Yeah i gave my daughter a wild country tent after a windy week on the Hebrides , the noise inside almost popped my ear drums , depending how long your trip is and where , it really does pay off to buy quieter softer material tents ( iv been stuck in a tent for a solid two weeks in winter storm conditions) totally depressing stuff , like being stuck in a family pack of crisps with kids fighting over the packet , it will drive you seriously bonkers ,
@@daleyoutdoors if your doing local sunny stuff then any tent is fine , i suppose thats why theres so many cheapo tents given the (is this the best tent under xx price ) category
Bought one last week, just starting out wild camping. Tested in the back garden, really easy to put up, got footprint too, definitely worth it. Great review!
I'm sorry mate but I have to disagree with you on this one, not trashing you or anything but The Helm 1 is simply not a budget tent at £160. That's going up towards almost midrange stuff. A tent has to be below £100 to be classed as budget surely. This tent can't be put in the same category as a Halfords tent.
It's all subjective really. To me it's the difference between budget and cheap, with 'budget' being at the lower end of products that are usable. People always throw around the Hilleberg name as an example of the top-end, this is 5x cheaper than their nearest equivalent (but probably only 2x lower in quality). I've just had a look and Halfords do have a similar design tent for £100 so I might take a look at one of those and compare 👍
A decent tent, but quite small .. many folk would probably prefer the Helm 2, at only about 400g more but offering much more room, even if it's just for one, or one and a puggle
Yeah I agree if it’s your only tent the helm 2 will probably be a better choice. For me I have two other 2 man tents so I wanted something with a small footprint. It’ll hopefully be a bit warmer in cold weather too 😊Thanks for watching mate 👍
That’s a bargain price Ben. I’ve heard good things about that tent as I was in the market for one myself. It looks really easy to pitch too. My tent is an inner first pitch, so the Helm may be a more suitable tent for pitching in bad weather if I decide to become an all weather camper!
I've looked at both versions of the Helm, 1 man and 2 but didn't purchase as I have enough tents as it is. They aren't actually 'Made in the UK' though, Terra Nova do still manufacture tents in the UK, for example there are 3 versions of the Quasar, Wild Country Quasar, Terra Nova Quasar and UK manufactured Terra Nova Quasar, you'll figure out which is which by the price. I like the layout of the Helm, it's basically a Phoenix Phreeranger with additional poles, rather than simply having a short crossing pole at the apex the Helm extends the poles down to the porches. I prefer the full pole sleeve on for the main pole, it's quicker than clips, helps support the pole, spreads the stress on stitching over the full length of the pole and won't break like plastic pole clips can. It is heavy though, my pre 1988 Phreeranger weighs about the same or slightly less and has more floorspace but nevertheless the Helm looks like a good option and Terra Nova customer support is pretty good in my experience. One question, can the inner be disconnected so that the tent can be pitched or packed separately?
Great tent. I love mine. I put my rucksack in the back vestibule and then use the front one for cooking bits and boots. The more I use it, the more I like it. So simple to pitch too - like you said. Very hot in summer I found last year. Great review Ben. Many thanks for sharing with us. ATB - Ben👍
Thanks mate 👍I can’t wait to take this one out. I did think it might be a bit of a sweat box but I bought it for colder/wetter weather. Also means I don’t need to carry 638 layers to sleep in 😁
Nice one Ben, I gotta Admit the more I've been looking at this tent the more appealing it gets lol, but I'm still gonna hang fire I'm in no mad rush and hopefully by then I'll have also seen you field test it, did you get rid of your vango nova ? I still have mine and love it but the ability to have a free standing tent is a massive plus in my eyes, great first impressions review mate well done 👍👍
I bought the Helm 1 Compact a few months ago yet to be used in anger on a future wild camping trip. I looks like a really good tent after looking at numerous reviews. Anyway, stay safe and best wishes from Surrey🙂....
How tall are you? I am 6'2" and think this tent is great for the cost but worried that it looks short. have you measured the sleeping area length. Edited..... I typed that question too soon as you answered this at the end. I will buy this now. I wanted to buy the Hilleberg Soulo, but sold out and for now I think this tent really will do me perfectly
Great review mate I’ve just ordered mine from the same site. £154 not to bad but can’t seem to get the foot print any where I suspect they have stopped making them!
