Thank you for this excellent review. You really put emphasis on the points that are essential for a tent for harsh conditions. I own and use a Tarra (my second one now) since 17 years. I bought it especially for a solo ski crossing of the Vatnajökull icecap in Iceland, but I was so convinced of the quality of this tent that from then on I used it also for trekking or just as my basecamp - always as a one person tent! It probably saved my life, when I was stuck in a severe snowstorm on Icelands second largest glacier. As always alone, and nearly unable to move because of a blocked back. The tent was shattering in the storm while it was half burried under wet snow that freezed immediatly to a concrete hard dune that tried bend the poles to their limit. I always felt safe in my tent for two nights and days until a rescue squad saved me. Since then I have a deep relation to my tent and I feel like coming home again when being with my Tarra out in Iceland starting a new trip.
Hi Dietrich, I really appreciate you sharing your experiences of your Tarra - WOW. I do put a lot of emphasis on suitability for harsh conditions even though a lot of people who purchase tents like this don't often really test them. When you consider Hilleberg are one of the very few who use 100D groundsheets in their groundsheets you know that they are not cutting corners to save weight and sacrifice durability. If you are going to use them in conditions like you have you wants to stack the odds in your favour by having the best equipment available. ATB Tom
Wow, a great story. I always imagine my Tarra being able to do this, but never considered this use case of alone and injured. This sort of justifies its weight while out alone.
Dieter - moin. Es liegt eine Weile zurück, daß Dein Beitrag hier Eingang gefunden hatte. Hast Du eine weitere Extremtour mit Deinem Tarra gemacht? Und falls dem so ist, wie ist diese verlaufen?
Sorry for the late answer@@joebuck4496. I used a 'Exped downmat' and a winter 'arctic down' sleeping bag made by the finnish manufacturer Joutsen (with a comfort zone down to -20°C, -9°F=. The outside temperatures were around the freezing point down to mild frost at about -7° C (19°F). So temperature was not a problem ar all.
Ode to Staika: This is my tent. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My tent is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my tent is useless. Without my tent, I am useless!
I hope everyone enjoys this video. Thank you for watching it and let me know your thoughts in the comments below so that I can make better videos in the future. ATB Tom
@@wildwanderwomen694 Hi thank you for your very positive words and its great that you are considering buying a Hilleberg tent. depending on the conditions that you think you are going to encounter may be the starting point... The Anjan is a 3 season tent with light weight fabrics that would be easier damaged by the doggie and if the dog was possibly going to sleep or stay in the vestibule then the cut of the fly does not come right to the ground and offers less protection. The Tarra has the strongest and most durable fabrics so its definitely the one for living space and harsh weather. The Nallo 2 has great vestibule space but less inner volume than the Tarra if you were going to do a number of nights camping in a row. Those are a few pros and cons. All are great tents. I would probably lean towards the Tarra due to the space, strength and durability and the fact that it has two vestibules... I hope this helps... Tom
This goes to show there is no substitute for real world assessment. The catalogue from. Hilleberg and the included dimensions show and lead you to believe the Staika has more room inside than the Tarra! Tremendous work Tom!
Hi, yes I was really disappointed in the space inside the Staika. The vertical doors on the Tarra make such a difference and the flat roof also really adds to interior useable space... thank you for the comment and positive feedback its much appreciated... best wishes Tom
An absolutely brilliant review, Tom. The level of detail in this film makes it the most comprehensive Hilleberg tent review I’ve ever watched. As an owner of Hilleberg tents and having owned a TN Hyperspace, I think your synopsis was perfectly balanced, and very accurate. I really hope that Hilleberg are made aware of this review, as I’m sure they would absolutely delighted to see it. Well done, Tom!
Thank you kindly Phil for your positive comments and also for allowing me to use your tents. This comparison would not have happened without you being so decent and lending them to me. I always try to be balanced and fair in my reviews and the Hilleberg tents have many more qualities that I did not even mention. You have to deliver enough information to justify your conclusions but not over cook it by praising one too much and putting down another. ATB Tom
Have owned the Super Quasar after my VE 25 collapsed next to one during a welsh gale many many years ago, and, apart from velcro critique (which actually works in practice) agree entirely with your excellent review. Incidentally, just back from the NC 500 on my motorbike, and the old tent, for one person, would still be my tent of choice, it's been abused and remains brilliant!
Hi thank you for commenting and sharing your experience of your Ve25 and Super Quasar... Yes no doubts here regarding wind stability as I too have had a few Ve25s and they have struggled in really high winds where the Quasar will have no problems... The Quasars are a good durable shelter and I previously owned two many years ago... ATB Tom
Had a tarra a while back. We had it over on mull & the main problem as explained by expert's was because it was a ground hugging tent in very damp wet mull on low level ground ventilation was the cause. Remember taken pics of underside of flysheet & you could hardly tell the inside from the outside. This tent was returned to retailer & replaced with a super quasar that is now needing replaced with either an quasar or hillieberg allak 2. Great vid re door position side doors far better for cooking & nite time visits less disturbing partner. 🍻🍻🍻
Hi Bill thank you once again for your comments on this and other of my videos... Yeah Hilleberg and some other Swedish brands really do like the tent fly right on the ground.... The American brands are a bit against this due to the further ventilation challenges.... I think a little space is actually good as long as the bath tub floor is deep enough. I had an original Quasar that had an issue with this... the bath tub didn't go high enough and the fly not low enough so this caused splash back from the ground in heavy rain... All of these tents are really good but can sometimes be caught out by certain environmental conditions.... ATB Tom
Intersting to see the exped quasar with the extra pole crossing points. Back in 2000 when choosing between what a shop had in stock rather than having the world before us on the internet we had to choose between the original Quasar and the Tarra for a cycle tour of Iceland. When we saw the size of the Tarra we asked the weight and was amazed to find it the same (at the time) as a Quasar. So what is the downside we asked? The price came the answer. The thing with the Quasar was you cannot get four bike panniers in one vesitible and get in and out. With the Tara you can get 8 panniers (two people's worth) in one end and cook / enter at the other end.
Thank you for your comments, I was very impressed with the vestibule size in the Tarra. A lot of volume to catch the wind but worth it I think in the long run to have the space at ground level and the height. I found getting changed in the vestibule extremely easy if you were wet and didn't want to transfer dampness to the inner tent. A very versatile tent. ATB Tom
Hey thank you for your very positive comments. You have some nice tent options out in NZ... Have a look at the Mont Epoch if you like this sort of thing... ruclips.net/video/ZxHqSlWmDKo/видео.html. ATB Tom
Thanks Tom, a really thoughtful and honest review of 3 quality tents. I've owned a Super Quasar since 2009, following recommendations from the old and bold RM ML and the SQ has never let me down. From my point of view, I wanted a bomb proof tent to cope with all weathers the UK experiences and bomb proof is what the SQ is. Not the lightest, neither the easiest to pitch in windy conditions....getting in and out resembles limbo dancing, but once up and pitched correctly the stability is incredible and I have absolute confidence with the SQ, even when the sneaky wind changes direction during the night, or heavy snow has fallen. The 12 yr old SQ is showing no signs of wearing out, but if that days arrives, I'd certainly consider the Hillebergs purely based on your review.
Hi Gordon. The Super Quasar has my favourite pole geometry giving great aerodynamics and the crossing poles at the side give it great wind stability from the side too. I would suffer the lower roof at either end to have the gain in strength. The Tarra would probably need one extra pole at the windward side to match the Super Quasar in wind stability and total weight. You then have a nice 100d groundsheet as a bonus and the 10mm poles. In theory the fact that the seems are not taped gives greater durability long term, but you have had no probs with yours. So easy to set up in high winds too and the tension on the inner is surprisingly good too. Thank you for your comments as an experiences SQ user. ATB Tom
Very interesting video Tom. Your attention to detail is second to none and can be very useful to someone buying one of these tents. Looking forward to next video.
Hi Joe, thank you for your positive comments. I do spend a lot of time putting in the detail as that's what you need to know if you are thinking of purchasing a tent like one of these. ATB Tom
Excellent review on all 3 ⛺️. I’ve had the Terra Nova since 2002-3 and it has served me well and travelled to some extreme areas from Himalayas Europe and many times around the highlands and on top of Ben Nevis. Great tent and still going strong. Currently in the Alps with mostly sunshine but the last week rain snow and winds and still standing. Love it.
Hey great to hear your thoughts and experience as a Quasar owner.. I had two over the years and they were definitely reliable shelters and very well made... Best wishes for the rest of your trip if you are still away... Tom
You are the master of the tent review! Very clear presentation of material with enough detail of real life use - including visuals of actual situations. The cuts to windy coastline really illustrate the point. You skip all the measurements that commonly constitute a review but that confuse and which are published anyway. The lack of background music is a plus as well IMO. So another five star review Tom, thank you. Which one? I don’t need such a solid tent, but if I did it’d be the Tarra based on your review! (I’ve a Unna en route from Finland at the moment 😁)
Hi Peter, thank you for your comments and continued support. I hope that you Unna arrives tomorrow.... Its always very hard to know what information to include in a review but I try to show details that others don't. Its easy to get the measurements online but sometimes these can be very misleading as the length of the tent at floor height is not totally relevant if the tent has sloping sidewalls etc.... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 exactly. Your cooking positioning in this video was an eye opener! The point you made in the Akto/Soulo comparison about usable length was only time I’ve heard that; again very practical info about the tent in use.
Excellent Tent review, great to see difference between tent models with wind against them. Would go for Terra Nova standard Quasar or Ultra Hyperspace (not made any more) feel these from experience would out perform Hilleberg Tarra that vestibule being great for internal space gathers to much wind and bows inwards pulling supporting pole down, have a look at Alistair Granda video of tent in high winds and continuous rain. Your the first person to show correct set up of tents and review with knowledge, appreciate the effort and time put in.
Hi Finse, thank you. The standard Quasar has very poor separation of the inner and flysheet. Even without any wind, large sections will touch together and if you have damp snow then the whole panel will touch and transfer dampness. I have had two of them and was disappointed with this. I have also had a Mountain Hyperspace but this is a much larger tent. I have looked at the video you mention a number of times and was a little disappointed with some of the aspects that Alistair demonstrated regarding the Tarra. The lack of taped seems can be an issue in such conditions but allows for a reduction in weight as when the flysheet is coated with silicone on both sides you can make it lighter and stronger. Taped sims won't stick very well to the slippy silicone fabric. There is no doubt that the vestibule pole is pulled down in the Tarra under such conditions but it doesn't look anywhere near failing. Even at this sort of money and price point they all have a number of frustrations. ATB Tom
The Terra Nova has less space. He had to use a three person tent and pretend it was a two person tent in order to make a "fair" comparison it with a two person tent from Hilleberg.
Tom, I did enjoy the video. The filming is excellent, the audio is the best there is on RUclips. The analysis is very well presented and covered the points that we wanted to hear. The result was a bit of a surprise to me, but the 30mph coastal wind test on the tents was a great decider. . Thanks for all your efforts on this and previous videos and I look forward to more.
Hi Gary, thank you for your positive comments particularly regarding the video and audio. I also really appreciated your detailed technical input regarding the Terra Nova Expedition Super Quasar. Its hard to know sometimes what points to include to please as many viewers and owners as possible. I would have liked it to be a bit windier when testing but it was still windy enough to demonstrate what I wanted to show. Recording of the wind was difficult as the noise of the sea in the background cancelled out some of the wind noise. The tension on the inner of the Tarra was pretty much as good as the ESQ so as quiet in the wind. The Staika flaps around more as the side panels on the inner tent are longer with no pole to support them. The vestibules of the ESQ make less noise too due to their small volume and aerodynamic wind profile.... ATB Tom
Very good review Tom. I love your realistic opinion, real life situations like the cooking scenarios. As an owner of a Staika I’m of course disappointed that you discarded it first, but I appreciate your level of details in the assessments
Hi Pierre, thank you for your comments. I only rated it 3rd for my type of usage... It is amazing as a one person palace but just a little small volume wise compared to the Tarra but of course lighter... ATB Tom
Is there something to be said about the advantage of the Staika interior being smaller as far as holding body heat inside of it (for one person)? Or would you have to drop all the way down to the Soulo for that advantage? Also, what do you think about using candles as a heat source for these tents?
Great review, proper real world test and talk. Not quoting stuff from the manufacturer with no practical experience. I worry a little bit about external poles (exoskeleton in design) and the risk of pole joints freezing together. Due to the tents external structure, I would also questions its ability to snow load effectively. I'm picturing a sleepless night dumping snow from the roof. For most folk these two risks are probably low, but where I live in the Scottish Highlands and for what I like to do (winter mountain camping) they could potentially be pretty troublesome. Hopefully this comment is useful for someone who is considering a new tent and would be using it for similar activities / conditions as me 👍
Hi Mike thank you for your comments regarding the poles. Hilleberg is a Swedish company and their tents are used in very cold conditions, not that it not cold in the Scottish Highlands.. I have camped a few times I must admit where the pole sections have frozen in the Cairngorms but thawed them out with my hands which is manageable if its not too serious. The Tarra s roof may be a little flat for wet snow but then you have great volume so pros and cons. What tent do you use by the way? ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 I have used external poles in cold weather and have been fine 99% of the time, just another consideration for people who might not know though. I actually use a Vango F10 MTN2 Tent. Very similar to the newer version of the Quasar Ultra, but uses a clip system for the inner, which I can do with mitts so quite like. Also got it for under £400 which apart from the Kangri, almost puts it in a league of it's own from a cost perspective.
Good comparison. I like your practical method. I.cycle with a Velomobile from Germany to Northcape and back again. Glad to decide for heavier Tarra instead my Akto or Nallo 4 Gt, because it's raining since days and I have plenty of room.
I really appreciate that you can put these tents against the harsh wind in a wet environment. I live in the northeast of the united states which has a similar climate (arctic maritime) and tend to spend time in the Presidentials in winter - home of some of the highest wind speeds ever recorded and not infrequently gusting well over 100mph. So often I see comparisons done in fair weather on sunny days and I can't help but question how relevant that is to me. This is much appreciated and I look forward to more videos with the "lovely" windy weather!
