I love my Atko, . I've had it a long time now and it really does stand up to bad conditions very well. I haven't really noticed much of a problem with condensation but I do use the footprint and almost always have the vents open . Like you I always catch the door zip on that protective piece of plastic - irritating but not a real issue. I love how easy it is to put up, readjust., and pack the next morning
Hi Abbie, just a thumbs up for your two reviews of the Akto, I’ve been spending last few weeks reviewing Hilleberg brochure & just about every RUclips review of the Akto, and I have to say, yours is the best review, I’ve come back again to watch it and they just are so helpful, thanks 👍
BEST TENT EVER! - just a tip to increase headroom - you can release the inner from its top toggle as you showed. this give a few inches more headroom when just sitting inside, then just pop the toggle back in at bedtime. i use a piece of plastic sheet in the vestibule to reduce condensation (builder merchants sell `visqueen` sheet - really strong)
The Hilleberg Akto was my first Hilleberg tent. I had a few others prior to that but has stayed with the Hilleberg brand since my Akto. Due to the family size I`ve sold my Akto since a number of years ago and now have a Nammatj 3 GT and a Allak 2. The price of a Hilleberg tent is very high no matter what model you choose, but you do get what you pay for! The quality is seen in every detail, such as the Kerlon fabric (order the free catalogue and you get a few samples that you can try and tear) the zippers, pockets, ventilation ports, pegs, guy lines and I could go on.... I use my tents in the mountains, forests, paddling in the archipelago and they work perfectly wherever I use them. The best part of the Akto I definitely thought was the space vs weight, as Abbie also says. I could easily put my 80 litre sack in the vestibule and still not having any problem getting in or out. Having two ventilation ports at floor level and on up top, gives you fairly good ventilation in this tent. If there is no precipitation expected and you can have the door open it’s not an issue at all. My Nammatj is close to 15 years old now and I use it many times every year and even if you can see that it is a well used tent it works just as good as when I bought it.
I guess the question was ment for Abbie? However I have a comment regarding footprints. I had a footprint to my Akto but I hardly ever used it. I find footprints more useful in tents with large vestibules, like my Nammatj 3 GT, there the difference in moisture becomes more noticeable. Since the GT vestibule is so big you can use it as a kitchen in bad weather and it’s nicer to sit on a floor instead of directly on the ground.
Thanks Abbie,. Your first review on the Akto persuaded me to get it. (Mind you a fluke price of £350 New did help). Your long term review is spot with all the cons. Even with the ground sheet and all the ports open, it does develop a lot of condensation when there is no wind. It may not be the lightest, but it's a very reassuring shelter. Carry on the good work.
I remember your initial review and how excited you were ... it was pretty infectious causing me to purchase one shortly after and sub to your channel. Another super informative video. Atb 👍
Had mine since 2006 .zero issues in comparison to other solo tents ..Still the best out there .vent well keep it taught and condensation is eliminated. I cut off the metal zips pullers and replaced with cordage to reduce the jingling in high winds.
Yep totally agree it's a grat tent. I bought on of the first ones, saddley it past away under the feet of some upset cattle? I now have a new one in the new design. I've had to issues with the zip and there is condensation but it not and issue. Thanks Abbs
Thank you Abbie you have released me from guilt. Would never get rid of my Nallo which I have had for 18 years (the original with both poles the same length thus no need for vent zips at the smaller end). That can now be my base camp and I can get another Hilleberg hehe.
I bought this tent a few years ago for extended hiking and camping trips in a very remote area of nw scotland. I agree with your assessments as to pros and cons. I have a footprint which adds a floor to the storage area which is useful if pitching on damp ground. Ventilation is improved by pitching in places where it is exposed to a breeze but a problem in still air. Well worth the money for the quality and its fitness for purpose.
I have had my Akto for a few trips now and had condensation issues. After obtaining the foot print for my tent the condensation problems have not been as bad. One thing to consider is ,i do live in Alabama(very high humidity) . I love my tent and if to do it again i would buy the samething.
I would agree strongly. A large proportion of condensation issues (in non-snow conditions) come from transpiration from grass. A footprint removes all of this.
i have seen reviews of £250 tents that have failed, can you imagine then the feeling? Like my friend says about boots and I agree - `I can`t afford cheap boots`
I've had my Akto for about 10 years, and I just love it. Regarding the zipper getting stuck, that's the case with mine as well. Just a minor nuisance. It should also be said that this tent is crazy strong. It'll hold up in storms, and where your mates are clinging to their tents throughout the night, you can rest assured that the Akto will stay put.
Hey Abbie, had my Akto roughly about the same time. The ground sheet deffo helps with condensation. In certain conditions all tents suffer condensation. I always take a small pack towel. And every time I wake in the night I just give it a quick wipe above my head and feet. That really helps. And have a look on Facebook for the Hillieberg owners group. It's a great group and the Hillieberg family are all members, Petra Hilleberg is very active in the group. Take care and those videos coming.
Hello Abbie, from the Lowcountry of South Carolina! Thank you so much for this review. I have been interested in this tent for a long time, and your review is very thorough. Have a wonderful Spring!
I would try the foot print as it does help with reducing the amount of condensation. fingers crossed as I haven't had a problem with it as I use the footprint
Condensation and cramped quarters (low height) guarantees that your back and head will contact the (usually ample) condensation, soaking your clothing. I throw on a rain shell (when I remember) while entering and exiting the tent. Airing out the tent is a must in the morning before packing it up. You can trust it with your life when pitched correctly.
Ive had Akto for few years now, been using it in all conditions, also in harsh winter of Finland, hehe.. its been a really killer tent. For winter use its a bit small, so i got a freestanding Hilleberg Allak for winter use (and for rocky islands while kayaking!). BTW. i found your first review of Akto very helpful when i bought my Akto, so cheers for that! :) - Sami (from Helsinki, FInland)
Hi Abbie, I to use this tent as my go to for solo work. It is bomb proof. I have always used the standard inner but this year fitted the mesh inner then typically used other tents on trips so I still do not know how much better the mesh is at helping me not to be too hot. The only down side for me is the price but I have had this tent for years now and it is still going strong so it was / is a good investment. Ian
Interesting to watch your videos. Now i finally bought my own Hilleberg Akto. This is much better than my older tents. First i thought to buy Enan but i decided to bought Akto for some reasons. I am from Sweden and i am planning to walk through Sarek, in the north of Sweden. It is a place with a great wild mark and Nationalpark.
Ive had mine since 1998 and i still use it today (£242) then, its a bit heavy by modern standards but i wouldn't change it, its stood up to the Cape Wrath trail to the Cumbrian way and without the footprint and minus the top vent on my model, just open the outer door weather permitting for condensation control.
Unbelievably, I have a Hilleberg Akto, Hilleberg Foot Print, Spare Hilleberg DAC pole in my cupboard, all purchased in 2009, which has, apart from a first time trial setup in the back garden, never been used 'in the wild', not once. Yes, I am ashamed of this fact 😢 It was purchased, all £700 worth of it, for a long distance hike that got cancelled due to illness and I've basically forgotten about it since, as the needs of real life kind of got in the way. Maybe one day it will get used, maybe...
Thanks for this follow up video. Don't see to many of these, just people pitching tents, a shot of them giving thumbs up and then they are off to the next subject. Good to know about the zipper, i got an Enan myself, but it's pretty close in design so i guess it could happen on mine as well. I got Y pegs with the tent, and they pretty much get muddy when i stick them into the ground. Don't know if the V pegs are the same. Not a big problem but a minor nuisance to get a stick and scrape them clean.
The inner really needs a double door system as per the Terra Nova Voyager etc. So you can zip up only the mesh door which in conjunction with the mesh panel at the far end of the inner prevents any condensation issues. I do prefer the "door at the side" and as you pointed out the very generous and useful space between inner and outer - that's where the Voyager comes a poor second.
I too like my Hilleberg Akto very much. I do use a footprint. I don't have a condensation problem. I never thought of linking these two facts before watching your video. It might be worth trying ? Yes you will have a little bit more weight to carry but worth it for the benefits and you might find another way to reduce your pack weight. Perhaps you already have tried this - it's a few years since you made your video. I've had mine about 6 years and used it quite a lot. It's my go-to for solo backpacking. I often used it without the inner - though once had to hastily put the inner up to keep midges out (thankfully I did have it with me) haha a lesson learned there. At the right time of year, I do enjoy the extra space and feeling of greater connection with the earth when not using the inner (currently considering whether I can justify also owning a tarp tent for this reason, and like the idea of using walking poles instead of tent poles, one less thing to carry). I love it that it's so easy to pitch and to take down, stands up to the weather, and is fine in the backpack. Yes overall I do like my Akto very much.
Abbie at last! Thank you for the Akto update. I was wondering if you still have it. I bought one identical to yours about 18 months ago because of your review. I use the footprint and have zero condensation, but then again I am in arid outback Australia. Love the vestibule. No problems with the zip. For my needs this tent scores 10/10.
Great video and thanks so much for it, and having traveled with Akto for 5y now, I agree with your points. If you camp in rougher conditions, you have a fortress you are safe in, and thats a great feeling. Better save few hundred gr on other items. Since I ditched my light Laser Competition1 (not sturdy enough to my taste but not a bad tent) I am using a lighter sleeping bag. Its not science, but my feeling is that you win like 2-3degC or 200g in sleeping bag weight for the same comfort zone (800g now vs 1kg before), esp. in cold windy conditions you are sheltered from the chill of the wind. As I mention also below, you can have condensation inside a tarp as well, so ventilation is only one factor of so many and condensation is often inevitable, regardless of the tent design. I dont really have an issue with it, the first thing in the morning after getting out of my sleeping bag is wiping the outer tent on the inside with my great mini pack towel, which is thin and wrings almost dry. its max 3min of morning gymnastics which wakes you up pretty well :-) I also have a Nallo3 which is a fantastic as a luxurious 2p tent, and still light. Condensation seems to be identical to the Akto, of course impossible for me to compare exactly. My biggest issue with the Akto is (being 1.92m) that the inner sags a bit and almost touches my face, which is not so pleasant. I'll do some experiments this year to avoid it. It seems that the Enan has solved that problem, though being a bit shorter, the single pole at both ends keeps the inner further away from the person. Its the only design problem I see with the Akto and I wonder if they could upgrade the design in the future (Petra if you are reading this!). In short: Its a great tent when you need a tent the most! And great feeling to sleep in a Hilleberg, knowing that its made in a sustainable and respectful way, not by some kind of multinational. My Nallo is some 15y old and still going, despite serious battering, so it lasts and lasts, so the cost/year is actually not higher than for other brands.