Hello Ben, I've got my Helm Compact 1 and I have found a metal tube maybe aluminium about 15 cm long and 3/8 diameter amongst the poles and, I was wondering what is it for, (I haven't got a clue🤔) , any insights? Regards, Florin
@@daleyoutdoors Yes, this will be my main tent, I wasted money on two Vango tents prior to this, :{ the Orion 200 and the Helvylen 200, both too heavy :{ Thanks mate.
Ay up Ben😎 Looking forward to the tried and tested review. Will you be reviewing with or without the footprint ?? 😂. I like the look of this tent but would go for the H2 as I prefer a bit more space 👍
would lanshan perform the same way in strong winds? i did experience very strong wind gusts in my lanshan pro in dartmoor. i think according to forecast gust were up to 45 mph. it held up fine,but was about to fold over, and flapping was just horrible at times so i didnt have good sleep. i would choose lanshan any time,but for uk weather, for hills, i m looking for some more robust stable tent for piece of mind and safety.
I struggle with the idea that you buy a tent (with a built in groundsheet) but then pay more money for a groundsheet to "protect" the groundsheet already on the tent. Would you expect to buy a tarp to cover every tent you buy, to prevent it from leaking water? Why not just make the groundsheet more durable?
I guess it just gives you the choice - more weight or more protection and depends where you plan on using the tent as well. Most manufacturers sell them but it’s worth checking the built-in sheet as you might not need one. Thanks for watching 😊👍
Making it more durable means adding more weight you have to carry every time you take the tent. With a separate extra footprint you have the option of taking it with you if you know you are going somewhere you expect there may be things (like rocks, thorns, etc) that could potentially damage the main groundsheet, or leave it if you know you are going somewhere you just won't need it. They also give you some protection in the vestibule area, if you are leaving your rucksack etc in there, from the wet ground.
@@thewhiskybowman So if you are not exactly sure where you might want to pitch your tent, you have to carry the extra weight and pay the extra cash. Sorry, but I just think its a gimmick we all are buying into. Like I said, you won't buy a tarp to cover a tent. But that will be the next move.😂
@@welshboyoo715 If you are not exactly sure you make a judgement call as to whether the extra weight is worth it, or you want to chance it without. But you have the option, where if they make the tent heavier they risk putting off people who don't want the extra weight. And you don't have to pay the cash, you can get a cheap £1 groundsheet (we'll you'd probably need 2 of those) that would do the same job. Again, it's about options as opposed to being stuck with the extra weight and cost. And people actually do buy tarps to cover tents. It gives you an area outside the tent where you can cook and give you more space, as well as giving you shelter when you get in and out.
Thanks for cracking review mate . I just took delivery of same tent 2 days ago looking forward to bikepacking with it in all 4 seasons . Thanks for sharing...colin 👍🏻🏕🔥 👍🏻
Hi I've had the Helm II for a couple of years so it not the 'compact' labelled version. It's around 2.3 kgs without the Terra Nova tent bag. I agree with your comments about the strength and quality and simplicity of pitching. I really like it but would consider a Lanshan pro 2 for the lighter weight alone. I paid £163 for mine from Summits
Good to hear the tent has lasted 😊 I have a Lanshan 2 (non pro) and while it's a good tent I wanted something with a smaller footprint so went for the Helm 1. Sounds like it'll last and I'm looking forward to taking it out. Thanks for watching! 👍
Yeah i gave my daughter a wild country tent after a windy week on the Hebrides , the noise inside almost popped my ear drums , depending how long your trip is and where , it really does pay off to buy quieter softer material tents ( iv been stuck in a tent for a solid two weeks in winter storm conditions) totally depressing stuff , like being stuck in a family pack of crisps with kids fighting over the packet , it will drive you seriously bonkers ,
That does sound depressing 😁thanks for letting me know though, definitely something to be aware of 👍
@@daleyoutdoors if your doing local sunny stuff then any tent is fine , i suppose thats why theres so many cheapo tents given the (is this the best tent under xx price ) category
Why didn't you bring some foam earplugs?
no idea why you call it a budget tent
Wild Country is a very reputable tent manufacturer
And the Helm 1 is a medium priced tent at under £200
Because I paid £130 for it. Looks like they’ve gone up a lot! 😬
Bought one last week, just starting out wild camping. Tested in the back garden, really easy to put up, got footprint too, definitely worth it. Great review!