Hi Gabe, thank you for your positive comments - I wanted to test the tents in higher winds but the forecast failed me. I don't mind pushing my own tents to the limit but these were borrowed so maybe better that it wasn't too windy as I would hate to damage someone else's tent. It frustrates me too when I can't fine videos of tents being pitched under challenging conditions. I am planning on doing many more videos in measured wind speeds too. ATB Tom
super great review of the Tarra. I am amazed after watching so many tent reviews on youtube of tents for the winter and people fail to place the pad down and even a large sleeping bag so the buyer can get a real view of how much room there will be. You deserve a shot of Kentucky Bourbon
Hey Dojocho, thank you.. Yes I try to make my reviews as real as possible. Setting up living and vestibule space etc to show actual space.. I also try to actually test the tents under challenging conditions especially if they are 4 season tents.. ATB Tom
Hey thank you very much Timmy, I put a fair bit of work into it to be honest filming in two different locations etc to try and bring something a little extra to the video. ATB Tom
Yet again very informative. I’ve now watched all of yours and Outdoor Inspirations Hilleberg tent videos. They are very interesting to watch. A good amount of knowledge by both. For now my Phoxx 2 will have to suffice. Out of the tents in the video I’d of picked the Tarra purely based on its size as I’m a fair lump although I did watch a video the other day where it was leaking at the seams during high winds and rain. At the same time though it looked like he had zips open as well. I have a friend that owns an original Wild Country Quasar expedition tent. It’s over 30 years old now mind.
Thank you Lee, Mine are better than his ha ha... I have seen the same Tarra video too and was a little disappointed but you have to try and manage the weaknesses of the tent if possible and even at over £1000 they all have them. ATB Tom
Tremendous Content. I could watch these types of videos all day. Just the kinds of questions I want answered. Thanks for all the time you spent making the video. SUBSCRIBED
Hi Clem, thank you for your comments on this and one of my other videos. Yeah this one took a bit of extra time as I wanted to include a proper wind test too so was I filmed over a few days in different locations. Appreciate your subscription too. ATB Tom
Yes the Tarra is definitely my choice.. It's a really spacious, strong and durable tent.. The weight is also totally acceptable between two persons.. Vestibule space also excellent.. best wishes Tom
Ive had a Super Quasar for about 8 years and its been great. Things I like about are, its very strong and stable, the way poles cross over and at the sides enclosing you in a cage gives a sense of security inside and keeps the inner very taught. The overal space inside for just me is quite large and have no probs sitting upright. The porches at each end are pretty good storage areas. The many points the tent is pegged and guyed out makes it very strong in windy conditions. The only thing I dont like about it is getting in and out of the tent as said in the video. Its a little bit low. I dont cook in the tent porch closed up. My style of camping is just to go somewhere nice whether it be a campsite or another location thats not far from the drop off point and stay there for up to 7 days which means im carrying a huge 155 litre duffle bag with everything plus a 40 litre rucksack on my back. I have a carpet in my tent which really makes all the difference if your going to spend a long time out camping. If I had to buy another tent to replace this one I would get the Tera Nova Terra Firma which is quite a bit bigger.
Hi Nick, thank you very much for sharing your experience with the Super Quasar. The owner of this tent also has a very high opinion of it and in fact I think most owners do... I love the wind stability of this tent which is actually helped by the low porches so I don't mind that. All in all the only real issue for me is the inner first pitch. These are tricky to manage in high wind conditions for setting up and taking down the tent, especially if its raining..BUT once up and guyed out its pretty much perfect...ATB Tom
Tom as i said in the last video i have the Tarra. The only thing with the Tarra is you have to put the red pole in first. I usually do it the way you did red white blue black. I also prefer the blue and black poles to go on the inside of the white and red crossover points. My tent sits better that way. Excellent video. ATB Cheers
Hi Alan, thank you for your comments and great to hear from a Tarra owner. I just inserted the poles the way it shows you on the Hilleberg Instructional Pitching Video, but agree with yourself that it sits better with the blue and black poles on the inside. Thought to go by the book when showing it if you know what I mean... ATB and hope that you are putting your tent to great use. Tom
Tom...disagree with the Super Quasar analysis. As MRT, & often having four stinky guys in mine on Rannoch in a storm, playing cards & drinking. corner to corner & full of doss bags & sacks there is always enough room to sit upright without feeling crushed in. Mine has seen some gnarly action in its time & never faltered, through blizzard snow loading in Svalbard, truly torrential downpours on Rannoch & 100mph+ summit winds on the Annapurna eastern anchor. Nothing phases it. Excellent review though Tom. Greets from the Western Isles, Scotland. Do the Hilleberg Soulo next, bombproof summit coffin, snuggly with a big woolly collie mate. Agree with your thoughts on the Staika, bit crap in a storm.
Hey Tadhg... Thank you for sharing your encounter s with the Super Quasar.. It is awsome to hear of someone really testing their tent as so many tents like these don't get much further than campsites... I have lots of reviews bty on the Hilleberg Soulo both Red and Black versions..I think when a tent protects you when it's kicking off weather wise then you become very loyal to it.. For 4 season tents then weather resistance is one of the most important aspects IMO and in that respect the Super Quasar has my favourite pole geometry resulting in amazing weather resistance... I personally have just moved away from inner first pitching tents as they are not at full strength until the fly is attached and guyed.. This setting up and taking down has led to me having bent poles on all my inner first pitching tents. The Tarra here can be set up in any conditions as you build it from the ground up.. It also has a 100d ground sheet and 10mm poles at a slightly lighter weight that the Super Quasar.. Its a close one between two fantastic tents.. ATB Tom
Thank you very much Esab.. I really enjoy doing reviews and make them as honest and fair as possible..I have a few tents lined up for July to review similar to what you see here.. Thank you once again for your feedback... Tom
Great work, Tom. Forgive me if you already said this (I watched with the sound down, as my wife is sleeping!), but I get a little more stability and less noise from my Tarra by girth-hitching the side quarter guys around the poles where they cross, before pegging them out as normal.
Hi Dave is this not what Hilleberg recommends? I do it in my Jannu. Not sure if I demoed it here or not, so thank you for drawing it to my attention. No doubt that this is the way to get max support for the poles.. ATB Tom
The winner is the middle tent, sir! Key words you said yourself, adverse "conditions". I'd sacrifice space over comfort during those times, and the main reasons for such a purchase. I have NFI when it comes to sheltering in the elements.
Thanks for the great review! The Tarra is on my wishlist for if/when I decide we need a 4-season tent, so it's great to get such detailed info confirming it as a good choice. With a tent that expensive, you don't want to make a mistake!
Hi Jean, thank you for your comments. The Tarra is a great tent which has been on my wish list for a good few years. It has a great combination of attributes. ATB Tom
The Saivo is probably one of the few perfect tents out there in my opinion. I love its pole structure and aerodynamics. In one of my North Face VE25 videos ruclips.net/video/D9z2efRI0Es/видео.html I actually recommend it as an alternative. ATB Tom
LOVING your vids, Tom! Thanks for creating such amazing comparisons with all the detailed explanations, overviews, and camera angles. I agree with your assessment - the Tarra would be my choice too between these three tents. Cheers from the Rocky Mountains
Hi, thank you for your positive comments and greetings back from Northern Ireland. The Tarra feels very special inside with such pleasing tension on the inner tent. The set up and take down is so easy too and the quality, construction and materials are perfect. ATB and hope you get out camping soon. Tom
I would also choose the Tarra, but mainly because it seems to be possible to setup the outer shell first and then clip in the inner shell. This is what I can do with my tunnel tent and makes it possible to keep the inner shell mostly dry even in very rainy conditions during setup and takedown of the tent.
Hi thank you for the comment.. Yes the external set up is very important to me too.. Inner first pitches are very vulnerable to rain and wind during set up.. Not a great worry to have before tent pitching... best wishes Tom
Nice Vid... I prefer the Staika bc of the free-standing ability; the Tarra's condensation is much worse IMHO. When I was buying my first black label Hillie it was between the Tarra, Staika, and Nammajt 3GT. I chose the Staika because of its weight and freestanding ability. I actually like the Fjallraven Keb Dome 2 just as much; also The North Face Mountain 25. You should also add the Jannu and do a test of tunnel tents in the wind, like the Keron, Nammajt or Fjallraven Keb Endurance. :)
Hi thank you for your comments and sharing your tent experiences. Interesting to hear that you found more condensation in the Tarra. I have not had the opportunity to test any Fjalraven tents but have certainly tested a number of versions of MTN25. ATB Tom
Tom, Just found your channel as I search for a 2 man. Enjoyed this video greatly with my morning coffee, cheers mate, looking forward to watching more content.
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thank you for the reply, Yes the content is awesome. Now you mention it, I really like the vango's (I watched your Banshee review) but although this may sound backwards, having difficulty finding tents that are compatible with square sleep mats, I have the Aluft 80. I know that the more experienced would say change your sleep system but I cannot do the mummy thing, perhaps this subject would make an interesting topic for you. Kind Regards, Thomas.
Thanks for the video Tom! My very first Hilleberg tent will be getting delivered in the mail tomorrow. i was able to find a new Tarra online right now. ✌✌
Hi Ryan, Hey that's brilliant. I wish I could somehow manage a Tarra. I do all my camping solo so just not practical but it would be my favourite. You will be delighted with it as its a great choice.. I wish you all the very best for many many happy camping trips... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thank you for your time! i have been watching a lot of your videos, they are very informative and entertaining. i will be buying a Jannu when they become available again. i do solo camping as well but decided to treat myself to a palace with the Tarra. my camping season is about over now that summer is here. i live in North Dakota US and our winter air temps can get down to -20 - -30F, this is my favorite time to be outside in nature. i wish you the same my friend!
An exceptional good review and that gives what we really want know - wind resistance, foul weather proterction and internal living use & practicality - Keep up the good work!
Fabulous review. These are the 3 tents i had short listed. I use mine for kayak camping. Solo occupancy. Weight not a major consideration. Often pitch windy islands & might need to wait out a storm. Live on the west coast of Scotland- so rain & midge are a big thing. I was very Surprised with the Staika performance in the wind.
Hi thank you for watching and your comments. West coast of Scotland is amazing.. The Staika is a true 4 season tent but has only 3 poles supporting a fairly large structure so it really depends on the guy lines. The Tarra has 4 poles supporting the structure and the poles cross multiple times. This makes a big difference to the stability in the real world... ATB Tom
Thanks so much for taking the time to fill us in on so many useful details in all your reviews, and this one in particular ended up on exactly what I was looking for in the Tarra. I like your straightforward presentation, keep the videos coming, and I'll be checking out your more recent reviews to check for other winners in this category ;)
Hi Andrew thank you for your comments and watching the video... I have reviewed many tents like this so hopefully some more of my videos will be of interest.. Recently I have been trying to review tents on actual field tests too... All the very best and thank you once again for the comments and thoughts.. Tom
Excellent review you did a great job of showing the negatives and positives of all 3 tents Without bashing anything I like the style of the review and video in general
Hey thank you for your positive comments. Its always difficult to get the balance right but I try to be fair to them all even though certain things frustrate be about some of the tents I tested here.... ATB Tom
Great review Tom, and because of it I just bought a Hilleberg Tarra! I also will be ordering a NAMMATJ 2 in the near future, for below tree line, and back pack use.
Hi Mark, that's a great choice congratulations. The Tarra is an amazing tent and the Nammatj 2 very versatile, spacious and durable. The Nammatj is a little noisy in high winds and flaps about a bit but still has an amazing strength to volume to weight ratio. The Tarra is just super strong and easy to manage when the conditions are kicking off.... ATB Tom
Fantastic Tom (subscribed), really well filmed and thought out review. I appreciate the high wind footage and attention to important features. I own a Tarra, VE25 mountain & previously the Super Quaser and have used all three in high winds, particularly tested on several trips to southern Patagonia. I do double pole the Tarra and in my opinion it is the easiest tent to put up in wind., I also think it is the most stable when fully guyed out, I also use all the additional guying points with micro dyneema lines and whilst I have the footprint I rarely use it as the Hilleberg floor is so strong. As you point out if you don't pay attention putting it away in the morning, when it comes to putting it back out you can end up with the tension straps all over the place, although they do un-clip so you can quickly resolve. The various VE25's were my go-to tent for many years, I now tend to reach for the Hilleberg, I just wish they were lighter.
Hey thank you for your positive comments especially when you have such experience with two of the tents in the comparison. I totally agree that the Tarra is the easiest to set up. My VE25 still has bent poles as its so vulnerable when putting up and taking down (I have review on it too with some more high wind footage) and another one up today comparing an old VE25 to the current model. Like you I moved from the VE 25's to Hilleberg as I feel that they have the edge. ATB and thank you once again for your input. Tom
Hi David, thank you very much for your positive comments. It took a fair bit of time but worth it for the views and comments that the video has received... ATB Tom
Great job, Tom! If I would add anything to your tent review, it would be notes on the durability of the zippers. It has been my experience that the first thing to fail on tents are the zippers.I own two Hilleberg tents and have replaced a zipper slider on each. So, the size and design (how much strain on the zipper, how long of a pull, accessibility, etc) of the zippers are things that I take into account when deciding on which tent to purchase. Great job again.
Thank you Scott for your positive comments. It is always difficult to know what to include in reviews. Hilleberg give great detail regarding the tent components whereas Terra Nova do not give nearly as much. The zipper sliders on the super quasar are very chunky too if you know what I mean so not a noticeable difference in comparison. When I do a video like this and then look at the average viewer watch time it makes me think I am giving too much detail already.... However I am always open to ideas and this is definitely an area that I have not covered in any of my previous videos so I will seriously consider it for the future. ATB Tom
Hi Jere, somehow RUclips thought you my be spam so that's why it has taken me so long to reply. I picked up your other comments about the SlingFin Wind Saber and delighted to hear that you like it. Appreciate your offer of borrowing it if I ever get to Alaska. I hope that you are getting out camping. ATB Tom
Hej! Super nice review, thank you. There is one topic which was not covered from my point of view. Terra Nova needs to be build „old way” what is terrible when rains, and Hilleberg (not only on the market) with this approach where you technically can build it from the outter layer is super efficient when it is raining. According to lack of space in Staika, have you tried to unclip bigger part of inner tent to do all this westibule works? When I need extra space I just unclip it and fold away partially, so there is a plenty of space inside fly, and when it is time to go sleep I just fix it back. For me this possibilty is so cool that probably I will never come back to the tents where you instal poles directly to the inner tent. Best regards!
Hi thank you for your comments. Yes I totally agree regarding outer first pitching even from the fact that the tent is secure as you are putting it up. It was mainly the inner space for two people that I thought was a bit tight in the Staika but good to hear of the vestibule flexibility by unclipping. ATB Tom
I am searching for a good 2 person backpacking tent, and have noticed that the european tens and the US tents are very different, every UK camping video I see its hurricane level winds and strong storms and the tents there are beefy beyond reason. Where I live in the PNW we have constant misty rain in the valley and deep power snow in the mountains, and where I grew up in Montana its dry and arid in the summer and snowy powder below zero in the winter. Our high end tents are super light, take a minute to set up and offer good protection in those environments. However in the places your camping they would likely be destroyer. However your tents over here would be so overwhelmingly swampy and ridiculously heavy for our weather I cannot imagine it would be a comfortable experience. Its fascinating how different the outdoors is and the different responses we come up with to enjoy them geographically.
