of everything but I do love Hilleberg, Arcteryx, Millet and recently Cumulus and RevolutionRace who have sponsored me some kit... I am interested it what you prefer too so let me know... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Hey Tom; I think you and me are a lot alike; I’ve always preferred the absurdly expensive stuff too and have rarely regretted spending the money after the fact as you really do get more when you pay more in most cases. I like those Norrona pants you are wearing in some of your videos; haven’t been able to find them though. Some of the brands I have grown up with like The North Face, and Patagonia are not as good as they once were particularly North Face tents; not worth the money anymore. I too like Arcteryx, Klattermusen, Hilleberg, Western Mountaineering (Down Sleeping Bags), Surefire (Lights), Feathered Friends (Down Sleeping Bags/garments). I highly recommend Western Mountaineering. You turned me on to Ledlenser, and Cumiulus; I’m very impressed with both those brands. I think some of the best products are coming out of Europe, particularly the ones manufactured there i.e., Hilleberg, Cumulus. Thanks again for the reply and keep up the good work; your videos are good.
Absolutely terrific video. 👍👌🏕 I’ve done the same with my Enan mate - the addition of the 10mm pole helps a lot - and in high winds it’s a better tent than the Akto in many ways - to my mind - as it stays off your face more due to the pyramid design at each end. Overall the Soulo is King, though. For me, the best one man tent on planet Earth.
Hi Dominic, great to hear from you here - I really was surprised at the difference between the two poles to be honest. When it's windy the wind pushes down on the tent and the extra strength that the 10mm gives to the roof really helps with that. The pyramid ends of the Enan do seem to help with keeping the internal volume height too. ATB Tom
It was interesting to see the difference between the 9mm and 10mm poles. Great seeing you testing in windy conditions showing the true impact on the tents. Thanks.
Thank you William I try to bring content a little bit different. I have actually never pitched the Akto with the 9mm pole until the video and think I will leave it at home in the future... ATB Tom
Another fantastic video, Tom. Always thoughtful of what we might need as viewers...Nailed it again. Thank you very much.
Hi thank you very much for the comments and watching of course... I try to think of the practicallities and aspects that users will be interested to know... ATB Tom
An excellent test, Tom. I definitely like my headspace, so if I was choosing one I’d go for the Soulo!
Hi Phil, thank you. There is no doubt that it has more height for sitting up in the tent. Noticeably more stable to even at this wind speed. ATB Tom
Another great demonstration 👍🏾
Hey thank you very much for your positive comments.. I try hard to field test when I can and bring content thats a bit different to my channel.... ATVB Tom
Really enjoy your channel. Excellent reviews and great tests. Thanks for sharing these videos.
Hi Stewart thank you for your comments and watching. Great to hear that you enjoy the content. ATB Tom
Great test. I really enjoy the real world testing. Beautiful area. Must have been fun.
Hi yes it all was great fun, apart from removing the salt from the tents. The morning after was great for filming but just difficult to manage good audio in the high winds, but this is what happens when its out in the outdoors with challenging conditions. ATB Tom
An excellent demonstration of the effect of wind on these two tents. To be fair they both stood up well to the wind challenge although the touching of the outer to the inner on the Akto is disturbing as rain combined with the wind could cause an upset. For me, that would drop your 40mph threshold to a lower number.
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Am I right in thinking that your preference for the Akto is purely because of its weight advantage ? I suggest that you need to test the Enan against the Akto as it’s possible that the Akto may be too close the Soulo in weight. An Enan in the collection may make the Akto redundant and provide a definite alternative to the Soulo. I hope somebody is able to lend you one for a day. Tom, the effort you’re putting into these video’s is appreciated. ATB.
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Regarding the poles, I did suggest to Petra Hilleberg that 10mm poles should be included with all 4 season tents. Her response was that the label colour was the determining factor and red label tents get 9mm poles. A pity, IMO.