Thanks Marcus! My first ‘real’ review video is out this weekend. It’s a great tent! 👍
I'm sorry mate but I have to disagree with you on this one, not trashing you or anything but The Helm 1 is simply not a budget tent at £160. That's going up towards almost midrange stuff. A tent has to be below £100 to be classed as budget surely. This tent can't be put in the same category as a Halfords tent.
It's all subjective really. To me it's the difference between budget and cheap, with 'budget' being at the lower end of products that are usable. People always throw around the Hilleberg name as an example of the top-end, this is 5x cheaper than their nearest equivalent (but probably only 2x lower in quality). I've just had a look and Halfords do have a similar design tent for £100 so I might take a look at one of those and compare 👍
A decent tent, but quite small .. many folk would probably prefer the Helm 2, at only about 400g more but offering much more room, even if it's just for one, or one and a puggle
Yeah I agree if it’s your only tent the helm 2 will probably be a better choice. For me I have two other 2 man tents so I wanted something with a small footprint. It’ll hopefully be a bit warmer in cold weather too 😊Thanks for watching mate 👍
That’s a bargain price Ben. I’ve heard good things about that tent as I was in the market for one myself. It looks really easy to pitch too. My tent is an inner first pitch, so the Helm may be a more suitable tent for pitching in bad weather if I decide to become an all weather camper!
Yeah this will be my go-to for bad and cold weather I think. I’ll see how it goes with the real test this week 😊Thanks for watching as always mate 👍
Like the music, benny Hill theme in country and western style lol
Mine didn't come with a dog.
If you contact Terra Nova they’ll send you a replacement dog 👍
I've looked at both versions of the Helm, 1 man and 2 but didn't purchase as I have enough tents as it is. They aren't actually 'Made in the UK' though, Terra Nova do still manufacture tents in the UK, for example there are 3 versions of the Quasar, Wild Country Quasar, Terra Nova Quasar and UK manufactured Terra Nova Quasar, you'll figure out which is which by the price.
I like the layout of the Helm, it's basically a Phoenix Phreeranger with additional poles, rather than simply having a short crossing pole at the apex the Helm extends the poles down to the porches. I prefer the full pole sleeve on for the main pole, it's quicker than clips, helps support the pole, spreads the stress on stitching over the full length of the pole and won't break like plastic pole clips can. It is heavy though, my pre 1988 Phreeranger weighs about the same or slightly less and has more floorspace but nevertheless the Helm looks like a good option and Terra Nova customer support is pretty good in my experience. One question, can the inner be disconnected so that the tent can be pitched or packed separately?
Hi mate, yes I’m pretty sure it can - I’ll double check when I take it out at the weekend 👍
Great tent. I love mine. I put my rucksack in the back vestibule and then use the front one for cooking bits and boots. The more I use it, the more I like it. So simple to pitch too - like you said. Very hot in summer I found last year. Great review Ben. Many thanks for sharing with us. ATB - Ben👍
Thanks mate 👍I can’t wait to take this one out. I did think it might be a bit of a sweat box but I bought it for colder/wetter weather. Also means I don’t need to carry 638 layers to sleep in 😁
Cheers Ben, liked how the footprint came all the way out inside the vestibule on that 1, unlike my cloud peak 2 👍
Yes for me that’s what made the footprint worthwhile 👍Thanks for watching mate 😊
Nice one Ben, I gotta Admit the more I've been looking at this tent the more appealing it gets lol, but I'm still gonna hang fire I'm in no mad rush and hopefully by then I'll have also seen you field test it, did you get rid of your vango nova ? I still have mine and love it but the ability to have a free standing tent is a massive plus in my eyes, great first impressions review mate well done 👍👍
Thanks matey 👍 I’ve given the Nova to my nephew as I have the Cloud Up 2 and Lanshan as well. The Nova is a great tent though 😊
i felt compelled not to be first to comment (and i could have been yet again) but even i thought this is getting weird now 🤣
Yeah give someone else a chance Phil! 😂
Does the tent come with the inner attached or do you attach it on the first pitch? looks like a good option, all the best Sparky.
