I’ve brought one early 22, primarily for use cycle touring, having decided that I was happy to carry a little more weight for a shelter I could hide out in comfortably if the weather came in. Have spent around 8 nights in in so far and concluded that: - Good head clearance. I can comfortably sit up on a thermarest mat and cook. I’m 6ft. - spacious XY dimensions as described. - Easy to pitch. Comfortably under 5 mins in the dark. - Discrete colour. I taped over the reflective 3M strips to aid stealth as I tend to camp in random hedgerows with the bike hidden nearby. I should change the yellow guys as well… - If fly is soaked, you can pack up inside, then pack away the inner and groundsheets separately keeping everything dry. Reverse operation at the end of the day and your bedroom remains cosy. - If you need to pop to A&E you can hide an adult road bike inside if you release the inner clips from the frame and chuck the bike on top of the inner. (Obviously not with a person sleeping inside, it’s not a tardis) - Storage at the back is handy, although if I’m honest I’d prefer another full door. Posting stuff in and out of the hatch thingy gets tedious! - Groundsheet folded up makes a handy sit pad for the rest of the day, or if you want a quick lie down. - or if so inclined you can tie the footprint permanently to the tent for a single pitch approach, but I found this saved no time and obviously less flexible use of the groundsheet through the day. I’m delighted with it. It’s a beast! Thanks for your earlier reviews which I’m pretty sure I watched before buying.
Thanks Nick for that comprehensive feedback of the mighty Helm. Good point re the reflective strips. That’s something I might consider doing. I would 100% buy the tent again if I had to. Thanks very much for watching sir. 👍👍
Good and detailed review Ben 👍 I bought this tent partly based on seeing you use it and your feedback on it via a private message. I've only slept in it twice so far but I'm very happy with it 👌 Paul Messner showed it recently too and I was shocked to see the trick with the inner mesh door going into the pocket, more shocked really that I'd missed that completely on both times I used it 🤣
Nice review, Ben. It’s hard to find ones like this by someone who has owned and used an item for a few years. I’ve got a tent and yet I still watched this to the end as I love a good gear review 🙂 price fluctuations really shocked me for some items when we came out of lockdown in 2021 some items. Osprey Atmos and Thermarest XTherm went up, if I’m right, £100!
Great review Ben. I love mine used it on sat on the south downs windy rainy was spot on. Your very right about the seasons. I use it from now till spring to warm in the summer. If your ever fancy a camp on the south down give me a shout ! Atb Graham
Many thanks. I think if you use the link the description, it’ll take you to the site but also throws a bit of support the channel’s way so many thanks. 👍
Just got myself one of these to go alongside my Helm 3 so looking forward to using it by myself for a 1 night trip away on my bike. Also just picked up (at the other end of the scale) a Wild Country Homestead 5+2 berth which sounds like a beast of a tent complete with steel poles (that won’t be going on my bike!)
A good review Ben, we also have the two person version of this tent and also like it. We tend to only use it as a two or three season on the SWCP and revert to our Wild Country Trisar 2D in colder and stormier weather and seasons. We haven't experienced it being too warm but all of our camping with it has been coastal with good breezes, but agree it does get warm. I was thinking of getting the Nature Hike Cloud Peak for very warm weather (I was initially going to buy this instead of the Helm).
We would love to get the two person version of this tent, it looks really well made. It's a little disappointing that the foot print has to be ordered separately and isn't included, but that seems to be the way of the tent supply industry. Really nice detailed review Ben, we enjoyed that😊👍👌. Hope you are well and have a great week ahead, Shell and Pete
Hi both. Sorry for the late reply. Did you end up buying the two-person? I have a friend who has it so I’ll ask him where he got his footprint from. Happy New Year! Ben
@@benhikescamps Hi Ben, we haven't made the purchase as yet with the expense of Christmas and all, but maybe in the next couple of months before the camping season begins 🏕 🤞. Happy new year to you too buddy, we hope 2023 is a great year for you filled with adventures, all the best, Shell and Pete 🥳👊👍
Great review Ben looks like a really good tent especially for the money. It’s the dilemma do I get a fell winter tent or muddle through with what I have. I think this is a good compromise in the south of England
Fantastic review - thank you Ben. It's currently £250 via the link in Sept '23; not sure if prices will come down over the Winter, but that's a heck of an increase. I'll keep an eye out - ATB
Great honest review Ben. They can brag on their website as indorced by Londoner outdoors! Do they allow you to leave feedback on their website? Could mention about the door tie points. Looking forward to your next wild camp Ben.