Hi Gary, thank you for your comprehensive comments as usual. Yes when the inner touches the outer you always get moisture transferred to the inner when its raining. No doubt I will be able to test that soon. To be fair I feel that the 10mm pole helps the strength in the roof which keeps the separation up to higher wind speeds. So maybe the cut off is 30mph with rain and 40 with wind on its own.... The Akto preference is definitely a weight thing although when laying down in the Akto it feels more roomy too. Hilleberg endorse the use of double poles with most of their tents so I feel that 10mm poles are a great compromise. The 9mm poles do very well in the Soulo due to its guying support at the sides but also the pole crossing points in the roof. The Akto doesn't obviously have roof crossing points so the 10mm pole really helps... ATB Tom
Nice comparison Tom. Soulo has my vote though. Almost had an Akto, but eventually landed a Soulo Red Label- call it providence. Re. headlamp choices, point taken on LedLenser. ATB, David.
Hi David, Yeah there is one particular shot in the video that you can see the Soulo not moving and the Akto outer being pushed against the inner. Once the winds get up then its the Soulo for me too. My next review will be on the torch I previewed in a few days. ATB Tom
Fab video and informative content. Love your videos. Keep it up Tom...
Hi Mark, thank you for your positive comments over a number of my videos. I try hard to deliver content that is a bit different. ATB Tom
I do get a bit cheesed off with people doing tent reviews in their fenced back gardens. You on the other hand...well I began to worry about those waves and whether you were wearing a buoyancy aid in your sleeping bag. Great job as ever.
Hi Derek thank you for your positive comments. It is a lot harder filming in the outdoors for sure with many more challenges. I personally don't like doing tent reviews from my garden as I try to show content that's a bit different and completely real. Great that you noticed this. During lockdowns however I did have to bite the bullet and do a few garden ones.... ATB Tom
You didn’t guy the soulo out?? I’ve seen akto v soulo in over 50mph wind. The akto is designed to fold flat with the 1 pole design. Solo just looks like it’s got the shakes. I prefer red pole in first too. I get a strange ridge if I put it in last. Personal preference I reckon. So.
Saturday my black label soulo arrives 😬😬😬
Yep. I have a disease. So a red label soulo will be going up for sale. I’m dying to see how the new one looks and feels. Good review and well filmed 👌 Atb 👍
Hi Andy, hey thank you for your comments. It was guyed out at all points on the windward side. In reality I would always guy it out at all points on the lee side too as it balances the structure better. Maybe I should have done this for the video but I know that you understand what it is like filming and the time that everything takes. The tent was under no pressure at any point in this amount of wind. I was disappointed with the wind speed but then at least when you measure it its real and true. I wish you all the very best with your new black label Soulo. I have heard of so many people ordering them that I am starting to think in that direction too. ATB Tom
Great video Tom..... its a pity the forecast didn't materialise.... would liked to have seen the tents get a bit more of s test.... next time 👍
Hey Neil, me too - had two goes at filming and both times it was about 20mph below what it should have been. Next time I am sure that won't be too long. You know how windy it is here... ATB and thank you for your comments. Tom
Excellent review!
Hey many thanks ATB Tom
I get that this video was made 2 years ago, But in High winds I don't get any form of bowing from the Akto due to simply adding extra guys, I don't need high tension or anything, it just works. Getting the angle of the guys right on the Akto the first few times is difficult but when I realised they are meant to be at a 45 degree angle from the centre pole as advised by Hilleberg, it soon changes the structure of the tent, I haven't seen 1 single video on TH-cam or elsewhere of anyone pitching the Akto the same way that Hilleberg advises it to be pitched, it's so bizarre, in fact, on the official Hilleberg demo video for the Akto, the guys are pitched incorrectly, this is according to there own diagram in the small tut book that comes with the tent. I don't get it haha. Any way, solid channel! 🙂
Hey thank you for your comments and thoughts... I actually position the guy line 45 degrees away from the wind.. This keeps more tension on the windward panel for better separation between inner and outer... Thank you too for the positive feedback the channel.... best wishes Tom
What a fantastic comparison video - great work mate. New Subscriber here! Well done!