It’s already attached mate. It’s a great tent 👍
Great video Ben.
When my Banshee gives up. I am seriously considering the Helm 2.
Will be interested to see how you get on with it.
Thanks Doug 👍I’m taking it out this weekend so a full test will be coming soon 😊
Great review as always cant wait to see it in the field Ben not a bad price either 💪💪👍🏴
Yeah I’m impressed with it so far. I’ll be taking it out this weekend 👍
I bought the Helm 1 Compact a few months ago yet to be used in anger on a future wild camping trip. I looks like a really good tent after looking at numerous reviews. Anyway, stay safe and best wishes from Surrey🙂....
It's a great tent! Enjoy 👍
Your dog seemed suitably impressed Ben.
She was - I couldn’t get her out of it to take the it back down 😁
How tall are you? I am 6'2" and think this tent is great for the cost but worried that it looks short. have you measured the sleeping area length. Edited..... I typed that question too soon as you answered this at the end. I will buy this now. I wanted to buy the Hilleberg Soulo, but sold out and for now I think this tent really will do me perfectly
Thanks for watching Nathan 😊 glad it was useful 👍
I paid £399 + £45 for a Terra Nova Southern Cross 2 and footprint from Fresh Air Junkie unbelievable price!
Great prices and service 👍
Great review mate I’ve just ordered mine from the same site. £154 not to bad but can’t seem to get the foot print any where I suspect they have stopped making them!
Yeah maybe mate. I think it’ll be fine without one to be honest. Feels really thick and solid on the bottom. It’s a great tent 👍
Nice one Ben. Do you have any idea if a Helm 1 footprint will be compatible with a Helm Compact 1 tent?
Regards,
Florin
No idea, sorry Florin. Might be worth checking the Terra Nova website for the specs?
@@daleyoutdoors That would be sensible, thank you.
Hello Ben, I've got my Helm Compact 1 and I have found a metal tube maybe aluminium about 15 cm long and 3/8 diameter amongst the poles and, I was wondering what is it for, (I haven't got a clue🤔) , any insights?
Regards,
Florin
@@FlorinSirbu. do you mean 15cm? If so it’s a sleeve to repair the poles if they break. If it’s 150cm I have no idea 😁
@@daleyoutdoors LOL, I meant 15 cm, I apologise for that😁it makes sense now, thank you.
Hi, would you go with the helm 2 or the panacea 2?
I haven't seen a Panacea 2 in the flesh, but based on the price and weight of it I'd go with the Helm 2.
@@daleyoutdoors thanks for replying
I really like the look of this tent and it's a great price too. Can't wait to see you out and about in it!
It sure is Andy - my first Wild camp video using it is out this weekend 👍
I’ve just bought this hope it’s as strong as the Banshee 200 I got it for the head room I have the Exped 7 too cracking Matt
I love my exped 😁Thanks for watching Trev - it seems like a really strong tent but I haven’t tested a banshee so couldn’t compare. Ben
Just ordered the 2 man version, can't wait to give it a go.
Thank you for the video.
Nice one Arran, they’re great tents! 👍
Cheers for that.
Also, speaking as a gardener, you have a decent quality lawn.
Thanks mate - good to know as I spent ages getting weeds out of it 😁👍
Great review, Thanks. I just can't make my mind up between this and the Helm 2, the weight difference being so minimal .
Is it going to be your only tent? If so I’d go with the Helm 2 👍
@@daleyoutdoors Yes, this will be my main tent, I wasted money on two Vango tents prior to this, :{ the Orion 200 and the Helvylen 200, both too heavy :{ Thanks mate.
Ay up Ben😎
Looking forward to the tried and tested review. Will you be reviewing with or without the footprint ?? 😂. I like the look of this tent but would go for the H2 as I prefer a bit more space 👍
With 😂yes the helm 2 is a good option for space. I wanted something smaller than my other tents to try out 😊👍
That's good value. A good review Ben. Thank you.
