Breaking the limit of the Nortent Vern 1 at the highest point of Southern England. Forced to bail.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 เม.ย. 2024
- 04.04.2024
The forecast was to get up 70 mph winds, but I never got there. Highest I recorded was 55 mph. I went to High Willhays on Dartmoor, to test the Nortent Vern 1 in serious condition. Like always I do realise that this is not the "proper" place to pitch a tent and sometimes things go wrong.
I do accept full responsibility that it is my fault the tent broke as I went out is stupid conditions, but I enjoy testing myself and my gear, I would have gone on this camp regardless of filming it. - กีฬา
![คบซ้อน - วงL.กฮ. [ Official MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5MtesqJ0I1c/mqdefault.jpg)
![CAMPปลิ้น | EP.75[1/2] ชวนแร็ปเปอร์เที่ยวประแสแบบไม่ต้องตามกระแส](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/J5ds2AxDp24/mqdefault.jpg)
I have just noticed that for some unknown reason the last 2 minutes are missing from this video, showing the detail of the poles etc after the camp. Plus, my explanation on the events. I'm not sure how/why this happened and am very sorry, but if you are interested to watch it, I am uploading it now.
I don't want to have to delete the existing one and re-upload and lose the kind comments. Apologies again.
Here-> th-cam.com/video/_kFIMs7h9oo/w-d-xo.html
He has made the video private and deleted his public apology.
Hey Rowan, great video thank you so much, I really enjoyed it and fair play to film in such horrendous conditions.. Properly measured wind and evidence too which is really important showing the limits of the Vern 1.. Personally I am not sure I like the design of this tent... The crossing poles on the side are at too much of an angle ie 45 degrees to the ground. This makes the guy line less effective as it's actually nearly parallel to the poles and cant support them. The Hilleberg Soulo has the guy lines at 90 degrees to the poles and this makes a big difference. I have also had my red label Soulo out in measured 58mph with no worries. I do appreciate that strength is not the only quality of a good tent so the Vern will still suit many but 40mph plus winds are fairly regular conditions on exposed camps in the Uk.. There may be the possibility of 10mm poles for this tent at some point but I dont feel this will make much difference... Best wishes and thank you once again.. Tom
Good evening, certainly is, and coming from yourself, who makes such high quality and thorough content means a lot.
Definetly agree with you regarding the angle of the guy lines and the design of the poles, all the upward strength comes from that 1 blue transverse pole (something I was worried about prior) I also fed this back to Nortent. The design of the Soulo is much stronger, I also had a BL model but it leaked a lot, but it also survived measured 60mph with me, and quite comfortably too.
Absolutly, I reckon for 90% of users this is more than enough tent for them and for half the price of a Soulo, but like you said, 40mph+ is a common occurance, so if you are careful with where and when you go with the Vern 1, I think most will have zero issues. I also don't think 10mm poles will help much.
Hilleberg should be sending me a Jannu + 10mm poles + FP by june in exchange for the Soulo BL, and after watching your videos, I cannot wait for it.
Thank you very much for your comments.
Rowan.
@@RowanWildCamps Yes, I was also looking at the video and thinking the same about the angle of the guys to the poles.
@@RowanWildCamps hey thank you for such detail in your reply and allocating the time to do this.. Says a lot to me that you give detailed replies as this is hard when the comments mount up... I wish you all the very best with the Jannu.. Its a great tent and possibly my favourite Hilleberg..I subbed to your channel and will be checking out your other videos. BEST of luck with views on this video and subs to your channel... Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thank you for the thoughtful comments and taking the time to say your valuable take on it. Thank you very much, it looks like a cracking tent, especially seeing it in your hands helps. Thanks again, hope you have good day. Rowan.
Hey Rowan as Tom has said hats off to you for filming in those conditions and for such a balanced view on the tent which I expect you have purchased yourself. I think the Vern 1 is a good tent from what I have seen as long as it’s used within its limitations which you have demonstrated. There was far too much hype created around this tent and the Vern 2 by you tubers who have been sent them for free and made all sorts of claims about their performance based on a back garden or benign conditions pitching, comparing them to other tents (notably Hilleberg) which have been subjected to years of real world testing. I do appreciate also the price point of the Nortent also compared to Hille. This will lead to some kick back when they don’t live up to the claims. I believe there is a video on the Vern 2 coming soon from fellmandave where his 2 broke in sub 40mph wind. Ref the leaking hillebergs I have owned several and the roof level venting is a trade off imo for their structural strength and something I’ve come to have to accept. I have had a Jannu with 10mm poles for a few years and I strongly recommend pitching vestibule into wind. Not only is this its strongest set up, but it also makes pitching in wind easier. The vent cover on the Jannu is unique to other Hilleberg models as it wraps tightly over the front arc pole. If you pitch side or rear into wind driven rain it will blow under the cover and eventually lean through roof vent. Pitched vestibule into wind this will not happen. I also recommend seam sealing the vestibule zip stitching. This is another known point of water ingress on this tent and once you have done this you will have a fantastically strong and weatherproof tent. It’s the best tent I have ever owned. 👍
Glad I sealed mine now, will double check some areas after watching this video. Thanks for going out there and sharing the video.
Good idea, after this I am still debating whether to seam seal it or not. It really was not a great deal of water. If I get bored, I may do. Thank you for watching. Rowan.
Well done Rowan for actually putting the tent through a real test. Keep chipping mate, you’ll do well on here for being unbiased and honest.
After that test, which is your go to now?
ATB Jiffy 👍🏻
Thank you very much, glad it was ok. That's a tricky question, because the Nallo and Vern have different roles to fill for me (which they do fill), so, I'm araid I'm going to be really unhelpful and say neither, as both have their pros adn cons.
Thanks again.
Rowan.
Seeing this video makes me wonder what kind of testing the manufacturers do. You’re one night out has highlighted issues that could’ve been addressed prior to release.
Oh and great video 👍🏻👍🏻
Thats the problem IMO, few manufactures actually test them as little evidence of testing can be found online. They just want to get them out in the market as fast as possible. The industry is pretty much un regulated and any manufacturer can call their tent a 4 season tent. The term 4 season is also very vague and will mean different things to different people. What has happened here is further evidence that manufactures dont test them. In reality though not that many people will need a tent to withstand these conditions but never the less conditions like this are becoming the norm now possibly due to climate change... For me personally this performance is disappointing as I have camped many many times in wind just as strong and my tents have been fine... Tom
I am in no doubt that companies like Nortent do test them, but maybe not to the extremes that some people (like myself) subject them too, others like Hilleberg, Nordisk and Salewa do post their tents in high winds with the speed stated. But it is a complete new design for them, and there will be some tweaks that need to be made. Hilleberg tents were not perfected in a day.
Thanks for the comments, glad it was useful.
Rowan.
I think you are spot on there Tom. Personally I think "4 season" means that tent should be able to perform well in all seasons, not just winter or summer or wind or snow, but everything. I also was a bit disapointed in the Vern, but will keep using it, but only in sub 45mph, easier said than done on Dartmoor however.
@@RowanWildCamps 4 season for me is all about snow loading also, and also for most manufactures. To note i have come back to a soulo fully burried before now.
Nice one fella I hope you enjoyed the experience and grow from it "we learn far more from our failures than our successes".
Thank you, I always do. Nortent have watched it as well, so with this and FellmanDaves video, they too will be learning. And we as consumers will now start geting a bigger picture of the products.
Rowan.
Great video, great test. Thanks for sharing the experience. I am not envious of you having to bail in that though!!!! Rough
Thanks for watching, glad you liked it. No neither, it was a challenge to say the least, but I am used to that weather by now. Rowan.