Hey what a great comment and observations... There is such a difference between European and American tents... I have used both fairly often and now I am probably deciding that American trekking pole tents just dont suit my environmental conditions as well as some other options.. The American geodesic tents are strong but most pitch inner first and this is just not my choice for UK camping.. American manufactures like The North Face and Mountain Hardwear also dont bring the flysheets right down to the ground on 4 season tents, whereas the Hillebergs and other European brands do. Pros and cons to them all.... All the very best wishes and thank you for this great comment... Tom
I just watched 2 of your videos. and your videos are amazing! Absolutely brilliant! I have never camped in my life and I really love to start and I really a kind of a person that, I buy one thing and use it for a long time, so I look for quality. I learnt whole a lot from your videos. I recently watched NF 25 video and that was a nice one as well. Thank you Tom and Happy Holidays!
Hi Kaan, thank you for watching my videos and taking the time to comment so positively. I really hope that you can take the plunge and give camping a try. There is so much gear available that you can be very comfortable even in harsh weather. That's the fun of it for me being out when the weather is kicking off but actually being in the tent protected from it all. I have used many tents and now handled 6 or 7 Hillebergs. The Hilleberg tents are a cut above the rest in quality and will last forever if looked after well. they also hold their value exceptionally well too.... Happy Holidays to you too and thank you once again for getting in touch. ATB Tom
Excellent review! That Quasar is the old style like mine. The new one appear to have the doors opening sideways. I have to agree with you about getting out of the Quasar being a pain to get out of, as I've found it more difficult now than 20 years ago when I first got it! I was strongly tempted to replace it with either the Tarra or the Staika, but now I'm not so sure as the aerodynamic advantage could trump the ergonomics of the Tarra. As for cooking, I've had some scary time priming a Dragonfly in the vestibule in bad weather!
Thank you for your input as a Quasar owner. There is no doubt as to how they can shed wind. Hard to know which would fail first but you could stick one extra pole at 264g in the Tarra and it would still be the same weight as the Quasar but with more volume... This particular Quasar also has Dragonfly damage on one of the pole sleeves and I was minus my eyebrows too... ATB Tom
Ha, me too. Seriously thinking that the Staika had advantages over the Super Quasar, but I think Tom has put it in its place and I've lost my desire for it. . I've had x3 Super Quasars over 25 years and I think it's a wonderful tent, including my latest Expedition Super Quasar. As a solo tent it beats the Tarra imho. With my fitness level getting on my feet from a kneeling position is a challenge and the SQ entrance makes it harder. However, it's no worse than the Keron 4 I sold last year. ATB.
Good thorough review there of 3 greats. I’ve never been a fan of the inner pitch first tents though. As I’m always pitching in rain usually 😂 I’ve got the staika and I’d never pitch it in high wind without all the guylines out. I’d get them in somehow. I carry titanium nails and alpkit spikes for that sort of terrain. If it’s impossible I’d bail out rather than risk my tent. I was looking at the tarra before the staika but the size and weight and all those poles put me off. But I’m happy with the staika. It’s done well in the few windy camps I’ve had. I’d like to test it more though. I tell you the best tent I ever used was a nammatj3GT (the 2GT is just as good) that thing was rock solid in a massive storm on skye. It was the only tent left standing on the site. Inside me and my partner merrily drank beer and cooked our tea 😂 outside Dorothy and Toto flew past. I’ve subbed on as you do some good reviews of decent gear. Not loads of poundshop stuff. (Yep I’m a gear snob. Years of let downs made me who I am) look forward to the next video. Atb mate. 👍 Add on. At first I was disappointed with the interior space in the staika. But I use it as a solo tent now. So it’s ok 👍
Hi Andy, thank you for your comments especially as you are another content creator. I started with inner pitch tents and managed not too bad re the rain. I suppose in reality there is always a way to get the guy lines in... Also I had a Nammatj 2 a few years back but sold it due to the noise in windy conditions. In retrospect I probably didn't give it a chance as I was comparing it to a 4.5kg tent. Its hard reviewing the decent gear only as it is such a niche market but like you I have been let down by cheap and nasty too many times, and particularly where tents are concerned quality of construction is so important. I have subbed back and remember looking at some of your great nights in the Soulo in the snow... ATB and thanks once again.. Tom
@@mikeharris7885 Hi Mike, there are a lot of people who use the Staika as a one person tent and for that it is hard to fault for the extra space, weight, durability and simplicity of pitching. ATB Tom
Hey thank you for the feedback.. I borrowed all these tents but have lots of previous experience with the Super Quasar. Also sometimes you have to actually experience the tent in person to see it's pros and cons.. So as the tents were borrowed I had no reason to be biased in any way... Sometimes after time you change your opinion on something but I was to review these tents today my thoughts would be the same... Best wishes and thank you for the feedback.. Tom
Nice review! I love my Tarra! All guyed out it's basically bombproof. And you can double pole any Hillebergs, or add more guy lines if you really wanted to
Hi Tyler, Thank you for your input as a happy Hilleberg Tarra owner. The easy option of double poling and availability of parts etc is another advantage. You can double pole the Quasars too... ATB Tom
Great job- a really detailed and practical comparison. Thanks for taking the trouble to show them in different settings with a proper breeze blowing. I've always been a Quasar man so I'm pleased it did ok. I think regarding it as a three person was a red herring which probably scored against it. My only gripe with it has been access- it's a bit of a crawl in and take the wet with you; and the vestibule is a bit cramped for cooking if needed. I see the advantages there with the Tarra but then you're faced with a more larger volume and windage area, so it's down to what's your priority? It's a given that both have top materials and workmanship. My Quasars have lasted for many years. The fact that I have replaced older tents with a similar model probably says enough. Thanks again for a great video.
Thank you Derek for your input when owning one of these tents for many years. Had two Quasars myself over the years and they were definitely very durable and strong for any conditions. ATB Tom
Cracking review and super detailed. Thanks for the great effort in producing this. It still surprises me that even the Tarra with its great interior volume doesn't have the width inside to cover the more modern wider sleeping pads that are 25" wide. With all these tents more geared toward the 4 season potential, I'd like to see the interior width being able to take 2 x wide pads.
@@TOMHEANEY100 I think they key drawback with these beasts of tents is the weight but that’s really my point with the need for the interior space to be wider. These tents are more geared for staying longer than one night on a place compared to the ultralight need and a better night sleep you get from the wider pad should be accommodated. It’s the same with Bivvy’s. The only wide Bobby is the alpkit Hunka XL that ‘does not’ accommodate the wider pads and sleep system.
Excellent review. Gotta disagree. Lol. For starters, I’ll never be on ground where you don’t peg the Staika out. So that’s not an issue for me. The ‘freestanding’ nature of the tent isn’t just about that, it’s as much about being able to live the tent around to find the perfect pitch after adding the poles. With the poles pegged, the Staika is as strong as you’d want any tent to be. Apart from the absolute worst imaginable conditions, and even then I’d still back it. Also - I love the side entrances, which makes it much nicer for viewing your surroundings, the height is excellent, certainly good enough. It’s easier to find a pitch too. An oft-forgotten benefit of the dome design. And easier generally to pitch. They’re all great. Absolutely. But for my needs the Staika is the overall winner.
Thank you Dominic, always appreciate input from someone with so many great tents... To quote Hilleberg "We originally designed the Staika for paddle tourers, who wanted a highly stable, fully free standing tent for handling tricky pitching conditions" Not sure what they mean by tricky pitching conditions... You can do the same with the Quasar and the Tarra... I must be missing something somewhere.... Hey sure ATB and thank you once again for your input. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 - yea, agree mate. I think they’re a little confused there. But yea, three great tents. You won’t go wrong with any of them. It’s just down to individual need, really. Like you allude to in your review mate, I’ve got the Staika for a luxurious one-man when I want more room, mostly in winter. For that, it’s absolutely ideal.
@@TOMHEANEY100 If the wind isn't that bad, an option is to put the tent on a flat rock surface. That is very easy to do with Staika and can be nice on a paddle tour.
@@gertfredrikson4584 Yes definitely an advantage with no staking or pegging needed. Fast and easy for those conditions. I think if you have done this a couple of times then you would appreciate it even more. Thank you for watching and commenting. ATB Tom
Hi Tom, Wow! This video has completely exploded for You. Congrats! Out of curiosity, have you had any issues with stolen videos? I've flagged a few already (which YT has taken some down, but not all) from aggregator channels that take other people's content and use it as their own. All the best!
Hi, the Staika is an awesome tent, congratulations . I know I didn't pick it here mainly as its a little small as a two person tent compared to the other two, but its still serious quality and will last many many years. I wish you all the very best with it. ATB Tom
Tom, you are the reference for tent reviews. Really! 👍 I used a TN Ultra Quasar for years, bombproof in everything that was thrown at it, but the small entrance and tight vestibule were frustrating. Probably the only criticism for me.
Thank you for your positive comments. I had an old yellow and grey ultra quasar and it took a battering on many occasions but still stood strong.. The main disappointment with it for me was the separation between the inner and outer. Apart from that they are a great design and very strong and stable for their weight.. ATB Tom
The lack of a window for ventilation on either vestibule of the Tarra would concern me. Is that top vent up to the job of clearing condensation? I own a Hilleberg Nammatj, and like the large front and rear vents. They allow for a cross draft which I suspect would do a better job of clearing condensation. And I can easily survey outside conditions through either of those vents without having to open the vestibule door. One other factor to think about is the Tarra's huge footprint. It is a full 14 feet long pitched, which can limit site options. The Nammatj 2 or 3 (not GT version) are almost 2 feet shorter. Also, a Nammtj 2 is almost 3 lbs. lighter, and $495. less expensive. The Nammtj is also a black label tent, 4 season, and intended for extreme weather conditions. The Tarra probably shines best as a base camp tent during fall/winter/spring.
Hi, thank you for this comment. I understand exactly what you mean by there being no real way of venting the tent with through flow of air from vent hoods at either end.... I borrowed this tent for the review and on all occasions when I used it there was a strong wind so no condensation issues.... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Despite my contrary thoughts, this was a great review! I just edited my comment with a couple of other musings. I have also wondered how the Tarra would fair under heavy snow loading in comparison to the Nammatj? The back sloping panel of my Nammatj did get flattened down in an very heavy snowstorm pitched in an exposed location. The conditions were extreme--the entire tent was almost completely buried by morning. The Tarra is a burlier tent with it's 4 pole design, but it does not look like the sloped back panel would benefit re snow loading much from that. No damage was done to the Nammatj, and the interior remained entirely livable. Getting up in the middle of the night to remove snow, and perhaps re-tension the rear guy line would likely have helped. I deliberately chose an exposed location to see the results. Choosing a more sheltered site if possible would no doubt make a big difference.
Hi, yes the Tarra definitely has more interior space and stronger due to an extra pole and geodesic pole structure.. I hope you can source one soon. ATB Tom
Hi Tom, great review,👌I messaged you when you were doing the Soulo review that I was between the Soulo and the Tarra, I eventually went for the Soulo mainly due to weight and as I was only going to be using it on my own it made sense, had a great 3 day winter camp and climbing trip up by the CIC hut.... Ben Nevis early March, definitely luv the Soulo, no regrets. Atb Jim 👍
Hey Jim thank you for letting me know which one you went for. I was in my Soulo yesterday doing another video and it really has decent space for one person. Really glad that you like it as there is so many different opinions about every tent. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Hi Tom, just a quick one, how about a review on mat's? It would be good to hear your thoughts as you have a good attention for detail. Atb Jim
@@jimmarshall9945 I will at some point, hopefully soon. I am currently using older ones at the moment so I need to update... In the real world I can't always have the latest gear ha ha... ATB Tom
Thank you Jiffy, always great to get a comment from another content creator and especially one who has such a fab selection of high quality tents and great experience using them. Unfortunately the tents were just borrowed for the comparison so they all have to go back... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 I emailed Hilleberg a few years ago asking if I could trial the Soulo. Sadly, they informed me that they don’t send out review tents. That reply has cost me a small fortune 😂
My opinion(s) may surprise you: I own the Staika and a few years ago I made a very long and well detailed review about it after using it for a few weeks in Scotland. The review was primarily negative. Eventually I removed it because too many people "attacked" my opinions but if to be honest I know very few people who have 5% of my experience (traveled for roughly 7 years of my life in total including one year in which all I've done is backpacking and slept 7 straight months in a tent) and in the last few years I've gone on several backpacking trips that only strengthened my "negative" opinions on the Staika. To make a very long and arduous story short and easy to understand... it's too heavy, too bulky, not suitable for backpacking at all (it's made for base camping), the fabric takes too long to dry (even when there's plenty of wind and sunlight), and dealing with Staika made me realise that their replacement gear is substandard compared to the original (if you want extra poles they will not be the same as the ones you got when buying the tent). So, in terms of which tent I'd prefer of those three - I guess you're right. However, with respect, it is more expensive and it is heavier and those aren't immaterial points. They matter quite a bit. Second, with regards to stability - you can buy more poles so you double at least one if not two (which is what I did) which strengthens the tent significantly and makes it almost fully self-standing. Even with the extra poles it would still weigh less than the Tarra only you now have backup poles as well as greater stability. Looking at it like that I'd have to disagree with your choice. Also, length-wise it does require less space which can and often does make a difference in terms of pitching location(s). Having said all that, the main issue I had with the Staika is its size. It's simply too small for me. Also, I don't think it's a 2-person tent. I think it's a 1.5-person tent. I tried sleeping in it with a girfriend and our mattresses had to press against eachother. In the end, while Hilleberg are great for base-camping at etreme weather they are essentially terrible at everything else so unless you're planning on base-camping on a cliff over the ocean during a storm, if to be honest, I don't recommend either of their products. My best tent(s) aren't Hilleberg.