@@petergilbert72 Dear Peter, without making modifications, its not possible I think. It has to do with silnylon (a great material) but it stretches a little when it gets wet, so as for all silnylon tents, it will over night get a little less straight tensioned and sag down a little (unless in dry conditions). Please note that I am using a 6cm thick matress (8cm in winter), which matters a lot, as well I am 4cm taller. To my taste, its the single one inconvenience I have with the Akto, its not a major problem but I would have preferred some more head clearance. When you have the chance to test the tent in a shop, take into account the mattress (!) to have a more realistic idea. In winter, you have the 8cm mattress + a thick sleeping bag around the head, thats when it becomes tight. Every disadvantage has its advantage, the Akto is a symmetric tent, both ends have same hight, so when you pitch your tent in the mountains, its more practical as you can still sleep in both directions and keep the entrance off wind, but a a-symmetrical tent with lower end for the feet and higher for the head would have been better for inside comfort. Overall, I am not sure what to prefer, as I very much value the freedom in pitching. I tend to think thats more important than having the inner tent close to my face. Other thing is that I find the Akto rather small to my taste (overall) for winter camping (being 192cm), but the advantage is that it feels really warm inside. In the end, it all depends on what you wanna do with it. I use my Akto for alpine hiking, sleeping at higher altitude, I need a robust fortress with small footprint to be able to pitch it and that means other compromises.
@@petergilbert72 Hi Peter, I wrote you a reply but it got lost, so here again: No, it is not resolved, especially in humid conditions, with the silnylon stretching a little overnight (which is unavoidable and typical for all high-quality silnylon tents), it can get a little close to my taste, but its not a big issue really. It all depends what you want to use your tent for. I use my Akto mostly for summer to automn alpine hiking, and especially in automn (oct-november) the conditions are already pretty harsh, so I really need a robust 4season tent. For less challenging situations, I guess the Niak as 1p tent might be a better choice for around the same weight. In winter conditions, I use a 8cm thick mattress, plus the thick sleeping back, its in those conditions that I feel its a little too tight (but still ok). In summer I use a 6cm mattress. If you test your tent in a shop, take that into account because it makes a serious difference in the Akto (ask them to put a 8cm downmat in there just to test it). The Akto is a symmetric tent, both ends have the same height. It makes it tighter on the head side, but it also has advantages imo. Especially in mountain area, with more challenging pitching, you can still put the entrance downwind and sleep uphill, so you have all flexibility in pitching. In practice, I find that pitching flexibilty a real advantage. Other point is that for my 192cm, I find the Akto too small to my taste in real winter conditions with lots of snow etc, requiring more space, but I dont have a good alternative that is both robust enough and light enough. The closest thing would be the Nallo2, which would have the advantage to be a very versatile tent that in other seasons can be used for 2p. I have a Nallo3 which I use for 2p hiking (or 1 adult and 2kids), I have it for more than 15years and its a fantastic tent. The big advantage of using a light 2p tent as a 1p tent imo is that you can combine your hike to do a part with 2 and a part alone (what I mostly do), it gives you max flexibility. The 2nd person can still bring a tarp along to extend the space a little, eg if cooking in the rain or so.
@@janvandeputte1405 thank you (and for your second post as well)! I have read that someone used bicycle inner tube to make an elastic connection between tent and guy line so as to take up the slack in the morning. Perhaps that would help. I think this was not the main guy lines but some extra ones from the additional guy points on the tent.
Great review Abbie Thanks for the useful info about Akto, i made the decision to buy Akto Mil ver after i watch your reviews and it a good tent after i use it last weekend😉
Love my Akto. I’ve just had the ends of the inner tent modified (by Scottish Mountain Gear) to mesh fabric to improve ventilation - am hoping this will reduce condensation. They did an amazing job so can’t wait to give it a try in next few weeks 😝
The bent portion of your pole is a great place to 'store' your repair pole. The pegs (stakes). I have a set of ultra light ones that are dark red, but have a string like yours. And I have some bare aluminum ones like yours but no string. First night on the Wessex Trail I lost two of the aluminum stakes. The red ones being smaller and darker, should've been the problem. Solution? I tied on 6-8" diameter orange tent line loops to each one. Over the following three months didn't lose another stake. I also use the loops as short lines to tie into perimeter loops on my fly, etc. Very useful. I've since added 'tails' to all kinds of easy to misplace stuff, my TV remote (blue masking tape) now I don't lose it and when I pick it up it's pointing the right way. All the engineers in Japan, China, etc... never solved this. Is it worth it? For two years now I've been looking for an excuse to replace my Big Agnes Fly Creek. I like the newer design that has two mesh doors on the sides: better view (and I live in California so my conditions are not as harsh as yours. Even in, or on top of 6' of snow at 10,000 feet in the Sierras it's not as bad because the winds are not too harsh.) My Big Agnes is ten years old. It's good for another ten. It would be wasteful to replace it. So an expensive tent like your Akto? Over time it's not at all expensive. The fabric zipper cover getting caught. It's not just your tent. This is a common issue. I have it on my tent. It annoys me and then I don't think about it. It's a real problem when it's blowing rain and the zipper is stuck. I think I might try inserting some welting inside the fabric and then as many short bits of grosgrain. Then when I'm pulling the zip, I can just pull back the cover until the zip passes. Also strings on the zips really help make them pull easier, they won't help keep them from getting stuck in the cover. Hope this helps or is at least interesting. (btw buying a sewing machine and making some of my own gear and modifying other gear is a lot of fun and a real game changer. ) Another thing about your tent that I like. It's probably really good in the wind. It's got a good shape for that.
Great conclusion to your first review, 3 years ago. I just wonder what you would think, if you were forced to use the 3 season Niak instead of your Akto..... it’s just as light, better ventilation, more roomy.... the only 2 downsides are (1) blowing snow might build up under the fly, and (2) the porch is not nearly as generous. Anyway, great review.
Hello Abbie from Sweden! Thank you so very much for sharing your long-term-use thoughts about and of this Hilleberg Akto 4-season tent for one person! One thought and question to you Abbie, would a additional foot print to this Akto maybe help and maybe even reduce the moisture from the grassy ground in order to give you less condensation inside your Akto tent? All in all a very good follow-up review you made and presented for us here on YT enjoying your good channel! Your follow-up review gave me more additional and helpful information and also in a nice way of yours, to present your experiences; after using this tent for about four years! Wishing you Abbie even many more future wonderful and pleasant hike experiences and many good and sweet sleeping hours in future, when using this your, maybe most used Hilleberg Akto tent! All the very best Wishes to you Abbie!
Dear CHRL Abbie does say in the vid she knows a footprint would reduce condensation from the ground but wants to keep weight down for her camera gear hehe.
You guys have got it! Ive heard about the footprint but as Joyseeker says, I try to keep the weight down. Its just something Im learning to live with although sure is a pain! Thanks for the comments guys!
@@AbbieBarnesWILD checkout polycro, tyvek and dyneema for a light weight foot print. Also consider just creating a foot print which only covers the vestibule/grassy bits. I am considering the Enan which is just an Akto with 1000 fabric and has some changes to the ventilation; but feel your video has great value. Have you considered the mesh only inner which can be bought seperately? Thanks for sharing your knowledge hope to see you make some more videos.
Those night time maps...pages are all black,I do believe. I bought three off a lovely cockney (a 'barrow boy' they're called) for Scotland,The Lakes and Peak district. Use 'em all the time...Good vid,btw.
Nice review, Abbie. A unique tent design which I’ve never seen before. I’m going for a Zpacks Soleplex tent from the US made from Cuben Fibre which only weights 400-odd grams, yet another hefty price tag and maybe not good for deep British winter so I’ll take this one into consideration. Keep hiking and sharing! Thanks!
The Trail Hunter , sir plz reasearch the zpacks soleplex it is a great tent but it will not hold in any heat for truly cold weather. I use the akto on canoe trips and some backpacking trips but it is a four season tent . The zpacks is much lighter and therefore not as durable. For some info on Zpacks tents plz look up homemade wander lust. Dixie did the PCT trail with one.
Hi Ryan Ewbank thank you very much for your advice and a very valid point. I’ll be using my Zpacks Soleplex for my trip around South East Asia and the PCT. Currently hiking the South Downs with it in 30+ degree heat and it’s holding up well. I’ve added a thick ground sheet and a NeoAir Xlight for added protection as well as my Katabatic Gear Palisade sleeping bag which is good down to -2 deg c. What home made wanderlust says is true, it is less durable, but with added care and a sleep system to match, an ultralight dyneema tent can withstand a PCT thru which is amazing considering its weight. @jupiterhikes uses a tarp and ground sheet for his 5000+ mile hikes, so with the right knowledge, you can feel comfortable using almost any shelter for thru hikes in North America.
Abbie Barnes | Song Thrush Productions Hey Abbie. Ahh it was amazing. I walked from Winchester to Amberly and am about to do the second half starting tomorrow. Was freakin’ hot man. But set to be cooler this weekend. Are you thinking of doing it again this year?
Hi Abbie, I have the same tent and I am quite satisfied with it. Ok sometimes I would wish a bit mor space and a still a bit lighter in weight. That it`s not free standing is not so much my concern, but it`s true, you really need to open up many as possible vents to prevent having not too much condensation.
In my experience most of the one person Hilleberg tents can have issues with condensation. Opening the vents does help, but the issue is caused because the tent inner is actually water resistant and so doesn't breathe that well. The secret to dealing with condensation inside the inner is to leave a gap in the inner zip to let air circulate in the inner. Give it a try.