Hey thank you very much for your positive comments and subscribing. I am glad that you enjoyed it and try to do real wold field tests if I can. ATB Tom
Yes I camped a little too close to the sea.... Got blasted by the spray from the waves hitting the rocks and then the tent. Totally dry though and woke to a fab morning, perfect for setting up the Soulo and comparing wind performance with the Akto ... I hope that you enjoy this video. Look out for the lovely dog too. ATB Tom
Hi Tom great video, I suggest that when back home you wipe the poles as salt can corrode them.
pro trick : you can watch movies at Flixzone. Been using them for watching loads of movies lately.
@Tripp Lorenzo Yup, been watching on Flixzone for years myself :)
Great job Tom. Glad to see you’ve went for the black label! One of my favourite spots in groomsport as well 🙌🏻
Hi Stuart, yes decided to get one after all. It will make a few good videos. Interesting that you know this spot. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 lived in groomsport for years 👍🏻 though I’ve never camped round there. Must add it to the list
@@stuart6347 I have lived here for years too but only camped on the coast in the last few months...
Another consideration: variable wind direction. If you can't count on a stable direction, the Soulo, as a dome, is going to handle the demand better.
Hi Kimberly, you are absolutely right, the Soulo with three poles supporting the structure will definitely do that. ATB Tom
Oooh, that would be a good addition to the test - 60mph side-on wind. .zzzzzZZZ
seemed a no brainer from an engineering perspective that the Soulo would fare better .. and you showed it . thanks
Absolutely 😁 .. I sold both my Soulo s but now I think I regret it... Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.. All the very best wishes Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Hi Tom . yes structurally a dome is logically the best shape for stability and panel support. Can't see the fixation on hooped tents whose sides flail in the wind making for a poor night's sleep .. yet some folk love them .. its a case of tunnel vision 😁 I'm not in that camp
I've been watching quite a few videos trying to home in on domed tents the purpose being for expedition sea kayaking when one never knows what campsite they find; might be rock shelves or just be sand hence free standing tent are important.
Weight not being critical it's preferable for a larger abode should foul weather strike and you're stuck for days with only a good book for company when cabin fever strikes.
Ventilation is important for hot weather to be genuinely a 4 season tent. Yet with 4 season tent reviews there's a preoccupation on their winter and snow virtues with precious little discussion about the other 4 season extreme.. namely summer
In terms of domes, I'd like to see a comparison in hot weather between the Fjallraven Abisko Dome 2 and the Hilleberg Allak for ventilation features .. I think you'll find that the Fallraven wins both with its ability to hook up the base of the doors yet still keep rain out and even more brilliantly with the two ventilation openings at either end that provide air flow across one's body as its drawn in and up through the upper tent like a chimney - this review shows its virtues for kayakers th-cam.com/video/y0QsBOm3qYA/w-d-xo.html
Only query is the longevity or potential failure of the Fjallraven 20 denier fly fabric - I hope to see a comparison domes tents over several seasons - warm to windy and cold to see how compare
I had the misfortune on a solo winter journey through Tierra del Fuego, Patagonia, that the ice broke under my feet and I fell into frozen water for many minutes until I was able to get out. There I discovered a HIDDEN advantage of the Soulo: it can be armed with frozen hands. Saved my life. How many other tents can be set up with frozen hands?