Hi thank you for this detailed comment, I really appreciate your input as you have a lot of experience. 7 months straight in a tent would ruin the experience for me but certainly give you a great perspective of a tent that's for sure. I am not going to respond on each paragraph as at the end of the day the video was about the 3 tents on review here and I think we both dismiss the Staika on one part due to its size when being marketed as a two person tent. It is designed for durability and that will add weight and bulk. Double poling it.... 275g per pole then adds 825g in total - Too heavy, as a 1.5 person tent with poor volume to sit up for tent bound days. At least the Tarra is a proper two person tent. I have also personal experience of buying additional products such as a 10mm pole for the Akto with no difference in quality, but that's just my experience. The best tent for each individual will vary so much just depending on the usage requirement. They all have pros and cons. While you done recommend either of their products, in the industry Hilleberg generally have a very good reputation. ATB and thank you for taking the time to add this amount of detail. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 That Hilleberg has a good reputation doesn't mean it's justified. At the very least it's not... "accurate". I think it's complex. What good reputation they have they have for a reason (albeit, a specific one which people continuously take out of context). Yet, I'd argue that in 99% of cases a person choosing a Hilleberg will be far better served choosing something else. I fully stand behind that remark. Whenever I'm doing a proper "thru-hike" and I happen upon a fellow backpacker (i.e - a proper one) I can't un-notice that very few of them are using a Hilleberg. I’ve had this very discussion probably fifty times with many backpackers and the point is we all more or less agree with each other on why Hilleberg doesn't fit. Last year I've done the coast-to-coast in northern England and I met several backpackers who are the kind to spend more of their year traveling than being at home. None of them were using Hilleberg. These days it's hard to argue against Dyneema (for such a purpose). The main issue, as I see it, is the mischaracterisation: Hilleberg tents are indeed a wonderful choice - for base-camping (with the cavia of harsh conditions) not backpacking! People keep mixing those two terms which over time established it as a permanent misnomer. Base-camping is not backpacking. That people like to call themselves backpackers - is the problem. If you're walking several hours (the point strengthens itself if you're using a bike or a car or a canoe or a... horse!) then you set up your camp with the intention of staying in the same spot for a few days whilst hiking in the area - then you're base camping. If you wake up every day, pack your gear, walk most of the day and set up the tent in the evening (usually in an unfamiliar spot you didn't know you were going to pitch in beforehand) and you're doing that every day for a few days (at least) then you're backpacking. The two are not even remotely the same. True thru-hikers are essentially separated by the distance they intend to cover. The lengthier the walk, the less you will and can carry. With that in mind, Hilleberg is all but redundant. I’m not saying I haven’t met people who do that with Hilleberg (I did) but they are few and far between and they’re normally either ridiculously strong, doing a relatively short trail (few days) or they intend on setting the tent on a cliff line every day. Even then, to be perfectly honest, if and when I do see a backpacker walking around with an enormous heavy bag, my inner thoughts are: “amatuer”. I don’t mean this to come across as judgmental, it’s merely an experienced observation. There's a famous YT'ber who's making a lot of videos about the Lake District and she is using, primarily, Hilleberg. Many of her videos are her complaining about condensation and this is due (I'm sorry to say) to ignorance and "buying-into" the erroneous Hilleberg reputation. 9/10 times she doesn't pitch anywhere close to a challenging spot (in fact, she deliberately tries not to) so there would be no need for what Hilleberg is offering. Most of the year (obviously dependent on location) you don’t need a tent that either drops all the way down (leaving no aeration) or otherwise doesn’t offer height adjustability. This alone will only cause condensation problems as well as a greenhouse effect which can again, cause condensation, as well as general miserable living conditions. Arguing in favour of no options in comparison to having adjustability is blind sighted and moot. It’s simply nonsensical and on that account alone Hilleberg fails when compared to so many other options. The “funny” thing is that what they do offer (primarily in snowy conditions) they don’t even do best. I had a Eureka tent that had stiff poles that were double the diameter used by Hilleberg (I’m not a fan of DAC) and could sustain 50kg and that’s without guylines. That thing was a monster. Sdaly, they stopped manufacturing this model which is a shame because it was 10 times better than anything Hilleberg ever made. Like I said, Hilleberg tents are mostly designed for base camping in harsh conditions. The argument that they are stronger (i.e - weight’s compensation is their durability) isn’t a very good one because there’s a reason we all backpack using a rucksack rather than a metal box with straps. Clearly the metal box will be stronger in keeping our gear more protected but that’s hardly the point. With regards to the quality of replacement gear: This is something I had a back and forth email exchange with Hilleberg and they fully admitted the quality isn’t the same so with respect this is not a discussion. Plus, I’ve had conversations with people who had to send their tent to repair and both the cost as well as the poor workmanship made them switch tents. With regards to doubling pole(s): You either misunderstood me or you missed the point. I didn't say you should double all the poles. I said that even doubling just one will make a huge difference. With respect, I think this is something you should actually try first before responding because it makes a pretty significant difference. I'm not saying it will necessarily change your mind (size remains the same) but it’s worth noting as it does make a difference (albeit, you need to know how to do it - you use the hooks by alternating between poles and spinning them to create tension as well as connecting them each time the opposite direction from the one before. This draws the poles together). One of my main issues is how long it takes Kerlon (especially 1800) to dry. Satisfactory dryness notwithstanding full dryness can take hours. Dyneema, on the other hand (as well as other materials) take 10 minutes even in cloudy conditions so long as there is some wind it will get dry very quickly. This point alone makes Hilleberg rather impractical. You can see this very point being demonstrated by Paul Willcocks. He has a video where he does exactly that. In the end of the day - to each his own. I formed my opinion about Hilleberg six years ago and so far I haven’t changed my mind one bit. If anything, with new technology (primarily dyneema) my dislike towards Hilleberg is only getting stronger and I certainly haven’t changed my mind in terms of not recommending them.
@@BravingTheOutDoors Hi thanks once again for this detailed reply and I do appreciate it. We have both different experiences in the outdoors and of equipment that we have used. I do try to respond to my comments with reasonable detail but at this point I will leave it to anyone else who wants to jump in. I will say however that I am a bit surprised that Hilleberg don't have a dyneema option. ATB Tom
Thanks very much mate.That was a very in-depth and comprehensive review Very handy for someone considering investing in what are quite expensive tents.Very well done. ATB.
I’ve had the tarra , too heavy vestibules are next to useless if there’s a mid volume of constant wind blowing, so really your buying a box shaped inner, or maybe for me it was a case of never meet your hero . So pleased with my nallo gt2 but now I’m on a 12 month plus waiting list for an inner !
Hi thank you for your comments. Personally I too would prefer a reduced volume and more aerodynamic vestibule for my type of camping conditions. I was a little disappointed at its deformation in moderate winds as you say. Like yourself I always wanted one but after this experience concluded that it is not as much ahead of the competition as I first thought.... ATB Tom
Please say how tall you are when discussing how much room you have inside. Although even without knowing your height, relative interior space for your fixed height is helpful. Thank you for a very comprehensive and useful video.
Hey Darius, I usually do but get asked more re my height when looking at smaller tents. It's no doubt important here too so sorry to miss this point.. 6'1 or 185cm better late that never... ATVB Tom
Thank you very much for your detailed review of these tents. I am struggling to decide on a winter tent. I’ve had a Staika and a Keron 4 for motorcycle camping and found it difficult to find secure pegging with the Keron but maybe winter is better for that and the Staika was a great tent but I didn’t feel the volume inside was worth the weight vs strength and now that I’m looking at winter snow camping at elevation here in Colorado I need wind worthiness and volume and I and my wife are 6’ tall plus we have a German Shepherd. I’m leaning towards a Nammatj 3GT but the Tarra is intriguing to me.
Hi thank you for sharing your experience with your Hilleberg tents... Yes I felt a bit disappointed with the space in the Staika.. Nammatj s are great tents but like most tunnels flappy and noisy in high wind.. The Tarra has great useable length due to the vertical doors and very quiet in his winds.. Way less vestibule space though for your dog... Let me know if you decide on one.. best wishes Tom
Great video, wish that Tarra didn't look so good :) As an owner of 5 tents of comparable cost to these I really shouldn't be looking at another one .... You might want to look at the Kuiu Storm star 2. The best tent i own for adverse weather conditions at height. As for your review you hit all the key points i would look for as someone who regularly camps at height in all seasons so thank you.
Hi Keith, you want to see it with the sun on it..... The Kuiu Storm Star 2 has come under my radar but its just sourcing one to review that may be the problem as I need to keep building my channel... ATB Tom
Great review Tom; very thorough! Yes, the large panels on the Staika work against it in high winds. I think the Soulo gets away with it as it’s side panels are smaller and therefore catch slightly less wind. I think the only drawback with the Tarra is that in high winds the unsupported ends droop down and can cover a portion of your gear. Small issue though in most cases. Btw I’ll bring a Macpac dome tent to the battle next tine. 🤣 So when will you order yourself a Tarra? ⛺️?
Hi Barry, thank you for your comments especially as an experienced user of high quality tents. You hit the nail on the head about the Staika and the Soulo. The Tarra does flex a bit too in the unsupported areas but it can take it so worth having the volume for the not too extreme days.. Introducing a Tarra to the household would get me thrown out of the household... ATB Tom
Hi William, thank you for your support. Its a tricky one as there will be so many different views on what features / attributes users want in their tents. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Wind stability and internal space are especially important for a four season tent where you will probably be spending more time compared to the warmer months. You hit the nail on the head with this focus. Please keep making very informative videos and stay safe.
Hi thank you for watching and your positive comments.. They are great pants and I have had them from 2012 still going strong. They are made by Norrona.. Finnskogen Hybrid Pants.. ATB Tom
For the Quasar , I'd bringing along a bucket to empty out all the water in the inner after you set it up when raining. Used to take a Tarra nto the Scotish Highlands solo, total overkill. It is like carrying a palace with you, so spacious.
Hi not had any problem with Quasars in the rain but there are many many other features I am not so keen on... I hope to test a new Quasar and Tarra out in the field very soon..... best wishes Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 oooh, when will that be, Tom ? I've got the latest SQ and love it. I've never seen a video with a Super Quasar suffering from wind, but the Tarra has many with Murphy and Granda having seriously bad times in the Tarra. The Staika just doesn't compete in a gale. :-)
My opionion about the quasar is a totally differnt one. If you had pitched it a bit later the quasar would have got wet already during the pitching. And in case of a serious wind you wouldnt not have been able to pitch the quasar. And I strongly believe no tent gains reasonable storm-stability from the poles alone, the guy lines are essential, thus no disadvantage for the staika.
Hey Franz thank you for your comments. I actually agree with what you say about the Quasar regarding the rain and high wind pitching difficulties. The Hilleberg's are much easier due to the multi pitching and building them from the ground up, I must not have highlighted that strong enough in my video. Geodesic tents with multiple pole crossing points gain stability from this fact. The poles are supported by each other at all the crossing points. That is why they are made. I have had 10 or more geodesic tents and in particular my North Face Mountain 25 is extremely stable in high winds with out being guyed out. There is no doubt though that effective guying makes a big difference and when the Staika is guyed out it is very strong. ATB Tom
Your excellent reviews are a little dangerous… Ive just ordered a Sand coloured Tarra to go with our Nammatj 3 and Jannu exposed wild camping options. Im considering an Allak3 for bikepacking for 2 people and camping in sheltered places. I think the extra size on the Allak3 over the Staika will help a lot.
That's some collection you got.. It's the way forward.. If you are interested in something do it right and get the best.. Sure they don't cost that much compared to something like an expensive bicycle.. My wife isn't aware of half the tents I own.. Especially similar models and colours... Keep up the supplies.. best wishes Tom
Thank you for this excellent review. You really put emphasis on the points that are essential for a tent for harsh conditions.
I own and use a Tarra (my second one now) since 17 years. I bought it especially for a solo ski crossing of the Vatnajökull icecap in Iceland, but I was so convinced of the quality of this tent that from then on I used it also for trekking or just as my basecamp - always as a one person tent! It probably saved my life, when I was stuck in a severe snowstorm on Icelands second largest glacier. As always alone, and nearly unable to move because of a blocked back. The tent was shattering in the storm while it was half burried under wet snow that freezed immediatly to a concrete hard dune that tried bend the poles to their limit. I always felt safe in my tent for two nights and days until a rescue squad saved me.
Since then I have a deep relation to my tent and I feel like coming home again when being with my Tarra out in Iceland starting a new trip.
Hi Dietrich, I really appreciate you sharing your experiences of your Tarra - WOW. I do put a lot of emphasis on suitability for harsh conditions even though a lot of people who purchase tents like this don't often really test them. When you consider Hilleberg are one of the very few who use 100D groundsheets in their groundsheets you know that they are not cutting corners to save weight and sacrifice durability. If you are going to use them in conditions like you have you wants to stack the odds in your favour by having the best equipment available. ATB Tom
Was your sleeping bag, and/or sleeping pad equally crucial in your survival?
Wow, a great story. I always imagine my Tarra being able to do this, but never considered this use case of alone and injured. This sort of justifies its weight while out alone.
Dieter - moin. Es liegt eine Weile zurück, daß Dein Beitrag hier Eingang gefunden hatte. Hast Du eine weitere Extremtour mit Deinem Tarra gemacht? Und falls dem so ist, wie ist diese verlaufen?
Sorry for the late answer@@joebuck4496. I used a 'Exped downmat' and a winter 'arctic down' sleeping bag made by the finnish manufacturer Joutsen (with a comfort zone down to -20°C, -9°F=. The outside temperatures were around the freezing point down to mild frost at about -7° C (19°F). So temperature was not a problem ar all.
Ode to Staika:
This is my tent. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My tent is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. Without me, my tent is useless. Without my tent, I am useless!
One fabulous film. FMJ.... .Thank you for your comments and SOH All the best Tom
I hope everyone enjoys this video. Thank you for watching it and let me know your thoughts in the comments below so that I can make better videos in the future. ATB Tom
@@wildwanderwomen694 Hi thank you for your very positive words and its great that you are considering buying a Hilleberg tent. depending on the conditions that you think you are going to encounter may be the starting point... The Anjan is a 3 season tent with light weight fabrics that would be easier damaged by the doggie and if the dog was possibly going to sleep or stay in the vestibule then the cut of the fly does not come right to the ground and offers less protection. The Tarra has the strongest and most durable fabrics so its definitely the one for living space and harsh weather. The Nallo 2 has great vestibule space but less inner volume than the Tarra if you were going to do a number of nights camping in a row. Those are a few pros and cons. All are great tents. I would probably lean towards the Tarra due to the space, strength and durability and the fact that it has two vestibules... I hope this helps... Tom
This goes to show there is no substitute for real world assessment. The catalogue from. Hilleberg and the included dimensions show and lead you to believe the Staika has more room inside than the Tarra! Tremendous work Tom!