Camped in the Compact 1 high up on Blencathra recently. Really heavy winds and rain, which were not expected but this sturdy little trooper more than lived up to the task. Had a really comfortably if noisy night. Before I forget, what a dream to set up and pack away, have the ground sheet pre-installed for a quicker erection! Fantastic piece of kit
I recently bought this tent late Aug for £135 a week later it was £125 today it’s £188.98 so yes the price fluctuates. Only used it once as I was waiting for a footprint which I got yesterday but it’s a really well made tent and I’m looking forward to using it. Thanks for your review Ben 👍🏼
Excellent review 👏 I tried to buy this tent, but it was out of stock everywhere I looked. I've ended up buying a Naturehike cloud peak 2 for £150... not what I really wanted, but I'm going to Galloway very soon and needed a tent... worst thing is my tent arrived 2 days ago and now wild country have the helm 1 in stock with express delivery 😢 will have to wait now.
I have the older version of the Helm 1 with the fuller mesh inner I keep the footprint attached to the tent outer and inner with o-rings So the pitch is very fast And dismantling the tent, it all gets folded into the footprint, to the tent stays dry I used it for a full month in the Lake District in terrible weather Excellent tent
Unfortunately I don’t backpack with Helm 1 anymore as it is too heavy for my old bones! Gone to Lanshan 2 Pro Nowhere as good or storm proof But it is a kilo lighter
I got some money for my 50th Birthday yesterday and want to order a new tent, I’m trying to decide between the Hem 2 and the Panacea 2,if I got the Panacea I would need to get some trekking poles to make it stronger in windy conditions, the Panacea is only £10 more than the Helm at the moment,any advice would be great
I need a tent for all seasons yet light weight. Heres the kicker, I need one as light weight as possible as well that has a vestibule large enough I can put a buddy heater in. So it is 3 to 4 feet away from the walls. And the canopy can tighten enough to stop cold air from seeping in from the outside at the bottom. Any suggestions?
Great review. My brother very kindly got be 1/2 helm compact 2 for Christmas on Black Friday weekend 30% off. Do you ever leave the footprint attached? I went for the 2 for the extra space and in case I get lucky 😂😂 Only compromise I’ve seen is the weight and maybe the white inner. I can’t justify over £600 for a southern cross.
Many thanks for watching and commenting on the video. Good Black Friday deal! Helm 2 still good. I don’t ever keep the footprint attached. I like to put it on the ground each time to check pitching space before actually pitching on top of it. 👍
Hi. I bought this tent from TN Oct 2022 for £151 and chose it based upon RUclips reviews. I replaced a Geertop (Chinese) pyramid 1 man tent which used trekking poles and was happy with it for 5/6 years. Walked the SWCP with it and others. The reason I replaced it was that I felt I needed something more robust in bad weather although it had never let me down. I have just finished Offa’s Dyke with the Compact Helm 1 and along the way had two full nights of strong winds, thunderstorms & torrential rain, the result of a yellow weather warning coming up from the SW. My Geertop would definitely not have survived and me with it, but this tent didn’t flinch and I was very happy with it. As a hiker, my only issue is the weight (2.4kg without the footprint) but what can you expect for £150?
