Hilleberg Soulo BL (BLACK Label) Vs Hilleberg Soulo RL (RED Label).
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- Опубликовано: 25 май 2021
- In this video I compare and contrast my Hilleberg Soulo Black Label against my Hilleberg Soulo Red Label. As usual I have a clear favourite as the winner. I hope that you enjoy the video. ATB Tom
If you have enjoyed this video you can help the channel and support this type of content by buying me a coffee using the link below... Many thanks Tom
ko-fi.com/tomheaneyadventure9... 
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I hope everyone enjoys this video. Here are a few extra points I will answer, raised in the comments below. I made the effort to pitch the tents again to clarify. Regarding the guy line angles there was no wind on this day so I did not have to consider the angle I placed them at. They are set up purely for the video and not to resist wind. I had also planned to be sitting at the ends of the tents so placed them a bit wider for more room. The clips on the RL can accommodate BL poles. Internal dimensions are the same. Finally the strap attachments to anchor the tent to the ground are thicker on the BL. The bottom guy line attachments also have broader straps. ATB Tom
phenomenal review, as always, thank you!!!
Hey thank you f=very much for watching and commenting. ATB Tom
Your thoughtful and passionate review is appreciated!
Hey thank you for the positive feedback.. It's a bit of an older review by now... Still very hard to pick between the two.. Best wishes Tom
Absolutely brilliant video as ever, Tom.
I’ve just taken delivery of my BL Soulo - and the reason for me is that extra stability in high winds. I think that makes a very big difference, and for only 400g more weight, that’s a bit of a no brainer.
Keep up the good work mate.!
Hi Dominic, thank you for commenting and glad you enjoyed the video. It is so interesting the differences in opinion here - do you think I changed any??? A big congratulations on your new BL it really is a great piece of kit. I had mine up in the garden again today just any excuse for a look at it. To be honest I am grounded from the hills at the moment due to medical reasons but hopefully in 4 months time. ATB Tom
I've been waiting for this very review and comparison from you. Thank you, Tom
Welcome Scott. I hope you enjoyed it. ATB Tom
I already own the red label Soulo, and was chewing on whether or not to get the black label. I don't think I will at this point, given my usage and tent placement. If my Soulo ever wears out, then it's on!
And yes, I thoroughly enjoyed your review.
Another great review!!! Thank you. Loved all your pluses and minuses of each, but the last point about laying in your tent enjoying the highest quality really brought it home for me.
Hi Fred, once again thank you for your positive comments. Its all very much personal opinion but Its just so much fun being out in the elements when its kicking off and knowing that its no problem for the tent.... ATB Tom
Another great comparison video. Looking forward to receiving my BL Soulo. Thanks.
Thank you William, I hope you won't have to wait too long.... ATB Tom and awesome choice of course
Best video about tents I have ever heard and seen.
Hey thank you for your comments I really appreciate it very much... I actually re watched the video about a week ago and really enjoyed it too ha ha... I hope that you can find some other interesting content on my channel too... Best wishes Tom
Tom I love how you were gushing over the Soulo BL. Real passion for tents! Thanks for another great review. Keep them up!
Hi Kevin, thank you very much for your positive comments. Yes you are absolutely right I love it. Just feels so strong with those 10mm poles. ATB Tom
Nice one Tom - big thanks for the mention. Two great tents and hopefully information like this will help people to understand what the point of the BL is for people who camp in the UK. Thanks for sharing this one pal!
Hi Richie, thanks for your comments. There will still be many who think the BL is over kill for the UK but it depends on when and where you camp and the conditions that you encounter... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 totally agree mate. For me theres definitely a certain amount of that fascination with owning the strongest of something and totally agree with you about the benefits vs sacrifices of the BL over the RL. Like you, the pack size makes very little difference to me as I always carry a 70L pack which I just strap down if I don't fill it, but I've made similar alterations to the rest of my kit to accommodate the additional weight too.
Also, like yourself, I love the security of sitting in the tent and knowing beyond any doubt that it will take whatever is thrown at it and that I can confidently fall asleep knowing that I won't be awoken by a tent flat on my face. Not an experience I want to repeat - once is enough!
Keep up the great work pal, stay safe!
Wind (and to a lesser extent, rain) is the major concern for me for wild camping around the coasts and hills in Ireland. So having the strongest tent possible can really put your mind at ease. Being caught out in unexpected high winds and rain and having to constantly check guys and wind direction throughout the night is a major pain in the rear end. I'll have to look at Hilleberg tents now. Btw Tom, I just discovered your channel by accident yesterday. Good to see you again (Myself and my dog rented a house from you in Newtownards in 2012-2013).
Hey, great to hear from you and to hear that you are still interested in camping.. Hope that your dog is well and going on your camping trips.... Ireland presents harsh conditions for tents particularly wind and rain as you say.. I have used a lot of tents from many manufactures and Hilleberg's are easy to pitch in rain and high winds. They also have fantastic strength to weight to volume ratios using the best fabrics and poles with bomber construction. If you are going to camp in harsh conditions I feel its very important to select a shelter that is tried and tested and stack the odds in your favour.... ATVB Tom
Thanks for this comparison, Tom. Watching you compressing the poles is showing something you just can't anticipate from text alone. The detail of the fabric qualities comes across well too. Me being a belts and braces sort of guy means I could only choose the Black Label variety if choosing a Soulo, no question. However, I have a bomb-proof tent already that's too heavy for great distances and hill climbs, so maybe a very light tent, an Enan say, is the direction I should go in.
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The wind speed table you shared with us was astonishing. Hard to imagine any breeze stronger than those you get in your back garden ! ATB, Gary.
Hey Gary, I hope that you are keeping well and thank you for your comments. It took me a while to get this one out and I hope it covered the information that you were looking for. The 10mm poles are things of beauty and not that scientific compressing them but you get what I was trying to demonstrate. I tried to bring something different to the table on this one and found some evidence to support it too, regarding UK conditions. ATB Tom
Thank you for the nice review, it's very usefull. Greetings from France !
Hey thank you for taking the time to leave a comment.... Great to hear that you found the review useful.. best wishes Tom
Great deep comparison for everyone to decide. It helped me to decide for sure. Thank you. Using a Nammatj 2 atm. It’s also a great strong tent but a bit too large and heavy for me.