Hi, yes I was really disappointed in the space inside the Staika. The vertical doors on the Tarra make such a difference and the flat roof also really adds to interior useable space... thank you for the comment and positive feedback its much appreciated... best wishes Tom
An absolutely brilliant review, Tom. The level of detail in this film makes it the most comprehensive Hilleberg tent review I’ve ever watched. As an owner of Hilleberg tents and having owned a TN Hyperspace, I think your synopsis was perfectly balanced, and very accurate. I really hope that Hilleberg are made aware of this review, as I’m sure they would absolutely delighted to see it.
Well done, Tom!
Thank you kindly Phil for your positive comments and also for allowing me to use your tents. This comparison would not have happened without you being so decent and lending them to me. I always try to be balanced and fair in my reviews and the Hilleberg tents have many more qualities that I did not even mention. You have to deliver enough information to justify your conclusions but not over cook it by praising one too much and putting down another. ATB Tom
By far the most detailled and comprehensible video i've seen on those tents !! Thank you for this !!
Hey great to hear your thoughts 🤔 on the video.. Really appreciate your comments thank you.. Best wishes Tom
Have owned the Super Quasar after my VE 25 collapsed next to one during a welsh gale many many years ago, and, apart from velcro critique (which actually works in practice) agree entirely with your excellent review.
Incidentally, just back from the NC 500 on my motorbike, and the old tent, for one person, would still be my tent of choice, it's been abused and remains brilliant!
Hi thank you for commenting and sharing your experience of your Ve25 and Super Quasar... Yes no doubts here regarding wind stability as I too have had a few Ve25s and they have struggled in really high winds where the Quasar will have no problems... The Quasars are a good durable shelter and I previously owned two many years ago... ATB Tom
Had a tarra a while back. We had it over on mull & the main problem as explained by expert's was because it was a ground hugging tent in very damp wet mull on low level ground ventilation was the cause.
Remember taken pics of underside of flysheet & you could hardly tell the inside from the outside.
This tent was returned to retailer & replaced with a super quasar that is now needing replaced with either an quasar or hillieberg allak 2.
Great vid re door position side doors far better for cooking & nite time visits less disturbing partner.
🍻🍻🍻
Hi Bill thank you once again for your comments on this and other of my videos... Yeah Hilleberg and some other Swedish brands really do like the tent fly right on the ground.... The American brands are a bit against this due to the further ventilation challenges.... I think a little space is actually good as long as the bath tub floor is deep enough. I had an original Quasar that had an issue with this... the bath tub didn't go high enough and the fly not low enough so this caused splash back from the ground in heavy rain... All of these tents are really good but can sometimes be caught out by certain environmental conditions.... ATB Tom
Intersting to see the exped quasar with the extra pole crossing points. Back in 2000 when choosing between what a shop had in stock rather than having the world before us on the internet we had to choose between the original Quasar and the Tarra for a cycle tour of Iceland. When we saw the size of the Tarra we asked the weight and was amazed to find it the same (at the time) as a Quasar. So what is the downside we asked? The price came the answer. The thing with the Quasar was you cannot get four bike panniers in one vesitible and get in and out. With the Tara you can get 8 panniers (two people's worth) in one end and cook / enter at the other end.
Hillebergs' were a real rarity in the UK at that time.
Thank you for your comments, I was very impressed with the vestibule size in the Tarra. A lot of volume to catch the wind but worth it I think in the long run to have the space at ground level and the height. I found getting changed in the vestibule extremely easy if you were wet and didn't want to transfer dampness to the inner tent. A very versatile tent. ATB Tom
The best review ever. It goes into detail and answers many questions. Brilliant. I agree with you on the Tarra, that is my pick Cheers from NZ
Hey thank you for your very positive comments. You have some nice tent options out in NZ... Have a look at the Mont Epoch if you like this sort of thing... ruclips.net/video/ZxHqSlWmDKo/видео.html. ATB Tom
An excellent review of three great tents. Very comprehensive reviews, just what people who like wild camping need. Thank you.
Hey great to have your feedback regarding the video thank you very much... best wishes Tom
Thanks Tom, a really thoughtful and honest review of 3 quality tents. I've owned a Super Quasar since 2009, following recommendations from the old and bold RM ML and the SQ has never let me down. From my point of view, I wanted a bomb proof tent to cope with all weathers the UK experiences and bomb proof is what the SQ is. Not the lightest, neither the easiest to pitch in windy conditions....getting in and out resembles limbo dancing, but once up and pitched correctly the stability is incredible and I have absolute confidence with the SQ, even when the sneaky wind changes direction during the night, or heavy snow has fallen. The 12 yr old SQ is showing no signs of wearing out, but if that days arrives, I'd certainly consider the Hillebergs purely based on your review.
Hi Gordon. The Super Quasar has my favourite pole geometry giving great aerodynamics and the crossing poles at the side give it great wind stability from the side too. I would suffer the lower roof at either end to have the gain in strength. The Tarra would probably need one extra pole at the windward side to match the Super Quasar in wind stability and total weight. You then have a nice 100d groundsheet as a bonus and the 10mm poles. In theory the fact that the seems are not taped gives greater durability long term, but you have had no probs with yours. So easy to set up in high winds too and the tension on the inner is surprisingly good too. Thank you for your comments as an experiences SQ user. ATB Tom
Very interesting video Tom. Your attention to detail is second to none and can be very useful to someone buying one of these tents. Looking forward to next video.
Hi Joe, thank you for your positive comments. I do spend a lot of time putting in the detail as that's what you need to know if you are thinking of purchasing a tent like one of these. ATB Tom
Excellent review on all 3 ⛺️. I’ve had the Terra Nova since 2002-3 and it has served me well and travelled to some extreme areas from Himalayas Europe and many times around the highlands and on top of Ben Nevis. Great tent and still going strong. Currently in the Alps with mostly sunshine but the last week rain snow and winds and still standing. Love it.
Hey great to hear your thoughts and experience as a Quasar owner.. I had two over the years and they were definitely reliable shelters and very well made... Best wishes for the rest of your trip if you are still away... Tom
You are the master of the tent review! Very clear presentation of material with enough detail of real life use - including visuals of actual situations. The cuts to windy coastline really illustrate the point. You skip all the measurements that commonly constitute a review but that confuse and which are published anyway. The lack of background music is a plus as well IMO. So another five star review Tom, thank you. Which one? I don’t need such a solid tent, but if I did it’d be the Tarra based on your review! (I’ve a Unna en route from Finland at the moment 😁)
Hi Peter, thank you for your comments and continued support. I hope that you Unna arrives tomorrow.... Its always very hard to know what information to include in a review but I try to show details that others don't. Its easy to get the measurements online but sometimes these can be very misleading as the length of the tent at floor height is not totally relevant if the tent has sloping sidewalls etc.... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 exactly. Your cooking positioning in this video was an eye opener! The point you made in the Akto/Soulo comparison about usable length was only time I’ve heard that; again very practical info about the tent in use.
Excellent Tent review, great to see difference between tent models with wind against them. Would go for Terra Nova standard Quasar or Ultra Hyperspace (not made any more) feel these from experience would out perform Hilleberg Tarra that vestibule being great for internal space gathers to much wind and bows inwards pulling supporting pole down, have a look at Alistair Granda video of tent in high winds and continuous rain. Your the first person to show correct set up of tents and review with knowledge, appreciate the effort and time put in.
Hi Finse, thank you. The standard Quasar has very poor separation of the inner and flysheet. Even without any wind, large sections will touch together and if you have damp snow then the whole panel will touch and transfer dampness. I have had two of them and was disappointed with this. I have also had a Mountain Hyperspace but this is a much larger tent. I have looked at the video you mention a number of times and was a little disappointed with some of the aspects that Alistair demonstrated regarding the Tarra. The lack of taped seems can be an issue in such conditions but allows for a reduction in weight as when the flysheet is coated with silicone on both sides you can make it lighter and stronger. Taped sims won't stick very well to the slippy silicone fabric. There is no doubt that the vestibule pole is pulled down in the Tarra under such conditions but it doesn't look anywhere near failing. Even at this sort of money and price point they all have a number of frustrations. ATB Tom
The Terra Nova has less space. He had to use a three person tent and pretend it was a two person tent in order to make a "fair" comparison it with a two person tent from Hilleberg.
Tom, I did enjoy the video. The filming is excellent, the audio is the best there is on RUclips. The analysis is very well presented and covered the points that we wanted to hear. The result was a bit of a surprise to me, but the 30mph coastal wind test on the tents was a great decider.
.
Thanks for all your efforts on this and previous videos and I look forward to more.
Hi Gary, thank you for your positive comments particularly regarding the video and audio. I also really appreciated your detailed technical input regarding the Terra Nova Expedition Super Quasar. Its hard to know sometimes what points to include to please as many viewers and owners as possible. I would have liked it to be a bit windier when testing but it was still windy enough to demonstrate what I wanted to show. Recording of the wind was difficult as the noise of the sea in the background cancelled out some of the wind noise. The tension on the inner of the Tarra was pretty much as good as the ESQ so as quiet in the wind. The Staika flaps around more as the side panels on the inner tent are longer with no pole to support them. The vestibules of the ESQ make less noise too due to their small volume and aerodynamic wind profile.... ATB Tom
Very good review Tom. I love your realistic opinion, real life situations like the cooking scenarios. As an owner of a Staika I’m of course disappointed that you discarded it first, but I appreciate your level of details in the assessments
Hi Pierre, thank you for your comments. I only rated it 3rd for my type of usage... It is amazing as a one person palace but just a little small volume wise compared to the Tarra but of course lighter... ATB Tom
Is there something to be said about the advantage of the Staika interior being smaller as far as holding body heat inside of it (for one person)? Or would you have to drop all the way down to the Soulo for that advantage? Also, what do you think about using candles as a heat source for these tents?
Great review, proper real world test and talk. Not quoting stuff from the manufacturer with no practical experience.
I worry a little bit about external poles (exoskeleton in design) and the risk of pole joints freezing together. Due to the tents external structure, I would also questions its ability to snow load effectively. I'm picturing a sleepless night dumping snow from the roof.
For most folk these two risks are probably low, but where I live in the Scottish Highlands and for what I like to do (winter mountain camping) they could potentially be pretty troublesome.
Hopefully this comment is useful for someone who is considering a new tent and would be using it for similar activities / conditions as me 👍
Hi Mike thank you for your comments regarding the poles. Hilleberg is a Swedish company and their tents are used in very cold conditions, not that it not cold in the Scottish Highlands.. I have camped a few times I must admit where the pole sections have frozen in the Cairngorms but thawed them out with my hands which is manageable if its not too serious. The Tarra s roof may be a little flat for wet snow but then you have great volume so pros and cons. What tent do you use by the way? ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 I have used external poles in cold weather and have been fine 99% of the time, just another consideration for people who might not know though.
I actually use a Vango F10 MTN2 Tent. Very similar to the newer version of the Quasar Ultra, but uses a clip system for the inner, which I can do with mitts so quite like. Also got it for under £400 which apart from the Kangri, almost puts it in a league of it's own from a cost perspective.
Good comparison. I like your practical method. I.cycle with a Velomobile from Germany to Northcape and back again. Glad to decide for heavier Tarra instead my Akto or Nallo 4 Gt, because it's raining since days and I have plenty of room.
I really appreciate that you can put these tents against the harsh wind in a wet environment. I live in the northeast of the united states which has a similar climate (arctic maritime) and tend to spend time in the Presidentials in winter - home of some of the highest wind speeds ever recorded and not infrequently gusting well over 100mph. So often I see comparisons done in fair weather on sunny days and I can't help but question how relevant that is to me. This is much appreciated and I look forward to more videos with the "lovely" windy weather!
Hi Gabe, thank you for your positive comments - I wanted to test the tents in higher winds but the forecast failed me. I don't mind pushing my own tents to the limit but these were borrowed so maybe better that it wasn't too windy as I would hate to damage someone else's tent. It frustrates me too when I can't fine videos of tents being pitched under challenging conditions. I am planning on doing many more videos in measured wind speeds too. ATB Tom
super great review of the Tarra. I am amazed after watching so many tent reviews on youtube of tents for the winter and people fail to place the pad down and even a large sleeping bag so the buyer can get a real view of how much room there will be. You deserve a shot of Kentucky Bourbon
Hey Dojocho, thank you.. Yes I try to make my reviews as real as possible. Setting up living and vestibule space etc to show actual space.. I also try to actually test the tents under challenging conditions especially if they are 4 season tents.. ATB Tom
One of the best quality tent reviews I have seen on YT. Excellent work, and well done.
Hey thank you very much Timmy, I put a fair bit of work into it to be honest filming in two different locations etc to try and bring something a little extra to the video. ATB Tom
Yet again very informative.
I’ve now watched all of yours and Outdoor Inspirations Hilleberg tent videos. They are very interesting to watch. A good amount of knowledge by both.
For now my Phoxx 2 will have to suffice. Out of the tents in the video I’d of picked the Tarra purely based on its size as I’m a fair lump although I did watch a video the other day where it was leaking at the seams during high winds and rain. At the same time though it looked like he had zips open as well.
I have a friend that owns an original Wild Country Quasar expedition tent. It’s over 30 years old now mind.
Thank you Lee, Mine are better than his ha ha... I have seen the same Tarra video too and was a little disappointed but you have to try and manage the weaknesses of the tent if possible and even at over £1000 they all have them. ATB Tom
Thanks, great and detailed comparison of these tents. Totally agree with your no 1, Tarra looks excellent.
Hi John, thank you for your comments and continued support of my channel. I hope that you can get out camping again yourself. ATB Tom
Tremendous Content. I could watch these types of videos all day. Just the kinds of questions I want answered. Thanks for all the time you spent making the video. SUBSCRIBED
Hi Clem, thank you for your comments on this and one of my other videos. Yeah this one took a bit of extra time as I wanted to include a proper wind test too so was I filmed over a few days in different locations. Appreciate your subscription too. ATB Tom
Wow Tom. What a great video. Seriously keep it up, you are by far one of the most dedicated to detail guys on here! Seriously great work.
Thank you very much for your positive comments Leif. Another one coming soon too. ATB Tom
Hands down the Tarra. Comfort is important to me. Plus the vestibule seems the most practical. Thank you for this review
Yes the Tarra is definitely my choice.. It's a really spacious, strong and durable tent.. The weight is also totally acceptable between two persons.. Vestibule space also excellent.. best wishes Tom
Ive had a Super Quasar for about 8 years and its been great. Things I like about are, its very strong and stable, the way poles cross over and at the sides enclosing you in a cage gives a sense of security inside and keeps the inner very taught. The overal space inside for just me is quite large and have no probs sitting upright. The porches at each end are pretty good storage areas. The many points the tent is pegged and guyed out makes it very strong in windy conditions. The only thing I dont like about it is getting in and out of the tent as said in the video. Its a little bit low. I dont cook in the tent porch closed up. My style of camping is just to go somewhere nice whether it be a campsite or another location thats not far from the drop off point and stay there for up to 7 days which means im carrying a huge 155 litre duffle bag with everything plus a 40 litre rucksack on my back. I have a carpet in my tent which really makes all the difference if your going to spend a long time out camping.