No problem! Thanks for watching 😊👍
I looked at this tent before Ben and like it. Perhaps it could be my one man sneaky trekking tent
Could be! It seems ideal so far 👍
Pitch in one is a great set up... I have the same on my macpac - which is great if it's rainy.
Yeah it’s so much easier 👍Thanks for watching mate 😊
With the footprint and the tent, what's the actual weight?
2.29kg with the original bags
@@daleyoutdoors thanks for the fast reply, Mate. 👍
Cant find one anywhere online. A want one
Hopefully they'll come back in stock soon! 🤞
Footprint needed or no?
No I wouldn’t say so. Floor seems solid enough to me.
I'm still trying to figure out why they have called it the Compact?
Because the poles have shorter lengths individually over the original - meaning that the pack down shorter.
@@peesua Sorry, I was being a bit facetious as that is a massive pack for a 1 man tent.
The bag it comes in doesn’t help, and the poles are split at quite short intervals. With poles packed separately the tent will pack down quite small 👍
I think there was a ‘non compact’ predecessor too before this one as well. Not sure what the e a t differences are though.
Nice review. Although that tent it's compact just in the name, better off with a Lanshan 4 season, same price, 1.4 Kg
I’ve got a Lanshan 2 already - went for this one as it’s a smaller footprint 👍
would lanshan perform the same way in strong winds?
i did experience very strong wind gusts in my lanshan pro in dartmoor. i think according to forecast gust were up to 45 mph. it held up fine,but was about to fold over, and flapping was just horrible at times so i didnt have good sleep.
i would choose lanshan any time,but for uk weather, for hills, i m looking for some more robust stable tent for piece of mind and safety.
I struggle with the idea that you buy a tent (with a built in groundsheet) but then pay more money for a groundsheet to "protect" the groundsheet already on the tent. Would you expect to buy a tarp to cover every tent you buy, to prevent it from leaking water? Why not just make the groundsheet more durable?
I guess it just gives you the choice - more weight or more protection and depends where you plan on using the tent as well. Most manufacturers sell them but it’s worth checking the built-in sheet as you might not need one. Thanks for watching 😊👍
Making it more durable means adding more weight you have to carry every time you take the tent. With a separate extra footprint you have the option of taking it with you if you know you are going somewhere you expect there may be things (like rocks, thorns, etc) that could potentially damage the main groundsheet, or leave it if you know you are going somewhere you just won't need it. They also give you some protection in the vestibule area, if you are leaving your rucksack etc in there, from the wet ground.
@@thewhiskybowman So if you are not exactly sure where you might want to pitch your tent, you have to carry the extra weight and pay the extra cash. Sorry, but I just think its a gimmick we all are buying into. Like I said, you won't buy a tarp to cover a tent. But that will be the next move.😂
@@welshboyoo715 If you are not exactly sure you make a judgement call as to whether the extra weight is worth it, or you want to chance it without. But you have the option, where if they make the tent heavier they risk putting off people who don't want the extra weight. And you don't have to pay the cash, you can get a cheap £1 groundsheet (we'll you'd probably need 2 of those) that would do the same job. Again, it's about options as opposed to being stuck with the extra weight and cost.
And people actually do buy tarps to cover tents. It gives you an area outside the tent where you can cook and give you more space, as well as giving you shelter when you get in and out.
We will agree to disagree. But, I'll be the first person to tell you when I buy a hat for my hat 👍
Thanks for cracking review mate . I just took delivery of same tent 2 days ago looking forward to bikepacking with it in all 4 seasons . Thanks for sharing...colin 👍🏻🏕🔥 👍🏻
Thanks for watching Colin. It’s a great tent 👍
Hi I've had the Helm II for a couple of years so it not the 'compact' labelled version. It's around 2.3 kgs without the Terra Nova tent bag. I agree with your comments about the strength and quality and simplicity of pitching. I really like it but would consider a Lanshan pro 2 for the lighter weight alone. I paid £163 for mine from Summits
Good to hear the tent has lasted 😊 I have a Lanshan 2 (non pro) and while it's a good tent I wanted something with a smaller footprint so went for the Helm 1. Sounds like it'll last and I'm looking forward to taking it out. Thanks for watching! 👍