@@benhikescamps Hi, I weighed it this morning and with all standard pegs, bag etc, it actually weighs 2.1kgs. I had been weighing a couple of things I am intending to sell so obviously got confused!🥴. I have actually bought a new MSR Hubba off fb marketplace (haven’t told husband yet) and want to put them up and compare before I move my CH1 on, if indeed I do. It is a nice tent, but I need to get the weight down.
I would not worry about it being hot in summer. Last smer was very hot for a few days, but UK summets come around in an approximate 30 year cycle, onl ocassipmally broken, as in tje mid 1970s when two consecutive years produced summers which were blazingly hot, and seemed to go on for ever.. Tent looks a good'n tho, and is gaining a good reputation. Im wondering if their Southern Cross is Terra Nova"s "dreadnought" version of this tent?
Really great video. Been considering an Upgrade and I have been looking at the Helm 1 & 2. I have a Banshee 300 ATM and as great as it is for a starter tent, the 2.8kg (plus water weight when wet camping) is too much. Have you tried or looked at the Helm 2 in comparison to the 1?
Thanks Stephen. I’ve not tried a Helm 2 but I’m told it’s noticeably less stable compared to the Helm Compact 1. But I suppose the trade-off is more space. I think the Helm 1 is excellent value and still quite roomy for what it is. Many thanks for watching. 👍
To be honest, I don’t need that extra space. The Helm 1 is good for me. You’re right, it might be cooler though with two doors. But then it’s more to carry - so trade-offs. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
Hi, it definitely can. I’ve had to do this many times to dry out the tent: condensation etc. The tent comes with the inner attached when new so you can put it straight up. Thanks for watching!
@@benhikescamps Thank you for that fast reply, very good to know as I would like to be able to pack inner and outer separately in case the outer is too wet so it doesn't mess the inner. Great, thank you
I am looking for a 4 season budget tent for camping in snowy conditions because I don't want to invest in a Hilleberg etc.! Do you think I should give this a try?
I don’t believe it’s designed for severe snowy conditions as this is a three-season tent. It might be ok with a dusting of snow but you’d have to be careful with anything more. If I were you, I’d look at cheaper four-season tents that aren’t hillebergs. Thanks for watching.
Hi there. It really depends on your budget. I think this tent is around £250 now which is way more than what it cost me years ago. I would look at MSR, Terra Nova (who make the Wild Country tents), Lanshan 2 (trekking poles only but very very popular especially in warmer months). Also Robens and NatureHike might be worth a look. All depends where and when you use it too.
Not a bad buy. You don’t need extra pegs for the footprint. Use the provided pegs to stake out the footprint first. The helm then sits on top using the same pegs.
That's the problem with small tents, they get roasting in the sun. As much as I would like one of these, and it does tick a lot of boxes, I couldn't cope with how hot and stuffy they can get.
The inner is mainly solid with some mesh near the door. I have done hundreds of camps in it from -1 to around 29 degrees. It’s fine for a UK winter, autumn and spring. For Summer I store it away and use an alternative shelter. I probably wouldn’t use it in UK mountains in winter but I know some have and it has done well. It’s more a ‘3.5’ season tent.
I bought this tent following all the rave reviews. I can't say I'm impressed. It is advertised as "free-standing". However, unless the tent is pegged out the inner is shapeless and caves in on you. A tent that needs to be pegged out is not free-standing in my book! I finally received the footprint from TN - having waited 5 months for it to arrive, and in the meantime damaged the flimsy ground sheet (on leaves from a holly bush - poor pitch choice I know, but still..). There is no way to pitch the footprint and tent together - so extra stakes are needed for pegging out the footprint. The red pole is a total nightmare to put in - so fiddly. There you go, that's why I don't like this tent!
You don’t need extra pegs at all for the footprint. I’ve pitched tent hundreds of times. Just peg out the footprint, erect the tent with the poles then hook the tent base loops onto the pegs you’ve used for the footprint. You can the make adjustments to make it taught. It’s such a simple tent to use. Sorry to hear you’ve had a negative experience.