Thanks for this. I do this each night in the tent and still get soaked. Maybe I'm just a heavy breather!!! Good to know about the waterproofing though, thank you!
yes, I also have sometimes lots of condensation in my Akto, but also in my Nallo3. It depends on so many factors, such as wind, if you are on a hill (less condensation) or close to a river (lots!), underground, temperature etc. You can have condensation inside an open tarp as well, so ventilation is only one factor. Point with a 1p Akto (me being 1.92m) is that you push against the outside tent. I have not really any issue with condensation, just using a very good pack tower to wipe the inner (unlock just a few attachments of the inner to the outer) so you can reach easily most of the outer from the inside. Its the first thing I do when I get up in the morning, right after getting out of my sleeping bag. I would never leave without my magic pack towel (very thin, you can wring it almost dry), it solves so many problems, also when entering the tent with wet rain clothes, you can dry them in the vestibule before entering the tent etc. In winter, condensation freezes which is funny, it also freezes on the inside of the inner tent, but as its frozen, its not a problem really.
Great review! Looking to get one, only downside is that condensation problem, that you and everyone has mentioned! Suppose cant have everything. Thanks👍👍👍
Hey Abbie. my Akto came with one pre-bent pole in the middle. You mentioned you'd bent a pole- just so you know (if you didn't already) if its the middle one you HAVEN'T bent it, it comes like that. Great vids btw!
Nice honest review, having considered purchasing this tent I have decided against it for one major reason. Condensation. For such a small volume tent there is no where near enough mesh vents on the inner, hence the condensation issue I guess. I am considering the Fyallraven Abisko 1, almost identical in design and build quality but with considerable more mesh vents on the inner. A most to keep out those insects on a warm night.
Julian Jones Hi Julian. Just wondering if you went for the Atko or the Abisko? I am trying to decide between the two for the same reason you mentioned. Thanks 🙏
@@jamiecrutchley3550 I haven't made the purchase yet, but I am pretty sure it will be the Abisko, it just adds up to the right choice for me, both appear to be well made Scandinavian options.
It's not just ur zip that stops part way down, mine does it also. As you say it's just the seam stopping it, just push it out of the way like you did. Atb Si
Nice review Abbie, I went for the Anjan 3 which is a palace and only 1.7kg also, but the Hilleberg are bomb proof, I am considering the Allak 2 which is freestanding and domed this would be for winter camping. But my go to hiking overnights on long trails is the Nordisk Telemark 2LW which is a very similar size to the alto and the materials are similar also, but at 950 gms its a great weigh and cost me £430
Thanks for the update, Abbie. I actually bought the Akto based of your first review. I have noticed the zip getting caught behind the weatherproof flaps on occasion, but I’ve gotten used to it. My only concern has been the heat. I live in Japan, and during the summer it can get pretty hot inside, even at 6am with the vents open. Apart from that, I have no problems.
I can relate to that! Well, not that I've been to Japan but we've had a very hot summer and it was too warm in there at times for me in the evening. But then you can pitch just the inner if you buy an additional pole.
After I got the mesh inner and used it for two summers and falls, I've noticed three big differences compared to the solid inner: 1) Almost no condensation even in really difficult conditions. 2) Heat in warm, sunny weather is really no problem anymore, and 3) the tent feels a lot bigger inside.
Hi Abbie, great review - but as a Scottish camper who is looking to make this substantial investment, one significant question I'd love to know - how does it stand up to the hardy midge? Cheers!
I slowly watch all your videos trough, very informatuve, entertaining and inspirational. I have a question towards how you use the akto during wet weather conditions. When its raining for several days and you pack the tent do you always leave the inner tent mounted to the outer tent? How do you manage to dry the tent during longer walks? Or is it not so important and you just dry it after the walk when you come home before you store it away? I ask because i‘ve seen you in one video where you pitched the outer tent first in rainy conditions and then pitched the inner tent in. I have the akto since last year, but have just little experience (several 2 nighters). I used it in cold/moist conditions and never picked the layers apart. I‘d be happy if you could give some tipps for the handling of the akto in harsh conditions if you want. Maybe a video on camping tipps, drying clothes, do you wash clothes during camping and all long trip camping tipps if you find the time. I hope i find more energy to do what i love and not just to watch videos about it, depression is standing on my brakes with a heavy foot sometimes... thanks for sharing your experiences, greetings from switzerland 🇨🇭
Well, I use to separate the tent parts when it's raining in the morning. The dry inner tent goes into the tent bag and the rainfly gets attached to the backpack. If it's not raining, I quickli dry the rainfly on the outside (and the inside, if needed because of condensation). For that, I separate the inner tent from the rainfly but hang the inner tent up again when everything is dry. The pro of a detachable inner tent is the possibility to keep it dry all the time. But as long as both parts are dry, pack them up togheter. That safes time and works great, at least with the Anjan.
Sorry Abbi but £500 , for tent in UK wheath not on , I had £125 for tent three and has been all over the UK , but it your Mony , think you for your help with camping, you have a lovely nature, good bless you Patrick Ayling
Nice review, I bought a akto early this yr and love it for backpacking in Colorado and will bow hunt elk in New Mexico and Colorado later this yr. I'm six four two hundred thirty lbs and it's comfortable. Side note, I only use a tent for sleeping, not lounging.
I just bought the Enan, a similar shape to your tent, and still suffered with condensation.i the attached the footprint and this was reduced. I have reduced it further by leaving the front door open by about 20cm from the top AND leave the inner door open. Arrange your sleeping direction so your head is next to the vestibule. I am a side sleeper, so naturally sleep on my side to the left. All my night time breathing goes into the vestibule. It may help? Works for me
Hi I have only slept 7 nights in it. I used it last weekend during that storm to walk the Ridgeway Trail, and it held up very well. It’s very light, which attracted me to it. My base weight was 11kg with an osprey atmos 50 AG pack. Going to take it for the Pembrokeshire coastal trail next minth
How do you get on venting overnight (thinking of that 20cm opening)? That seems to me to be the main advantage of the Akto, but is it worth an extra 500g? 🤔
Talk about bending poles I fell on my tent whilst sober at the isle of man tt races this year and I bent s pole at one end it made my tent look lopsided the tent a vango nemesis pro 300 still stood up to high wind and rain
Great review. Also had this tent for 3 yrs and ditched it. Too heavy vs competition and small inside for the weight. I could deal with the weight if it was larger but it’s not. Also for me in winter, since it’s not free standing, I t’s a hassle to set up dead-mans in the snow to stake it out.
Abbie Barnes | Song Thrush Productions still looking for the right one but for now I take my big Agnes’s copper spur. Not a warm as akto but lighter, free standing and much larger inside which helps in winter. Downsize is it won’t hold up as well in snow loading situation but I can deal with that easy enough. Btw- ever try to pull a deadman tent stake out if the frozen snow the next morning?
@@pgreenx i had a laser comp1 , great tent, similar to atko but since bought a hilleberg unna , its heavier but makes up for it in so many ways, fantastic 3 and 4 season tent. Thinking of a solomid or duomid type tent for the summer , but need to justify :)
@@Foxtrottangoabc I had the laser comp1 first and ditched that one for the Akto, because not solid enough for rough Alpine conditions, had some sleepless nights in it, ready to pack if my tent would collapse. With the Akto, I know it can withstand the wind. It all depends what you use it for
Hi Abbie have you or anyone in the comments had any issues with the akto leaking from the door vent seam ? The akto was my dream tent and I managed to finally get one this weekend and when I tested it that seam leaked ..really badly (you can see this on the video on my channel) I’m really disappointed but I still love the tent as daft as it sounds Great video love the channel 👍
Got one aswell thanks to your review (and a few others). Wonder why you don't have a footprint on, it supposed to help with the condensation. Did you ever pitch it with 2 poles?
I've found in very windy conditions it's extremely noisy inside with the fabric snapping around. In firm conditions for the pegs, they hold up well. In soggy soil or peat plus very windy conditions they'll come loose. In Iceland it was kind of a pain to find somewhere with solid enough ground sometimes. One night the only suitable ground I could find was on snow.
How do you put the pegs in? They should be put into the ground at a 45 degree angle to catch the ground and it makes them a lot harder to come out. Thanks for the comment.
In snow and very soft ground just have to basically bury the pegs and lie them almost flat, then go around hunting for rocks to pile on top. The prospect of freezing to death really brings out the ingenuity!
Hi Abbie, I'm glad you mentioned the footprint in this video. I've had my Akto for only a year, and I've elected not to do the footprint for exactly the same reason you did. I just try to be meticulous about checking the lay for pokey bits before pitching. Can you describe how your bathtup is wearing? You've clearly got more miles on yours than I've got on mine, so I'd love to know how much that extra protection might be missed on such an expensive piece of kit. And thanks for the video!
Footprint can be nice with muddy, soggy ground, as it keeps the tent floor clean, simplifying packing, especially when footprint can be cleaned and dried easily. I've cut a patch of Tyvek (55g/m²) into shape, with "snaps" loops for attaching to the ground pegs. That material is resilient, light, machine- and river washable while drying quickly. And as the material is also relatively cheap, it's only a small investment for an item one may not be using frequently or at all.
Tyvek can be obtained for no pay from car dealers selling new cars - those are often covered in Tyvek for transport, for protection of surfaces. Car dealers unpeel them, and the material goes into the recycle bin. As it has no value for them then, you may be allowed to take your pick when asking kindly.
Hello Abbie ! It's quite remarkable how enthusiastic fellow Hilleberg owners are - they seem to have extra glow in their eyes, just talking about it ! I always love sleeping in tents, but there is something extra satisfying in sleeping in a piece of kit built with an eye for quality, and this one has it in spades. Explaining what the magic component is, is a bit harder - there are lighter, roomier, stronger and definitely cheaper alternatives out there. I recognise the zipper issue - but as they say on their website : "Whenever you zip your tent door, put the tip of your finger ahead of the slider. This keeps the door fabric from catching (and subsequently getting stuck or, worse, getting chewed up), and will increase the life of your zippers, as well." I struggle a bit more with how it sags when wet, but that's silnylon.