I got fed up with trying to manage pitching certain tents in harsh conditions. Also worrying if I was going to be able to get the tent pitched in high winds or rain or even both. The first time I set up the Soulo I couldn't believe how easy it was in 30 mph winds. I mean what are manufactures doing not considering this. It is so annoying watching set up videos OF 4 SEASON tents being done on You Tube with no sort of environmental challenges. It was great to hear of your experience and that you survived. When I used the Soulo in 60mph winds and it stood strong I also thought it nearly saved my life. Back to the set up again - The North Face tents have Velcro attachments to secure the poles to the fly. I hate these so much. In high winds you cant get them done with gloves on and when you take off your gloves, if its cold your hands get in a terrible state. This has happened to me on many occasions. ATB and I really appreciate your input of your experience and living to fight another day. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 As you say " if its cold your hands get in a terrible state", imagine with frozen hands. It can be a good test to add to your excellent tests (not with frozen hands, just tie your fingers together)
Great test mate. I'm just across the sea in Liverpool, the wind really smashes the waves in here too some days.
Hey thank you for commenting on this video. Yes decent wind on the coasts on many occasions. When its a northerly wind here it blows for days... ATB Tom
Great review. Thanks!
Hi Cameron, thank you once again. I really enjoyed making this video and doing a filed test comparison. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 it was the perfect video review for me Tom. I have a Hilleberg Akto which I've only had the chance to use on one back country ski tour here in Australia. I've been curious about the performance vs soulo which has all of the great features you've mentioned. I've just purchased a pole kit for the Akto that will allow me to set it up without the outer fly if the weather is warm but with no likelihood of rain. I'm looking forward to trying out this extra versatility as the weather warms up.
@@CameronLittlesustainablecam Hi Cameron, inner only is great option in good weather and saves a lot of weight. I have tried it with my TNF Mountain 25 and Westwind. It worked a treat. The Soulo has much better sitting up volume but when lying down there is not such a noticeable difference. I love both but use the AKTO more... ATB Tom
Excellent Tom. Thorough and clear as always. I will try and do a similar test with and without crossing poles on my scarp 1. You have the cumulus on again which I was trying to forget about!
Hi Dave, thank you once again for commenting. That would be a good test on your Scarp 1. My next video will have some shots indoors as its a review so the Cumulus might get a miss... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 haha. By coincidence when you replied was just reading about the mourne wall walk. Looks awesome!
@@Fellmandave1 Yes Dave I have been around the Mourne a fair bit..
Hi Tom
Nice little test
Still looking for my ideal one man tent
Akto looks good
Cheers Adrian
Look at the Nordisk Svalbard 1 Is or the Lanshan 1 pro... Both a bit different and much cheaper... I will also be reviewing a Fjalraven Abisko Lite 2 which is only 2kg and a palace for one person..... ATB and good luck with your search... Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 hi Tom, I tried the Svalbard 1 after you told me previously,but unfortunately had to return it as my mat would not fit it’s 197x65cm I can’t change this as it’s my night comfort !
Abisko lite 2 I wonder about wind as I camp on the Cheviots and it’s like your coastal wind !!
Cheers
Your spot selection was perfect, you can tell you’re seasoned like a cast iron frying pan , yes u talk much but what u r saying precisely augments what u r showing, some buy a tent use it one or two times and r all of a sudden experts u can tell . Great job love the tents but unfortunately can’t afford one!!!
Hi Frank, thank you for your positive comments. I do try to back up what I say with evidence and I certainly have a lot of experience with many different tents in windy conditions, and still learning..... I hope that your budget can stretch to a nice tent sometime soon. The Hillebergs hold their value very well which is one of many reasons to purchase one. ATB Tom
I’ve had my soulo in 70mph winds and it didn’t budge an inch 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hey Cham, really great to hear what you had your Soulo out in.. They are really strong and solid.. Happy camping. Tom
I just did a wild camping video on the Jurassic Coast. I was fortunate enough to not get much wind but part of me always wants to hunker down in the soulo in high winds!
Had a look at your video, really enjoyed it. Still in the process of getting the salt off mine... Liked your video and subbed too. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thanks Tom! Even though I didn’t have much wind I had a slight layer of salt as well on the outer walls of the tent that I meticulously wiped down at home. Gotta protect that investment!