New subscriber, very much enjoyed your factual presentation. I’ve been beasted in similar conditions just down from High Willhays at dinger tor but I had a little protection possibly from an outcrop for my terra nova pioneer 2. That tent can take a lot but can’t confirm actual wind speeds like you have done here. Good on ya
Yes, I know Dinger Tor. Glad you enjoyed it. The Pioneer 2 looks to be a good tent. Thanks for watching. Rowan.
Great video, Rowan. You certainly gave it a thorough testing! Having the option to shut the external end vents would be quite handy, though these really were particularly nasty conditions. I noted some water ingress on the Vern 2's zips in heavy rain and circa 25 mph gusts. Nothing extreme though. As you say - seam sealer would hopefully reduce this a little.
It was hard to tell in the video, but it looked as though the guylines had a lot of tension on them. I'm probably telling you something you already know here (in which case please accept my apologies), but over-tensioning guylines can be a bit of a tent wrecker. Guylines are slightly elastic by design, as it allows them to slightly cushion the wind force as it hits the tent. If the guylines are pulled fully tight when pitching, the tent is unable to move in the wind because it has been turned into a rigid structure, and the shock forces of large gusts are increased. It's a bit like dropping jelly on the floor vs dropping a ceramic bowl. If there's no elasticity (ceramic bowl), the impact shock is much higher.
Anyway, I'm sure you knew all that, and perhaps your guylines were perfectly tensioned. It's not always easy to tell from a vid 😊 Those outer door zips do look as though they could do with something to hold them down. I noticed on the Vern 2 that there's an adjustable tension strap that effectively controls the distance from that central door pole to the end pole. Applying a bit more tension to that strap should take some loading off the zip, plus it should tension the storm flap a bit. Both of those things MAY help you a bit, but you have far more experience with your Vern 1 than I do with my Vern 2, so I'm just floating an idea here.
You have a new subscriber here. Great job filming all of this mayhem. Fair play to you! James.
Good evening, thanks for the feedback and the comments. No need to apologise, I would say the guy lines were tensioned well enough, there was a lot of force going through the end guylines (ones that wrap round the 2 long poles), especially the windward side.
That may be an idea to look into, thanks.
Hope you enjoy the use of your Vern 2.
Thanks for watching, glad to hear you liked it.
Rowan.
Informative feedback for viewers keen on assessing best practices. Well done!
@@RowanWildCamps It would be extremely helpful if there were some standardised tests that resulted in wind speed ratings for tents, wouldn't it? Even if they were optional. If you could certify your tent for 60 mph headwinds, side winds and 45° winds, for example, you could probably absorb the certification costs by being able to charge more for a proven product!
@@joinmeoutdoors Now that is a good idea, although I would imagine some companies may be reluctant to having a standardised test/certification. Would be incredibly useful for the consumer.
Wow crazy weather a serious test for any tent!! I think your spot on about it being rock solid below 45mph but starting to get dodgy above. Seems like the poles running the longest way are much more spread out and less supported then hilleberg soulo. The way the poles start to flutter and get pressed downwards by the wind does look the tent might start to flatten and deform at wind speeds you managed to avoid! good call
I think the water coming through seams and zips its not a big issue to fix just needs seam sealing like the hilleberg tents for extreme conditions
Nice to know what it can take thanks for doing the test for everyone to see!
Yes, exactly that. That was something I included in my email to Nortent (I thought they may appreciate the feedback for future models).
No neither, and I might end up seam sealing it, afterall the tent does come with a tube.
Agreed, but no thank you.
Rowan.
Wow. Awesome video Rowan. First of yours I've seen. I've dropped you a sub mate. Keep it up!!! You'll have thousands of subs in no time. 👍
That is nice to hear, glad you liked it. Thank you for watching. Rowan.
Fair play, some proper Dartmoor weather to give it a real test. Not sure I'd want to pack away a tent in those conditions as I feel that jiat makes things harder for the tent for the period it starts to come down.
Really interesting to see different tents out in really tough conditions like that.
Thank you, Dartmoor certainly gave me a bashing. No it wasn't the most enjoyable and I really didn't want to leave as I just got comfy in my sleeping bag. But there we are.
Glad you found it useful. Rowan.
Great video Rowan, and very brave! The truth is that the Vern 1 is still the perfect choice for me compared to the Soulo. The Vern is more spacious and more suited to year round adventures with better ventilation and much better value for money. I for one would have no intention of taking a tent out in such extreme high winds, although you never know what mother nature will throw at you once you set out! It is great to know the extremes a tent can tolerate so thank you for that. If it is possible to use 10mm poles or double pole it then surely that is a no brainer even if its just on the blue centre pole? I haven’t received my Vern yet hopefully any time now , but I am sure to enjoy using it content in the knowledge it should be ok up to 45/50mph winds. Thanks J
You're spot on there, I will be using it for the same purpose. They don't do 10mm poles, not that I would think it would change much, you can of course double pole however. Perhaps that is an idea. Hope you have a good time with it, should be good for you. Thanks for the comment.
Rowan.
That was a smart idea...securing some guylines before the tent was fully erected. It makes total sense in that wind. I watch lots of YT storm camping videos, and I've never seen it done that way before. 👍
Thank you, I have done it like that for years when its windy, that or clip it to my bag. Check out videos by Tom Heaney, he does an excellent job of pitching/reviewing tent.
Thanks. Rowan.
Really good and honest video, thanks for posting. I have to say, in my opinion, those that compared this tent out of the box, without testing or any history of testing - to a Hilleberg Soulo were at best, naive and almost reckless. I don't know how anyone could credibly make these comparisons and I said it at the time and I stand by it. I've owned the Soulo since 2016 and used it in a wide variety of weather conditions. It's an extremely strong, well made shelter and importantly, has the pedigree of extensive real world testing to back that up. Hilleberg hand make each tent - you simply cannot mass produce a shelter to the same standards. People ran out to buy this shelter with their hard earned cash based on claims that some TH-camrs made. It's not a bad tent, it's very nice but I have my reseverations in respect of the pole configuration and how low the side poles are. I look forward to testing one myself - for the right conditions, I will assume it's a solid tent. As I've stated previously however, the Soulo is the strongest one person shelter on the market today and even more so in BL guise. I've never been gifted a Hilleberg and I never will be - but I have saved and scrimped to get one - and I've used many different tents in all kinds of conditions. Hilleberg and the Soulo remain unbeaten, at least to me. Thanks again for this really honest and insightful video. ATB
Good evening, I am in the same boat as you, I never thougth it would be a "Soulo Killer" as people have been saying, you dont get a tent like the Soulo overnight. I had a Soulo BL abeit briefly but knew hands down that the Soulo is much stronger and one I would trust in these conditions and like you said it not a bad tent overall, but people cannot expect to find something to replace the Soulo just from what have effectively been unboxing videos only.
I too had those same thoughts and my test proved as much, I will keep it as a sub 45mph tent.
No me too, all the products I use I have paid for myself, and I would go camping the way I do regardless of youtube or filming it.
Thank you for the great comments and videos you post, always a good watch.
Have a good evening.
Rowan.
@@RowanWildCamps nice one - keeping it real is the future on this platform mate - so keep on doing this and it will serve you well. Will throw a sub in your direction - ATB pal
Yep, I'm one of them and I'm gutted I fell for the hype. Can't return mine and I wanted it for this kind of weather.
@@GregTheCamper don't beat yourself up about it mate - it's a good tent for the right conditions. You have a solid tent - the Soulo is (I think - it's always subjective) on another level though. They're in no way comparable - not at all - yet some people made videos saying they were which I believe misled people into going out and parting with their cash, thinking they would get a tent equal to a Hilleberg Soulo - that really wound me up.