@@HansDeseure thank you,i love my Akto wich is very strong in high wind,not heavy and there is room for me,my dog and gear.Lighter tents are not strong and roomier strong tents are too heavy for me.
About the condensation and the ‘inner’ tent liner, isn’t the inner really only for freezing snowy wind conditions? In which case you’d be better off with the ‘mesh’ inner most of the yr and not have condensation? Or is the problem condensation on the inside of the outer tent? In which case the mesh inner would keep your sleeping bag and head etc away from the inside of the outer tent so not as much of a issue?
The outer tent is akin to a tarp with zipper, defining the entrance, and a channel for the single pole, without ground layer. The inner tent resembles a fully closed mosquito net with ground layer as floor and two long zippers opening the whole side. You'd rather use just the inner tent, keeping insects and moderate rain out (mesh is hydrophobic) - condensation is an issue with the outer tent.
Hi Abbie, I currently have a TN laser comp and not planning to sell it but am looking to buy an Akto for just over £600. Money well spent? Worth the money? Any advice welcome.
Great review totally agree that this is the right tent for your constant usage For a less constant use then the Wild Country Zephros 1 Same problems of condensation Same 1.7 kg weight 400 pounds cheaper
I used to have Wild country tents but the after sales service is non existent, they are not interested so tough. Now I use Hilleberg and am very satisfied with them
I have this tent and the Enan lighter version. Condensation is very very bad! I have had enough of it and have decided to get rid of them both. Done with it!
@@Anthonyinkz yea, that's it. That's why they are accepting it as a return, because I am the problem. Oh yea, I am a qualified alpine trecking guide and also have 22 years military service and counting. Yea, must be me!
You say that you have owned and used your Hilleberg Tent for 4 years, and at £550, it is expensive. Really? £11:46 a month (over those 4 years) is expensive? I have seen interviews with Hilleberg Tent owners who have used theirs for the last 14 years, so for each year of use it becomes even more economical to own! Likewise your JetBoil, quality kit that you can rely on, albeit with a high initial price. There is the expression "Buy once, Cry once!" which is applied to high quality gear that is initially expensive to own. Whether it be an Alpacka Raft Packraft or a Brompton folding bicycle or a Hilleberg Tent, buy once, cry once, then enjoy years of experience with your well selected gear. On the topic of condensation, I just bought an inexpensive bug net 'tent' to put into my tent to act as a liner. The bug net 'tent' is fully self contained and has it's own bathtub floor and is sized to take a large sleeping pad. Because I'm using a titanium tent stove, condensation may be more of an issue, but I'll be interested to see if the bug net 'liner' prevents the soaking of my sleeping bag. A ultralight fabric liner should really improve your condensation problems by preventing it from landing on you and your gear, or from contact soaking. You have a new subscriber.
Its such a shame because the tent seemed great in all sorts of ways but the condensation issue is really off putting. Of course its always a bit of an issue but I hear so much about this from people who are otherwise obviously well disposed towards the tent that it strikes me that this is a bit worse then the norm. Which is a bit of a shame. The idea of a relatively light, very versatile, practically bomb proof tent is very attractive. The only trouble is that a certain trendy and attractive light weight tent from the US everyone talks about is really just three season and also-even more expensive-and with import costs-almost out of the question. I’d be interested in other options to help more realistically gauge the pros and cons. I’m just starting out but at some point probably do want to upgrade from my snugpak ionosphere which I bought just to see if I enjoyed camping while hiking-I do-but could do with something that I could sit up in and didn’t have to crawl awkwardly into (the ionosphere is a good starter though I have to say-easy to set up and pretty durable even in wind and downpour-wouldn’t want to knock it for the beginner or casual).
Looking to get a new tent and finding it very difficult not to buy the Akto. Your vid just re enforces this.However I am leaning towards the Fjallraven Abisko 1. Anyone got experience of this tent.
Bill McLearie just crazy price. Try Tarptents, if you use walking poles. Much cheaper and lighter. Love my Stratosphere, it’s huge, light and strong and cheap
I've had an Akto for many years, but used it only once. It still looks like new. I'm torn between starting to use it, or selling it while it's still in great condition and I could probably get a lot of money for it. The fact I've always used another tent (because it's lighter to carry) makes me want to sell the Akto, but I worry I'd be getting rid of one of the few small tents that seems to be able to stand up to fairly horrific winds. Have you had the Akto up in noteworthy weather and how did it seem?
@@AbbieBarnesWILD That's good to hear. Given the winds we've had recently I'm leaning more towards keeping it:) The thing is, I started to pack it on a recent trip and remembered another reason why I haven't used it: I find it very hard to pack in a way I'm comfortable with. I don't like having the tent on the outside of the pack as I don't always want to advertise that I'm looking for a camping spot. I can fit every other tent I've had in the bottom of my rucksack with the poles separate, but the non-detachable four corner stays in the Akto mean the only way I could fit it inside the pack is vertically, and that threw my normal packing routine out of the window. So yet again I left it behind in favour of another tent. Have you found any cunning ways of carrying it internally, or do you have an extra-wide pack?
Mentioning its not a free standing tent during Cons, is as you say a design thing, another useful thing to mention in that regard, its not a family tent! You should not pick this tent for your partner and kids, it would get crowded!
My solo tent choice is similar but different enough to be more versatile. The TARPTENT MOMENT DW is my 4 season tent . UNLIKE the Atko or Enan I can use the optional Crossing Pole to assist in strengthening the ridge in high winds and heavy snow load. For even more support I shortened the X-ing pole and ran it UNDER the fly. With 2 doors and 2 vestibules and top and bottom vents I find have no problem with condensation. Neither the Atko nor the Enan are 4 season tents.
Abbie, great review. Two questions for you: -have you had any issues with the inner tent 'sagging' at all? My Akto has given me some problems in that respect-I go to sleep at night with plenty of headroom but when I wake up in the morning the roof is almost touching my sleeping bag!? -I am in the US and can never find a new Hilleberg on sale? I've been looking for either a Jannu or Nammatj and I will pay full retail if I must but talk about expensive! Great channel and best regards from Idaho! Tim
Hi Tim thanks for your comment and watching. Sometimes my inner sags but then I just pull everything tight again. I find of frosty nights it sags more for some reason. Annoying huh! Yes the Hillebergs are expensive. Hope you can find a good as new second hand one somewhere!!
For most people I would imagine. But Abbie has the time to camp and hike through the year much more than I could I know that. So therefore she can justify paying that kind of money. But with my work and family commitments I can only hike and camp once a year....So no point spending large sums of cash on something that's hardly going to get used. So I'm content with my Nevis 200. Cost me £120...Job done...However if I was in the position where I had more money and time, then an expensive tent it would be for sure. I think Abbie mentions in one of her films that she hikes around 6 times per year...Bloody hell I wish lol....
![MISSING: SLIM SHADY [Expanded Mourner’s Edition Trailer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xh8qgHrOO1g/mqdefault.jpg)
Exciting to hear a true user of the tent and not just another unboxing my tent in the garden............
Thank you! Most of these videos start with "yeah so I just bought this tent..." The test of time and experience is really what counts.
Yes. Ugh, I leave when I hear the words "I just bought this" in a review.
I have this akto, the mesh and footprint also. Excellent material !! Hilleberg is excellent !!
I love my Atko, . I've had it a long time now and it really does stand up to bad conditions very well. I haven't really noticed much of a problem with condensation but I do use the footprint and almost always have the vents open . Like you I always catch the door zip on that protective piece of plastic - irritating but not a real issue. I love how easy it is to put up, readjust., and pack the next morning
Hi Abbie, just a thumbs up for your two reviews of the Akto, I’ve been spending last few weeks reviewing Hilleberg brochure & just about every RUclips review of the Akto, and I have to say, yours is the best review, I’ve come back again to watch it and they just are so helpful, thanks 👍
It's a great tent! Thanks for watching!
BEST TENT EVER! - just a tip to increase headroom - you can release the inner from its top toggle as you showed. this give a few inches more headroom when just sitting inside, then just pop the toggle back in at bedtime. i use a piece of plastic sheet in the vestibule to reduce condensation (builder merchants sell `visqueen` sheet - really strong)
Great to see you three years on with your Hilleberg Akto. Now a little more familiar with it but still as pleased as punch with it.
You are always great Abbie! Thanks for the vid.
Thank you for watching!
Add the mesh inner and it's great for summer and even lighter. Great tent.
The Hilleberg Akto was my first Hilleberg tent. I had a few others prior to that but has stayed with the Hilleberg brand since my Akto.
Due to the family size I`ve sold my Akto since a number of years ago and now have a Nammatj 3 GT and a Allak 2.
The price of a Hilleberg tent is very high no matter what model you choose, but you do get what you pay for!
The quality is seen in every detail, such as the Kerlon fabric (order the free catalogue and you get a few samples that you can try and tear) the zippers, pockets, ventilation ports, pegs, guy lines and I could go on....
I use my tents in the mountains, forests, paddling in the archipelago and they work perfectly wherever I use them.
The best part of the Akto I definitely thought was the space vs weight, as Abbie also says. I could easily put my 80 litre sack in the vestibule and still not having any problem getting in or out. Having two ventilation ports at floor level and on up top, gives you fairly good ventilation in this tent. If there is no precipitation expected and you can have the door open it’s not an issue at all.
My Nammatj is close to 15 years old now and I use it many times every year and even if you can see that it is a well used tent it works just as good as when I bought it.
Thanks for this, great to hear that the Akto worked for you :)
Just one serious question. Do you use a footprint?
I guess the question was ment for Abbie? However I have a comment regarding footprints. I had a footprint to my Akto but I hardly ever used it. I find footprints more useful in tents with large vestibules, like my Nammatj 3 GT, there the difference in moisture becomes more noticeable. Since the GT vestibule is so big you can use it as a kitchen in bad weather and it’s nicer to sit on a floor instead of directly on the ground.
@@skurken65 The question was ment for you and thanks for it. It was all I wanted to know.