Hey Andrey glad this was helpful.. I too have a Nammatj as you will see from a few of my other videos.. It's being sold though in favor of a Jannu... Always changing them out... ATB Tom
Fantastic review , certainly the winds in Ireland are a match for anywhere in the world . Greetings from Co Cork 👌
Hi, thank you very much for your comments. I totally agree having camped and cycled for many years in lots of different countries... ATB and greetings back form County Down. Tom
Great review Tom as always in depth and to all of the main points keep thinking there will a few red label solos around to get my hands on but then a review sways me towards the black label I'll look forward to further videos stay safe 💪💪👍🏴
Hey thank you. Strong arguments for both but you buy a Soulo mostly for the strength SO SPLASH THE EXTRA £50 and suffer the 400g. ATB Tom
Excellent comparison Tom I’ve been waiting on this !! Love those red soulos it looks awesome in the Black label version ... and I’m with you black label all the way it’s the added trust and durability 👌🏼
Yes RED and BLACK always go well together. I think durability is over looked and the groundsheet is Insane... ATB Tom
You är great! I'm now excited to use the Kerlon 2500 and 15mm poles
Hi Henrik thank you for watching and commenting. ATB Tom
Really good review and other info 👊🏼
Hi thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. ATB Tom
Very good video. I think that everything depends on the physical condition of each one (and the economic conditions to buy). A few years ago when I was younger I chose the most resistant backpack, the strongest tent, the warmest sleeping bag and the most fluffy mattress and always looking for a good price, weight was not my problem at that time. Lowering a few grams to the equipment means higher price. Now over the years I have to make a tight balance between weight and safety. Until the last moment before embarking on a journey I am monitoring the weather to minimize the weight of the items to be loaded. Although weather forecasts can fail but you have to learn to take risks. Experience helps and you have to have alternative equipment to choose from if your budget allows.
Hey great comments here. what you have experienced over the years is exactly the same as me. When I was 30 and a competitive triathlete I could pretty much carry anything over any height and distance. Now I am forced to reduce the weight but try to keep as much strength and performance as possible to still experience harsh conditions and remain safe. ATB Tom
I’ll be keeping my red label Tom but given the choice, I would have got the black label if it was made at the time 👍🏻
Thank you, I will probably move the red label on at some point but definitely keep the black. But not until I have done a few more videos. I hope you are well. ATB Tom
My thoughts, exactly.
My main tents this year have been an MSR hubba hubba for wild camping and and an Elixir 3 for car camping. I’ve camped on Dartmoor, Brecon, Snowdonia, the Cairngorms and plenty of local DofE camps. I love how roomy and light the hubba hubba is but it just can’t handle the wind and Ive camped in some fairly windy conditions. The Elixir 3 poles are even bent from camping in the wind in Snowdonia. I’ve been looking at the Soulo for quite a while and when a Black Label became available last week I bought it. I like the red but I bought green for wild camping. I’m working towards my ML assessment and will be trying some summit camps next year. I can’t wait to use it!
Hi Ben, thank you for your comments and sharing of your experience with MSR tents... You will notice a big difference in strength and durability with the BL Soulo... Its a bit of a tight squeeze compared to the MSR's I am sure but for mountain conditions in the winter its really hard to beat... I wish you all the very best with it.... ATB Tom
Excellent video mate. I didn’t consider the bathtub / inner tent difference 👌🏼
Hi Rob, thank you for taking the time to comment. Enjoying your work on RUclips very much. ATB Tom
Excellent Tom 👍 The longevity of the heavier denier textiles should make the BL a tent for life - great side by side review.
I just can’t get the red spots out of my vision now 😂
Hi Shamus, thank you for your comments. On many occasions I have picked up a bit of tent damage to lightweight fabrics so the BL should be better in that respect... ATB Tom
Excellent video, helped me choose the bl, I mainly use it on the beach, so I need a strong free-standing tent as it's a pain trying to peg out in pebbles. Thanks for the detailed review
Hey great to hear this review was helpful.. It's a really tough decision between these two tents.. It comes down to strength durability and weight depending on which is more important to.. The BL Soulo really stands apart in strength... Best wishes and I hope you are really happy with the tent.. Tom
I have been really enjoying your videos Tom. Your comparison of the BL vs RL made me glad I chose the BL. This week I received my first ever Hilleberg tent - a BL Soulo. Bring on the new adventures. Michelle
Hey Michelle congratulations on your first Hilleberg. Have you seen the owners group on FB? facebook.com/groups/123072294711155. A great choice of tent in the Soulo BL. I see that you have a few videos up yourself so I will take a look. ATB Tom
Epic comparison video
Hey thank you for your positive feedback.. Really appreciate and great to hear that you enjoyed the video.. All the very best wishes Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 I've watched a lot of your videos. They're top class!
I am particularly interested in the Hilleberg Jannu, you done a review on this one and mentioned that It can be pointed into wind.. is this a quote from hilleberg? Or is it from other users? It would make sense with it looking aerodynamically stronger at the front. But probably only practical if it has a rear exit..?
I'm actually interested in purchasing one of them but feel I need to solve this question before committing.
@@StoreyR Hey definitely vestibule into the wind.. This is 100 percent recommended by Hilleberg. You have to manage entry to the tent in the wind but it's all manageable. Hilleberg have a video on RUclips about pitching Vestibule into the wind with their tunnel tents . I hope that this helps
I have been wild camping since early 1970's, I'm still a big, strong guy and weight does not bother me. I'm used to carrying for miles every day from early days 80 lbs. I don't now do that as products are lighter but heh I carry on my back much more than the average modern wild camper. In winter Mountain conditions Safety no.1 is my priority (else wife would give me serious ear ache). Comfort is my no. 2 priority. I'm out in the mountains for the beauty the peace and the awe of it. I'm not there to brave the elements on very little, but to enjoy the experience. To do that peace of mind is oh so important. Hilleberg Black Label tents do this for me! Great video Thankyou Tom!
Hey thank you for sharing your camping equipment experience.... Yes at the end of the day the tent is to provide shelter against the elements and this is my first priority. So strength is probably the first thing that I will look for in a tent. The trouble is that to have the strength and space that I would love, the tent would weigh over 4 kg and I can no longer carry that weight up mountains... So its a compromise or these three characteristics. I have now mover the Soulo BL on and bought a Hilleberg Nammatj 2. It is still a BL tent with slightly less strength but the same weight and much more space.... As you say when the conditions are harsh you don't want to be laying there thinking about a stronger tent.... ATB Tom
Thank you, Tom, enjoyed the video. I wound up getting the BL Soulo instead of the RL Soulo I had ordered a month earlier. The issue was the RL was available for August 2021 delivery, whereas the BL was available April 30. So for a few dollars more, I got the BL. I am quite glad I did.
Canada has a reputation as an extreme weather country and it is no exaggeration one could experience the four seasons in any day. Given this and the variability of terrain one can experience here in Western Canada, durability was also a consideration. I have found it to be excellent whether car camping or hiking into the back country this spring and summer. I have no doubt it will perform just as well in autumn and winter. Thanks again, and all the best!
Hi Harry, thank you for your comments. Great to hear that you went for the BL. My RL has a few abrasion marks and I am very careful... I have had it out in some rough conditions though. The fabrics are very light and strong no doubt at all but if exposed to harsh weather over a long period of time its just not going to last as long. This is why Hilleberg make Black Label tents. So I think you have made the right choice as the BL version opens up the full potential of this fantastic tent design. Have a look at my wind test on both tents ... ATB and hope you get out lots in your new tent and have some epic camps. Tom
Tom, thank you. I shall view your wind test with both tents. Another thing I didn’t mention: Wind is also a constant here in Western Canada. It is a very rare instance where the air is calm. The dome shape of the Soulo and proper guyline staking makes it a good choice for windy conditions.