@@MCMOutdoors Certainly will, thanks for the advice. You too. Cheers, Rowan.
Wow that was a nasty night and you give it an honest shot. It took a lot of abuse up to the stage where it looked like it couldn't take any worse, seems you made a smart decision in the end. Truly fantastic video 👍🏼
Well, that's the thing up until 45mph or so, I was still hopeful, and it seemed to be doing alright. I think so too, I can't imagine it suviving 70mph winds.
Thanks for watching. Rowan.
Ah Dartmoor,where tents go to die....
You did exceptionally well to last that long.
This is the first real (and honest) test of the V1 i have seen.
I'm going to enjoy following your journey Rowan.
Thanks for uploading.
Sometimes yes, can be a brutal place. Thank you very much, hope you enjoy it. Rowan.
Nice to see the Vern getting an actual test the vent area's on most tents are a weak point for water getting blown in not much can be done really the seams can be sealed easily tho sometimes getting them wet expands the thread and they seal but for me the big thing is the way the double doors are which ever way you pitch wind and rain will be getting in on 1 side or the other and the zips let water in it's only into the vestibule so not major but annoying and then the flappy storm flap.its always good to know what your tent can handle and it's even more important to know when to call it a day and pack up 👍
No exactly, and I probably will end up sealing my Vern 1, I did not experience any discomfort with water getting in, really wasn't anything to worry about. It is, your right. Thanks for watching.
Rowan.
Looks like I'm saving up for a soulo and not a vern one .. thanks for the review , I went out Friday just gone, up the langdales and I ended up with a small puddle under my matt in my helm1, I only noticed it when I was packing up in the morning. I can't work out tho if it was from the condensation from my uco candle what I had on in the evening for a few hours as I didnt have a vent open due to the wind or rain got through the inner seems like it did in your vern one. Did a rain effect/hosepipe test and nothing leaked when I set it up in the garden so just ordered some sealant for the seams just as a precaution if it was that...
Be assured the Vern 1 is not a bad tent, if used for the proper conditions (not above 45mph in my experience), if it ticks all the boxes for you, and you know you avoid high winds, then it should be fine from my experience with it (was very good in Scotland for me).
From the sounds of it, I would guess it may be condensation. Have you had this issue before? How long have you been useing that tent for?
If no water got in elsewhere I may suggest condesation, especially noting you had the vents down. Maybe do it again but remove 1 or 2 possible factors that can cause condensation?
Let me know how you get on.
Rowan.
Ah! A very honest review. A few of these Nortents seem to have bitten the dust lately. Good tents no doubt, but for really exposed stuff you really need Hille/Crux/Trango type stuff. Those longitudinal poles give me the fear. Hopefully Nortent aren't just cashing in on the Skandi-Nor bandwagon and their R&D guys will be on it. Double poling? Probably, or 10 mil, but that comes with risks too. A couple of years ago my custom Quasar expedition bought it up Ben Ime in 60+ mph (MWIS estimation). I learned a valuable lesson.......there is no such thing as a "Bombproof tent". Lets face it, its a tent. ATB and thanks for sharing.
Slightly yes, however like you said they are still a good 4-season choice for most people. Hopefull not, I don't think they are though, does seem genuine. Nortent did ask if I would test is again in simlar conditions with double poles, but I can't quite justify the price, especially after buying a replacement one already. But, doube would help it, I'm not sure the 10mm poles would make that much difference however.
Correct, not in the way people think/expect them to be. Tents are a lightweight tempory structure.
Thanks for watching. Rowan.
It's a tent with a Norwegian flag on it but that's where the skandi-nor ends they are made in China.
@@El-JefeTrue, and if that is important to some people there are brands out there that make tents outside China. So I guess that's another factor to take in if purchasing this tent.
Good effort mate! Filming it would have been the very last thing on my mind. I'm sure Nortent will see this and will sort you out to fix the damage.
It was a challenge at times, but that is the fun of it. I have emailed them to provide feedback, which they were thankful for. Bought a new pole a few days ago. Thanks for the nice comments. Rowan.
Tents with longitudinal crossover poles that lie at a relatively flat angle will never be able to be supported by their longitudinal guy lines. In fact, the poles just pivot around like a radius from the pegging point. It would be interesting to see a test where-by these guy lines are supported at a higher angle with a short pole, like you would on the sides of the Lanshan 2 tents.
Tents like this and the Berghaus Cheviot 2 and the Berghaus Cairngorm 2 will always suffer with wind blowing longitudinally onto them. The angles just don’t work. I can see that Nortent have tried to rectify this with the horizontal crossover poles, but real world testing has proved this design “flaw” in strong winds.
Yes the Nortent is stronger than the 2 previously mentioned tents, but the basic longitudinal design of the low angle of the poles is flawed for high wind use. I’m sure that for most of us the Nortent is a great tent. But, what this does show is that currently, it’s not a Soulo “killer” in more extreme uses.
I think you got it bang on there. An easy way to visualise it, is when you have the poles in the sleeves with no clips on, those 2 long poles just flop to the ground. Certainly, I will keep mine for sub 45mph trips. Thanks for the interesting read. Rowan
what a humid place brother.🇧🇷
Was a bit wet, yes. Thanks for watching.
Hi Again Rowan, I've rewatched your video a number of times. The short cross-pole broke at a point which I wouldn't have guessed. Going on what I can see from various points in the video this is what I think happened. The storm flap is catching a lot of wind and causing extra force on the short cross-pole on the door side of the tent. For example look at 5'37". You can see that on the back-side of the tent the wind is passing freely between the top of the fabric and under/around the short cross-pole. On the front/door-side of the tent, the flap is catching the wind and causing bowing-in of the front wind-facing panel. This has to be causing asymmetric loading on the short cross-pole. Also the guy-lines on the longer poles aren't giving much support to these longer poles. This means that the wind-force is pushing those longer poles (and the fabric they're supposed to hold) onto the shorter crossing pole. It's this shorter cross-pole that ends up taking all the loading. Later on as the wind speed increased, having the front doors firmly closed seemed to dissapate the load somewhat, because within a few seconds of you opening the front door, the pole snapped. With the opening of the door, the asymmetric forces between the front and the back of the tent (due to the storm-flap), coupled with the general loading on the cross-pole (from the poor guy-line support on the long poles), caused the failure. That's my interpretation anyhow. My take-home would be that double-polling the shorter cross-pole may have been enough to prevent this type of failure. I may be wrong of course. If you hear anything back from Nortent about what they think, please let us know. Thanks again.
Double Polling may help on the cross pole but then you transfer the stress somewhere else.. Once the side poles collapse then the tent doesn't become that comfortable due to the deformation and restricted space inside. If you are going to camp in conditions like this then this may not be the best tent choice... Tom
I think Tom Heaney hit the nail on the head there as well, and I think your interretation of the events is again correct, I mentioned these points to Nortent. So when I get some more information from them I will let you know. Rowan.
@@RowanWildCamps Does anyone know if any manufacturers have storm flaps going the other way, ie with the fixed position on the fly? For the design on this particular tent, if you had the flap permanently fixed to the fly, it would allow you to design it so that the free end attaches to points along the top of the short cross-pole (the cross-pole would have to be in a sleeve). The attachement could consist of clips along the top of the cross-pole sleeve, or even a double-zip arrangement. The double-zip arrangement would add weight but would have the extra benefit of being even more water-resilient in wind. You could do this for both side of the doors on this tent, and then the flaps on either side would be held firmly in place. With this modification any wind would also travel over the top of the tent freely, and not be caught along the length of the flaps.