I liked the video a lot. Smth to take into consideration: record voice after shooting the video, this way the wind doesn't bother the viewer as much. Keep doing videos like this and I'm sure your channel will grow. Greetings from the netherlands
Hi Bart, I try to film in real challenging outdoor conditions if I can, but it can through up some problems particularly with audio and it is impossible to check in the field if it's ok or not. I used two separate mics here and a dead cat covering one of them. I also spoke with my back to the wind, but the audio was poor and I was gutted to be honest and had to salvage what I could. There are always solutions though and one of them is to consider the possibility that I may have to do as you say and record some of the voice after the video. It is not really possible to lip sync this though. I appreciate your comments. ATB Tom
Very helpful vid. I forsee a shortage of 10mm poles. Id better order mine now.
Yes they are popular with the Uunas too. I was surprised and impressed at the difference. Cant do any harm... ATB Tom
Fabulous Tom, love Dogsi 🐶👍😊
Thank you Shamus, my favourite little dog. Managed to get three shots of it in the video and keep my wife out of the shots..... ATB Tom
I think a Solou and Enan would be a great 2 tent combo!
Hi Kevin, yes it would cover a great variety of conditions. You never know I might sell my Akto and do just that... ATB Tom
Hey Tom. Good to see the two titans going head to head. I’d be interested to know how much sleep you got with all that wind. I noticed the zip holders on the Soulo rattling a lot too - all part of the ambient noise LOL. The Akto is certainly a strong tent and strikes a good balance between weight and strength. Again, well done.
Hi Barry thank you for your comments once again. Pretty much no sleep at all and took two nights to recover. I have kind of tuned out to the zipper pulls over the years ha ha. ATB Tom
Two nights to recover eh? Wow, you certainly did go the extra mile to get good footage. Well done!
@@wildmountainman1 yeah the waves were crashing on the tent with 90 minutes left to high tide so a bit hard to 💤
Good point there - pitching by water is not my favoured location. In Brittany and the Isle of Harris/Lewis I've struggled to get a good nights sleep due to crashing waves, or the babbling brook. Pretty though. :-)
🥇 great video again Tom !
Hey thank you Audun once again for commenting on many of my videos. Glad that you enjoyed it. ATB Tom
Thanks for this great review! Great summation, loved that you tested both 9mm & 10mm pole in the Akto. I would love your thoughts on the new Black Label Soulo.
Hi Fred - The 10mm poles are things of beauty but the guying is very effective in the Soulo to support the 9mm ones. If I didn't have the RL and was purchasing one it would definitely be the BL if that makes sense. The wind here was less than forecast but too many times its more than forecast. Northern Ireland is very windy. This was filmed between Monday and today and the winds kept up the whole time and this is close to summer at sea level. The mountains here are always windy... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thanks Tom. I currently have the NAMMATJ 2 with an extra set of poles, only used it once on a very calm night to see how I liked it, I did like the room, and the build, but I’m not a fan of the front door coming into the front of the tent, I really prefer a side entrance and exit, after long hikes my legs tend to cramp at night, a quick exit is a must. My fav in and out tent was the Northface Slickrock, the fly wasn’t really enough, but some of my most luxurious summer nights were in the Slickrock, the fast setup and ease of getting in and out, light weight, makes me think I would enjoy the Soulo much more than the NAMMATJ 2. You previously mention selling your NAMMATJ 2, may I ask how you went about selling it?
Very thorough and detailed comparison mate! Really appreciate the effort you go to with your videos. Never easy filming in wind either. I think the Akto is my top choice, with the balance of weight and strength, especially with the 10mm pole. I remember an old video, it may have been a Daveswildcamping vid that showed and Akto and a Soulo in extremely high wind and the Soulo looked like it was taking off! I wonder if the slightly higher and steeper profile impacts it to some degree, especially in extreme speeds. Picked up an Allak recently for outings for two and it’s cracking! Got 10mm polled for it as I think it’s a great way to improve the red labels strength. Anyway keep doing your thing! Take care, Ben.