I have this tent and have tied the footprint shock cords to the 4 flysheet pegging out points so that it is permanently attached, it all pitches together no problem. I can then thread the poles and just attach the remaining 4 shock cords around the pole bottoms. I also find it easier to thread both poles before tensioning the blue pole and have never had an issue. I do agree that describing it as freestanding is a bit of a liberty but I always fully peg out my tents irrespective , even my quasar having witnessed a tent blow away before. I absolutely love mine and got a great price off terra Nova as it was one of the graded items in the outlet section. Try as I might I have never found out why it was graded and upon receipt it looked brand new.
I’ve brought one early 22, primarily for use cycle touring, having decided that I was happy to carry a little more weight for a shelter I could hide out in comfortably if the weather came in. Have spent around 8 nights in in so far and concluded that:
- Good head clearance. I can comfortably sit up on a thermarest mat and cook. I’m 6ft.
- spacious XY dimensions as described.
- Easy to pitch. Comfortably under 5 mins in the dark.
- Discrete colour. I taped over the reflective 3M strips to aid stealth as I tend to camp in random hedgerows with the bike hidden nearby. I should change the yellow guys as well…
- If fly is soaked, you can pack up inside, then pack away the inner and groundsheets separately keeping everything dry. Reverse operation at the end of the day and your bedroom remains cosy.
- If you need to pop to A&E you can hide an adult road bike inside if you release the inner clips from the frame and chuck the bike on top of the inner. (Obviously not with a person sleeping inside, it’s not a tardis)
- Storage at the back is handy, although if I’m honest I’d prefer another full door. Posting stuff in and out of the hatch thingy gets tedious!
- Groundsheet folded up makes a handy sit pad for the rest of the day, or if you want a quick lie down.
- or if so inclined you can tie the footprint permanently to the tent for a single pitch approach, but I found this saved no time and obviously less flexible use of the groundsheet through the day.
I’m delighted with it. It’s a beast! Thanks for your earlier reviews which I’m pretty sure I watched before buying.
Thanks Nick for that comprehensive feedback of the mighty Helm. Good point re the reflective strips. That’s something I might consider doing. I would 100% buy the tent again if I had to. Thanks very much for watching sir. 👍👍
Good and detailed review Ben 👍 I bought this tent partly based on seeing you use it and your feedback on it via a private message. I've only slept in it twice so far but I'm very happy with it 👌
Paul Messner showed it recently too and I was shocked to see the trick with the inner mesh door going into the pocket, more shocked really that I'd missed that completely on both times I used it 🤣
Glad you’re happy with the tent Niall. It’s well designed. Thanks for taking the time time to watch the vid. Have a good week. Ben 👍
Fantastic review! Thank you very much! Choosing a tent is so hard!
Glad to be of help Spencer. 👍
Great thorough review Ben. Big respect as I know you actually use it, so many channels just jumping on the bandwagon. Hardy
Cheers Hardy. It’s my go-to shelter for sure!
Great review video. I also have this tent and love it 😁👍
Great review Ben, been listening to your Podcast too and good like with the walk, mate regards Andy
Thanks for that feedback Andy. Most appreciated. 🙏
Just got the 2 man version, only used it once, in a storm it was solid.
I absolutely love it.
Great UK tents 👍🇬🇧
Nice review. Served you well, like all good tents do. They become dependable friends whilst out in the wild. Long may it be your favourite. 😀
Thanks !
Nice review, Ben. It’s hard to find ones like this by someone who has owned and used an item for a few years. I’ve got a tent and yet I still watched this to the end as I love a good gear review 🙂 price fluctuations really shocked me for some items when we came out of lockdown in 2021 some items. Osprey Atmos and Thermarest XTherm went up, if I’m right, £100!
Thanks Paul for that feedback. I've been meaning to do a review video for a while but glad I have waited to give a full and accurate assessment!