@@citizenwolf8720 I can't say I have ever seen that on any tents, but funnily enough It was something brought up in conversation with Hilleberg, sadly I cannot remember the reason they said for not doing that, or perhaps one day looking into it. Plus 2 overlapping zips may add strength as it is shared across 2 instead of 1, maybe we will see it one day?
@@RowanWildCamps Interesting. Thanks. ✌
Bloody hell mate that looked scary !
I’m shocked it collapsed like that. Did they give you another pole ? Cheers Graham
I was suprisingly ok with the whole situation, I'm quite used to these conditions by now. No they have not, it is my fault and I have already bought a new one.
Very much appreciated video. First one I've seen, actually putting the Nortent Vern 1 through it's paces. The materials used, the space inside, quite some pluses, so I was waiting for something more than a 'Look, this is how you can set it up and cook and sleep in it' video.
The minor leakage is to be expected with such wind >35/40mph, driving rain through every tiny opening, I guess. I certainly wouldn't be bothered by it. (perhaps bring a good bivvy next time, for such conditions/testing, if only as a backup).
Too bad about the pole bending/snapping, because of opening the tent door zipper. Pretty gutting, just after smartly deciding 'enough is enough', if you've reached the comfort level.
I thought, it would perform perhaps better when the wind f.i. hits the tent diagonally, compared to my Soulo RL.
Not that I would gladly try out >70mph storms though, certainly not without 10,5 mm or even better, double poling.
'I'm trying out this new tent in windy conditions'-sensei Heaney gave valuable points though about the pole design. (Osu!)
Certainly with the wind at the, supposedly ideal, back of the tent, the Vern has a triangle with the point downwards catching wind, where the Soulo has a triangle with the point upwards and both poles in the same position, more easily coping with the wind if that makes sense.
It is yes, especially as I have not seam sealed it on purpose to see if it leaks or not. I always take a survival bag with me just in case soemthing goes wrong (could even happen on the walk up or down).
I guess these things happen, it is unfortunate that I was trying to save the tent yet it still broke. I don't think it would have survived much longer anyways, unlike my Nallo 2 which I have had up to 80mph. Sadly I don't think (and others like Tom Heaney have said the same) that 10mm poles would make much difference, and double poling may put strain elsewhere.
Yes that does make sense, I think you are right there too.
Thank you for the comments, glad it was useful.
Rowan.
Learning your limits and you will be even better for it the next time. You did really good. Impressive. After all it is about having fun, but not getting yourself injured or worse.
Precisely, thanks for watching. Rowan.
Great video. Good to see some proper testing. I think having doors that will always have one facing into the wind is a poor design choice. There's never a mechanical protection of the zip if the flap can always be blown up.
Amongst other flaws, evidently.
Definetly, it's great to have 2 doors, but not when the weather gets up. They are a weak point afterall. Thanks for watching. Rowan.
@RowanWildCamps I think its a flaw to never be able to have all doors facing away from the wind. Obviously wind changes direction but you couldn't even repitch it to mitigate the problem.
Its a strangely designed tent really, sort of a hodge podge of 3 and 4 season features with the weight of a 4 season tent. I'll stick to my Trailstars for now!
@@rbreiff73 Oh I do agree with what you are saying, I just mean it is nice when the weather is equally nice (unlike here). It slightly yes, perhaps that is one of the reasons it got so much attention. If that works for you, then that is perfect. Thanks again. Rowan.
Never mind the tent (which actually looks pretty awesome for what I'm after), I'd buy whatever tripod you are using!
The tent is very good, if you don't go out in 45mph winds it will suit most people. So sounds great if that is what will work for you.
I will have to check the brand of it, I have had it for years, got it from a charity shop I used to work at.
Thanks for watching. Rowan.
Wow, what a video. Actually this may have just persuaded me to consider a Vern 1 now that you have shown us all its limits. Will seam seal it though.
Thank you, I would say it's a good idea to seam seal this one, unless you don't mind the odd bit of water ingress. Thanks for watching, if you do get the Vern, I hope it serves you well. Rowan.
What did the Vern tent say to the wind?
Is that the best you got...
It tried its best, until 45-55mph it was going strong.
I've used my Vern 1 PC in some nasty weather without any issues. My Hilleberg Staika would leak along the zippers in severe winds. Have yet to experience this with the Vern 1 PC.
That being said, the Nortent Vern 1 PC is exceptionally well made on par with my Hilleberg, except for the poles.
My Soulo BL did the same, and I have heard/seen other people experencing the same leaking. From what I have seen on TH-cam about the Vern 1 PC the material looks really strong.
Glad to hear it works well for you.
Rowan.
I have the vern 1 and yet to get out in it but as I like a camp fire etc I will not go out in high winds as not enjoyable so for 30 to 40 winds it will do me fine and if a good shower comes in it will keep me dry and that what its about for me, also I do astro photography so I like clear nights but if the weather changes it will do the job... For the price its a good tent but if someone goes out in high winds they will need a tent to cope with the conditions better its all down to preference and the cost as I would not pay more for a tent as it don't intend going out in those conditions. Anyway cheers for your video.
Then it sounds perfect for you. I think for the price it is fairly competant in sub 40mph winds, anything more and something a bit more robust may be a better choice. Well you're smart for picking the products that best suit your needs. Hope you enjoy using it. Thanks. Rowan.
@@RowanWildCamps also I have seen a few in highish winds trying them out and they had no trouble with them so maybe there is a batch of weaker poles that have gone through the production lines, also there is an option of getting stronger ones as long they don't put to much strain on the material... Myself don't mind being out in any weather but prefer camping in the more enjoyable weather and don't mind the odd downpour, snow etc as long as the winds are lowish.. Anyway cheers Ade.
@@darkshaman7087 Perhaps, it will be interesting to see what other users experience when getting over 40mph. No, me too, I am looking to try and actually see some views for a change on Dartmoor, but the weather has been so rubbish. Soon hopefully. Thanks, Rowan.
@@RowanWildCamps I have seen anther that got the vern 2 and a pole went on him I cant remember if it snapped or is badly bent in the high winds, yes it will be interesting to see more users telling their experiences also I have seen some people camping in highish winds and their tent have stood up to the winds but we will see when the other reviews pop up on here, I might buy the 10.25mm poles in to be on the safe side as the tent is pretty good apart from the poles. Cheers Ade.
@@RowanWildCamps hi there again, I have seen in the Vern 1 booklet about double poling for extra strength so maybe that is where people are going wrong but all the same it should take high winds as it’s down as a 4 season.
Finally a proper honest review of this tent doing what everyone said it could, but were not actually out testing.
Thank you watching, glad it was useful.
Definitely gale force winds this is what I like people who seek their limits and test gear. Beautiful, so where are most of the leaks noted locations ? I don't have this tent yet.
Was rather windy. Glad you liked it; I too enjoy pushing the boundaries of myself and my gear. Thanks for watching. Rowan.
Where were most leaks noted? Really like the tent design.
@@neo57611 if you don't plan on experiencing more than the odd 50mph gust then it is a solid tent, does more than most. Only a tiny bit around the zips and above the vestibule (which was already wet), so if you seam sealed, which I have not, you should have a dry night.
Rowan.
Happened to me in a brand new MSR Hubba Hubba NX. The thing was trashed.
I feel your pain mate.
Sorry to hear that, I looked at that tent a few years ago, several aspects of it put me off. Hopefully it won't happen again for you, or find something more prefarable.
Thanks for watching.
Rowan
@@RowanWildCampsIt’s very fragile.