Hey, Ben thank you for watching and commenting on my video. Its great to hear of your experience and thoughts re these tents..My favourite between the RL Soulo BL Soulo and Akto changes fairly often. However it's the Akto with a 10mm pole that I use the most so that says something. One of my friends recently bought an Allak. It's a great tent design and 10mm poles will make a big difference. They also really help when pitching in high winds until you get the guy lines properly set up..
Yes filming and getting the audio levels right is a lot harder in high winds. I try to make the effort not to do back garden reviews but had do do some over lockdown. I am also very lucky to have this testing location on my doorstep... ATVB and thank you once again for your very positive input here, I really appreciate it. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Yup, I am glad I finally gave in to buying a Hilleberg, well worth it I have to say. Wasn’t always in my price range especially in the past, and certainly had concerns about the weight (still do) but the quality is something else. Had so many tents over the last 20 years, but none I’ve ever kept for very long.
The Akto to me seems to be so much a tent we're you have to lie down. I understand the weight issue but since I don't do much trekking this is not a big problem for me. In my younger years my bicycle could cope with the weight and now my with my kayak weight is not such a big deal. Volume is though.
The Akto seems so claustrophobic. What if you have to spend one or more days in that tent?
Thanks for the time and effort you put in these videos.
Hi once again and thank you for commenting and viewing my videos. The Akto is great when laying down but definitely limited for sitting up. I never do more that one nights camping on my own so it works great for me. I totally agree that a few nights or more back to back would not be so good..ATB Tom
great test Tom, this is what i was looking for, it is certainly hard to find this quality of real world review!
Hi Steve thank you for your comments. I was hoping that it was windier but the forecast failed me on two occasions... The head to head worked ok though I think and the wind was strong enough to demonstrate a few points. ATB Tom
Plus, I have never understood footprints that cover the vestibule area - putting a stove on a surface that could be lifted by a strong gust of wind, or suddenly moved by your own foot or whatever pressing on the material - potential for disaster is rife! I do have the Hilleberg footprint for the Akto, and I have sewn a zip about a quarter of the way across (in line with the pole-end tension cord), so that you can leave dry fabric in the pack/boot area, but roll back the section in the vestibule where you will cook and leave wet stuff. If, as Hilleberg say, the vestibule-covering material is for reduction of condensation (the only actual, practical reason for having it there), fine. But - you come back to the tent a tad wet, you get in the tent with wet gear on, et voila, water ON the footprint, which can run between footprint and bathtub inner floor. And that will never dry out if you are on a lengthy backpacking trip. So you will want, at least every second day, to unclip the footprint to try to dry out both it and the underside of the tent floor. Too much faff for me. I only put footprints under the tent floor these days. And check the weight of the footprint too - the Akto's bumps the whole tent dry weight up to just a tad over 2 kg... A piece of Tyvek or Polycro under the tent floor, and nothing in the vestibule for me. What do you think? (and I have been backpacking for nearly 45 years (-:)~
Hey Bob, this is more like it - great input here thank you. For starters I have just finished cleaning the salt off my two tents be using low pressure water from a hose. There was loads of water build up between the tent floor and footprint. I ended up drying it with a cloth as it was never going to dry on its own. Also loads of water pools in the vestibule area on top of the footprint that had to be cloth dried too. What a pain and very unpractical on a lengthy backpacking trip. As you can see in my video when I was using the stove it was very close to me and but at the edge of the footprint. I pretty much never took my hands too far away from it. Accidents do happen and I totally agree that with a footprint in the vestibule