If I had to buy another tent to replace this one I would get the Tera Nova Terra Firma which is quite a bit bigger.
Hi Nick, thank you very much for sharing your experience with the Super Quasar. The owner of this tent also has a very high opinion of it and in fact I think most owners do... I love the wind stability of this tent which is actually helped by the low porches so I don't mind that. All in all the only real issue for me is the inner first pitch. These are tricky to manage in high wind conditions for setting up and taking down the tent, especially if its raining..BUT once up and guyed out its pretty much perfect...ATB Tom
Tom as i said in the last video i have the Tarra. The only thing with the Tarra is you have to put the red pole in first. I usually do it the way you did red white blue black. I also prefer the blue and black poles to go on the inside of the white and red crossover points. My tent sits better that way. Excellent video. ATB Cheers
Hi Alan, thank you for your comments and great to hear from a Tarra owner. I just inserted the poles the way it shows you on the Hilleberg Instructional Pitching Video, but agree with yourself that it sits better with the blue and black poles on the inside. Thought to go by the book when showing it if you know what I mean... ATB and hope that you are putting your tent to great use. Tom
Excellent reviews, i own the terra nova super quassar and the hilleberg tarra and its bang on cheers
Thank you John, this is very valuable feedback seeing that you own both... ATB Tom
Outstanding Tom 👍
Thank you very much Shamus.. ATB Tom
Tom...disagree with the Super Quasar analysis. As MRT, & often having four stinky guys in mine on Rannoch in a storm, playing cards & drinking. corner to corner & full of doss bags & sacks there is always enough room to sit upright without feeling crushed in. Mine has seen some gnarly action in its time & never faltered, through blizzard snow loading in Svalbard, truly torrential downpours on Rannoch & 100mph+ summit winds on the Annapurna eastern anchor. Nothing phases it. Excellent review though Tom. Greets from the Western Isles, Scotland. Do the Hilleberg Soulo next, bombproof summit coffin, snuggly with a big woolly collie mate. Agree with your thoughts on the Staika, bit crap in a storm.
Hey Tadhg... Thank you for sharing your encounter s with the Super Quasar.. It is awsome to hear of someone really testing their tent as so many tents like these don't get much further than campsites... I have lots of reviews bty on the Hilleberg Soulo both Red and Black versions..I think when a tent protects you when it's kicking off weather wise then you become very loyal to it.. For 4 season tents then weather resistance is one of the most important aspects IMO and in that respect the Super Quasar has my favourite pole geometry resulting in amazing weather resistance... I personally have just moved away from inner first pitching tents as they are not at full strength until the fly is attached and guyed.. This setting up and taking down has led to me having bent poles on all my inner first pitching tents. The Tarra here can be set up in any conditions as you build it from the ground up.. It also has a 100d ground sheet and 10mm poles at a slightly lighter weight that the Super Quasar.. Its a close one between two fantastic tents.. ATB Tom
Thank you very much. You set the benchmark for me for reviews with this. First video of yours Ive watched but very very impressed. Thank you again
Thank you very much Esab.. I really enjoy doing reviews and make them as honest and fair as possible..I have a few tents lined up for July to review similar to what you see here.. Thank you once again for your feedback... Tom
Great work, Tom. Forgive me if you already said this (I watched with the sound down, as my wife is sleeping!), but I get a little more stability and less noise from my Tarra by girth-hitching the side quarter guys around the poles where they cross, before pegging them out as normal.
Hi Dave is this not what Hilleberg recommends? I do it in my Jannu. Not sure if I demoed it here or not, so thank you for drawing it to my attention. No doubt that this is the way to get max support for the poles.. ATB Tom
The winner is the middle tent, sir! Key words you said yourself, adverse "conditions".
I'd sacrifice space over comfort during those times, and the main reasons for such a purchase.
I have NFI when it comes to sheltering in the elements.
And many thanks to you for this vlog. It has helped immensely!
Hey thank you for sharing your thoughts.. The Super Quasar is not my pick but it's definitely very strong... Best wishes Tom
Thanks for the great review! The Tarra is on my wishlist for if/when I decide we need a 4-season tent, so it's great to get such detailed info confirming it as a good choice. With a tent that expensive, you don't want to make a mistake!
Hi Jean, thank you for your comments. The Tarra is a great tent which has been on my wish list for a good few years. It has a great combination of attributes. ATB Tom
Great choice. I myself have a saivo. One great feature of the saivo is the double ventilation openings at the top.
Thank you for a great review.
The Saivo is probably one of the few perfect tents out there in my opinion. I love its pole structure and aerodynamics. In one of my North Face VE25 videos ruclips.net/video/D9z2efRI0Es/видео.html I actually recommend it as an alternative. ATB Tom
LOVING your vids, Tom! Thanks for creating such amazing comparisons with all the detailed explanations, overviews, and camera angles. I agree with your assessment - the Tarra would be my choice too between these three tents. Cheers from the Rocky Mountains
Hi, thank you for your positive comments and greetings back from Northern Ireland. The Tarra feels very special inside with such pleasing tension on the inner tent. The set up and take down is so easy too and the quality, construction and materials are perfect. ATB and hope you get out camping soon. Tom
Fantastic review Tom. Thanks immensely for the huge effort here. Steve
Thank you Steve. Great that you appreciate the effort as I do try very hard.... ATB Tom
I would also choose the Tarra, but mainly because it seems to be possible to setup the outer shell first and then clip in the inner shell. This is what I can do with my tunnel tent and makes it possible to keep the inner shell mostly dry even in very rainy conditions during setup and takedown of the tent.
Hi thank you for the comment.. Yes the external set up is very important to me too.. Inner first pitches are very vulnerable to rain and wind during set up.. Not a great worry to have before tent pitching... best wishes Tom
Nice Vid...
I prefer the Staika bc of the free-standing ability; the Tarra's condensation is much worse IMHO. When I was buying my first black label Hillie it was between the Tarra, Staika, and Nammajt 3GT. I chose the Staika because of its weight and freestanding ability. I actually like the Fjallraven Keb Dome 2 just as much; also The North Face Mountain 25.
You should also add the Jannu and do a test of tunnel tents in the wind, like the Keron, Nammajt or Fjallraven Keb Endurance. :)
Hi thank you for your comments and sharing your tent experiences. Interesting to hear that you found more condensation in the Tarra. I have not had the opportunity to test any Fjalraven tents but have certainly tested a number of versions of MTN25. ATB Tom
Tom, Just found your channel as I search for a 2 man. Enjoyed this video greatly with my morning coffee, cheers mate, looking forward to watching more content.
Hi Thomas thank you for your comments.. Many more tent reviews lined up for July if you enjoy this type of content.. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thank you for the reply, Yes the content is awesome. Now you mention it, I really like the vango's (I watched your Banshee review) but although this may sound backwards, having difficulty finding tents that are compatible with square sleep mats, I have the Aluft 80. I know that the more experienced would say change your sleep system but I cannot do the mummy thing, perhaps this subject would make an interesting topic for you. Kind Regards, Thomas.
Thanks for the video Tom! My very first Hilleberg tent will be getting delivered in the mail tomorrow. i was able to find a new Tarra online right now. ✌✌
Hi Ryan, Hey that's brilliant. I wish I could somehow manage a Tarra. I do all my camping solo so just not practical but it would be my favourite. You will be delighted with it as its a great choice.. I wish you all the very best for many many happy camping trips... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Thank you for your time! i have been watching a lot of your videos, they are very informative and entertaining. i will be buying a Jannu when they become available again. i do solo camping as well but decided to treat myself to a palace with the Tarra. my camping season is about over now that summer is here. i live in North Dakota US and our winter air temps can get down to -20 - -30F, this is my favorite time to be outside in nature. i wish you the same my friend!
An exceptional good review and that gives what we really want know - wind resistance, foul weather proterction and internal living use & practicality - Keep up the good work!
Hi Stephen, thank you for watching and your positive comments... Working on another one now on the Hilleberg Jannu.... ATB Tom
Fabulous review. These are the 3 tents i had short listed.
I use mine for kayak camping. Solo occupancy. Weight not a major consideration. Often pitch windy islands & might need to wait out a storm. Live on the west coast of Scotland- so rain & midge are a big thing.
I was very Surprised with the Staika performance in the wind.
Hi thank you for watching and your comments. West coast of Scotland is amazing.. The Staika is a true 4 season tent but has only 3 poles supporting a fairly large structure so it really depends on the guy lines. The Tarra has 4 poles supporting the structure and the poles cross multiple times. This makes a big difference to the stability in the real world... ATB Tom
Thanks so much for taking the time to fill us in on so many useful details in all your reviews, and this one in particular ended up on exactly what I was looking for in the Tarra. I like your straightforward presentation, keep the videos coming, and I'll be checking out your more recent reviews to check for other winners in this category ;)
Hi Andrew thank you for your comments and watching the video... I have reviewed many tents like this so hopefully some more of my videos will be of interest.. Recently I have been trying to review tents on actual field tests too... All the very best and thank you once again for the comments and thoughts.. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 More than welcome mate
At last a great review of Staika vs Tarra!!! Thanks for taking the time
Hi James, no worries sure I can't complain about reviewing such great tents and getting a play with them.. Thank you too for commenting. ATB Tom
Excellent review you did a great job of showing the negatives and positives of all 3 tents Without bashing anything I like the style of the review and video in general
Hey thank you for your positive comments. Its always difficult to get the balance right but I try to be fair to them all even though certain things frustrate be about some of the tents I tested here.... ATB Tom
excellent, comprehensive test. You ultimately picked the one I would have too.
Hi John, thank you. The Tarra is definitely my pick here for my type of camping. I try and show as much detail as possible. ATB Tom
fabulous review. loved the detail of the practical side of each of them as you saw it. excellent.
Hi thank you for watching and also taking the time to comment... ATB Tom
Great review Tom, and because of it I just bought a Hilleberg Tarra! I also will be ordering a NAMMATJ 2 in the near future, for below tree line, and back pack use.
Hi Mark, that's a great choice congratulations. The Tarra is an amazing tent and the Nammatj 2 very versatile, spacious and durable. The Nammatj is a little noisy in high winds and flaps about a bit but still has an amazing strength to volume to weight ratio. The Tarra is just super strong and easy to manage when the conditions are kicking off.... ATB Tom
Fantastic Tom (subscribed), really well filmed and thought out review.
I appreciate the high wind footage and attention to important features. I own a Tarra, VE25 mountain & previously the Super Quaser and have used all three in high winds, particularly tested on several trips to southern Patagonia.
I do double pole the Tarra and in my opinion it is the easiest tent to put up in wind., I also think it is the most stable when fully guyed out, I also use all the additional guying points with micro dyneema lines and whilst I have the footprint I rarely use it as the Hilleberg floor is so strong.
As you point out if you don't pay attention putting it away in the morning, when it comes to putting it back out you can end up with the tension straps all over the place, although they do un-clip so you can quickly resolve.
The various VE25's were my go-to tent for many years, I now tend to reach for the Hilleberg, I just wish they were lighter.
Hey thank you for your positive comments especially when you have such experience with two of the tents in the comparison. I totally agree that the Tarra is the easiest to set up. My VE25 still has bent poles as its so vulnerable when putting up and taking down (I have review on it too with some more high wind footage) and another one up today comparing an old VE25 to the current model. Like you I moved from the VE 25's to Hilleberg as I feel that they have the edge. ATB and thank you once again for your input. Tom
Fantastic review, thank you for taking the time to put together such a comprehensive comparison.
Hi David, thank you very much for your positive comments. It took a fair bit of time but worth it for the views and comments that the video has received... ATB Tom
Great job, Tom! If I would add anything to your tent review, it would be notes on the durability of the zippers. It has been my experience that the first thing to fail on tents are the zippers.I own two Hilleberg tents and have replaced a zipper slider on each. So, the size and design (how much strain on the zipper, how long of a pull, accessibility, etc) of the zippers are things that I take into account when deciding on which tent to purchase.
Great job again.
Thank you Scott for your positive comments. It is always difficult to know what to include in reviews. Hilleberg give great detail regarding the tent components whereas Terra Nova do not give nearly as much. The zipper sliders on the super quasar are very chunky too if you know what I mean so not a noticeable difference in comparison. When I do a video like this and then look at the average viewer watch time it makes me think I am giving too much detail already.... However I am always open to ideas and this is definitely an area that I have not covered in any of my previous videos so I will seriously consider it for the future. ATB Tom
Great point.
Brilliant review, very thorough for all tents in different scenarios. Impressive and informative video.
Glad you enjoyed it Paul and thank you for your positive comments. ATB Tom
I did enjoy the video. I appreciate your attention to detail. I'm looking forward to the next review.
Hi Jere, somehow RUclips thought you my be spam so that's why it has taken me so long to reply. I picked up your other comments about the SlingFin Wind Saber and delighted to hear that you like it. Appreciate your offer of borrowing it if I ever get to Alaska. I hope that you are getting out camping. ATB Tom
Hej! Super nice review, thank you. There is one topic which was not covered from my point of view. Terra Nova needs to be build „old way” what is terrible when rains, and Hilleberg (not only on the market) with this approach where you technically can build it from the outter layer is super efficient when it is raining. According to lack of space in Staika, have you tried to unclip bigger part of inner tent to do all this westibule works? When I need extra space I just unclip it and fold away partially, so there is a plenty of space inside fly, and when it is time to go sleep I just fix it back. For me this possibilty is so cool that probably I will never come back to the tents where you instal poles directly to the inner tent. Best regards!
Hi thank you for your comments. Yes I totally agree regarding outer first pitching even from the fact that the tent is secure as you are putting it up. It was mainly the inner space for two people that I thought was a bit tight in the Staika but good to hear of the vestibule flexibility by unclipping. ATB Tom
Great comparison! The Tarra is certainly a dream tent!