I’m out in my Soulo BL right now.
@@dougieranger Ah, I see, plus the inner pitch first put me off. Very nice, how did that go? I was in my Nallo 2 last night.
@@RowanWildCamps Solid as always, definitely overkill for the conditions.
Pitch as one is the way to go. 👍🏼
@@dougieranger Ah well, at least you know you are safe. I always felt safe in my Soulo BL.
For sure, I tried a couple a few years ago for summer use, but still annoying to use.
As many have said, this is a great and honest video.
As many other Nortent owners have stated, their poles had bent after using the tent. Bending of the poles happens on most tents when they are arched over like this. Some poles come already pre bent.
No matter how well you guy out this tent, it will be pushed down and inwards at the end.
No matter which door you had opened in the wind, the pole would have still snapped.
Nortent will hopefully find a solution to this, fingers crossed. Even if it means a total rethink and redesign of the tent/poles, etc.
So far, Nortent have been very quick and good with responses to any product queries, order queries, etc. They take pride in their products, and this was not intentional on their part. This will be a fantastic tent once these problems are rectified, even if it means a total redesign of the poles or the tent.
Glad you have found it useful.
I don't think mine came with any bends in them, all the time I have used it have been uploaded here. The only thing I can think of is when I was in Scotland and the wind was come side on, no more than 20mp or so.
As for the door I opened the one most protected so it would not act like a scoop, the same way a Soulos door is used.
Hopefully yes, but it is a shame to think people who spent their money now may en up with an inferior product that some feel should hav been tested more.
Thanks for the comments.
Rowan.
Did Backpacking UK message you at least before he made you the scapegoat in his "apology"?
@RowanWildCamps you hit the nail bang on the head with the suggestion that existing owners of the (2024) version could be left with a lame duck of a tent.
@@GregTheCamper No he did not, I did wonder if he would.
@@smellyoldsock1553 Maybe not lame, but not to the potential it could have been.
Nice to see an honest review from someone not being paid by the company to give it an positive spin on things.
Backpacking UK has released a video saying you didnt pitch it correctly, but I dont see how you didnt.
He disabled his comme ts so rhat basically tells.you what you need to know.
I think the Vern 1 is a great little tent but every tent has its limits, thanks for showing us those limits.
Good morning, I was made aware of this last night, and I did watch it this morning. But he has also written in one of his posts "To be fair to Rowan, he appears to have pitched the tent well." So I am unsure if he think I did a good job or not. Personally, I always take the greatest care when pitching (I know in situation the location is not textbook, but that is intentional), so I can't see how I could improve the pitch.
Me too, I will continue using it, just not above 45mph winds.
No worries, glad it was useful.
Rowan.
Yes, I just watched BackpackingUK’s ‘apology’. He misdiagnoses the problem from the outset as ‘people breaking tents’. He claims Rowan opened ‘the wrong door’. It is clear in Rowan’s video at 25 minutes that the wind is pressing down hard on one end. If the door facing that way had been opened then the wind would indeed have blown inside the tent ‘like opening an umbrella in a gale’. But Rowan opened the downwind door. BackpackingUK fears criticism as comments are turned off.
@@petergilbert72 I thought it was pretty clear as well.
But yes, you are correct about the events that happened, I used the door on the opposite side to the wind, so the rest of the tent protected the opening, like if you pitched a Soulo tail into the wind.
Thanks for the comments.
Rowan.
That storm flap is the exact problem that I envisaged when I saw a video of the tent. It looked too loose. Maybe they should have put some velcro points?
Me too, however in those winds velcro still won't work. I did speak to Hilleberg once about waterproof zippers. Maybe thats the way?
Looking at the storm flap on other videos, it was mentioned how loose the storm flap was on one of the videos. The Hilliberg storm flaps look a lot tighter and less movement in storm conditions, even on the Hilleberg akto.
If Hilliberg could cure the leak at the door vent zip area, it would be a fantastic tent as there is no leaking in storm conditions, apart from the vent.
@@davegalloway7531 It would be great if they could, or have a similar venting system as Nortent or Fjallraven. The only leak I have experienced is around the vents as well. Thanks for your thoughts. Rowan.
what are your thoughts to backpacking uk saying you orchastrated this failure ? poor pitching, using a bent pole etc
I'd trust Rowan's actual testing over a fair weather camper who issues sweeping statements like "The Soulo is in trouble" and "The best backpacking tent of 2024 is here" after taking it out of the plastic bag and pitching on his local cricket club's grounds any day of the week! WAY too many channels at the moment with people "Reviewing" the contents of a GoOutdoors warehouse with little actual experience and banging on about "Extreme Storms" and "Total whiteouts" when its clearly a bit of wind and a snow flurry. They'd last about 10 mins on The Ben in a proper white out and probably have zero navigation skills either.......and that's the serious issue here.....they are giving bad advice to a large audience of beginners who could potentially lap it all up as gospel and go out without the right skills and equipment and end up being another mountain rescue shout.
Re: the bent pole - a lot of perfectly decent and initially straight poles can gain a curve over years of use and not cause any issues. One of my MSR Ventana DAC poles is definitely curved and its fine after 15 years use. The pole on Nortent's video definitely has a curve to it. Pitching wise, I'd say Rowan's pitching was pretty belt and braces - he used Delta ground anchors, maxxed all his guy lengths where he could and double pegged as much as possible. And, as is the norm, wind on mountains often gusts from all over the place anytime it likes. There's PLENTY of Hilleberg tent videos in wind worse than this with the camper in and out with the door flapping around or rolled up and the poles survived.
Something else about the Vern 1 and 2 I think might be an issue - the design of the roof and the way the poles cross look like a massive snow trap - the poles leave nowhere for snow to slide off. True 4 season tents need to be able to cope with snow loading and sheading and this looks like it would hold snow to me. At over £500 i'd also be expecting YKK zips and DAC poles or equivalent.
It looks the part but I'll be sticking with my Terra nova and MSR for while.
@@andym2584 Good reply that mate, I agree with large parts of it especially the saturated state of the youtube influencer lot. Yeah I have the MSR nx 2 and in my opinion ill be sticking with it for the forseeable.
@@andym2584 Some great points here Andy... best wishes Tom
@andym2584 I'd agree with you. A cricket park pitcher has no idea. Or very little if says a pole with a bend in it is faulty its taking shape of tent . He's just defending a clearly sub par or barely par tent and how can the camper her orchestrate this that's just plain ridiculous even I can sniff out something fishy 😅
@@andym2584👍
I wonder if this was the same night that FellManDave destroyed his Vern 2?
Perhaps, I went out on the 4th April.
Thank you for sharing! It doesn’t look like 10mm poles would have solved it :( maybe double poles
Sadly I don't think they would help tht much due to the design, double definetly would help. Thanks for watching. Rowan.
Maybe they could try some DAC featherlight poles or some Hilliberg to compare?
Maybe, but I doubt it would make a huge difference, unless you double polled.
I have read in their booklet last night and it mentions about double polling so that might have helped in these conditions.
They do yes, and I completly agree it would have done, I believe I mention that in this video or the extra bit that cut out. Nortent asked if I would go again in similar conditions with double poles, but I told them having alrady bought a replacement pole, I don't need to go out in those conditions again, especially for the price of 3 extra poles. Rowan.
@@RowanWildCamps those conditions was horrendous but you had to give the tent a go, but also it does mention its a 4 season so you would have expected it to have handled those winds without it being doubled polled, but I do think it would have handled those winds if it was doubled up, also maybe the 10.25mm poles would be better but they are really expensive but at least the vern poles are not to bad but if you buying 3 the prices soon goes up, tell them if they send out 3 poles for nothing you will happily test them out haha. Ade 👍
@@darkshaman7087I mean I wouldn't say no if they offered to send me some. I would gladly do it again, but like you said at that point it gets more expensive and an extremely bulky pole setup.