it increases the risk. Like you when conditions get more challenging I will remove the vestibule part of the footprint. That zip idea sounds like the solution to increase safety and reduce some of the water that gets between the footprint and the groundsheet, but still provides a clean dry area for other kit. My previous tent footprints have not covered the vestibule so I agree 100 percent that this is a lighter and more practical solution. Camping on snow can also be more difficult with a vestibule footprint too. I like the footprint to protect the tent groundsheet form damage as despite being very careful with my gear I have had a few punctures of a number of 70D groundsheets over the years. The Tyvek idea I feel will be the way forward for me. It can take many years of camping experience to come to the best solution for different conditions. When it is dry and not too windy I like the covered vestibule floor. It creates a larger liveable area as when the tent fly comes right to the ground you are well protected from the outside. ATB and really appreciate your input here. Tom
Had the akto in 90mph measured winds. At those speeds you cant sit up as get belted hard on the head by the pole during gusts, it is incredibly noisy, the only danger is pegs getting ripped out, not the tent or pole. You can probably double pole the akto
Hi I am sure I already replied to your comment but that you very much for sharing your amazing Akto experience... best wishes Tom
Great video Tom. Two quality tents there😎👍. Do you mind if I ask what camera you used for the night video footage? Dave
Hi Dave of course not. Its a Sony a7111 full frame with a Sigma Art 35mm F1.4. Both amazing in low light. The problem is that the camera and lens weigh 1450g and the tripod to support it the same.... so nearly 3kg in camera gear... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 my god Tom. Thought it was something proper 😳😎👍. Trying to improve my night video but that’s out of my league. Great footage 😎👍
Great video and really helpful. Fairly new to all this and have a question for you. If you pitched the akto with the feet end into the wind would that mean the other end where you had the outer touching the inner wouldn't be as likely to touch if wasn't directly into the wind? Not sure if this is a silly question!
Hey it's a totally sensible question..On the windward side the outer will be pushed against the inner but on the Lee side the opposite will occur and the outer will kind of puff out away from the inner.. This can be an issue in this tent as it's already very small. Once the winds get up to about 40mph there can be some loss of internal volume. I hope this helps.. best wishes Tom
Hi Tom , i have got a one pole tent comparison coming up, including the Akto. I will link to your wind test if thats ok!
Hi Dave, looking forward to seing your comparison. Yes of course you can link in my wind test thank you... ATB Tom
Any thoughts on the Hilleberg Enanv vs Akto?
Hi Brian if I could get an Enan I would definitely be doing this too.. The Wild Camping Welshman has such a review worth taking a look but not a field test so to speak. ATB Tom
That's the test I'm looking forward to, Tom.
i also use a 10 mm pole on my akto ---a lot more rigid than a 9 mm pole-- -also added extra guy lines at the pole to form a V and like you extra pegs at the windward end ------slightly heavier----definitely stronger
Hi, thank you for watching and commenting especially as another AKTO user... The changes you have made make very little difference to the weight but add a lot of strength so definitely worth doing.... ATB Tom
Oh by the way, I have just ordered a new Hilleberg one person tent so you will be seing it in detail very soon..... Tom
A new design tent or simply a new tent to you? I’m intrigued!
So, you've pulled the trigger ! Ha. By the way .... is it red.
@@Super.Quasar you know it's RED
@@20yearsagotoday1 Hi Gary I suppose it is a new design for this year. Just a Soulo Black Label. So many people seem to have one ordered I though why not and it will make great Channel content too...
@@TOMHEANEY100 Don't suppose "so many people" will be posting their Soulo RL on eBay at inflated prices ??
Interesting. I would have expected more flapping on the Akto. Have you ever tested the Unna under high wind conditions? Unfortunately stormy conditions are only a once a year occurence where I live.