@@hsaurid Hi Harry, its the same here in Northern Ireland, always windy but never that cold.Wind performance is extremely important to me too. ATB Tom
Hi Tom, really appreciate this video. I opted for a Soulo after watching a few of your reviews! Very handy indeed. All the best
Hey great to hear that my videos helped you decide on a tent. Good choice too. The Soulo is a very unique tent and will serve you well over many years of 4 season camping. Thank you for your feedback.. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 cheers Tom! And I often see the Mourne mountains from where I camp on the Isle of Man all the best
@@AirbornePirates No worries I must look out for you... 🤣🤣
@@TOMHEANEY100 😂😂😂
Good job Tom , Really great overview this 👍👏 I have the Nammatj 3GT for just me and my Great Dane, overkill ? Yes. heavy? Yes .. do I love it for the same reasons Tom explains… absolutely 👌 Great review and must be super helpful to anyone about to invest a lot of wages into either of these premium tent.
Hi Strators07, thank you for your positive comments. Great to hear that you have a Nammatj 3 GT and I hope that you and your dog are enjoying it. I sold both these Soulos and now have a Nammajt 2. I have a good review of it on RUclips and a great wind test video too... ATB and thank you for your comments once again. Tom
Great video. A fermanagh man camping almst 50 years, all over the world. Aware of Hilleberg almost 20 years ago camping in Denmark and Sweden as so common, though green my preferred colour as a bird watcher. Recall cycling around the west coast of ireland to Galway Rounstones and back from Omagh in 10 days with a basic Blacks 3 pole teepee tent , almost 50 years ago. Camped in a field, very late, near the middle of no where, but woke being surroundeded by 40 huge giant hares as interested who had come to their field. Have the Terra Nova Quaisar, Ultra Light, Great Geodesic design and a joy to stay in. However. the Donegal coast near me needs sturdier gear.
Hi yes Donegal can get some wind... Great to hear of your different tents over the years.. Had two quasars myself but long before doing video s.. Decent tents for sure and I remember the day 30 years ago when I got my first one and set it up in the living room.... ATB Tom
Great review
Hey thank you for your feedback.. I really appreciate it. Best wishes Tom
A brilliant film, Tom! I thought you made an excellent case for the Bl version of the Soulo. I really enjoyed your rationale about the wind conditions in the UK. This is the film many people have been waiting to see , and it didn’t disappoint!.,.,Great job - as always!
Phil
Hi Phil, thank you for your support once again. I tried hard to make a case for it but no doubt many won't agree..... But sure its each to their own. ATB Tom
Oh wow Tom. You got them both 😁💪🏼
Hi Robert, I couldn't resist it.... ATB and thank you for your comments. Tom
I really enjoyed this video, Tom, maybe even more than your others (which are also great). Very interesting but also very well reviewed. If I ever would buy a second one man tent apart from the Unna I already own, it will be the Soulo Black label. However, my only worry about it is its inner length, since I am 198 cm tall. I am not sure if I fit in.
I am looking forward to the "field test". Thanks for all the efforts you put in this excellent video.
Hi Jasper, thank you for you support and comments once again. I tried to theme this one a little different on a relevant topic. I also integrated a lot of additional footage from previous trips to shoe the Soulo in action. ATB Tom
I love my red label Soulo for my camping in the hills. But if the weather looks poor i will take my Tarra as if you have a lot of tent time it is a bomb proof palace to be in. I would like to see your Tarra in the high wind video with the two Soulos. fab video cheers
Thank you Alan, Unfortunately I only borrowed the Tarra, but might be able to do so again. I live close to the coast which frequently throws up big winds so after I get some shots of the Soulos in windy conditions I might just borrow the Tarra again. ATB Tom
Amazing video and, again, you alone have demonstrated a big difference - when you pressed downwards and laterally on each tent. I shan’t be getting a Soulo, but I need to decide whether 10mm poles for the Unna would be worth it! 🤔
Hi Peter, thank you for your support and comments once again. It's hard to describe but it feels like a 3mm difference instead of 1mm. I don't think that you will be disappointed if you decide to go down that route..ATB Tom
Great video Tom. Very fair I’d say. Gonna stick with my RL 😎👍
Thank you Dave, hope you are well and heading out again soon. ATB Tom
great review Tom, enjoyed your thoughts on both sides and the balancing of weight option. I have a RL with a footprint and will keep it, but as Wild Camping Welshman said, would have likely bought the BL if I saw this video beforehand; I will consider the 10mm poles for peace of mind in tough weather camps, though. cheers,
Hi Kevin thank you for watching. I will hold on to both of mine for a while until I am 100 percent sure which one I want to keep. There is a good argument for either of them. As I have an Akto as well at least I have a lighter option if needed so that also helps me sway toward the BL. ATB Tom
Got ya..
Great comparison Tom and like you it would be the Black every time in Northern Ireland. With the other weight savings you mentioned its a perfect way to balance out the decision. Of course, with the weight savings in other areas and the Red Label you slso have a great complete lightweight option. All in all... just have both 😃😉👍
Hi Neil you summed this up very well with both options. I will have to let you see the tents at some point soon. ATB and really appreciate your comments. Tom
Watching this video a few more times, it also reminds me of the relative need for packing for "worst case" scenarios for weather, availability of water at campsite if backpacking, the quantity of probably unneeded first aid equipment and more. What might be interesting is to consider the percentage of pack weight that goes unused on a given trip - and also the outcome if leaving out this often-unused equipment in rare events that is is needed. When I was young, I never had the right gear (or knowledge), which probably encourages me to somewhat over-pack today.
Yeah its a hard one... I really try to avoid taking items that I dont need. I have got it sorted quite well I think and strike a reasonable balance between safety and what I actually need... I always have a plan A, B and sometimes C depending on the conditions. Usually I am camping in very familiar locations so that helps... All the very best wishes Tom
great comparison Tom! very excited for my BL to arrive now. hopefully we can get organized over the summer and get out with AMC and the 3 Soulos. very handy way to save the 400 grams as well. I've started packing abit more just for the extra fitness... if its only up the 1 hill I can just get on with it. it'll be a big enough weight jump for me going from the zephyros but I definitely think its worth it. cheers
Hi Stuart, thank you. I hope it's soon when you get yours. You will soon get used to the extra weight or els find other ways to save it like I did. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 I think it’ll be here end of June beginning of July 🤞🏻 really looking forward to it. Definitely want to do a proper winter summit this year
Cheers Tom.
Hi Marty, you are getting through them well... Another video out today at 4.00. Heading out on a camp tonight in 55MPH winds with the guy who owns the Jannu... A tent test of the Jannu and Nammatj.... ATB Tom
Looking forward to this Tom. 😀 Did you contact fjallraven about the issue with the abisko lite 2?
@@Martycycleman Hi Marty, email send to two contact details Tuesday morning..
Heard nothing yet. I will follow up Monday
I found that the best thing for me was to go with the red label soulo, but change to the 10mm poles. I run the footprint, so I dont need the heavier floor of the BL. The strength of the red label fly is probably more than enough for my use as well. The 10mm poles add a little bit of weight but increases strength significantly. Good compromise betweeen the two.