I haven't asked them to send them, but if they revisit the idea I might. Thanks. Rowan.
@@RowanWildCamps yes a set of six poles will add bulk and weight the the backpack that we can all do without but if they strengthen the tent for windy days it would be worth it, also some other expensive tent makers will recommend double poles in high winds so that is the norm unless we pay more for the thicker quality ones. I suppose someone out there will make a video of it being double poled also I see one video in the states of the Vern in harsh snowy conditions but the owner bought the 10.25mm poles but they cost about 89.00 euros and must be cut to size. Take care Ade
@@darkshaman7087 Certainly, it was one of the first things Nortent and I spoke about when I emailed them before posting the video. Double polling is what you should do, but I wanted to see how it is straight out the box. Thanks again. Rowan.
Holy heck, that was a gripping watch! Well done that man. Kept filming even after the pole collapse. 😮 I guess that answers that question - the Soulo is a better tent for these conditions. This failure is very disappointing to see, to be honest. Those poles need to be thicker. These sorts of conditions are not uncommon along the western seaboard of Ireland and they can appear quickly and unexpectantly (if you're not constantly checking the latest weather update). It's what's always on my mind when I'm camping. Also disappointing to see the door trying to open and the storm flap doing SFA. 😕@Rowan Wild Camps, would you say that your Nallo would have survived these conditions? Thanks again for your efforts.
Good evening, thanks for that, was a bit difficult at time, but always fun. It does indeed, I can't say I would want to take the Vern 1 out in conditions like that again (keep it sub 45mph).
It is a bit yes, like you said either 10mm poles and or double pole it, or dont go out in mad weather :)
No exactly, hence why I like to test my gear, if it says it is forecast for 30mph, I want to know I am safe up to 45mph, just in case it changes.
You're right there, the flap really did not do anything apart from make more noise, when I contacted Nortent to let them know of my experiences I included those points to them as well.
Yes, I have had the Nallo 2 with single poles in those conditions and it survived (not a comfortable night), so I reckon it would have done, especially with double poles, like I had done back in January with 80mph winds.
Thank you for the comments.
Rowan.
Uh-oh, now, hot on the heels of the videos by Tom Heaney and Andrew Park, backpacking UK have also put out a video. Unfortunately he says you got out of the wrong door. He's incorrect. You got out of the correct side, but he's made things worse by saying you got out the wrong side. Oh dear. He has comments for the video turned off (understandably, going on what he was saying about the messages he was getting), so unfortunately his error can't be corrected. th-cam.com/video/uA2OonBO77o/w-d-xo.html
Well that is that then, nothing I can do if he thinks this. I know I did not do anything wrong, Nortent also watched the videos and never said anything was wrong with it. Plus, the videos/posts are gone as well.
He has made the video private.
So even though Nortent recommends double poling in very high winds this was obviously not done.
Fellmandave has a video out of the Vern 2 in strong wind., around 40mph
3 poles snapped forcing him to bail.
I like how the Vern 1 looks from the outside, but on the inside I don't like how it's so narrow at the head and foot end, and as you show in this video with strong wind the pocket is down over your face and the sleeping bag gets damp.
So I will definitely not be trying it out. My other option I was comparing with the Vern 1 is the KUIU Storm Star. 2 man tent around the same weight, looks a lot more solid although yet to see it in similar conditions to this video.
He does, I watched that to see if it was similar to what I experienced and I feel that is. As for the interior I guess that is a personel preference thing, I don't mind that snug feeling. But as you say, when it was touching my face, it then got too much.
Perhaps that is the answer for you, I'm afraid I don't know an awful lot about that tent. Whatever you get, I hope you enjoy it. Rowan.
I watched that all carefully, step by step how it was pitched and in all honesty if that was me in same situation I'd have pitched the same way. I think as per other peoples comments here and elsewhere the design of the tent where the end has crossovers and guys coming off at too shallow an angle are a big factor in not helping batten the tent down enough and I don't disagree with that analysis. IF (and if is a big word) - the tent had some extra guy lines mod'ded on it or thicker poles might help it a little but I think fundamentally the design has a weakness there. The lack of water proofing on the seams and driving rain getting in is a bit of a worry too. In terms of the decisions made : I think this has been useful and again I wouldn't disagree with a planned and controlled exit from camp. had you waited - the pole could have failed at 2am in much higher wind and you would have had to made an unplanned exit and stow your gear inside a collapsed tent and get everything ready to come off the mountain which would have been even more challenging. It's better to do that as a planned activity than unplanned in my opinion. The extra carabiner on the door having been taken off isn't a mistake as I see it because in all honesty it was a workaround to stop the door pulling open. if you can't open the door even briefly then that's a problem in itself... I want to believe in Nortent but I think it will be reserved for mild weather activity based on these findings. I have a banshee and soulo if you ever want to borrow em.... ;-)
Good afternoon, no neither, I believe I have said that somewhere as well, that is not to say however it is a bad tent, as some seem to thing. Perhaps they would help, but I think fundamentally it is the design that needs to change here, if it wants to live up to the claims of others.
Regarding the water ingree, Nortent do provide sealant and advices to seam seal but says it is not neccessary, I did not seam seal on purpose, as to see if it is needed or not.
Precisly, I took all the normal saftey plans that I would (back up routes/camp locations, people knowing where I was when and some emergency kit like a survival bag), and as you say leaving the way I did felt safer than maybe later on having no choice in constant 50-60mph with gusts of 70mph+.
True about the door, maybe that is something they will fix later on. Me too, I will keep using it but in sub 45mph.
That would great thanks :)
Rowan.
Why do so many wildcampers in the UK put upp their tents on the top of hills in extremely bad weather, rather than looking for some natural protection? If you want to test the tent in severe conditions? Pitch it. Go home and see what is left of the tent the day after.
I was putting it there for my own interest and challenge for myself, something that I stated in the video, plus I would go on that camp regardles of TH-cam.
Also, I would never leave something unattended, especially something like a tent in the middle of the moor, as it is extremely irresponsible if you did that, to risk the dangers to others, the livestock, wildlife or the enviroment.
Thanks. Rowan.
Camping on exposed windswept hills as a rough guide is the only place where one can camp without being moved on by a land owner in the uk . Most national parks in uk are windswept from the Atlantic
@@TheRst2001 That may be true in other parts of England, but on Dartmoor, we are able to camp in some agreed locations (for now). And this is far from a guide as to where best to pitch, I purposefully pitched there to test myself and my gear. Have a look at the Dartmoor National Parks website, they have an interactive map so you can see where we are allowed to legally wild camp, whilst respecting the area of course.
Thanks for the comment. Rowan.
@@RowanWildCamps My comment about pitching the tent and see what's left of it the day after was sarcastic.
Your comment as well as other comments in this thread don't answer my question why so many "completely exposed to the elements bad weather wild camping" videos are from the UK. @TheRst2001 comment about the exposed windswept hills does imply natural protection can not be found at all in these places. I can not have an opinion about that, I have never been there. But here in sweden where I live, you definately will want to take an extra look on your map to look for a good pitching spot! I don't think many people here will pitch their tent in bad weather on a mountain top. It can be the last thing you do!
@@hoostra7202 Ok, I am sorry I did not realise it was sarcastic, I'm sure you'll appreciate how hard it can be to tell in a comments section, especially when there are a lot of people taking this seriously.