Hi Luke, I am waiting for some wind to test the borrowed Unna but not much luck at the moment. The AKTO is great in the wind up to around the 40mph mark. After that I would expect it to flap a lot more.... ATB Tom
Hej tom! Do you reckon it's possible to sit up inside the akto with one of those thermarest trekker chairs? Normally I sit in one of those in my tents with a slight lean backwards (so not sitting straight up)
Really hard question.. It would be tight if you are 6 foot or over.. Height is definitely the limiting factor in the Akto... I hope that helps.. All the very best Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 yeah I'm roughly dead on 6ft. I've gotten used to my chair that I can't be without it now haha
@@northernswedenstories1028 yeah if I was using a thermarest I'd definitely have the chair too..
Flat Cat Gear (no affiliation) manufactures windscreens for canister-style stoves that won't cause you and your dinner to end up in a ball of fire. Look at their products.
Thank you. ATB Tom
Soulo is my choice😍😍😍.Akto is just wet coffin in stormy weather 60-70 mph
Hi Erik, I get what you mean. Takes a while to adapt to the lack of height in the Akto. Definitely a Soulo for me in winds like that... Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. ATB Tom
Have you considered in severe weather, adding guylines to the pole sleeve aatchments and peging them out along the longitudinal axis into the wind?
By the way, you may find this of interest, an akto being setup in winds gusting upto 80mph th-cam.com/video/aNUjVyoGEKs/w-d-xo.html
Hi Yes the poles need support from multiple angles just in case the wind direction changes even slightly.. I have seen that video before but I'll have another look as it's been a while... Once again thank you for the comment.. best wishes Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 By the way, recently put 2x10mm poles into the akto with no issues, poles fit nicely into the cup and room to spare in the sleeves.
@@DemiGod.. Hey thank you for sharing.. Puts more strain on the fabric though so personally I would not do it too often. If you are out in conditions that need double poles on a regular basis you tent just won't last as long . Only my opinion. Best wishes Tom
Tom, discuss your clothes please; you have good taste in attire.
Hey thank you for commenting on a number of my videos.... I appreciate you positive comments too on my clothing. I have always loved great kit and over the years have tried to source what I thought was the best for the type of usage that I required. Usually I have preferred expensive from prestigious brands but if something else shows up that has great specification at a lower price then I will give it a try. No one particular brand maker the best of everything but I do love Hilleberg, Arcteryx, Millet and recently Cumulus and RevolutionRace who have sponsored me some kit... I am interested it what you prefer too so let me know... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Hey Tom; I think you and me are a lot alike; I’ve always preferred the absurdly expensive stuff too and have rarely regretted spending the money after the fact as you really do get more when you pay more in most cases. I like those Norrona pants you are wearing in some of your videos; haven’t been able to find them though. Some of the brands I have grown up with like The North Face, and Patagonia are not as good as they once were particularly North Face tents; not worth the money anymore. I too like Arcteryx, Klattermusen, Hilleberg, Western Mountaineering (Down Sleeping Bags), Surefire (Lights), Feathered Friends (Down Sleeping Bags/garments). I highly recommend Western Mountaineering. You turned me on to Ledlenser, and Cumiulus; I’m very impressed with both those brands. I think some of the best products are coming out of Europe, particularly the ones manufactured there i.e., Hilleberg, Cumulus. Thanks again for the reply and keep up the good work; your videos are good.
Absolutely terrific video. 👍👌🏕
I’ve done the same with my Enan mate - the addition of the 10mm pole helps a lot - and in high winds it’s a better tent than the Akto in many ways - to my mind - as it stays off your face more due to the pyramid design at each end.
Overall the Soulo is King, though. For me, the best one man tent on planet Earth.
Hi Dominic, great to hear from you here - I really was surprised at the difference between the two poles to be honest. When it's windy the wind pushes down on the tent and the extra strength that the 10mm gives to the roof really helps with that. The pyramid ends of the Enan do seem to help with keeping the internal volume height too. ATB Tom
Hi Dominic, I have just spotted a BL Soulo online, sooo tempted. Would be good for my channel too ha
Tax write off. 🤣