Great review Ben, nice to have a good idea of how it has performed over time x price fluctuations are extreme! 🙈 looks a solid option though x
Thanks Kerry. It’s a tank of a tent this one!
Great review Ben.
I love mine used it on sat on the south downs windy rainy was spot on.
Your very right about the seasons. I use it from now till spring to warm in the summer.
If your ever fancy a camp on the south down give me a shout !
Atb Graham
Great review mate. Thanks 👍
No problem 👍
Brilliant video thank you. I’m convinced and will be ordering the compact 1 asap.👍
Many thanks. I think if you use the link the description, it’ll take you to the site but also throws a bit of support the channel’s way so many thanks. 👍
Just got myself one of these to go alongside my Helm 3 so looking forward to using it by myself for a 1 night trip away on my bike.
Also just picked up (at the other end of the scale) a Wild Country Homestead 5+2 berth which sounds like a beast of a tent complete with steel poles (that won’t be going on my bike!)
A good review Ben, we also have the two person version of this tent and also like it. We tend to only use it as a two or three season on the SWCP and revert to our Wild Country Trisar 2D in colder and stormier weather and seasons. We haven't experienced it being too warm but all of our camping with it has been coastal with good breezes, but agree it does get warm. I was thinking of getting the Nature Hike Cloud Peak for very warm weather (I was initially going to buy this instead of the Helm).
Thanks Colin for that feedback. Be interested to hear how you get on with the Cloud Peak as an alternative. Thanks for watching. 👍
Have a Trisar 2 and an 2D for when I'm out with my you un, absolutely fantastic tents, love the door combinations on those, very versatile.
thanks for a comprehensive review
Great review and thanks for sharing🙂...
A pleasure. Thanks David.
Nice review, looks like a great tent 👍
Thanks 👍
Got one and love it superb for the money
Great review, cheers mate! Ive been torn between this and the 2 Man version, just cant make up my mind!..lol
We would love to get the two person version of this tent, it looks really well made. It's a little disappointing that the foot print has to be ordered separately and isn't included, but that seems to be the way of the tent supply industry. Really nice detailed review Ben, we enjoyed that😊👍👌. Hope you are well and have a great week ahead, Shell and Pete
Hi both. Sorry for the late reply. Did you end up buying the two-person? I have a friend who has it so I’ll ask him where he got his footprint from. Happy New Year! Ben
@@benhikescamps Hi Ben, we haven't made the purchase as yet with the expense of Christmas and all, but maybe in the next couple of months before the camping season begins 🏕 🤞. Happy new year to you too buddy, we hope 2023 is a great year for you filled with adventures, all the best, Shell and Pete 🥳👊👍
I have the helm 2 & 3, definitely go for the 3 if both of you are camping, loads of space for everything
@@robertmulhern2129 thanks for the advice😊👍
Great review Ben looks like a really good tent especially for the money. It’s the dilemma do I get a fell winter tent or muddle through with what I have. I think this is a good compromise in the south of England
Yes, a good all-round tent the Helm. South of England and also wilder places around the country.
Very enjoyable 👍
Thank you for the review
No problem
Great review!! Thx
Thanks for watching!
Fantastic review - thank you Ben. It's currently £250 via the link in Sept '23; not sure if prices will come down over the Winter, but that's a heck of an increase. I'll keep an eye out - ATB
Thanks Andrew. Yes, I noticed the price had shot up. Have you tried eBay perhaps? May snap up a secondhand one?
Great honest review Ben. They can brag on their website as indorced by Londoner outdoors! Do they allow you to leave feedback on their website? Could mention about the door tie points. Looking forward to your next wild camp Ben.