Hi Felix, thank you for your comments. Great to hear that you have a Hilleberg Soulo and have strengthened it with 10mm poles. Totally agree that this is a great compromise. ATB and I hope you get camping soon. Tom
AWESOME! I love my Soulo BL and don't care that its heavy!
Hi Kevin, thank you for the double comment.... Its great to hear that you have one too. In all honesty you get a lot extra in terms of the fabrics and poles for the few extra grammes so I totally agree..ATB Tom
Hello Tom This is Nick From Southern California wow great video I have decided 2 Get the black label soulo So I can have a piece of mine And a quality tent that is totally trustworthy. I realize now that Hilleberg tents are the top quality tents of the world. THANK YOU FOR YOUR Superb information
Hi Nick, thank you for watching and making the effort to comment. Great choice between the two tents. I have had both tents out in 60 to 70mph winds and the BL took it much better. Durability is also a plus point for sure if you are going to use it in harsh conditions on a frequent basis. Tents just done come any stronger or durable than the BL Soulo. I hope that you are happy with your choice and get many great camps in it. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 any advise on color of tent? I want to order a Soulo BL based on your review for winter camping, however leaning to the red for obvious reason of easy to find, but do you have any opinion or insights to color of HL ?
Great video mate. Just taken delivery of my BL Soulo and looking for some 60mph winds so I can go out and get my moneys worth😂
Hey thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. I measured 58.6MPH winds a couple of weeks ago when I was out in my Hilleberg Nammatj 2 in the UK so you hopefully wont have too long to wait... ATB and great tent choice with the BL Soulo..Tom
🏆🙌🏻
Thank you. ATB Tom
No doubt abuot it. I need the black label.
Hi Bjornar, I know you do you wont be disappointed.. I have a few videos featuring it.. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment..
Great film Tom.
Hi Dougie, I hope that you are well and thank you very much for the positive comments...Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 I am well Tom, thanks for asking, hope you’re doing well too. Just back from a sunny weekend away on Scotland’s west coast with my new Allak 3, loved it. I’m sunburned and tired but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Cheers.
@@dougieranger Great to hear that you are getting out and the fact that its in a great tent suck as the Allak... ATB Tom
This is an excellent comparison and you raised good points.
To those who have experienced both, Kerlon 1200 is obviously not the same as 1800.
I liked the points you're making and the thought process that lead you there because obviously not everyone is living in the UK.
That said, if I got the unspoken gist right, I think your comparison has camping at specific points in mind. So just to add to the remarks about having the "strongest tent"... ultra light weight can be just as strong a fascination as "the strongest" and not the least of which for practicality of carrying it around day after day. Meaning, sometimes the strongest/heaviest is the less practical choice and what you said about "should you even camp under extreme conditions" is a huge point as the majority of people will wisely avoid the very conditions estreme-seakers are looking for.
Hi, thank you for your comments. I totally understand how ultra light weight can be as fascinating as strength. There is no doubt at all that going light weight contributes significantly and positively to the whole trip experience, especially on multiple overnighters. You will get the benefit on every trip so to speak, whereas having the strongest may only benefit you on a limited number of occasions but that could also be very worthwhile. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts which are very valid indeed. ATB Tom
Cracking well rounded comparison. You have helped massively with my decision. Just ordered the Soulo BL in red…. I may not need a black label tent but do go winter camping and also solo motorcycle camping, if you have the strongest you have stacked the odd in your favour. Also like you there’s enjoyment in knowing you have the best product available.
Nick
Hi Nick, thank you for watching the video and your positive comments. The BL Soulo in red is obviously my choice too.. Looks like you got a nice Unna too... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 , Thanks Tom. I have however had a change of mind, or at least for now. The reason for this is why I wanted a new tent to begin with. You see I already own an Unna, as you noticed. I also have a Nammatj 3. I wanted a lighter tent for motorcycle camping and for the occasions where I also take one of my adult kids. Idea that I can comfortably carry 2 tents and gear on the bike.
I originally thought Akto, wanted 4 season as we winter camp and needs to do the job. However once I started looking I got caught up with the idea that I needed the absolute strongest tent and in my state of tentaholicism ordered the BL Soulo.
Now I do want a BL Soulo but, I lost sight of why I was looking for a new tent to begin with. So this morning I phoned and changed my order to a red Akto. This way I can take both Unna and Akto if there are 2 of us and keep the weight down.
Looking forward to the Akto as I have had one before but not in red…. Red is the fastest colour so will make the motorcycle quicker….😃
Nick
Ps I’ll keep you updated when the itch for the Soulo gets too great..👍
@@nickharker6299 Hi Nick, I love my red Akto and always change my thoughts too. They all are very different and you learn to manage the downsides of any model to make them work..All you need for the Akto is a 10mm Nammatj pole ... Ha ha. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100. Well Tom it got too great😀… ordered both, set up the Soulo and sent the Akto back. I used to be indecisive but now I’m just not sure😂😂
@@nickharker6299 Hi Nick, I used your example today introducing my Unna, Akto and BL Soulo to illustrate the fact that it is such a hard choice between RL and BL and even tunnel vs freestanding.. I hope to have it on YT tomorrow or Friday at the latest... The fabrics on the BL are insane and the interior height and volume just right. The Akto is definitely compromised with height inside and moving around when sitting is very limited. Great choice and the Bl Soulo is such a tank. I reckon the roof would support over 50kg..... Once again all the very best with such a wonderful new toy. Tom
Excellent side by side comparison Tom. I like your saying about how a win on some feature comes at a cost in another. I can certainly see how much more stable the 100mm poles are. Quite a difference. Would you feel as comfortable in a RL with 10mm poles? Must admit I was slightly tempted to buy a BL after watching this. 🤣
Well done on the amount of comments and views too, you’re doing great!
Hey Barry thank you for your continued support and comments. No I wouldn't feel just as safe in the RL with 10mm poles but I am sure for occasional use it would be fine. ATB Tom
You are like a magnet, you draw your audience to you, and they are literally unable to leave!. Very informative, completely unbiased, and totally logical. So my question to you dear sir, can you advise me of a hilleberg tent , that would allow me to keep my bicycle in the tent or vestibule overnight. Not so much wild camping, but small campsites, where if necessary, my bike will be out of site , and therefore out of mind. Red or. yellow label, will be more than adequate . I can go to 140 kgs 22 stone, so weight isn't a major problem, just worry free enjoyment, is the primary concern.
Hi Steve, thank you for your very positive comments... I owned both of these tents at this time so just gave my honest opinion.. Its the length of the vestibule that's important. My 29er MTB has a wheelbase of about 190cm although the front wheel can be turned back on itself or even dropped out to fit. The Nammatj 2 gt has the longest vestibule. I may have the opportunity to test a Kaitum 2 gt very shortly so I will bring my bike and show you how it fits. The Kaitum also has a rear entrance which would be handy not having to crawl over the bike... Keep an eye out for the video coming up soon... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 thanks, Tom , I will look forward to to the next video, very good of you to give a demonstration of how the bike will fit in the vestibule, it will be greatly appreciated by many especially me !!.