Thanks Abbie,. Your first review on the Akto persuaded me to get it. (Mind you a fluke price of £350 New did help). Your long term review is spot with all the cons. Even with the ground sheet and all the ports open, it does develop a lot of condensation when there is no wind. It may not be the lightest, but it's a very reassuring shelter.
Carry on the good work.
Wild country helm 1 is hands down the best one man tent I’ve ever used. Price, quality, stability, room is unbeatable in my opinion
Oooooh I really want a new tent now!
I remember your initial review and how excited you were ... it was pretty infectious causing me to purchase one shortly after and sub to your channel. Another super informative video. Atb 👍
Awesome stuff! So you're getting on with it okay?
Abbie Barnes | Song Thrush Productions ....it’s been great ... not been out as many times as yourself but never the less it’s a great tent 🥇
Had mine since 2006 .zero issues in comparison to other solo tents ..Still the best out there .vent well keep it taught and condensation is eliminated. I cut off the metal zips pullers and replaced with cordage to reduce the jingling in high winds.
Yep totally agree it's a grat tent. I bought on of the first ones, saddley it past away under the feet of some upset cattle? I now have a new one in the new design. I've had to issues with the zip and there is condensation but it not and issue. Thanks Abbs
Thank you Abbie you have released me from guilt. Would never get rid of my Nallo which I have had for 18 years (the original with both poles the same length thus no need for vent zips at the smaller end). That can now be my base camp and I can get another Hilleberg hehe.
I bought this tent a few years ago for extended hiking and camping trips in a very remote area of nw scotland.
I agree with your assessments as to pros and cons.
I have a footprint which adds a floor to the storage area which is useful if pitching on damp ground.
Ventilation is improved by pitching in places where it is exposed to a breeze but a problem in still air.
Well worth the money for the quality and its fitness for purpose.
Interesting yours is the same. Thats a good thing as it means I wasn't just doing something wrong I guess! Thanks for watching. Stay WILD.
I have had my Akto for a few trips now and had condensation issues. After obtaining the foot print for my tent the condensation problems have not been as bad. One thing to consider is ,i do live in Alabama(very high humidity) . I love my tent and if to do it again i would buy the samething.
I would agree strongly. A large proportion of condensation issues (in non-snow conditions) come from transpiration from grass. A footprint removes all of this.
Super nice video.Thanks a lot !!!
Thank you!
Great video, always looking around for more kit and this looks like a great tent for the uk weather. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
I use my Akto for motorcycle camping. I ride a BMW GS, and I can fit both Vario side cases in the vestibule, and my boots! This is a terrific tent.
i have seen reviews of £250 tents that have failed, can you imagine then the feeling? Like my friend says about boots and I agree - `I can`t afford cheap boots`
I've had my Akto for about 10 years, and I just love it. Regarding the zipper getting stuck, that's the case with mine as well. Just a minor nuisance. It should also be said that this tent is crazy strong. It'll hold up in storms, and where your mates are clinging to their tents throughout the night, you can rest assured that the Akto will stay put.
Do you ever remove the short poles at the ends when packing it down?
@@MorganSundqvist Nope, I don't. I make sure to fold the tent around those :-)
@@parsifal335 thanks for responding.
They are just 0.5 cm wider than my backpack so I'm thinking of taking them out
Thanks Abbie for this and the earlier review.
Thanks for watching!!
Excellent update review of your tent. I like the frequent reviews that you do on this product. Like your videos, editing etc.
Thank you! Glad its useful!
Hey Abbie, had my Akto roughly about the same time. The ground sheet deffo helps with condensation. In certain conditions all tents suffer condensation. I always take a small pack towel. And every time I wake in the night I just give it a quick wipe above my head and feet. That really helps. And have a look on Facebook for the Hillieberg owners group. It's a great group and the Hillieberg family are all members, Petra Hilleberg is very active in the group. Take care and those videos coming.
Thanks for the tips! I will check that group out too :)
@@AbbieBarnesWILD yeah it's a fantastic group great photos and adventures from around the world. And great to interact with the family.
Hello Abbie, from the Lowcountry of South Carolina! Thank you so much for this review. I have been interested in this tent for a long time, and your review is very thorough. Have a wonderful Spring!
I would try the foot print as it does help with reducing the amount of condensation. fingers crossed as I haven't had a problem with it as I use the footprint
Hilleberg recommends the footprint just for that reason. Less condensation through the floor of the vestibule.
Regardless of what tent you buy there will always be condensation issues. The Akto is a Hilleberg classic, great bit of kit. 👍
Yup!!
Condensation and cramped quarters (low height) guarantees that your back and head will contact the (usually ample) condensation, soaking your clothing. I throw on a rain shell (when I remember) while entering and exiting the tent. Airing out the tent is a must in the morning before packing it up. You can trust it with your life when pitched correctly.
Nice one Abbie, I took the plunge and bought one last month at sale price and really pleased with it so far.
Great stuff! Hope it works out for you :)
Ive had Akto for few years now, been using it in all conditions, also in harsh winter of Finland, hehe.. its been a really killer tent. For winter use its a bit small, so i got a freestanding Hilleberg Allak for winter use (and for rocky islands while kayaking!). BTW. i found your first review of Akto very helpful when i bought my Akto, so cheers for that! :)
- Sami (from Helsinki, FInland)
Freeestandings are hard to find here, so its interesting to hear about what other people use! Thanks for the comment!
Hi Abbie, I to use this tent as my go to for solo work. It is bomb proof. I have always used the standard inner but this year fitted the mesh inner then typically used other tents on trips so I still do not know how much better the mesh is at helping me not to be too hot. The only down side for me is the price but I have had this tent for years now and it is still going strong so it was / is a good investment.
Ian
Great stuff Ian! Stoked the tent works for you - they are great. Enjoy your adventures!
Interesting to watch your videos. Now i finally bought my own Hilleberg Akto. This is much better than my older tents. First i thought to buy Enan but i decided to bought Akto for some reasons. I am from Sweden and i am planning to walk through Sarek, in the north of Sweden. It is a place with a great wild mark and Nationalpark.
Ive had mine since 1998 and i still use it today (£242) then, its a bit heavy by modern standards but i wouldn't change it, its stood up to the Cape Wrath trail to the Cumbrian way and without the footprint and minus the top vent on my model, just open the outer door weather permitting for condensation control.
Hi Abbie. I have a similarly designed single hoop Vango. I love mine and also recommend this style of tent. Great review.
Thanks for watching!
Unbelievably, I have a Hilleberg Akto, Hilleberg Foot Print, Spare Hilleberg DAC pole in my cupboard, all purchased in 2009, which has, apart from a first time trial setup in the back garden, never been used 'in the wild', not once. Yes, I am ashamed of this fact 😢
It was purchased, all £700 worth of it, for a long distance hike that got cancelled due to illness and I've basically forgotten about it since, as the needs of real life kind of got in the way.
Maybe one day it will get used, maybe...
go on, use it (this keyboard doesnt seem to have emojis, if it did I'd be putting lots of encouraging ones here)
Thanks for this follow up video. Don't see to many of these, just people pitching tents, a shot of them giving thumbs up and then they are off to the next subject.
Good to know about the zipper, i got an Enan myself, but it's pretty close in design so i guess it could happen on mine as well. I got Y pegs with the tent, and they pretty much get muddy when i stick them into the ground. Don't know if the V pegs are the same. Not a big problem but a minor nuisance to get a stick and scrape them clean.
The inner really needs a double door system as per the Terra Nova Voyager etc. So you can zip up only the mesh door which in conjunction with the mesh panel at the far end of the inner prevents any condensation issues. I do prefer the "door at the side" and as you pointed out the very generous and useful space between inner and outer - that's where the Voyager comes a poor second.
I too like my Hilleberg Akto very much. I do use a footprint. I don't have a condensation problem. I never thought of linking these two facts before watching your video. It might be worth trying ? Yes you will have a little bit more weight to carry but worth it for the benefits and you might find another way to reduce your pack weight. Perhaps you already have tried this - it's a few years since you made your video.
I've had mine about 6 years and used it quite a lot. It's my go-to for solo backpacking.
I often used it without the inner - though once had to hastily put the inner up to keep midges out (thankfully I did have it with me) haha a lesson learned there. At the right time of year, I do enjoy the extra space and feeling of greater connection with the earth when not using the inner (currently considering whether I can justify also owning a tarp tent for this reason, and like the idea of using walking poles instead of tent poles, one less thing to carry).
I love it that it's so easy to pitch and to take down, stands up to the weather, and is fine in the backpack. Yes overall I do like my Akto very much.
Girl, you need an Enan. Awesome videos, BTW. I've got a Nallo 3 and am trying to decide on a 1 person tent. This was really helpful!
I love my Atko..great to see a review of long term use
Me too - love it!!
Abbie at last! Thank you for the Akto update. I was wondering if you still have it. I bought one identical to yours about 18 months ago because of your review. I use the footprint and have zero condensation, but then again I am in arid outback Australia. Love the vestibule. No problems with the zip. For my needs this tent scores 10/10.
Stoked that you love the tent too!
Great video and thanks so much for it, and having traveled with Akto for 5y now, I agree with your points. If you camp in rougher conditions, you have a fortress you are safe in, and thats a great feeling. Better save few hundred gr on other items. Since I ditched my light Laser Competition1 (not sturdy enough to my taste but not a bad tent) I am using a lighter sleeping bag. Its not science, but my feeling is that you win like 2-3degC or 200g in sleeping bag weight for the same comfort zone (800g now vs 1kg before), esp. in cold windy conditions you are sheltered from the chill of the wind. As I mention also below, you can have condensation inside a tarp as well, so ventilation is only one factor of so many and condensation is often inevitable, regardless of the tent design. I dont really have an issue with it, the first thing in the morning after getting out of my sleeping bag is wiping the outer tent on the inside with my great mini pack towel, which is thin and wrings almost dry. its max 3min of morning gymnastics which wakes you up pretty well :-) I also have a Nallo3 which is a fantastic as a luxurious 2p tent, and still light. Condensation seems to be identical to the Akto, of course impossible for me to compare exactly. My biggest issue with the Akto is (being 1.92m) that the inner sags a bit and almost touches my face, which is not so pleasant. I'll do some experiments this year to avoid it. It seems that the Enan has solved that problem, though being a bit shorter, the single pole at both ends keeps the inner further away from the person. Its the only design problem I see with the Akto and I wonder if they could upgrade the design in the future (Petra if you are reading this!). In short: Its a great tent when you need a tent the most! And great feeling to sleep in a Hilleberg, knowing that its made in a sustainable and respectful way, not by some kind of multinational. My Nallo is some 15y old and still going, despite serious battering, so it lasts and lasts, so the cost/year is actually not higher than for other brands.