Thanks Michael. It’s a good tent. 👍
Great review everything explain down to a T. I like that fleece you’re wearing in the video what brand is it? Cheers
Camped in the Compact 1 high up on Blencathra recently. Really heavy winds and rain, which were not expected but this sturdy little trooper more than lived up to the task. Had a really comfortably if noisy night. Before I forget, what a dream to set up and pack away, have the ground sheet pre-installed for a quicker erection! Fantastic piece of kit
It really is very solid - and like you said very easy to set up and take down. Thanks for watching. 👍
I recently bought this tent late Aug for £135 a week later it was £125 today it’s £188.98 so yes the price fluctuates. Only used it once as I was waiting for a footprint which I got yesterday but it’s a really well made tent and I’m looking forward to using it. Thanks for your review Ben 👍🏼
Wow that is some fluctuation! Thanks for watching and commenting JB 👍
The price now in January 2024 is a staggering £250. Which to me is way too high even though this tent is good.
Terra Nova have really increased the prices in the last 18 months or so.
Nice video! Crow✌️
Many thanks 👍
It is a good unit mate 100% i opted for the helm 2 though as its only 2cm difference pack size and about 300grams heavier
Good choice 👍
I just ordered mine 🙂
Great review - I've just bought one with the footprint as the retailers were recently replenished. Can't wait to try it out. 🏴🙂👍🏼
Thanks Scott 👍👍
Excellent review 👏 I tried to buy this tent, but it was out of stock everywhere I looked. I've ended up buying a Naturehike cloud peak 2 for £150... not what I really wanted, but I'm going to Galloway very soon and needed a tent... worst thing is my tent arrived 2 days ago and now wild country have the helm 1 in stock with express delivery 😢 will have to wait now.
How frustrating for you! Hope Galloway goes well though.
Cheers, I hope so 🙏 👍
Great video ! I'm 6'1. Would I have enough room do you think? Don't want my feet/head forcing the inner to touch the outer
Totally agree 👍
Thanks Fred.
Thanks for the video, great review. I'm considering getting this tent, it's what I'm looking for. Have you ever use it with strong winds conditions?
It's pretty sturdy in strong winds Belen.
I have the older version of the Helm 1 with the fuller mesh inner
I keep the footprint attached to the tent outer and inner with o-rings
So the pitch is very fast
And dismantling the tent, it all gets folded into the footprint, to the tent stays dry
I used it for a full month in the Lake District in terrible weather
Excellent tent
I’ll bear that in mind. Thanks Neeman.
Unfortunately I don’t backpack with Helm 1 anymore as it is too heavy for my old bones!
Gone to Lanshan 2 Pro
Nowhere as good or storm proof
But it is a kilo lighter
I totally get that.
I got some money for my 50th Birthday yesterday and want to order a new tent, I’m trying to decide between the Hem 2 and the Panacea 2,if I got the Panacea I would need to get some trekking poles to make it stronger in windy conditions, the Panacea is only £10 more than the Helm at the moment,any advice would be great
I need a tent for all seasons yet light weight. Heres the kicker, I need one as light weight as possible as well that has a vestibule large enough I can put a buddy heater in. So it is 3 to 4 feet away from the walls. And the canopy can tighten enough to stop cold air from seeping in from the outside at the bottom. Any suggestions?
So many options out there. Try this website to get some ideas? ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/
Great review Ben. Totally agree with you 👍
Thanks Mr D!
👍 thx
I use mine as a winter tent with no probs.
Yes, I think it’s probably ok in winter in some parts of the UK.
what a great video:) Where could I get the footprint from? Terra Nova store is out of stock for months now
Many thanks. I’m not sure who else does the footprint. Have you tried eBay?
Great review. My brother very kindly got be 1/2 helm compact 2 for Christmas on Black Friday weekend 30% off.
Do you ever leave the footprint attached?
I went for the 2 for the extra space and in case I get lucky 😂😂
Only compromise I’ve seen is the weight and maybe the white inner.
I can’t justify over £600 for a southern cross.
Many thanks for watching and commenting on the video. Good Black Friday deal! Helm 2 still good. I don’t ever keep the footprint attached. I like to put it on the ground each time to check pitching space before actually pitching on top of it. 👍
Are you filming in Epping Forest? It looks very familiar . I’m going to get one of these Helms. I have a Kelty Late Start but this looks superior.