I've read where someone suggested using the black label poles on the red label Soulo. I'd already had this in mind for the Unna, there are black label poles that can be used for it, so the idea of doing that with with the red label Soulo does interest me.
By the way, have been enjoying your videos. Thanks for all the uploads !
Hi Jonny, I also am an Unna owner and have the same idea; to double pole it with BL poles. Do you have any experience with double poling the Unna?
I'm sorry, I've never double-poled the Unna. I was referring to replacing the Unna's red label poles with black label ones.
Changing or upgrading poles is usually an easy enough option for occasional use. If you do it all the time then I personally feel that you should have gone for the next label up... there are many opinions on this though. ATB Tom
A Hilleberg Soulo isn't on my radar, but if I did get one, a red label version would be more than enough for where I hike or camp. That being said, it's more because the Kerlon 1200 would be more than strong enough to take on the elements in these places for the amount of time there. But, the 10mm poles, for a lack of a better way to say it, would be a fun, nice touch to the tent. Not that they might be needed, but why not add a bit more strength there. A complete black label version would be more overkill, though. But that's just regarding me and where I'd be using that tent if owned.
What I am more interested in though would be comparing the Unna with the Niak. This has come up in conversation a few times with others I know interested in tents, but have only found one video, in German, comparing the two. And, it's a guy sitting down in front of a tent and only talking about it. Not as visual or seemingly detailed as your videos.
If I was a first time soulo buyer I'd be going for the black label, I already own the red and won't be changing it. For me it would be overkill as I don't go out camping on the tops in 50 mph winds, I take the sensible option and leave it for another day.
However I know the feeling you get in a black label when it's blowing, thanks for the review
Absolutely its all about the type of use that you are going to use it for. Part of my reason to buy the BL was also to make a few films, and I know that I can sell either and not lose too much money. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 his mouth was watering on our last camp Tom drooling over my BL. I know he wants one. 😂
There is an interesting compromise. Combine the Soulos.
Red Label Soulo weighs 2400 g.
Black Label Soulo BL weighs 2800 g.
Put 9 mm poles and Red label V-pegs into the Soulo BL and you get a compromise weight of 2600 g.
Choose the poles and pegs according to the expected conditions. Always have the heavier duty fabrics.
This will be the way to go. Soulo BL with optional 9 mm poles and lighter pegs as a lighter Hilleberg option for the solo hikes compared to my current Staika, Kaitum 3 GT and Saitaris. We have serious winters here, down to -30...-40 C and lots of snow and short summers, so I have little use for ultralight gear.
Thank you for the comparison of these two Soulos. And for your other fantastically practical tent reviews.
Hey Reynold, thank you for this input here especially as a Hilleberg owner who camps in serious conditions... I agree that combining the Soulos is a good option... Many do it in other ways such as 10mm poles with the RL.... I also do this to some extent as I use a Nammatj 2 BL pole for my Akto... It works well giving extra stability without being so aggressive by double poling.... The heavier poles then give less of a dependance on guy lines which is handy when the ground in rocky... With my Nammajt I also use about half RL pegs as it is very seldom that the tent needs serious security from all angles... I must admit that I am a fan of the heavier fabrics too for the strength, durability and less prone to accidental damage.... ATB and thank you once again for your comments.. Tom
Loved it, tent appreciation clarity. I find myself a bit anti hilleberg tbh Tom, I think it's the maverick in me that makes me rebel against the adoration of the soulo. But you may have made me reconsider.
Hi Dave, thank you for your comments once again. I resisted Hilleberg for many years and a number of years ago I think they had more competition. Now even the best other top brands have stared cutting corners whereas Hilleberg don't. I see this a a big plus and the Soulo in particular is a unique design. ATB Tom
I’m in the market for the Soulo BL but Hilleberg saying week 37 in 20/22 😳😩 great review and totally get it with the comments you made, you know there’s nothing more you can do when out on the hill.. atb 🏕🏔🏴
Hi Lawrence, thank you hopefully you can pick one up sooner from a retailer. ATB Tom
Try Taunton leisure. They will email you when they’re back in stock 👍
@@AndyWardle thank Andy 👍🏻will settle for any colour as long as it’s not red or green 😉🤣🏴🏕🏔
Top Class Vid !
If weight ain't the problem , and cost isn't a factor
HILLEBERG BLACK LABEL EVERY TIME !
I would love to own 4 different high priced tents _ But Hilleberg Certainly is one or two of them .
Hilleberg , of course , as you rightly say , is without competition .
JAH BLESS ...
Hi Andrew, thank you for watching and your comments. Absolutely black label for strength and durability.. ATB Tom
400g?? No problem I will just take 11 beers instead of 12 🤘🍻
Yes its always about making it work for you and finding a way........ ATB Tom
Excellent video Tom, been waiting on this for a few weeks now and it didn't disappoint 👌 If you don't have a Hille, definitely go for the BL if you can but having a red label myself, I won't be upgrading as I've had it in many windy nights and it hasn't flinched. Is there any upgrade on the stitching? The tent is only as strong as its weakest point so I'm wondering did they upgrade this at all? Great video again Tom, really enjoyed it.
Hi Adam thank you for your continued support. I think your advice is spot on. Part of my reason for the BL was to make a few videos.... Cant see any difference construction wise but the anchor straps on the ground are thicker as are the guy line attachment points on the lower guy lines . ATB Tom
Black Soulo-2,8 kg vs black Nammatj2-3kg.I go for Nammatj wich is two person expedition tent!!!😍
Hi Erik, that makes it tricky and you are right much more space and all the black label kit too... ATB Tom
Soulo free standing expedition tent. Nammatj not free standing. If you can’t get your guylines in you’re screwed in the nammatj.
Therefore you need BOTH. There you go 😂 😂 the perfect excuse no wife can argue that logic
Certainly Red Hilliberg Tents all over northern scandanavia wher i camped.
Yet to me the wrong colour unless mountain rescue. Should be green so not to disturb the wild life as a red tent would do.
Hi John, thank you for your comments and watching a number of my videos.. I have actually moved away from red myself and now own two sand Hilleberg s.. To be honest these tents are hard to get and sometimes if you need a tent you just have to take whatever colour you can get... Thank you once again for your interest in my channel.. Tom
Hi Tom, found your channel on my research for a new tent and i must say your reviews are amazing! I like the way you do it, keep up that great work! I search a tent for some light solo mountaineering in the swiss alps, i think the soulo is a great choice (Which label i have not decided yet). As other options, i found the MSR Access 1, that you also mentioned in this video. Do you have any experience with it? I also considered the Unna because of the bigger space. In general, which tent would you recommend for this type of use?