Jan did you manage to resolve the sagging material in the Akto? I’m thinking of getting one, but I’m 188cm so a bit concerned...
@@petergilbert72 Dear Peter, without making modifications, its not possible I think. It has to do with silnylon (a great material) but it stretches a little when it gets wet, so as for all silnylon tents, it will over night get a little less straight tensioned and sag down a little (unless in dry conditions). Please note that I am using a 6cm thick matress (8cm in winter), which matters a lot, as well I am 4cm taller. To my taste, its the single one inconvenience I have with the Akto, its not a major problem but I would have preferred some more head clearance. When you have the chance to test the tent in a shop, take into account the mattress (!) to have a more realistic idea. In winter, you have the 8cm mattress + a thick sleeping bag around the head, thats when it becomes tight. Every disadvantage has its advantage, the Akto is a symmetric tent, both ends have same hight, so when you pitch your tent in the mountains, its more practical as you can still sleep in both directions and keep the entrance off wind, but a a-symmetrical tent with lower end for the feet and higher for the head would have been better for inside comfort. Overall, I am not sure what to prefer, as I very much value the freedom in pitching. I tend to think thats more important than having the inner tent close to my face. Other thing is that I find the Akto rather small to my taste (overall) for winter camping (being 192cm), but the advantage is that it feels really warm inside. In the end, it all depends on what you wanna do with it. I use my Akto for alpine hiking, sleeping at higher altitude, I need a robust fortress with small footprint to be able to pitch it and that means other compromises.
@@petergilbert72 Hi Peter, I wrote you a reply but it got lost, so here again: No, it is not resolved, especially in humid conditions, with the silnylon stretching a little overnight (which is unavoidable and typical for all high-quality silnylon tents), it can get a little close to my taste, but its not a big issue really. It all depends what you want to use your tent for. I use my Akto mostly for summer to automn alpine hiking, and especially in automn (oct-november) the conditions are already pretty harsh, so I really need a robust 4season tent. For less challenging situations, I guess the Niak as 1p tent might be a better choice for around the same weight. In winter conditions, I use a 8cm thick mattress, plus the thick sleeping back, its in those conditions that I feel its a little too tight (but still ok). In summer I use a 6cm mattress. If you test your tent in a shop, take that into account because it makes a serious difference in the Akto (ask them to put a 8cm downmat in there just to test it). The Akto is a symmetric tent, both ends have the same height. It makes it tighter on the head side, but it also has advantages imo. Especially in mountain area, with more challenging pitching, you can still put the entrance downwind and sleep uphill, so you have all flexibility in pitching. In practice, I find that pitching flexibilty a real advantage. Other point is that for my 192cm, I find the Akto too small to my taste in real winter conditions with lots of snow etc, requiring more space, but I dont have a good alternative that is both robust enough and light enough. The closest thing would be the Nallo2, which would have the advantage to be a very versatile tent that in other seasons can be used for 2p. I have a Nallo3 which I use for 2p hiking (or 1 adult and 2kids), I have it for more than 15years and its a fantastic tent. The big advantage of using a light 2p tent as a 1p tent imo is that you can combine your hike to do a part with 2 and a part alone (what I mostly do), it gives you max flexibility. The 2nd person can still bring a tarp along to extend the space a little, eg if cooking in the rain or so.
@@janvandeputte1405 thank you (and for your second post as well)! I have read that someone used bicycle inner tube to make an elastic connection between tent and guy line so as to take up the slack in the morning. Perhaps that would help. I think this was not the main guy lines but some extra ones from the additional guy points on the tent.
@@petergilbert72 Ha! great idea about the bicycle inner tube, I will try this, thanks
Great review Abbie
Thanks for the useful info about Akto, i made the decision to buy Akto Mil ver after i watch your reviews and it a good tent after i use it last weekend😉
great minds think alike ;)
Sorry didn't mean to top your comment.
Thanks, great review. Iv been agonising over a new tent, what a minefield !
Think its going to be an Akto though with a footprint.
Its not just your tent Abbie, the zip on mine catches in the same place ... but I'll try the lubricant trick.
David Dickson hey. Lubricant wouldn't stop it. The zip stops on the seam, just push it out of the way. Atb Si
Love my Akto. I’ve just had the ends of the inner tent modified (by Scottish Mountain Gear) to mesh fabric to improve ventilation - am hoping this will reduce condensation. They did an amazing job so can’t wait to give it a try in next few weeks 😝
The bent portion of your pole is a great place to 'store' your repair pole.
The pegs (stakes). I have a set of ultra light ones that are dark red, but have a string like yours. And I have some bare aluminum ones like yours but no string. First night on the Wessex Trail I lost two of the aluminum stakes. The red ones being smaller and darker, should've been the problem. Solution? I tied on 6-8" diameter orange tent line loops to each one. Over the following three months didn't lose another stake. I also use the loops as short lines to tie into perimeter loops on my fly, etc. Very useful. I've since added 'tails' to all kinds of easy to misplace stuff, my TV remote (blue masking tape) now I don't lose it and when I pick it up it's pointing the right way. All the engineers in Japan, China, etc... never solved this.
Is it worth it? For two years now I've been looking for an excuse to replace my Big Agnes Fly Creek. I like the newer design that has two mesh doors on the sides: better view (and I live in California so my conditions are not as harsh as yours. Even in, or on top of 6' of snow at 10,000 feet in the Sierras it's not as bad because the winds are not too harsh.) My Big Agnes is ten years old. It's good for another ten. It would be wasteful to replace it. So an expensive tent like your Akto? Over time it's not at all expensive.
The fabric zipper cover getting caught. It's not just your tent. This is a common issue. I have it on my tent. It annoys me and then I don't think about it. It's a real problem when it's blowing rain and the zipper is stuck. I think I might try inserting some welting inside the fabric and then as many short bits of grosgrain. Then when I'm pulling the zip, I can just pull back the cover until the zip passes. Also strings on the zips really help make them pull easier, they won't help keep them from getting stuck in the cover. Hope this helps or is at least interesting. (btw buying a sewing machine and making some of my own gear and modifying other gear is a lot of fun and a real game changer. ) Another thing about your tent that I like. It's probably really good in the wind. It's got a good shape for that.
Great conclusion to your first review, 3 years ago. I just wonder what you would think, if you were forced to use the 3 season Niak instead of your Akto..... it’s just as light, better ventilation, more roomy.... the only 2 downsides are (1) blowing snow might build up under the fly, and (2) the porch is not nearly as generous. Anyway, great review.
Id sure love to try it!
Hello Abbie from Sweden! Thank you so very much for sharing your long-term-use thoughts about and of this Hilleberg Akto 4-season tent for one person! One thought and question to you Abbie, would a additional foot print to this Akto maybe help and maybe even reduce the moisture from the grassy ground in order to give you less condensation inside your Akto tent? All in all a very good follow-up review you made and presented for us here on YT enjoying your good channel!
Your follow-up review gave me more additional and helpful information and also in a nice way of yours, to present your experiences; after using this tent for about four years! Wishing you Abbie even many more future wonderful and pleasant hike experiences and many good and sweet sleeping hours in future, when using this your, maybe most used Hilleberg Akto tent! All the very best Wishes to you Abbie!
Dear CHRL Abbie does say in the vid she knows a footprint would reduce condensation from the ground but wants to keep weight down for her camera gear hehe.
You guys have got it! Ive heard about the footprint but as Joyseeker says, I try to keep the weight down. Its just something Im learning to live with although sure is a pain! Thanks for the comments guys!
CHRL Mlln the footprint doesn't really help in reducing the moisture. I have the same issue.....
@@AbbieBarnesWILD checkout polycro, tyvek and dyneema for a light weight foot print. Also consider just creating a foot print which only covers the vestibule/grassy bits. I am considering the Enan which is just an Akto with 1000 fabric and has some changes to the ventilation; but feel your video has great value. Have you considered the mesh only inner which can be bought seperately? Thanks for sharing your knowledge hope to see you make some more videos.
@@martinclennon4640 Hi Martin, have you ever had problems with water at the inner tent during heavy storms with your yellow line Hilleberg?
Those night time maps...pages are all black,I do believe. I bought three off a lovely cockney (a 'barrow boy' they're called) for Scotland,The Lakes and Peak district. Use 'em all the time...Good vid,btw.
Nice review, Abbie. A unique tent design which I’ve never seen before. I’m going for a Zpacks Soleplex tent from the US made from Cuben Fibre which only weights 400-odd grams, yet another hefty price tag and maybe not good for deep British winter so I’ll take this one into consideration. Keep hiking and sharing! Thanks!
The Trail Hunter , sir plz reasearch the zpacks soleplex it is a great tent but it will not hold in any heat for truly cold weather.
I use the akto on canoe trips and some backpacking trips but it is a four season tent . The zpacks is much lighter and therefore not as durable. For some info on Zpacks tents plz look up homemade wander lust. Dixie did the PCT trail with one.
Hi Ryan Ewbank thank you very much for your advice and a very valid point. I’ll be using my Zpacks Soleplex for my trip around South East Asia and the PCT. Currently hiking the South Downs with it in 30+ degree heat and it’s holding up well. I’ve added a thick ground sheet and a NeoAir Xlight for added protection as well as my Katabatic Gear Palisade sleeping bag which is good down to -2 deg c. What home made wanderlust says is true, it is less durable, but with added care and a sleep system to match, an ultralight dyneema tent can withstand a PCT thru which is amazing considering its weight. @jupiterhikes uses a tarp and ground sheet for his 5000+ mile hikes, so with the right knowledge, you can feel comfortable using almost any shelter for thru hikes in North America.