Helms are good. Sorry, but I don't reveal locations on RUclips. Thanks for watching.
Hi. I bought this tent from TN Oct 2022 for £151 and chose it based upon RUclips reviews. I replaced a Geertop (Chinese) pyramid 1 man tent which used trekking poles and was happy with it for 5/6 years. Walked the SWCP with it and others. The reason I replaced it was that I felt I needed something more robust in bad weather although it had never let me down. I have just finished Offa’s Dyke with the Compact Helm 1 and along the way had two full nights of strong winds, thunderstorms & torrential rain, the result of a yellow weather warning coming up from the SW. My Geertop would definitely not have survived and me with it, but this tent didn’t flinch and I was very happy with it. As a hiker, my only issue is the weight (2.4kg without the footprint) but what can you expect for £150?
It's a strong tent for sure. Do you have the Helm Compact 2 as my HC1 weighs 1.97kg with the normal bag etc?
@@benhikescamps Hi, I weighed it this morning and with all standard pegs, bag etc, it actually weighs 2.1kgs. I had been weighing a couple of things I am intending to sell so obviously got confused!🥴. I have actually bought a new MSR Hubba off fb marketplace (haven’t told husband yet) and want to put them up and compare before I move my CH1 on, if indeed I do. It is a nice tent, but I need to get the weight down.
So what r your thoughts on hubba now? @@malls886
I would not worry about it being hot in summer. Last smer was very hot for a few days, but UK summets come around in an approximate 30 year cycle, onl ocassipmally broken, as in tje mid 1970s when two consecutive years produced summers which were blazingly hot, and seemed to go on for ever..
Tent looks a good'n tho, and is gaining a good reputation.
Im wondering if their Southern Cross is Terra Nova"s "dreadnought" version of this tent?
Solid tent but it's sweltering in summer due to the lack of mesh on the inner.
I just ordered it with the footprint :}
Glad to be of assistance Steve! Thanks for watching too
Really great video. Been considering an Upgrade and I have been looking at the Helm 1 & 2. I have a Banshee 300 ATM and as great as it is for a starter tent, the 2.8kg (plus water weight when wet camping) is too much. Have you tried or looked at the Helm 2 in comparison to the 1?
Thanks Stephen. I’ve not tried a Helm 2 but I’m told it’s noticeably less stable compared to the Helm Compact 1. But I suppose the trade-off is more space. I think the Helm 1 is excellent value and still quite roomy for what it is. Many thanks for watching. 👍
@@benhikescamps Thanks for the comment. Helm 1 is only going to be for me so space wise I should be more than ok. Appreciate the advice.
Feel free to hit the affiliate link in the video description if you decide to buy Stephen. Many thanks 👍
What this tent needs is a bit lighter materials,thicker poles,more storm guy out points,then it would be phenomenal..
You should write to Terra Nova Equipment and see what they say?
Yeah definitely lol
You never considered the two man version to get some additional space? Also that might not get as warm inside when it is hot outside having two doors.
To be honest, I don’t need that extra space. The Helm 1 is good for me. You’re right, it might be cooler though with two doors. But then it’s more to carry - so trade-offs. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍
Hi Ben, I'm trying to find out if in the helm series 1,2,3, the inner can be detached from the outer? Cheers for the video
Hi, it definitely can. I’ve had to do this many times to dry out the tent: condensation etc. The tent comes with the inner attached when new so you can put it straight up. Thanks for watching!
@@benhikescamps Thank you for that fast reply, very good to know as I would like to be able to pack inner and outer separately in case the outer is too wet so it doesn't mess the inner. Great, thank you
I am looking for a 4 season budget tent for camping in snowy conditions because I don't want to invest in a Hilleberg etc.! Do you think I should give this a try?
I don’t believe it’s designed for severe snowy conditions as this is a three-season tent. It might be ok with a dusting of snow but you’d have to be careful with anything more. If I were you, I’d look at cheaper four-season tents that aren’t hillebergs. Thanks for watching.