Hi Kevin, thank you I definitely agree on that one... ATB Tom
I am searching for a good 2 person backpacking tent, and have noticed that the european tens and the US tents are very different, every UK camping video I see its hurricane level winds and strong storms and the tents there are beefy beyond reason. Where I live in the PNW we have constant misty rain in the valley and deep power snow in the mountains, and where I grew up in Montana its dry and arid in the summer and snowy powder below zero in the winter. Our high end tents are super light, take a minute to set up and offer good protection in those environments. However in the places your camping they would likely be destroyer. However your tents over here would be so overwhelmingly swampy and ridiculously heavy for our weather I cannot imagine it would be a comfortable experience. Its fascinating how different the outdoors is and the different responses we come up with to enjoy them geographically.
Hey what a great comment and observations... There is such a difference between European and American tents... I have used both fairly often and now I am probably deciding that American trekking pole tents just dont suit my environmental conditions as well as some other options.. The American geodesic tents are strong but most pitch inner first and this is just not my choice for UK camping.. American manufactures like The North Face and Mountain Hardwear also dont bring the flysheets right down to the ground on 4 season tents, whereas the Hillebergs and other European brands do. Pros and cons to them all.... All the very best wishes and thank you for this great comment... Tom
I just watched 2 of your videos. and your videos are amazing! Absolutely brilliant! I have never camped in my life and I really love to start and I really a kind of a person that, I buy one thing and use it for a long time, so I look for quality. I learnt whole a lot from your videos. I recently watched NF 25 video and that was a nice one as well. Thank you Tom and Happy Holidays!
Hi Kaan, thank you for watching my videos and taking the time to comment so positively. I really hope that you can take the plunge and give camping a try. There is so much gear available that you can be very comfortable even in harsh weather. That's the fun of it for me being out when the weather is kicking off but actually being in the tent protected from it all. I have used many tents and now handled 6 or 7 Hillebergs. The Hilleberg tents are a cut above the rest in quality and will last forever if looked after well. they also hold their value exceptionally well too.... Happy Holidays to you too and thank you once again for getting in touch. ATB Tom
Excellent review! That Quasar is the old style like mine. The new one appear to have the doors opening sideways.
I have to agree with you about getting out of the Quasar being a pain to get out of, as I've found it more difficult now than 20 years ago when I first got it! I was strongly tempted to replace it with either the Tarra or the Staika, but now I'm not so sure as the aerodynamic advantage could trump the ergonomics of the Tarra.
As for cooking, I've had some scary time priming a Dragonfly in the vestibule in bad weather!
Thank you for your input as a Quasar owner. There is no doubt as to how they can shed wind. Hard to know which would fail first but you could stick one extra pole at 264g in the Tarra and it would still be the same weight as the Quasar but with more volume... This particular Quasar also has Dragonfly damage on one of the pole sleeves and I was minus my eyebrows too... ATB Tom
Ha, me too. Seriously thinking that the Staika had advantages over the Super Quasar, but I think Tom has put it in its place and I've lost my desire for it.
.
I've had x3 Super Quasars over 25 years and I think it's a wonderful tent, including my latest Expedition Super Quasar. As a solo tent it beats the Tarra imho. With my fitness level getting on my feet from a kneeling position is a challenge and the SQ entrance makes it harder. However, it's no worse than the Keron 4 I sold last year. ATB.
@@Super.Quasar Again Gary I appreciate you input as someone with many years experience of a number of fabulous tents. ATB Tom
Good thorough review there of 3 greats. I’ve never been a fan of the inner pitch first tents though. As I’m always pitching in rain usually 😂 I’ve got the staika and I’d never pitch it in high wind without all the guylines out. I’d get them in somehow. I carry titanium nails and alpkit spikes for that sort of terrain. If it’s impossible I’d bail out rather than risk my tent. I was looking at the tarra before the staika but the size and weight and all those poles put me off. But I’m happy with the staika. It’s done well in the few windy camps I’ve had. I’d like to test it more though. I tell you the best tent I ever used was a nammatj3GT (the 2GT is just as good) that thing was rock solid in a massive storm on skye. It was the only tent left standing on the site. Inside me and my partner merrily drank beer and cooked our tea 😂 outside Dorothy and Toto flew past. I’ve subbed on as you do some good reviews of decent gear. Not loads of poundshop stuff. (Yep I’m a gear snob. Years of let downs made me who I am) look forward to the next video. Atb mate. 👍
Add on. At first I was disappointed with the interior space in the staika. But I use it as a solo tent now. So it’s ok 👍
Hi Andy, thank you for your comments especially as you are another content creator. I started with inner pitch tents and managed not too bad re the rain. I suppose in reality there is always a way to get the guy lines in... Also I had a Nammatj 2 a few years back but sold it due to the noise in windy conditions. In retrospect I probably didn't give it a chance as I was comparing it to a 4.5kg tent. Its hard reviewing the decent gear only as it is such a niche market but like you I have been let down by cheap and nasty too many times, and particularly where tents are concerned quality of construction is so important. I have subbed back and remember looking at some of your great nights in the Soulo in the snow... ATB and thanks once again.. Tom
Wow it's good to hear someone say anything good about the Stika, I have just shelled out all that money! For one man I will use it as a bigger Soulo.
@@mikeharris7885 second best tents hille make imo. For me the best is the nammatj 2 or 3 GT
@@mikeharris7885 Hi Mike, there are a lot of people who use the Staika as a one person tent and for that it is hard to fault for the extra space, weight, durability and simplicity of pitching. ATB Tom
Great overview of the Tarra, thanks again Tom!
Hey Rob thank you.. Its was great to get my hands on these three.... ATVB Tom
Excellent review to the point, unbiased and informative, exactly what we need, well done keep up the good work 👍
Hey thank you for the feedback.. I borrowed all these tents but have lots of previous experience with the Super Quasar. Also sometimes you have to actually experience the tent in person to see it's pros and cons.. So as the tents were borrowed I had no reason to be biased in any way... Sometimes after time you change your opinion on something but I was to review these tents today my thoughts would be the same... Best wishes and thank you for the feedback.. Tom
Nice review! I love my Tarra! All guyed out it's basically bombproof. And you can double pole any Hillebergs, or add more guy lines if you really wanted to
Hi Tyler, Thank you for your input as a happy Hilleberg Tarra owner. The easy option of double poling and availability of parts etc is another advantage. You can double pole the Quasars too... ATB Tom
Great job- a really detailed and practical comparison. Thanks for taking the trouble to show them in different settings with a proper breeze blowing. I've always been a Quasar man so I'm pleased it did ok. I think regarding it as a three person was a red herring which probably scored against it. My only gripe with it has been access- it's a bit of a crawl in and take the wet with you; and the vestibule is a bit cramped for cooking if needed. I see the advantages there with the Tarra but then you're faced with a more larger volume and windage area, so it's down to what's your priority? It's a given that both have top materials and workmanship. My Quasars have lasted for many years. The fact that I have replaced older tents with a similar model probably says enough. Thanks again for a great video.
Thank you Derek for your input when owning one of these tents for many years. Had two Quasars myself over the years and they were definitely very durable and strong for any conditions. ATB Tom
Cracking review and super detailed. Thanks for the great effort in producing this. It still surprises me that even the Tarra with its great interior volume doesn't have the width inside to cover the more modern wider sleeping pads that are 25" wide. With all these tents more geared toward the 4 season potential, I'd like to see the interior width being able to take 2 x wide pads.
Hi thank you for your positive comments. It does take a bit of effort to be fair ....Yes I agree 150 cm instead of 140 would be nice...ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 I think they key drawback with these beasts of tents is the weight but that’s really my point with the need for the interior space to be wider. These tents are more geared for staying longer than one night on a place compared to the ultralight need and a better night sleep you get from the wider pad should be accommodated.
It’s the same with Bivvy’s. The only wide Bobby is the alpkit Hunka XL that ‘does not’ accommodate the wider pads and sleep system.
Excellent review. Gotta disagree. Lol.
For starters, I’ll never be on ground where you don’t peg the Staika out. So that’s not an issue for me. The ‘freestanding’ nature of the tent isn’t just about that, it’s as much about being able to live the tent around to find the perfect pitch after adding the poles.
With the poles pegged, the Staika is as strong as you’d want any tent to be. Apart from the absolute worst imaginable conditions, and even then I’d still back it.
Also - I love the side entrances, which makes it much nicer for viewing your surroundings, the height is excellent, certainly good enough.
It’s easier to find a pitch too. An oft-forgotten benefit of the dome design.
And easier generally to pitch.
They’re all great. Absolutely. But for my needs the Staika is the overall winner.
Thank you Dominic, always appreciate input from someone with so many great tents... To quote Hilleberg "We originally designed the Staika for paddle tourers, who wanted a highly stable, fully free standing tent for handling tricky pitching conditions" Not sure what they mean by tricky pitching conditions... You can do the same with the Quasar and the Tarra... I must be missing something somewhere.... Hey sure ATB and thank you once again for your input. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 - yea, agree mate. I think they’re a little confused there.
But yea, three great tents. You won’t go wrong with any of them. It’s just down to individual need, really.
Like you allude to in your review mate, I’ve got the Staika for a luxurious one-man when I want more room, mostly in winter. For that, it’s absolutely ideal.
@@TOMHEANEY100 If the wind isn't that bad, an option is to put the tent on a flat rock surface. That is very easy to do with Staika and can be nice on a paddle tour.
@@gertfredrikson4584 Yes definitely an advantage with no staking or pegging needed. Fast and easy for those conditions. I think if you have done this a couple of times then you would appreciate it even more. Thank you for watching and commenting. ATB Tom
Hi Tom, Wow! This video has completely exploded for You. Congrats! Out of curiosity, have you had any issues with stolen videos? I've flagged a few already (which YT has taken some down, but not all) from aggregator channels that take other people's content and use it as their own. All the best!
Hi Joshua, yeah its done very very well thank you very much... I have had a couple over the years but not really a problem.. best wishes.. Tom
I JUST BOUGHT A STAIKA!
Hi, the Staika is an awesome tent, congratulations . I know I didn't pick it here mainly as its a little small as a two person tent compared to the other two, but its still serious quality and will last many many years. I wish you all the very best with it. ATB Tom
Fantastic in-depth review
Glad you liked it Dessie. ATB Tom
Tom, you are the reference for tent reviews. Really! 👍
I used a TN Ultra Quasar for years, bombproof in everything that was thrown at it, but the small entrance and tight vestibule were frustrating. Probably the only criticism for me.
Thank you for your positive comments. I had an old yellow and grey ultra quasar and it took a battering on many occasions but still stood strong.. The main disappointment with it for me was the separation between the inner and outer. Apart from that they are a great design and very strong and stable for their weight.. ATB Tom
The lack of a window for ventilation on either vestibule of the Tarra would concern me. Is that top vent up to the job of clearing condensation? I own a Hilleberg Nammatj, and like the large front and rear vents. They allow for a cross draft which I suspect would do a better job of clearing condensation. And I can easily survey outside conditions through either of those vents without having to open the vestibule door. One other factor to think about is the Tarra's huge footprint. It is a full 14 feet long pitched, which can limit site options. The Nammatj 2 or 3 (not GT version) are almost 2 feet shorter. Also, a Nammtj 2 is almost 3 lbs. lighter, and $495. less expensive. The Nammtj is also a black label tent, 4 season, and intended for extreme weather conditions. The Tarra probably shines best as a base camp tent during fall/winter/spring.
Hi, thank you for this comment. I understand exactly what you mean by there being no real way of venting the tent with through flow of air from vent hoods at either end.... I borrowed this tent for the review and on all occasions when I used it there was a strong wind so no condensation issues.... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Despite my contrary thoughts, this was a great review! I just edited my comment with a couple of other musings. I have also wondered how the Tarra would fair under heavy snow loading in comparison to the Nammatj? The back sloping panel of my Nammatj did get flattened down in an very heavy snowstorm pitched in an exposed location. The conditions were extreme--the entire tent was almost completely buried by morning. The Tarra is a burlier tent with it's 4 pole design, but it does not look like the sloped back panel would benefit re snow loading much from that. No damage was done to the Nammatj, and the interior remained entirely livable. Getting up in the middle of the night to remove snow, and perhaps re-tension the rear guy line would likely have helped. I deliberately chose an exposed location to see the results. Choosing a more sheltered site if possible would no doubt make a big difference.
Great review. I love my Staika but I m looking for future purchase Tarra.
Hi, yes the Tarra definitely has more interior space and stronger due to an extra pole and geodesic pole structure.. I hope you can source one soon. ATB Tom
Hi Tom, great review,👌I messaged you when you were doing the Soulo review that I was between the Soulo and the Tarra, I eventually went for the Soulo mainly due to weight and as I was only going to be using it on my own it made sense, had a great 3 day winter camp and climbing trip up by the CIC hut.... Ben Nevis early March, definitely luv the Soulo, no regrets. Atb Jim 👍
Hey Jim thank you for letting me know which one you went for. I was in my Soulo yesterday doing another video and it really has decent space for one person. Really glad that you like it as there is so many different opinions about every tent. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Hi Tom, just a quick one, how about a review on mat's? It would be good to hear your thoughts as you have a good attention for detail. Atb Jim
@@jimmarshall9945 I will at some point, hopefully soon. I am currently using older ones at the moment so I need to update... In the real world I can't always have the latest gear ha ha... ATB Tom
A great comparison Tom. I’ve not owned any of these, so it was interesting to hear your thoughts on them 👍🏻
Thank you Jiffy, always great to get a comment from another content creator and especially one who has such a fab selection of high quality tents and great experience using them. Unfortunately the tents were just borrowed for the comparison so they all have to go back... ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 I emailed Hilleberg a few years ago asking if I could trial the Soulo. Sadly, they informed me that they don’t send out review tents. That reply has cost me a small fortune 😂
My opinion(s) may surprise you:
I own the Staika and a few years ago I made a very long and well detailed review about it after using it for a few weeks in Scotland.
The review was primarily negative.
Eventually I removed it because too many people "attacked" my opinions but if to be honest I know very few people who have 5% of my experience (traveled for roughly 7 years of my life in total including one year in which all I've done is backpacking and slept 7 straight months in a tent) and in the last few years I've gone on several backpacking trips that only strengthened my "negative" opinions on the Staika.
To make a very long and arduous story short and easy to understand... it's too heavy, too bulky, not suitable for backpacking at all (it's made for base camping), the fabric takes too long to dry (even when there's plenty of wind and sunlight), and dealing with Staika made me realise that their replacement gear is substandard compared to the original (if you want extra poles they will not be the same as the ones you got when buying the tent).
So, in terms of which tent I'd prefer of those three - I guess you're right. However, with respect, it is more expensive and it is heavier and those aren't immaterial points. They matter quite a bit.