Hi Luca, first I would rule out the MSR. While I don't have personal experience of it I don't like the fact that it has mainly one pole supporting the structure and its material quality and construction techniques are not as good IMO as Hilleberg. So it just won't be as strong or durable. Next out would be the Unna again due to its lack of strength due to its large surface area with only two poles. But if ultimate strength is not one of your priorities depending on the season and conditions that you expect then its a very good option. I just wouldn't fancy it in winds over 50mph... Now between the red and black Soulos... Red will stand up to most conditions no worries at all. But if you expect to encounter harsh conditions on a regular basis then go for the black as it is definitely more durable... Its a big discussion but these are some pointers that I would look out for. ATVB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thank you for the detailed feedback :)
hopefully theyll release akto black label ;o , if the flapping is the issue on akto flysheet, i imagine 50denier flysheet would be magical
Hi Karl, it looks like the Soulo BL is doing so well so you never know an AKTO could be on the cards... Thank you once again for you positive comments across so many of my videos. ATB Tom
Hi Tom, great review, though I'm wondering about how you're weight saving on your mat and stuff would work in say subzero conditions in the Gorms? I have the Soulo RL which I bought after some research and watching your 60mph wind review, I certainly don't regret buying it though if the BL was out at the time I might have gone down that road, but I don't think the difference is such that I'd sell the RL for the BL. Atb Tom.
Thank you Jim. That would be a bit beyond the limit in the Gorms. Good to about minus 2 or 3 but any colder then my combo would struggle. But here in Northern Ireland no worries. ATB Tom
I have a Saivo and are more then happy with that tent. As extra Hilleberg tent I would buy an Allak 2, if I had the money.
Great review. Could you not spice upp the red label tent with extra poles?
I have one extra set of poles for mine. Never used them yet thought.
Yes of course many options of fabric and poles mix and match.... ATB Tom
Thanks for a great comparison!! Could the Hilleberg Jannu be a good alternative to the BL Soulo? 400grams more but a lot more space and probably higher tension inner tent/ less wind noise?
Hi Ronald, yes I have always liked the Jannu, especially after seing in some pictures how tight the inner is. It does rely heavily on the guy lines though as the 9mm poles are un supported in the wind by crossing points and support a larger fabric area than the Soulo... Not a major problem but nice to have a tent that is super strong with out even having to guy it out... Only a personal preference... ATB Tom
Good comparison that. You pretty much summed up my reasons for getting the black. Will you be selling your red?? I’m putting mine up for sale. It’s virtually brand new so someone will get a great tent. 👍
Apologies for hijacking some of the comments too 😝
Hey Andy you are not hijacking at all no worries. Its great to have input from other content creators too especially when like yourself have direct experience of the product. I will sell the RL but not until I have done a few more videos with it. Hope you are well and get out again soon. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Saturday. Hopefully an epic trip 👍 hope you’re out too mate.
I have an RL Soulo. I can't think of a single situation where a 30D fly, 70D floor, and 9MM poles would be inadequate but a 40D fly, 100D floor, and 10MM poles would survive. It's just not that big of a difference. What is a big difference is that the BL is almost a pound heavier. People have use RL Soulos on Everest, Denali, and both the North and South poles without issue. IMO, Hilleberg would have been better off instead making a larger solo tent as a new model - make the sleeping area a few inches wider and longer and make the vestibule the same size as the Akto. A smaller Staika with a single vestibule, if you will.
Yes, a slightly bigger Soulo would bridge the gap between the current version and the Staika. I don't thing the Red Label will fail but as I said it may not last as long in prolonged harsh use. I have noticed a couple of very slight wear points on mine I think due to the use in 60mph winds. ATB Tom
All well and good if you can afford it? happy camping.
Hi Sparky, I know they are so expensive, but hold their value so well. Thats the way I look at it. I buy them, use them for a while then sell and don't loose much money. ATB Tom
Always amazed at the people who worry about the extra weight of tents, mats etc yet carry with them kettles, saucepans, frying pans, glass jars of sauce, several beers, bottles of wine etc.
Hi Gary, I know what you mean. You forgot about those little tables they carry too.... The beers are definitely a very popular choice and on many videos you see many cans beside the tent... But that's just part of the experience to those individuals. I am very strict with what I carry but that's just my system. ATB Tom
Could you swap out the inner? i.e use the Red Label inner in the Black Label outer? maybe shed some more weight that way?
Yes I am sure that you could do this. It would keep the strength up for sure. ATB Tom
HE GONE LET DAT RIDE......
Welcome
Thank you very much for so much information based in hard earned experience . You said no need for guy lines with 10mm poles if wind is not strong . What is the maximum wind that 10mm poles are enough to leave pegs at home?
Hi the 10mm poles could handle 30 to 35MPH winds with no guying if you get caught out or are setting the tent up. You will still need 6 pegs to secure the tent without the guys and up to 35mph should be ok... I hope this helps.. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 thanks for a clear explanation
It's a shame hilleberg don't offer 10mm poles as a option for some of there other tents I use a niak in the warmer months but was a bit unimpressed with it in high winds so bought the 10mm poles for it not much in it weight wise but took its strength up to another level..I had a soulo great tent but traded up to a nammatj for the room more for the dog than me would definitely be buying the BL version if I bought another
Yes the 10mm poles make a big difference with very little weight gain for that peace of mind and stability. Previously owned a Nammatj 2 but regret selling it... ATB Tom
Great review Tom. Thanks for posting. What is the weight difference between the 9mm/10mm poles please? Many thanks. Mark
In theory 1mm 😀 but in reality they are a whole league stronger..the 9mm are strong but I've heard of plenty bending or breaking bent a set myself..don't hear of many bent 10mm 🤔 for most uk conditions the 9mm are fine but for me if I get caught at height in a storm the 10mm give piece of mind ( or as some keep saying overkill 🙄)
Lol didn't notice the word weight..Will weight my niaks..its not much did weigh them once my fishing type scale barely registered much
OK just weighted them 565g for the 10mm and 425g for the 9mm (that in the bag)
Great review as always. I started with red, but then moved to BL for the next 3 I purchased because of durability. They are heavy, anyway. When you get a new tent, do you usually purchase spare poles for breakage or double poling, or do you wait and hope they are available when you need one?
Hi I usually wait as dont intend to be double polling that often... But if I needed that option for a trip then I would buy in advance... I kind of picked my Akto and Nammatj 2 as the poles are the same length... That gives me a spare pole and I can strengthen the Akto by using the Nammatj pole in it on its own or strengthen the Nammatj by using the Nammatj poles with the extra pole of the Akto at the windward end... Due to low stock at the moment which has been pretty on going if you have a notion of extra poles then I would probably buy them... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 I have decided to wait, as well for similar reasons. In fact, when I get extra poles, a year later I can never figure out what tent they go to and/or can't find them. But Hilleberg has been out of stock a lot lately and the short pole on the BL is especially vulnerable to breaking from my research.
For the sake of argument... buy a red label tent, a "spare" set of 10 mm black label poles and a footprint.. I mix and match my pegs anyway depending on where I'm going... so now I can mix and match my poles and take or leave the footprint.. So the only loss would be a slight decrease in tear strength??
But I hear what you are saying there is satisfaction from knowing that yes ..this is the best??
Red label soulo 9mm standard poles £800
Black label soulo 10mm standard poles £840
10mm set of DAC poles from hilleberg £165
🤷♂️
Thank you Andy, I am sure I will be mixing and matching as I already do it with my Akto... ATB Tom
If I'm worried about silly high winds I just double pole my RL soulo 🤷.