I thought I did by saying "for my own interest and challenge myself", as for other wild campers in the UK I cannot answer for, only speculate.
They are partly right, yes it can be hard to find a sheltered spot, namely one that gives more than 180 degrees of protection, but not impossible. There are a lot of features on Dartmoor, whether they be Tors, walls, hills or old buildings. Sometimes the ground does dictate if you can pitch there however.
I do the same, as well as using google maps and Streetview if available to look at potential campsites. Not something I often do for Dartmoor, because I always know the area I am going too.
Sweden is somewhere I have always wanted to go; you have really nice landscapes. Maybe one day I will get there.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Rowan.
This is honestly really sad. I really wanted to get this tent. Still might,just double poled or with MYOG 10mm poles. It's still more spacious than the Soulo and I'd hate to feel cramped.
Yes, many people talk about the lack of space in the Soulo which is why I also didn't get one.
If you don't plan on encountering >45mph winds then you should be fine. I don't feel cramped in it, more room than in the Soulo. Still keep it as an option for yourself.
I think the camera tripod should be mentioned in Dispatches
I would love too, but I got it from a charity shop I worked at years ago. So I'm not sure what it is.
Hopefully nortent see this and makes some changes
I believe they have, in my email exchanges with them I sent them the link it ans said they found it really helpful. Not that I would change much excpet a way to lock the door, it is great sub 40mph. Thanks. Rowan.
Damn i was considering buying the Vern 2 with the stove jack but i might as well buy the MLD Trailstar and a bivy as it has survived 70mph winds on video
Be careful with the trailstar though. DCF version is only one proven at 70mph+ and if u using the stock line locks and guyline it will loosen and collapse on you.
It is true what you say but just letting you know an of the shelve trailstar wont survive 70mph winds!
@@dontgooutdoorproductions2574 Thanks for the reply lad, yeah it was your video I watched. I'll consider it.
I've had my original Trailstar (nylon) out in winds stringer than in this video - we couldn't stand up at times. With stock lines and rocks on pegs the the thing just shrugged off the weather.
I've had the dcf one but the finicky nature of pitching it ruled it out, for me, for storm conditions. Kinda makes the Trailstar pointless imo as its such a bombproof shelter so I've gone back to nylon and silpoly versions.
I always put a slip knot against the lineloc if the weather could be wild.
@@rbreiff73 I have original silnylon trailstar aswell they are so good! thats great you fixed the stock linelocs with a slipknot aswell I only learned that after one slipped and collapsed on me in just 30mph sideways rain which is why its importaint for people to know about the lineloc issue/fix. I always keep the linelocs on until the plastic breaks off due to age and rough weather (I have some 13+ year old trailstars)
you also right on it being super finicky and hard with zero stretch on the Cuben/DCF versions but with practise and the right setup they are insanely stable in the same wind which would have the silnylon one bending in like a jelly bean(but still standing of course)
I do prefer silnylon ones now 2bh because you can stretch them to get far more internal space and they can handle pretty much anything in the UK but the DCF ones are total beasts in serious winds at halve the weight of older silnylon versions.
Hows the silpoly version? Its almost same weight as DCF seems like the best of both worlds?
@dontgooutdoorproductions2574 Yes I had 3 or 4 silnylon ones and the dcf one and now own the silpoly version. Prefer it to the last "super stretch" nylon one but it hasn't been tested in anything too harsh yet.
I agree on the strength of the dcf version and I do miss it but as a shelter for getting out of wild weather quickly it wasn't ideal imo. I'm seriously thinking about getting one again though, the weight and lack of sag were awesome. To keep the weight more proportional I replaced all the linlocs with Zpacks Vs and z line on the dcf version otherwise half the weight was in the string!
wow 👍
Thanks for watching.
I saw backpacking uk's comments ; so..... on the point about pitching with tail into wind etc versus having the wind hitting the side....... I pitched my hilleberg soulo month or two ago with tail into wind (as you should) ..... ok...... but about 45 mins later the wind changed from north to east and all of a sudden had wind pushing very hard against the side. whilst I believe in pitching it right with respect to wind direction Is recommended best practice - if the wind changes direction (and sometimes in strength significantly) you can't always avoid having the wind coming from a bad angle irrespective of the tent you use. what was I gonna do? move it after being set up about an hour? unlikely. Despite being a self confessed hilleberg fan boi myself..... I would admit that even a Black Label Hilleberg Soulo "could" still potentially fail. There are a couple of videos on TH-cam with people who had the BL and the middle pole broke in both of those ones I remember seeing if you dig far enough back....... and yeah the whole - 'did they pitch it right' debate ensues but ultimately winds can be more concentrated in certain locations - with strengths over and above anything on the weather forecast and push tents to and beyond their limits. Some of my BL poles have slight curve in them ; from repeated use and metal has a bit of a memory once it's been bent previously so I don't see that as a specific issue.
I have not seen that, but if it is, then what he wrote is correct about wind/camping. Hence why it probably looks like the winds is on the door, plus a door is a weak point. In already strong winds it will look worse, doors are naturally less taut due to having to be doors with zips. So, I am unsure how he can say I orientated it wrong.
Thanks.
Rowan.
Yes, the old trope of pitching tail into the wind. Works well if you can be as certain as you ever can that the wind won't change direction. I would never criticise anyone for a tent pitch in those conditions. I'm in awe they are out there at all. Bent pole. It happens. Better to acknowledge a learning experience than criticise. If you want to know how to rate a tent and understand tents under extreme wind (and other) conditions , tune into Tom Heaney's channel and leave backpacking UK's comments out in the rain.
@@davidf4897 indeed. I think Dartmoor is a real maelstrom of wind. I’m sure I is saw it pushing on tent from three different compass points.
It's good to see after all this hype that the Vern isn't a threat to the Soulo afterall. Very few people with the Soulo have to bail when it gets a bit blowy. Plus this thing leaks way far worse than any Hilleberg.
I would say it is still, as most people wont be looking for 50mph winds, which is where the Soulo outshines it, but is double the price. So if you keep it under 40mph, it has more room and cheaper, why would you not get the Vern 1? Both Hillebergs I have leak in one way or another, the Soulo BL was so bad I sent it back. Hence I have the Vern 1 to replace, if I am that bothered I can seam seal the tent, something Nortent recomend to do anyway.
But plenty of tents will therefore compete with the Vern in the sub 40mph mass market - while just a handful are really dependable above that wind speed.
@@petergilbert72 totally agree Peter...
@@petergilbert72 Definitely, Hilleberg are on a league by themselves, but you pay a premium for that extra performance, hence why for most people looking for a strong winter tent, the Vern ticks most of those boxes, yet at half the price.
So the Vern is a threat for the Soulo if you know you will never encounter more than 50mph winds, but if you do/know you will, then get a Soulo. If you enjoy summit camping then yes, a Soulo is better.
I own 2 Vern 1 tents (the former and the curent model), and an Akto and a Soulo. From my own experience I am quite sure this would happen to any of my tents, also the Soulo, in tose conditions. Ps. Like Nortent’s insructions point out, you need to seamseal it before showing any water ingress. Not honest footage like you showed us now.
I owned a Soulo BL and currently have a Nallo 2, both of which I have taken over 60mph and measured it, and neither tent had any structual problems, nor do I think they will in the future. As for seam sealing, I purposly did not seal it, as I wanted to see if you needed to or not. Nortent states "You may choose not to do this as the seams are already very waterproof when you receive the tent from us. But hey. Why not..." therefore I wanted to see how waterproof they actually are, and if you need to chose to seam seal or not, it is a choice/guidance, not am instruction.
Thanks for the feedback however, I will try to make it more clear in the future. Rowan.