Hi! Which tent would you recommend for spring, summer and autumn?...Similar price if possible? thanks.
Hi there. It really depends on your budget. I think this tent is around £250 now which is way more than what it cost me years ago. I would look at MSR, Terra Nova (who make the Wild Country tents), Lanshan 2 (trekking poles only but very very popular especially in warmer months). Also Robens and NatureHike might be worth a look. All depends where and when you use it too.
@benhikescamps Thanks for replying and info. I'm close to the peak district, so it would be there and lake district mainly 🙂
Hello sir i am getting help compact 3 do you recommend to get the footprint or not? With your experience
I would say to always get the footprint if you can. Thanks.
@@benhikescamps cheers
Does it need extra legs for the guy lines?
The tent comes with enough pegs for the guy lines.
Guessing that you're going to say it's still awesome, but I will watch to the end...
😂
Just managed to order a helm1 and footprint for £173 do you need extra pegs for the footprint? Thanks
Not a bad buy. You don’t need extra pegs for the footprint. Use the provided pegs to stake out the footprint first. The helm then sits on top using the same pegs.
Any links
That's the problem with small tents, they get roasting in the sun. As much as I would like one of these, and it does tick a lot of boxes, I couldn't cope with how hot and stuffy they can get.
I guess buy one then don’t use it in hot and stuffy conditions. That’s what I do! It’s my autumn to spring tent only.
Is it made in a BRICS Nation?
It’s made in the nation of Derbyshire.
Just use the inner in the hot summer days .
Tricky as it’s an outer pitch first tent. Nice idea though! Thanks for watching. 👍
Oh is it that’s a pity
Is this tent freestanding Ben?
semi-freestanding in that you could move it around once the poles are in. Would then need to peg out the 4 corners to use it.
Nice* :-)
Gruß Jürgen 🤠
Mesh so its 2-3@season tops
The inner is mainly solid with some mesh near the door. I have done hundreds of camps in it from -1 to around 29 degrees. It’s fine for a UK winter, autumn and spring. For Summer I store it away and use an alternative shelter. I probably wouldn’t use it in UK mountains in winter but I know some have and it has done well. It’s more a ‘3.5’ season tent.
I bought this tent following all the rave reviews. I can't say I'm impressed. It is advertised as "free-standing". However, unless the tent is pegged out the inner is shapeless and caves in on you. A tent that needs to be pegged out is not free-standing in my book! I finally received the footprint from TN - having waited 5 months for it to arrive, and in the meantime damaged the flimsy ground sheet (on leaves from a holly bush - poor pitch choice I know, but still..). There is no way to pitch the footprint and tent together - so extra stakes are needed for pegging out the footprint. The red pole is a total nightmare to put in - so fiddly. There you go, that's why I don't like this tent!
You don’t need extra pegs at all for the footprint. I’ve pitched tent hundreds of times. Just peg out the footprint, erect the tent with the poles then hook the tent base loops onto the pegs you’ve used for the footprint. You can the make adjustments to make it taught. It’s such a simple tent to use. Sorry to hear you’ve had a negative experience.
I have this tent and have tied the footprint shock cords to the 4 flysheet pegging out points so that it is permanently attached, it all pitches together no problem. I can then thread the poles and just attach the remaining 4 shock cords around the pole bottoms. I also find it easier to thread both poles before tensioning the blue pole and have never had an issue. I do agree that describing it as freestanding is a bit of a liberty but I always fully peg out my tents irrespective , even my quasar having witnessed a tent blow away before. I absolutely love mine and got a great price off terra Nova as it was one of the graded items in the outlet section. Try as I might I have never found out why it was graded and upon receipt it looked brand new.
User error
I pay in 2024 about 221 pounds
Its £250 now lol
Yes has increased quite a bit.
Looks like you get a lot for your money.
Good value tent. 👍