Hi Andy, yes this is always an option and must add serious stability. ATB and thanks for your comments. Tom
Great video Tom as always. Would a set of 10mm poles for the red label be another option ?
Hi Joe, of course but the clips might be a bit tight. I will be checking this shortly. ATB Tom
I use 10mm on my RL, no issues as clips are identical (pretty sure of that) I've even double poled with 9 and 10.
@@simonpemberton6669 Good to know that. Thanks Simon.
@@simonpemberton6669 Yes I placed the clips side by side and couldn't see any difference. I also clipped both pole diameters in each and could feel no difference in tension either.
Do you think a double poled RL would be stronger than a BL? If you were to disregard the weight penalty
Hi Damian, great question. I might feel safer in the BL just due to the stronger fabrics but cant be 100 percent sure. The poles get great support from the double guy line attachments on each one so that helps support them making less of a need for the double poling... If I had a Red label double poled and the conditions are mad then I would worry about the fabric being the weak link but that's only my opinion. I feel that if you take a red label tent out in extreme conditions where you need to double pole it every time then its just not going to last as long and you would have been better with a BL tent.... ATB Tom
what you think is the weak link on these tents what would fail first in high wind summit scenario ? poles ?
Thats a tough one, as the poles are so well supported by the guy lines but I don't honestly know as on most tents the poles fail first before the fabric. It could depend on how the user has pitched or guyed out the tent. ATB Tom
Great Vid Tom !!! Question: I received the Soulo BL and I am very happy with the quality. I am going to sell my North Face VE 25 because it is difficult to assemble in high winds. I like the Nammajt 3 GT or the Tarra ... Where I go in the Andes there are always rocks to secure the guy lines. The vestibule of the Nammajt GT looks amazing. What do you think?
Always a hard one picking a tent. The Nammatj s are a bit uncomfortable in high winds IMO as there is a lot of fabric surface area to flap around. They are very strong but this is the reason I sold mine. It was so flappy in winds and pops and cracks compared to my Mountain 25. The Tarra has better tension on the inner tent and much smaller panel sizes as it is supported by 4 poles over a smaller volume so is more comfortable in high winds. It just depends on what type of conditions you are using it in the most. I am sure in the Andes its windy so my choice would be the Tarra as it also has fantastic internal volume and height for two. ATB and let me know what one you decide to go for as. Keep safe and healthy. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thank you Tom !!!
Hi Tom, maybe my question wasn’t submitted. I want to buy the Soulo for harsh conditions and wonder if you have an opinion on colors i.e. aside the contrast with red to nature vs. sand and green, any other arguments or insights?
Hi thank you for your comments and watching this video. Using in harsh conditions I feel RED has some advantages. It obviously stands out more if you are away from your tent and need to find it again. Also easier to spot from a rescue point of view as well. I don't think there would be any difference in the amount of light coming through the fly to the inner either so all equally dark or bright inside. I found this link online which covers some more detail regarding colours but it is a bit of a mixed bag IMO and not really that conclusive. outdoorknowhow.com/what-is-the-best-tent-color/.. I hope this helps. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thanks so much Tom, i have ordered Soulo BL in Red as i will use this in winter and above three lines, i have also Anaris and Niak which i will use below three lines and mainly in summer and close shoulder months. I do agree that safety is a big thing, i have lived in Greenland where i also hiked year around and having a tent that focus on safety is most important when you are a solo hiker.
don't worry, Hilleberg are releasing a Platinum Soulo next year - if you're afraid to be in anything less, it's only £1500...
Hey Sebastian, you need to get rid of the Nordisk if I remember correctly. Go on - get a new mattress too as I hear most of your kit needs updating.... ATB Tom
That will do me nicely. I will buy it for £1500 use it 10 times then sell it for the same money. You couldn't be bad to that... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 - Absolutely correct Tom - good memory !.. my Svalbard 1 is only good enough for 40 m/s (or 90 mph in old money). Just like the Murphy's... if anything is going to save me, it will be that £150 Uberlight airbed you mentioned.
@@TOMHEANEY100 - "I will buy it for £1500 use it 10 times then sell it for the same money." - come on Tom... is it about the 'camping' or the 'money' ?
Good video but tbh any conditions that will destroy a RL will also kill a BL, just my view as I’ve had both RL and BL Hillies, I just use 10mm in my RL (for about 3 years now)
Hi Simon, thank you for your comments as another Hilleberg user of RL and BL tents.. Yes using the 10mm poles on RL tents works very well. I do it on my AKTO frequently. Durability is a potential issue if you are going to have harsh conditions every time you take your tent out. The RL will in my experience pick up more marks and signs of wear and tear. Footprints are a very personal choice but if you use one with a RL Soulo then its close to the weight of the BL..
ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Agreed on the footprint, tbh if I were buying new it would be a BL, I honestly don’t know why HB keep the RL Soulo in the line, the RL was never a lightweight and those wanting a tough one person would be best served choosing the BL as the weight penalty is negligible, I would not sell a RL to purchase a BL tho, too many memories with mine and I’ve modified the bejesus out of it anyway, don’t want to go through that again :-)
@@simonpemberton6669 Great to hear Simon too much choice almost with Hilleberg s at a similar weight.. They do have some range.. Happy camping. Tom
Hey Tom, I was wondering if you could use 10mm poles in a red label Soulo - are the clips the same size I mean? :)
Yes I have checked this as it was something that I wondered too. They are the same size. ATB and good luck with the 10mm poles if you get a set. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thanks Tom!
The psychology of sleeping in a solid tent is exactly right and well worth the trade off. Soulo on the list but for now I have a kuiu storm star 2p and it's so far, so good.
Great video ☺️
Hi, thank you for your comments the Storm Star looks like a good tent and has some great reviews on line. If you have been out in scary conditions then you understand the psychology.... ATB Tom
If you worried about a storm, rather than bring along a bL, just double pole the RL
Yes that's another option... If you are doing it frequently though as I do, then I would prefer the durability of the BL fabric. Thank you for watching and commenting on another one of my videos.. Best wishes Tom
Nice comparison! Can you use the 10mm poles of the black label on the red label Soulo?
Yes. However the 10mm poles are about £55 each. The price difference between the 2 soulos is £40.
Sell the RL and buy BL ??
Haven't tried that yet but I would assume so. I will double check over the next few days. ATB Tom
Thanks for the response! Agreed, I would absolutely get the BL before the RL if I was purchasing new at this point. But for those who just want to upgrade the poles it’s a decent option I suppose. I would probably just take the Nammatj if I knew I was going to be in conditions the RL couldn’t handle though for the extra room in terrible conditions, not that I’ve ever been in any the RL couldn’t handle. Actually just purchased my first yellow label, the Enan, (which I will be waiting months for 😕) because I am looking for something light that I can trust if things do get nasty!
@@GoingSoloOutdoors Just double checked and I cannot see any difference in the clips and the red label clips worked fine on the black label poles. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thanks for checking!! ATB
RL vs BL,in terms of tear and wear from everyday usage?