Hey rowan. I just bought a nallo 2. Did you double pole in 60 mph. That’s seriously impressive ….
@@garynesbitt5078 Yes I did, I think the Nallo would be fine with single poles up to 60mph, but definitely double after that. I also had it vestibule into the wind, which as you know Hilleberg say is the strongest way round. Also, I added the extra guy line to the vent hood like on a Nammatj. Personally, I think it's a cracking tent and extremely versatile and practical. I have got a couple of videos on it, including 60mph+ winds. Hope this helps, if you would like to know anything else, please let me know. Thanks. Rowan.
@@RowanWildCamps thanks mate. I am going to look through your nallo videos. Think I might add the vestibule guy also. My first impressions of it are great. It’s a lot of space and strength for a relatively small pack size and light weight. Very versatile as you say 👍
@@garynesbitt5078 No worries, hope you find some of it useful. The extra guy line did seem to make a difference, helps with supporting the door slightly too. I go from storm camping to taking the dog and cooking steak with it, one of my favorite tents. Have a good evening. Rowan.
Side on pitch....mmm no wonder it failed.
Side on pitch? I orientated the tent to have the tail vent into the wind, so the hood of the door won't catch the wind. Maybe watch again, it should be obvious of the wind direction both when setting up the tent and the way it is pressing in when inside the tent. Rowan.
From 6 mins 16 onwards you can clearly see one side taking most of the wind.Direction changed from initial pitch I guess.
@@simonodell2103 I won't dispute is looks like that, however it is less taught than the other side anyway because of it being the door, by that nature alone it can never be a tight, so when the wind picks up it is exaggerated. Especially when there are 2 doors joining to 1 pole like in this design.
Hope this makes it a bit clearer?
Rowan.
@@simonodell2103 I won't dispute is looks like that, however it is less taught than the other side anyway because of it being the door, by that nature alone it can never be a tight, so when the wind picks up it is exaggerated. Especially when there are 2 doors joining to 1 pole like in this design.
Hope this makes it a bit clearer?
Rowan.
If you make a purchase on the strength of a video without researching properly it's your fault, suck it up ! Videos give you a brief insight into products which we enjoy watching
Hence why I went out. For research, and a challenge for myself. Thanks for watching. Rowan.
For a test okay, but for enjoyment and camping ,no thanks... No trees no bushes no life again no thanks.
No I agree, I enjoyed the challenge element of it, but the scenery was certainly lacking.
I’ll stick with my soulo.
Understandable, this will replace the gap left by my Soulo BL. Both are a decent choice however.
Should have bought a hilliberg
I have a Nallo 2, used to have a Soulo BL. But this was for testing purposes, to allow me to see what this tent can do.
@@RowanWildCampsAnd without following Nortents recommendations of double poling.
From the offset you literally pitched the tent about 120 degrees(approx) the wrong way around i.e. The wind is hitting the side of the tent and slightly towards the storm flap. If your heading out into a strong storm its supposed to be double polled, check the instructions, I am not suggesting you are intentionally did anything wrong but you should show windspeed recordings in real time. at 1:43 it looks like you have a bent pole section which would not be conducive.
There is a storm flap on both sides, so unless you pitch it with both doors on the leeside (which is surely the weakest), a flap will always get caught in the wind. I had the tent orientated with the tail end vent into the wind, so the door I am using is protected. The same as a Hilleberg Soulo door. Correct, I would normally too. But I did this so I could find out the limit of this product out the box.
I could do, but to keep getting out the tent in those conditions is not fun, so I just stuck my arm out the door to measure. And I agree it does look bent, but I have only used it 3 times, I can only think it may have bent in Scotland with the snow pressing the sides in. So if the pole bent after 2 light uses (both were sub 20mph) then that is also pretty bad. If you check out Nortents pitching video it also as a small bend, plus other users have reported the same thing.
Also, Nortent have watched both videos and have not identified anything I did wrong.
Thank you for your thoughts, always interesting to hear what people think to get a bigger picture of a product.
Rowan.
@@RowanWildCamps And thank you very much for your detailed response, most welcome, I will check out your other videos, have a good day mate.
@@Tanko3691 No worries, thank you. Hope you found of this useful. Rowan.
did they send you this tent ?
looks cheap crap
If you mean for free, then no. They of course sent it but I paid the retail price like anyone would. Same goes for all my gear.
Great video, 1000 subs in no time, every cloud…
Thank you, yours have been very informative.Rowan.
I’m 19 minutes in and I simply can’t understand why you’re moaning about storm flaps and doors lifting etc?
YOU POTCHED THE WEEKEST SODE OF THE TENT FACING THE WIND, that being the doors!
Why would you purposely take a tent out and not seem seal it if it needs it?
This idea just seems to be a clout chasing video that goes against the grain 🤷🏼♂️
I’ll watch till the end but getting out of that door facing the wind it wouldn’t surprise me for the tent to collapse etc
Pretty much started looking for reviews in hope of some honesty but this is just flat out inexperience being displayed
Exactly. This is simply user error.
@@theclaverman I did actually watch to the end and surprise, surprise, the tent collapsed 🤷🏼♂️ I’ve had a scan down the TH-cam channel too and seemingly seems to fit in with the hillerberg standard following of trying their best to bash any tent that dare be put against them.
Sad really, because as a community you’d think people would be more open to the idea of a reasonably priced very good quality tent. I mean the red label soulo really isn’t all that different in quality to the vern. The black label is evidently better but you’d expect that at 1k tent. To be fair over all I’d say although hillerberg are the pioneer of tent quality the name carries a bigger price tag than the manufacturing of these tents.
Which is why it’s so refreshing to see the likes of Nortent bring in a high quality, decent tent at reasonable costs.
@@michaelwilcock9745 Hilleberg is designed in Sweden and manufactured in Estonia. Nortent is both designed and tested in Norway, but manufactured in China. Explains much of the 5k price difference…..
I can't believe you youtube 'influencers' got me to buy one of these tents with your clickbait titles just because you get them for free and have to push them to keep getting free stuff, "soulo killer" etc etc youz should all be ashamed as you hadn't even been out in them, falling over yourselves to be first to pitch them in your gardens or in 10mph wind, chocolate poles, leaking like a sieve, soulo killer don't make me laugh, does anyone want to buy a lightly used been?
LMFAO you had me at chocolate poles🤣. Everything you say is true but credit due to Rowan for not being one of those big influencers and actually testing the tent properly and showing how it got on.
Rowan is an actual legend I won't hear a bad word against him, as a fellow nallow 2 owner the conditions he faced in his nallo he is the real deal, pushing the boundaries, no waffle, no clickbait titles, he is a credit to youtube
@@jimbothescot4282 ah great so you agree with me and were just pretending to troll! alot of dillusional people on youtube its hard to tell when someones joking around or actually meaning what they say!
chocolate poles though😆
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 No one got you to buy anything. We are all responsible for our own decisions. Poor wee, sheep.
Sounds like ‘Rowan’s rout’ has left ‘One’ feeling somewhat ‘Vernerable’ following on from your being caught out by the ‘hype-stars’ gushings over the piece - look on it as fair value - just over half the performance for just over half the price of a Hille - but don’t get all twisted and bent outta shape (like the pole just did) - with a bit of seam sealant action and judicious choice of pitching site, and an eye kept on the wind speeds anticipated over the period of your proposed adventures you and your Vern should be just fine, but if that’s too much restriction on your camping rights, I’ll give you £55 posted, can’t say fairer than that (if not, I’d be eyeing the Asta Gear Crescent 2 - similar performance limit but a lot better value) 😅