Hows the SDW going? Sure has been hot!!
Abbie Barnes | Song Thrush Productions Hey Abbie. Ahh it was amazing. I walked from Winchester to Amberly and am about to do the second half starting tomorrow. Was freakin’ hot man. But set to be cooler this weekend. Are you thinking of doing it again this year?
Hi Abbie, I have the same tent and I am quite satisfied with it. Ok sometimes I would wish a bit mor space and a still a bit lighter in weight. That it`s not free standing is not so much my concern, but it`s true, you really need to open up many as possible vents to prevent having not too much condensation.
In my experience most of the one person Hilleberg tents can have issues with condensation. Opening the vents does help, but the issue is caused because the tent inner is actually water resistant and so doesn't breathe that well. The secret to dealing with condensation inside the inner is to leave a gap in the inner zip to let air circulate in the inner. Give it a try.
Thanks for this. I do this each night in the tent and still get soaked. Maybe I'm just a heavy breather!!! Good to know about the waterproofing though, thank you!
yes, I also have sometimes lots of condensation in my Akto, but also in my Nallo3. It depends on so many factors, such as wind, if you are on a hill (less condensation) or close to a river (lots!), underground, temperature etc. You can have condensation inside an open tarp as well, so ventilation is only one factor. Point with a 1p Akto (me being 1.92m) is that you push against the outside tent. I have not really any issue with condensation, just using a very good pack tower to wipe the inner (unlock just a few attachments of the inner to the outer) so you can reach easily most of the outer from the inside. Its the first thing I do when I get up in the morning, right after getting out of my sleeping bag. I would never leave without my magic pack towel (very thin, you can wring it almost dry), it solves so many problems, also when entering the tent with wet rain clothes, you can dry them in the vestibule before entering the tent etc. In winter, condensation freezes which is funny, it also freezes on the inside of the inner tent, but as its frozen, its not a problem really.
Great review! Looking to get one, only downside is that condensation problem, that you and everyone has mentioned! Suppose cant have everything. Thanks👍👍👍
Hey Abbie. my Akto came with one pre-bent pole in the middle. You mentioned you'd bent a pole- just so you know (if you didn't already) if its the middle one you HAVEN'T bent it, it comes like that. Great vids btw!
Nice honest review, having considered purchasing this tent I have decided against it for one major reason. Condensation. For such a small volume tent there is no where near enough mesh vents on the inner, hence the condensation issue I guess. I am considering the Fyallraven Abisko 1, almost identical in design and build quality but with considerable more mesh vents on the inner. A most to keep out those insects on a warm night.
Julian Jones Hi Julian. Just wondering if you went for the Atko or the Abisko? I am trying to decide between the two for the same reason you mentioned. Thanks 🙏
@@jamiecrutchley3550 I haven't made the purchase yet, but I am pretty sure it will be the Abisko, it just adds up to the right choice for me, both appear to be well made Scandinavian options.
It's not just ur zip that stops part way down, mine does it also. As you say it's just the seam stopping it, just push it out of the way like you did. Atb Si
Nice review Abbie, I went for the Anjan 3 which is a palace and only 1.7kg also, but the Hilleberg are bomb proof, I am considering the Allak 2 which is freestanding and domed this would be for winter camping. But my go to hiking overnights on long trails is the Nordisk Telemark 2LW which is a very similar size to the alto and the materials are similar also, but at 950 gms its a great weigh and cost me £430
I’d love to get one but geez they are expensive
Hi Abbie great update of the tent did you know they do a footprint as well that looks pricey but great.
I've just got myself a new one with footprint off eBay for £350. Doing glyndwr's way in April, can't wait to try it out
Thanks for the update, Abbie. I actually bought the Akto based of your first review. I have noticed the zip getting caught behind the weatherproof flaps on occasion, but I’ve gotten used to it. My only concern has been the heat. I live in Japan, and during the summer it can get pretty hot inside, even at 6am with the vents open. Apart from that, I have no problems.
I can relate to that! Well, not that I've been to Japan but we've had a very hot summer and it was too warm in there at times for me in the evening. But then you can pitch just the inner if you buy an additional pole.
After I got the mesh inner and used it for two summers and falls, I've noticed three big differences compared to the solid inner: 1) Almost no condensation even in really difficult conditions. 2) Heat in warm, sunny weather is really no problem anymore, and 3) the tent feels a lot bigger inside.
Hi Abbie, great review - but as a Scottish camper who is looking to make this substantial investment, one significant question I'd love to know - how does it stand up to the hardy midge? Cheers!
meepmeep1313 nothing stands up to the midge, they are evil and have been known to destroy nuclear blast shelters with their evil nastiness
I slowly watch all your videos trough, very informatuve, entertaining and inspirational. I have a question towards how you use the akto during wet weather conditions. When its raining for several days and you pack the tent do you always leave the inner tent mounted to the outer tent? How do you manage to dry the tent during longer walks? Or is it not so important and you just dry it after the walk when you come home before you store it away? I ask because i‘ve seen you in one video where you pitched the outer tent first in rainy conditions and then pitched the inner tent in. I have the akto since last year, but have just little experience (several 2 nighters). I used it in cold/moist conditions and never picked the layers apart. I‘d be happy if you could give some tipps for the handling of the akto in harsh conditions if you want. Maybe a video on camping tipps, drying clothes, do you wash clothes during camping and all long trip camping tipps if you find the time. I hope i find more energy to do what i love and not just to watch videos about it, depression is standing on my brakes with a heavy foot sometimes... thanks for sharing your experiences, greetings from switzerland 🇨🇭
Well, I use to separate the tent parts when it's raining in the morning. The dry inner tent goes into the tent bag and the rainfly gets attached to the backpack. If it's not raining, I quickli dry the rainfly on the outside (and the inside, if needed because of condensation). For that, I separate the inner tent from the rainfly but hang the inner tent up again when everything is dry. The pro of a detachable inner tent is the possibility to keep it dry all the time. But as long as both parts are dry, pack them up togheter. That safes time and works great, at least with the Anjan.
Sorry Abbi but £500 , for tent in UK wheath not on , I had £125 for tent three and has been all over the UK , but it your Mony , think you for your help with camping, you have a lovely nature, good bless you Patrick Ayling
Nice review, I bought a akto early this yr and love it for backpacking in Colorado and will bow hunt elk in New Mexico and Colorado later this yr. I'm six four two hundred thirty lbs and it's comfortable. Side note, I only use a tent for sleeping, not lounging.
I love this tent so much but can not afford this kind of tent, so I bought other bivy tent made in China 😯 thank you for sharing
Epic tent for sure, I'm going for the solo. And if you think £550 is a lot the solo is £700 but you get what you pay for
I just bought the Enan, a similar shape to your tent, and still suffered with condensation.i the attached the footprint and this was reduced. I have reduced it further by leaving the front door open by about 20cm from the top AND leave the inner door open. Arrange your sleeping direction so your head is next to the vestibule. I am a side sleeper, so naturally sleep on my side to the left. All my night time breathing goes into the vestibule. It may help? Works for me
Keen to try the Enan. Hows it holding up?
Hi I have only slept 7 nights in it. I used it last weekend during that storm to walk the Ridgeway Trail, and it held up very well. It’s very light, which attracted me to it. My base weight was 11kg with an osprey atmos 50 AG pack. Going to take it for the Pembrokeshire coastal trail next minth
How do you get on venting overnight (thinking of that 20cm opening)? That seems to me to be the main advantage of the Akto, but is it worth an extra 500g? 🤔
Talk about bending poles I fell on my tent whilst sober at the isle of man tt races this year and I bent s pole at one end it made my tent look lopsided the tent a vango nemesis pro 300 still stood up to high wind and rain
Great review. Also had this tent for 3 yrs and ditched it. Too heavy vs competition and small inside for the weight. I could deal with the weight if it was larger but it’s not. Also for me in winter, since it’s not free standing, I t’s a hassle to set up dead-mans in the snow to stake it out.
What tent did you go for afterwards?
Abbie Barnes | Song Thrush Productions still looking for the right one but for now I take my big Agnes’s copper spur. Not a warm as akto but lighter, free standing and much larger inside which helps in winter. Downsize is it won’t hold up as well in snow loading situation but I can deal with that easy enough. Btw- ever try to pull a deadman tent stake out if the frozen snow the next morning?
@@pgreenx i had a laser comp1 , great tent, similar to atko but since bought a hilleberg unna , its heavier but makes up for it in so many ways, fantastic 3 and 4 season tent. Thinking of a solomid or duomid type tent for the summer , but need to justify :)
@@Foxtrottangoabc I had the laser comp1 first and ditched that one for the Akto, because not solid enough for rough Alpine conditions, had some sleepless nights in it, ready to pack if my tent would collapse. With the Akto, I know it can withstand the wind. It all depends what you use it for
Nice review
Hi Abbie. Try TiZip waterproof Zipper care zip lubricant. Ebay £5. It is excellent for any zip.
Fab!
Hi Abbie have you or anyone in the comments had any issues with the akto leaking from the door vent seam ?
The akto was my dream tent and I managed to finally get one this weekend and when I tested it that seam leaked ..really badly (you can see this on the video on my channel) I’m really disappointed but I still love the tent as daft as it sounds
Great video love the channel 👍
Got one aswell thanks to your review (and a few others).
Wonder why you don't have a footprint on, it supposed to help with the condensation.
Did you ever pitch it with 2 poles?
I've found in very windy conditions it's extremely noisy inside with the fabric snapping around. In firm conditions for the pegs, they hold up well. In soggy soil or peat plus very windy conditions they'll come loose. In Iceland it was kind of a pain to find somewhere with solid enough ground sometimes. One night the only suitable ground I could find was on snow.