Second, with regards to stability - you can buy more poles so you double at least one if not two (which is what I did) which strengthens the tent significantly and makes it almost fully self-standing. Even with the extra poles it would still weigh less than the Tarra only you now have backup poles as well as greater stability.
Looking at it like that I'd have to disagree with your choice.
Also, length-wise it does require less space which can and often does make a difference in terms of pitching location(s).
Having said all that, the main issue I had with the Staika is its size. It's simply too small for me. Also, I don't think it's a 2-person tent. I think it's a 1.5-person tent. I tried sleeping in it with a girfriend and our mattresses had to press against eachother.
In the end, while Hilleberg are great for base-camping at etreme weather they are essentially terrible at everything else so unless you're planning on base-camping on a cliff over the ocean during a storm, if to be honest, I don't recommend either of their products.
My best tent(s) aren't Hilleberg.
Hi thank you for this detailed comment, I really appreciate your input as you have a lot of experience. 7 months straight in a tent would ruin the experience for me but certainly give you a great perspective of a tent that's for sure. I am not going to respond on each paragraph as at the end of the day the video was about the 3 tents on review here and I think we both dismiss the Staika on one part due to its size when being marketed as a two person tent. It is designed for durability and that will add weight and bulk. Double poling it.... 275g per pole then adds 825g in total - Too heavy, as a 1.5 person tent with poor volume to sit up for tent bound days. At least the Tarra is a proper two person tent.
I have also personal experience of buying additional products such as a 10mm pole for the Akto with no difference in quality, but that's just my experience.
The best tent for each individual will vary so much just depending on the usage requirement. They all have pros and cons. While you done recommend either of their products, in the industry Hilleberg generally have a very good reputation. ATB and thank you for taking the time to add this amount of detail. Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 That Hilleberg has a good reputation doesn't mean it's justified.
At the very least it's not... "accurate".
I think it's complex. What good reputation they have they have for a reason (albeit, a specific one which people continuously take out of context). Yet, I'd argue that in 99% of cases a person choosing a Hilleberg will be far better served choosing something else.
I fully stand behind that remark.
Whenever I'm doing a proper "thru-hike" and I happen upon a fellow backpacker (i.e - a proper one) I can't un-notice that very few of them are using a Hilleberg.
I’ve had this very discussion probably fifty times with many backpackers and the point is we all more or less agree with each other on why Hilleberg doesn't fit.
Last year I've done the coast-to-coast in northern England and I met several backpackers who are the kind to spend more of their year traveling than being at home. None of them were using Hilleberg.
These days it's hard to argue against Dyneema (for such a purpose).
The main issue, as I see it, is the mischaracterisation:
Hilleberg tents are indeed a wonderful choice - for base-camping (with the cavia of harsh conditions) not backpacking!
People keep mixing those two terms which over time established it as a permanent misnomer.
Base-camping is not backpacking.
That people like to call themselves backpackers - is the problem.
If you're walking several hours (the point strengthens itself if you're using a bike or a car or a canoe or a... horse!) then you set up your camp with the intention of staying in the same spot for a few days whilst hiking in the area - then you're base camping.
If you wake up every day, pack your gear, walk most of the day and set up the tent in the evening (usually in an unfamiliar spot you didn't know you were going to pitch in beforehand) and you're doing that every day for a few days (at least) then you're backpacking.
The two are not even remotely the same.
True thru-hikers are essentially separated by the distance they intend to cover. The lengthier the walk, the less you will and can carry. With that in mind, Hilleberg is all but redundant.
I’m not saying I haven’t met people who do that with Hilleberg (I did) but they are few and far between and they’re normally either ridiculously strong, doing a relatively short trail (few days) or they intend on setting the tent on a cliff line every day.
Even then, to be perfectly honest, if and when I do see a backpacker walking around with an enormous heavy bag, my inner thoughts are: “amatuer”.
I don’t mean this to come across as judgmental, it’s merely an experienced observation.
There's a famous YT'ber who's making a lot of videos about the Lake District and she is using, primarily, Hilleberg. Many of her videos are her complaining about condensation and this is due (I'm sorry to say) to ignorance and "buying-into" the erroneous Hilleberg reputation.
9/10 times she doesn't pitch anywhere close to a challenging spot (in fact, she deliberately tries not to) so there would be no need for what Hilleberg is offering.
Most of the year (obviously dependent on location) you don’t need a tent that either drops all the way down (leaving no aeration) or otherwise doesn’t offer height adjustability. This alone will only cause condensation problems as well as a greenhouse effect which can again, cause condensation, as well as general miserable living conditions.
Arguing in favour of no options in comparison to having adjustability is blind sighted and moot. It’s simply nonsensical and on that account alone Hilleberg fails when compared to so many other options.
The “funny” thing is that what they do offer (primarily in snowy conditions) they don’t even do best. I had a Eureka tent that had stiff poles that were double the diameter used by Hilleberg (I’m not a fan of DAC) and could sustain 50kg and that’s without guylines. That thing was a monster. Sdaly, they stopped manufacturing this model which is a shame because it was 10 times better than anything Hilleberg ever made.
Like I said, Hilleberg tents are mostly designed for base camping in harsh conditions.
The argument that they are stronger (i.e - weight’s compensation is their durability) isn’t a very good one because there’s a reason we all backpack using a rucksack rather than a metal box with straps.
Clearly the metal box will be stronger in keeping our gear more protected but that’s hardly the point.
With regards to the quality of replacement gear:
This is something I had a back and forth email exchange with Hilleberg and they fully admitted the quality isn’t the same so with respect this is not a discussion.
Plus, I’ve had conversations with people who had to send their tent to repair and both the cost as well as the poor workmanship made them switch tents.
With regards to doubling pole(s):
You either misunderstood me or you missed the point.
I didn't say you should double all the poles. I said that even doubling just one will make a huge difference.
With respect, I think this is something you should actually try first before responding because it makes a pretty significant difference.
I'm not saying it will necessarily change your mind (size remains the same) but it’s worth noting as it does make a difference (albeit, you need to know how to do it - you use the hooks by alternating between poles and spinning them to create tension as well as connecting them each time the opposite direction from the one before. This draws the poles together).
One of my main issues is how long it takes Kerlon (especially 1800) to dry.
Satisfactory dryness notwithstanding full dryness can take hours.
Dyneema, on the other hand (as well as other materials) take 10 minutes even in cloudy conditions so long as there is some wind it will get dry very quickly.
This point alone makes Hilleberg rather impractical.
You can see this very point being demonstrated by Paul Willcocks. He has a video where he does exactly that.
In the end of the day - to each his own.
I formed my opinion about Hilleberg six years ago and so far I haven’t changed my mind one bit. If anything, with new technology (primarily dyneema) my dislike towards Hilleberg is only getting stronger and I certainly haven’t changed my mind in terms of not recommending them.
@@BravingTheOutDoors Hi thanks once again for this detailed reply and I do appreciate it. We have both different experiences in the outdoors and of equipment that we have used. I do try to respond to my comments with reasonable detail but at this point I will leave it to anyone else who wants to jump in. I will say however that I am a bit surprised that Hilleberg don't have a dyneema option. ATB Tom
@@BravingTheOutDoors You know that the weight of Hilleberg tents start at 1.2kg, right?
Thank you very much, Sir. Appreciate it.
Hey thank you for the positive feedback.. 3 great tents.. Tom
Thanks very much mate.That was a very in-depth and comprehensive review Very handy for someone considering investing in what are quite expensive tents.Very well done. ATB.
Hey Graeme, thank you for your positive feedback. You need the detail for tents like these. Great that it was some help. ATB Tom
I’ve had the tarra , too heavy vestibules are next to useless if there’s a mid volume of constant wind blowing, so really your buying a box shaped inner, or maybe for me it was a case of never meet your hero . So pleased with my nallo gt2 but now I’m on a 12 month plus waiting list for an inner !
Hi thank you for your comments. Personally I too would prefer a reduced volume and more aerodynamic vestibule for my type of camping conditions. I was a little disappointed at its deformation in moderate winds as you say. Like yourself I always wanted one but after this experience concluded that it is not as much ahead of the competition as I first thought.... ATB Tom
Please say how tall you are when discussing how much room you have inside. Although even without knowing your height, relative interior space for your fixed height is helpful. Thank you for a very comprehensive and useful video.
Hey Darius, I usually do but get asked more re my height when looking at smaller tents. It's no doubt important here too so sorry to miss this point.. 6'1 or 185cm better late that never... ATVB Tom
Superb work. Thanks, really helped me.
Hi, thank you for watching and commenting. All the tents have for and against, I just tried to show some of them... ATB Tom
Thank you very much for your detailed review of these tents. I am struggling to decide on a winter tent. I’ve had a Staika and a Keron 4 for motorcycle camping and found it difficult to find secure pegging with the Keron but maybe winter is better for that and the Staika was a great tent but I didn’t feel the volume inside was worth the weight vs strength and now that I’m looking at winter snow camping at elevation here in Colorado I need wind worthiness and volume and I and my wife are 6’ tall plus we have a German Shepherd. I’m leaning towards a Nammatj 3GT but the Tarra is intriguing to me.
Hi thank you for sharing your experience with your Hilleberg tents... Yes I felt a bit disappointed with the space in the Staika.. Nammatj s are great tents but like most tunnels flappy and noisy in high wind.. The Tarra has great useable length due to the vertical doors and very quiet in his winds.. Way less vestibule space though for your dog... Let me know if you decide on one.. best wishes Tom
Great video, wish that Tarra didn't look so good :) As an owner of 5 tents of comparable cost to these I really shouldn't be looking at another one .... You might want to look at the Kuiu Storm star 2. The best tent i own for adverse weather conditions at height. As for your review you hit all the key points i would look for as someone who regularly camps at height in all seasons so thank you.
Hi Keith, you want to see it with the sun on it..... The Kuiu Storm Star 2 has come under my radar but its just sourcing one to review that may be the problem as I need to keep building my channel... ATB Tom
New to your channel & sub, very informative. Just what I’ve been looking for a 4 season tent. Thanks
Hi Leroy, that you very much for your subscription. Glad this review helped you. ATB Tom
Great review Tom; very thorough! Yes, the large panels on the Staika work against it in high winds. I think the Soulo gets away with it as it’s side panels are smaller and therefore catch slightly less wind. I think the only drawback with the Tarra is that in high winds the unsupported ends droop down and can cover a portion of your gear. Small issue though in most cases. Btw I’ll bring a Macpac dome tent to the battle next tine. 🤣 So when will you order yourself a Tarra? ⛺️?
Hi Barry, thank you for your comments especially as an experienced user of high quality tents. You hit the nail on the head about the Staika and the Soulo. The Tarra does flex a bit too in the unsupported areas but it can take it so worth having the volume for the not too extreme days.. Introducing a Tarra to the household would get me thrown out of the household... ATB Tom
Well at least you’d have a nice tent to sleep in if you got kicked out of home. 🤪
Thanks for making the video. I agree with your assessment.
Hi William, thank you for your support. Its a tricky one as there will be so many different views on what features / attributes users want in their tents. ATB Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 Wind stability and internal space are especially important for a four season tent where you will probably be spending more time compared to the warmer months. You hit the nail on the head with this focus. Please keep making very informative videos and stay safe.
@@Adventure_MT My thoughts entirely but I didn't want to over do it.... ....ATB Tom
Great vid tom very informative!no bull just facts!
Thank you very much Stuart. I try very hard not to waffle and am careful what I say supporting it with evidence. ATB Tom
Really great in depth review!
Hi Richard, thank you for your positive comments. Yeah I spent a fair bit of time on it ha ha. ATB and thanks for watching and commenting. Tom
You just got one subscriber bigger. Excellent review!
Hey thank you very much for your Sub. I hope you are well and getting outside. ATB Tom
Fantastic review, thanks for sharing. Can you please let me know which brand pants you have in this video?
Thank you
Hi thank you for watching and your positive comments.. They are great pants and I have had them from 2012 still going strong. They are made by Norrona.. Finnskogen Hybrid Pants.. ATB Tom
Would love to see your thoughts on the Hilleberg Allak 2
Hi Eric, thank you I just need a way of getting my hands on one.. Love the design, space and weight.. ATB Tom
For the Quasar , I'd bringing along a bucket to empty out all the water in the inner after you set it up when raining.
Used to take a Tarra nto the Scotish Highlands solo, total overkill. It is like carrying a palace with you, so spacious.
Hi not had any problem with Quasars in the rain but there are many many other features I am not so keen on... I hope to test a new Quasar and Tarra out in the field very soon..... best wishes Tom
@@TOMHEANEY100 oooh, when will that be, Tom ? I've got the latest SQ and love it. I've never seen a video with a Super Quasar suffering from wind, but the Tarra has many with Murphy and Granda having seriously bad times in the Tarra. The Staika just doesn't compete in a gale. :-)
Staika. I want it 😎
Go on then its a very nice tent.... ATB Tom
Great review . Very thorough
Hi Adam, thank you for your positive comments. I try to cover most things in my reviews.....ATB Tom
Good video presentation. Thanks.
Glad it was helpful! and thank you for watching and commenting. ATB Tom
My opionion about the quasar is a totally differnt one. If you had pitched it a bit later the quasar would have got wet already during the pitching. And in case of a serious wind you wouldnt not have been able to pitch the quasar.
And I strongly believe no tent gains reasonable storm-stability from the poles alone, the guy lines are essential, thus no disadvantage for the staika.
Hey Franz thank you for your comments. I actually agree with what you say about the Quasar regarding the rain and high wind pitching difficulties. The Hilleberg's are much easier due to the multi pitching and building them from the ground up, I must not have highlighted that strong enough in my video. Geodesic tents with multiple pole crossing points gain stability from this fact. The poles are supported by each other at all the crossing points. That is why they are made. I have had 10 or more geodesic tents and in particular my North Face Mountain 25 is extremely stable in high winds with out being guyed out. There is no doubt though that effective guying makes a big difference and when the Staika is guyed out it is very strong. ATB Tom
Your excellent reviews are a little dangerous…
Ive just ordered a Sand coloured Tarra to go with our Nammatj 3 and Jannu exposed wild camping options.
Im considering an Allak3 for bikepacking for 2 people and camping in sheltered places. I think the extra size on the Allak3 over the Staika will help a lot.
That's some collection you got.. It's the way forward.. If you are interested in something do it right and get the best.. Sure they don't cost that much compared to something like an expensive bicycle.. My wife isn't aware of half the tents I own.. Especially similar models and colours... Keep up the supplies.. best wishes Tom
Another really good comparison video.
Thank you Ken for your positive comments. It sure took some time to prepare, shoot and edit. ATB Tom