The BL groundsheet is 100d Fabric. The RL groundsheet is 70d fabric. I think its fair to say then that the RL is therefore 70 percent as durable as the BL providing we assume that durability is pretty much in direct proportion to the fabric thickness. In reality, tents are lightweight shelters and are prone to many different types of damage depending on how harsh the environment is. If you are using your tent frequently in harsh environments then a RL will simply not last as long. It is worth considering that Hilleberg are probably the only company to use 100d fabrics for groundsheets and many other companies even go down to 30d for their 4 season tents. IMO I wouldn't buy a 4 season tent with less that a 70D floor which is also the minimum thickness that Hilleberg recommend... ATB Tom
Find it totally correct that the Hillieberg black lable is up there with the best.
Sure that they will produce even better. However , a few issuse. No 1 costs. Very costly expensive as Sweden, small population to chance of industrial production. No 2 design .
Denmark and Sweden are famous for design, yet a bit boring as the Terra Nova internal design superb. Spent many months in there in the south of England and like a palace with all the pockets, two exits, superb design. Hilliberg in my view are suberb, re protection ,but inside the occupants want the best, not there yet as the British, Terra Nova, a great tent will beat them as a nice place to be in, as camping not about surviving storms but a great enviroment and the Terra Nova has it. Yet Hilliberg has black lable geodesic tents yet to buy and try out as considered buying a 3 person tent directly in green. The black lable is just the start.
Perfer the Geodesic structure for room and strength as for severe weather here, rain, winds has to be a tent like beyond the Hilliberg Saiyo, as at nearly £1700, becoming a joke unless spending years in it.
Think far better tents and far cheaper with similar or better specs years to come.
Hi John... Lots to consider here.. I have mentioned before in some of my videos that Hilleberg are a bit minimalist on the inside... My North Face Mountain 25 had 4 pockets in the sides and 4 in the roof.. Reflective guy lines and glow in the dark zipper pulls.. VE 25 seriously comfortable inside due to features... The Hilleberg s are expensive but hold their value really well and customer support is second to none.. ATB and great to hear your thoughts and experience... Tom
Sir, can you please review Staika? Thank you!!! 💛
I have a long side the Tarra and Terra Nova Super Quasar..ruclips.net/video/vUHYRM61o5I/видео.htmlsi=ibk9GpFYErV8YuO2
I have the Red Label Soulo and it's indestructible in heavy winds; I've given it a windy beating on the Channel Islands (off California, not the UK islands), in the Sierra Mountains, and it simply didn't budge. Also, if you really want to make it more stable than a freeway overpass in Los Angeles, just double pole it. Personally, I don't think the extra pound weight increase is worth it (the RL is already over 4 lbs! Plus, you could then use that extra weight differential to...double pole it!), and if you're damaging 1200 Kerlon fabric, then you're doing something very wrong...I think the BL version of this tent is (marketing) overkill.
Hi Gavin, I hope that you are well. Thank you for your comments here especially the fact that you share your experiences of the Red Label Soulo.. After many thoughts I actually agree with you regarding the RED labels ability and strength. There are many options and combinations here just depending on personal preference. Considering I am sure that 50 percent of Soulo users IMO use a foot print at 230g then a BL Soulo is only 170g more for stronger poles, fabric and you dont need a footprint. Better durability if you are frequently going to push it towards its limit on a frequent basis... But in reality few users do this so most would be better served by the RL without a foot print. At the end of the day let's not forget that Hilleberg are a business (family run or not) and they exist to sell tents which is fair enough. They are good at convincing us that they are better and worth the money so like you say they have come up with this BL Soulo as they knew that they could sell it to people like me. I have now moved mine on and bought a Nammatj 2 which is just as strong, has much more space and 200g more. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 You bet! Yes, I agree that when one starts thinking about swapping things out, one can justify the weight gain of the BL version (though I don't know too many people that drag a foot print around with them except when car camping), but honestly, the only environments that I can think of in which one would want the Soulo BL is perhaps when summiting Denali, Everest, etc...Even then, one isn't "soloing" those spots! One is usually hunkered down in 3+ person tents, so why not go ahead and spend the money on a Saivo! :) I'm all for the good people at Hilleberg coming up with new products, and I own multiple of their tents, but obviously this is not one I'll be investing in.
Are the dimensions identical? I remember (I might be wrong, mind you) that when Hilleberg announced the Soulo BL over a year ago the dimensions were larger than in the red label Soulo, but now on Hilleberg's site the dimensions are identical. As ~2m tall the dimensions matter more than any other spec. I've chosen Staika because the inner tent's length is 230 cm.
Hi Not sure as on this occasion I didn't measure. I will put them up in the garden in a few days and let you know. ATB Tom
I use my RL footprint on my BL and it’s a perfect fit. I think the dimensions are exactly the same. 👍
Hi just put both up in garden and measured. yes they are exactly the same. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thank you. It's slightly disappointing that the only differences are the material, the poles and the stakes: in rough environment the gear tends to be more bulky and therefore more space is needed. Oh well, I will have to think of the bright side of this: now it's easier to justify to myself that there's no reason to buy a new tent... :)
@@Gekkibi Go on there is always a reason to guy a new one. You are only putting it off.... ATB Tom
What tent would you recommend to live out of for 2 people and a dog, that will withstand living out of and withstand Severe weather conditions if needed, from torrential rain to high winds , and heavy snow?
Hi, Memphis it would be a Hilleberg Tarra for me. Super strong, liveable, with great vestibule space. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 I'll check it out. Thank you Tom.
@@TOMHEANEY100 is it better than keron 4 GT?
@@memphisreines4058 Well a Keron 3 or 4 I am sure would do the trick, I just don't have any experience of these...
@@TOMHEANEY100 thank you for your honesty.
Hi Tom. Great review. Say, do the clips on the RL accommodate the 10mm poles? I recall Hilleberg advising to double pole the shorter pole when extra strength is required of the RL..? Either way, I've been out on the Berg in high winds, in an msr hubba, no less- what an adventure! That's my reason for investing in a Hilleberg Soulo. Still not convinced I'd want to be out in weather that requires the BL strength, but no telling what weather the mountains serve. Take care. David.
Hi David, I will need to double check that one so give me a couple of days. The clips on the BL do seem a bit bigger though. The mountains certainly through up rough weather and when its windier than forecast you want the security of the best of everything. ATB Tom
Any thoughts on Soulo black label vs Soulo red label + 10 mm poles?
Just going to pop in here with my take on this issue. In my opinion, the Kerlon 1200 and the 9 mm poles work in concert with each other in high winds, meaning that under heavy winds the poles would flex a bit more to help absorb the stress on the fabric. If one were to replace the 9 mm poles with more rigid 10 mm poles, that balance might be upset therefore putting more strain on the Kerlon 1200 fabric. Just my $.02, and I may be all wet on this. Cheers!
HI Brian, possibly a good combination but I wouldn't do it on a regular basis. Hilleberg after all pair pole diameter and fabrics to match for a reason and that's why they make black label tents. Its a bit like double poling, ok for occasional use but pushing the fabrics long term I suspect. ATB Tom