How do you put the pegs in? They should be put into the ground at a 45 degree angle to catch the ground and it makes them a lot harder to come out. Thanks for the comment.
In snow and very soft ground just have to basically bury the pegs and lie them almost flat, then go around hunting for rocks to pile on top. The prospect of freezing to death really brings out the ingenuity!
if there are rocks around, put a heavy stone on top of the rope against/ontop of the peg, if snow, indeed as Stapler said: use dead man method.
Hi Abbie, I'm glad you mentioned the footprint in this video. I've had my Akto for only a year, and I've elected not to do the footprint for exactly the same reason you did. I just try to be meticulous about checking the lay for pokey bits before pitching. Can you describe how your bathtup is wearing? You've clearly got more miles on yours than I've got on mine, so I'd love to know how much that extra protection might be missed on such an expensive piece of kit. And thanks for the video!
Holding up just fine! :)
Footprint can be nice with muddy, soggy ground, as it keeps the tent floor clean, simplifying packing, especially when footprint can be cleaned and dried easily. I've cut a patch of Tyvek (55g/m²) into shape, with "snaps" loops for attaching to the ground pegs. That material is resilient, light, machine- and river washable while drying quickly. And as the material is also relatively cheap, it's only a small investment for an item one may not be using frequently or at all.
I recently discovered another cheap and light material suitable as ground sheet: shower curtains. Used and replaced ones are fine too.
Tyvek can be obtained for no pay from car dealers selling new cars - those are often covered in Tyvek for transport, for protection of surfaces. Car dealers unpeel them, and the material goes into the recycle bin. As it has no value for them then, you may be allowed to take your pick when asking kindly.
The outer tent fabric on my old Akto seems to hold an unacceptable amount of water after a heavy rain. Have you had a similar experience?
Hello Abbie ! It's quite remarkable how enthusiastic fellow Hilleberg owners are - they seem to have extra glow in their eyes, just talking about it ! I always love sleeping in tents, but there is something extra satisfying in sleeping in a piece of kit built with an eye for quality, and this one has it in spades. Explaining what the magic component is, is a bit harder - there are lighter, roomier, stronger and definitely cheaper alternatives out there.
I recognise the zipper issue - but as they say on their website : "Whenever you zip your tent door, put the tip of your finger ahead of the slider. This keeps the door fabric from catching (and subsequently getting stuck or, worse, getting chewed up), and will increase the life of your zippers, as well."
I struggle a bit more with how it sags when wet, but that's silnylon.
Which one man tent is lighter,roomier and stronger than Akto?
Good point. I meant you can find a lighter alternative, and a roomier, and (perhaps) a stronger, and (definiitely) a cheaper. Ok ?
@@HansDeseure thank you,i love my Akto wich is very strong in high wind,not heavy and there is room for me,my dog and gear.Lighter tents are not strong and roomier strong tents are too heavy for me.
About the condensation and the ‘inner’ tent liner, isn’t the inner really only for freezing snowy wind conditions? In which case you’d be better off with the ‘mesh’ inner most of the yr and not have condensation? Or is the problem condensation on the inside of the outer tent? In which case the mesh inner would keep your sleeping bag and head etc away from the inside of the outer tent so not as much of a issue?
The outer tent is akin to a tarp with zipper, defining the entrance, and a channel for the single pole, without ground layer. The inner tent resembles a fully closed mosquito net with ground layer as floor and two long zippers opening the whole side. You'd rather use just the inner tent, keeping insects and moderate rain out (mesh is hydrophobic) - condensation is an issue with the outer tent.
I have one ,did NOT know it has feed ventilation tak .
Hi Abbie, I currently have a TN laser comp and not planning to sell it but am looking to buy an Akto for just over £600. Money well spent? Worth the money? Any advice welcome.
Great review
totally agree that this is the right tent for your constant usage
For a less constant use then the Wild Country Zephros 1
Same problems of condensation
Same 1.7 kg weight
400 pounds cheaper
I used to have Wild country tents but the after sales service is non existent, they are not interested so tough. Now I use Hilleberg and am very satisfied with them
I have this tent and the Enan lighter version. Condensation is very very bad!
I have had enough of it and have decided to get rid of them both. Done with it!
Must be you because mine has no problem,
@@Anthonyinkz yea, that's it. That's why they are accepting it as a return, because I am the problem.
Oh yea, I am a qualified alpine trecking guide and also have 22 years military service and counting. Yea, must be me!
You say that you have owned and used your Hilleberg Tent for 4 years, and at £550, it is expensive.
Really? £11:46 a month (over those 4 years) is expensive?
I have seen interviews with Hilleberg Tent owners who have used theirs for the last 14 years, so for each year of use it becomes even more economical to own!
Likewise your JetBoil, quality kit that you can rely on, albeit with a high initial price.
There is the expression "Buy once, Cry once!" which is applied to high quality gear that is initially expensive to own.
Whether it be an Alpacka Raft Packraft or a Brompton folding bicycle or a Hilleberg Tent, buy once, cry once, then enjoy years of experience with your well selected gear.
On the topic of condensation, I just bought an inexpensive bug net 'tent' to put into my tent to act as a liner.
The bug net 'tent' is fully self contained and has it's own bathtub floor and is sized to take a large sleeping pad.
Because I'm using a titanium tent stove, condensation may be more of an issue, but I'll be interested to see if the bug net 'liner' prevents the soaking of my sleeping bag.
A ultralight fabric liner should really improve your condensation problems by preventing it from landing on you and your gear, or from contact soaking.
You have a new subscriber.
Its such a shame because the tent seemed great in all sorts of ways but the condensation issue is really off putting. Of course its always a bit of an issue but I hear so much about this from people who are otherwise obviously well disposed towards the tent that it strikes me that this is a bit worse then the norm. Which is a bit of a shame. The idea of a relatively light, very versatile, practically bomb proof tent is very attractive. The only trouble is that a certain trendy and attractive light weight tent from the US everyone talks about is really just three season and also-even more expensive-and with import costs-almost out of the question. I’d be interested in other options to help more realistically gauge the pros and cons. I’m just starting out but at some point probably do want to upgrade from my snugpak ionosphere which I bought just to see if I enjoyed camping while hiking-I do-but could do with something that I could sit up in and didn’t have to crawl awkwardly into (the ionosphere is a good starter though I have to say-easy to set up and pretty durable even in wind and downpour-wouldn’t want to knock it for the beginner or casual).
Looking to get a new tent and finding it very difficult not to buy the Akto. Your vid just re enforces this.However I am
leaning towards the Fjallraven Abisko 1. Anyone got experience of this tent.
Bill McLearie just crazy price. Try Tarptents, if you use walking poles. Much cheaper and lighter. Love my Stratosphere, it’s huge, light and strong and cheap
Tarptent make brilliant tents. I use the Scarp 1, which I chose over the Akto earlier this year.
have you had a chance to try out allak? I've been thinking about it and wondering whether you had any experience with it - good honest info !
Haven't I'm afriad!
I've had an Akto for many years, but used it only once. It still looks like new. I'm torn between starting to use it, or selling it while it's still in great condition and I could probably get a lot of money for it. The fact I've always used another tent (because it's lighter to carry) makes me want to sell the Akto, but I worry I'd be getting rid of one of the few small tents that seems to be able to stand up to fairly horrific winds. Have you had the Akto up in noteworthy weather and how did it seem?
Akto is solid as a rock in bad weather :)
@@AbbieBarnesWILD That's good to hear. Given the winds we've had recently I'm leaning more towards keeping it:) The thing is, I started to pack it on a recent trip and remembered another reason why I haven't used it: I find it very hard to pack in a way I'm comfortable with. I don't like having the tent on the outside of the pack as I don't always want to advertise that I'm looking for a camping spot. I can fit every other tent I've had in the bottom of my rucksack with the poles separate, but the non-detachable four corner stays in the Akto mean the only way I could fit it inside the pack is vertically, and that threw my normal packing routine out of the window. So yet again I left it behind in favour of another tent. Have you found any cunning ways of carrying it internally, or do you have an extra-wide pack?
E x p e n s i v e
Mentioning its not a free standing tent during Cons, is as you say a design thing, another useful thing to mention in that regard, its not a family tent! You should not pick this tent for your partner and kids, it would get crowded!
My solo tent choice is similar but different enough to be more versatile.
The TARPTENT MOMENT DW is my 4 season tent . UNLIKE the Atko or Enan I can use the optional Crossing Pole to assist in strengthening the ridge in high winds and heavy snow load. For even more support I shortened the X-ing pole and ran it UNDER the fly.
With 2 doors and 2 vestibules and top and bottom vents I find have no problem with condensation. Neither the Atko nor the Enan are 4 season tents.
This tent is great but mine has a leak in the zip that I can't seem to fix. Anyone else have this problem?
Abbie, great review.
Two questions for you:
-have you had any issues with the inner tent 'sagging' at all? My Akto has given me some problems in that respect-I go to sleep at night with plenty of headroom but when I wake up in the morning the roof is almost touching my sleeping bag!?
-I am in the US and can never find a new Hilleberg on sale? I've been looking for either a Jannu or Nammatj and I will pay full retail if I must but talk about expensive!
Great channel and best regards from Idaho!
Tim
Hi Tim thanks for your comment and watching. Sometimes my inner sags but then I just pull everything tight again. I find of frosty nights it sags more for some reason. Annoying huh! Yes the Hillebergs are expensive. Hope you can find a good as new second hand one somewhere!!
2:00 "Kerlon twelve thousand"? Sorry, one magnitude too high.
Good follow up review...but it is still out of my league cost wise!
For most people I would imagine. But Abbie has the time to camp and hike through the year much more than I could I know that. So therefore she can justify paying that kind of money. But with my work and family commitments I can only hike and camp once a year....So no point spending large sums of cash on something that's hardly going to get used. So I'm content with my Nevis 200. Cost me £120...Job done...However if I was in the position where I had more money and time, then an expensive tent it would be for sure. I think Abbie mentions in one of her films that she hikes around 6 times per year...Bloody hell I wish lol....
I love this tent, but I've been cold in it no matter what I do. Anyone else have this problem?