Dartmoor wild camp in 45mph+ wind | Yes Tor and High Willhays | Terra Nova Southern Cross 1

[@YONDERMOUNTAINADVENTURES]

That looked absolutely brutal!!! The in tent river was crazy!! Well done mate credit to you for sticking it out 💪. The tent took it in its stride and loved the timelapse!! Take care out there mate 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Yeah I normally rule out rivers as suitable camping locations, but I think that night has broadened my horizons a bit! 🤣 Thanks for watching 👍

[@johnpunnett1426]

Wow that was defo a 'hardcore' camp James.. You must have been getting worried after the 'Bushman & Blue' video & seeing all that water coming through your vestibule. Top marks for staying calm & sticking it out. The vlog really shows the importance of taking a spare set of warm clothing.... thank you - John

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Things did get a bit wet and wild on this one! You're right - I think it would've been a cold and miserable night if I hadn't taken a full change of clothes. Phew! Thanks for watching 😊 James.

[@michalbinek_]

Thanks mate for this video. I miss such reliable reviews of tents, just in heavy weather conditions. Also huge plus for you and I will definitely stay, for a longer time on your channel. Greetings!

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks for that 😊 I don't normally plan to go camping in horrible weather like that, but I'm glad I did, and it's important to know that your tent can survive in all that rain! Welcome to my channel 🤗 James.

[@michalbinek_]

@@joinmeoutdoors that's right, nice, thanks James!

[@ryanhuntermedia]

Brilliant video mate and great to chat with you! Atb, Ryan

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Cheers buddy. We'll have to meet up on a camp and combine pumps and microphones for the ultimate setup 😂

[@davegalloway7531]

Great tent, just the inner fly sag and the thin inner fly material on the 2023 version. The outer fly of the Southern Cross 1 is great.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I haven't seen the revised SC1 in the flesh yet. Is the new inner tent material significantly different to my older version then?

[@justmyopiniontoday7548]

Really appreciate your proud leave no trace messaging. I was surprised by how much flooding you got - that spot looked really attractive but as you say it just funneled down that little slope. Many happy trips.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

It's a message I'm extremely passionate about. If you can lug it up a hill, you can certainly carry it down again 👍 I searched and searched for a spot without spiky gorse/thistles/fern stumps on my most recent trip, and had this flooded Dartmoor camp firmly in mind - I don't want any tears or holes in that groundsheet the next time Dartmoor strikes! Thanks for watching 😊

[@julesthebed]

My wayward tent was imported , as I recall an Ego 1 . Received the ties eventually !

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Glad to hear it!

[@julesthebed]

Great video , thanks . I had a similar experience with missing ties for one of my poles once , except my tent collapsed completely and I kicked myself for not using common sense and making my own until the manufacturer sent the requisite items . Luckily I found a list of purchasers that had also bought the same model and was able to let them all know of the shortfall .

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Jules. Your experience really doesn't sound great! Good that you were able to spread the word though. It's too easy sometimes to identify an issue, but procrastinate when it comes to resolving it, even though we know it could be a real problem!

[@OSMOneStepMore]

It looks like a hard and tiring wild camp. Strong wind, you have to endure it. Severe weather conditions. Bravo!!🖐🖐

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Yes I was very glad to be in my warm and dry clothes on this one 😊 Thanks! 🙏

[@TheWalkingKev]

Good place to camp. My old local mountain, but I hadn't actually walked it until last year. Subscribed for more.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Kev, and welcome 👍 It's funny how we often choose to explore further afield rather than explore our nearby surroundings. I'm sure I'll return - preferably in better weather so I can enjoy the views without having my eyes blasted with hailstones 🤣

[@TheWalkingKev]

@@joinmeoutdoors it is. Born and raised in Okehampton, left at 18 for uni and it's only in the last year when I've really got into mountain walking that I realised I had two almost on my doorstep when growing up. I definitely want to do more of Dartmoor now.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@@TheWalkingKev Better late than never! 👍

[@DemiGod..]

Now if you had a Hilleberg, you would head for the windiest spot and laugh at the weather. Did you say 621m? Well in Scotland that would be a Graham ( (610 - 762 metres), then we have Corbetts (762 - 914.4 metres) and finally Munros (over 914.4 metres). If you want a challenge, the windspeed on one of the Munros, Cairn Gorm was recorded at 173mph. Had a 1 man tent, the Hilleberg Akto, the Akto was in a storm with 90mph forcast winds, I found that it it made a good parachute when I accidently let the door shoot into the doorway after fixing a corner. The tent suffered no damage other than a bent pole.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I do have a Hilleberg as it happens! I've had my Soulo for a few years now, and it's had one or two testing outings in its time (one of which is documented here on KZbin). It sounds like your Akto put on a good show in some brutal conditions. Let's be honest - being in a tent in winds of speeds above 30 mph is a fairly dramatic event. It feels good to know that your kit is operating within its limits when times get tough. I am definitely NOT in a hurry to chuck my Soulo up in 90 mph winds!! 😂😱

[@walkaboutphilpots3795]

Great camp , these tents take the wind well .

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks, and yes, I'm glad to have tested it a bit. There aren't many videos out there of the Southern Cross 1 being put through its paces.

[@WanderingJay]

yep, a typical camp on yes tor ..lol..good camp, even with the stream, least u had a water supply close by! nice to see a southern cross in action, dont see them alot these days. all in all a good camp, kept a sensible head on you,liked the fact you went and got your bag that blew away, leave no trace practice so important, and can be hard in crap weather..chucked you a sub, look forward to seeing more of your adventures. ATB WJ

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi Jay. Thanks for watching and subscribing. It is pretty bleak up there, isn't it? I love that about Dartmoor. Subbed you back so I can see what you get up to around Dartmoor, as I have much exploring to do yet! James.

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

I like my Southern cross. I’ve use it in extreme conditions twice. It stands up well and stayed well planted in 50-60 winds and sleet/rain. It didn’t seem to matter nit having the middle hoop bottom tethers missing. I’ll still fit them for next time though.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

That's good to hear! It is a really good shape for shedding wind isn't it? Having the middle hoop pegged down made a difference to me on my last trip to Wales. The tent was lifting off the ground (between peg-down points) when the door was opened in higher winds, so the feet of the blue hoop pole were actually off the ground. I'm sure yours will be even more stable once you fit the loops 👍

[@steviesteve750]

The 10k HH rating of the TN tents is one of the reasons I bought one. You'll be hard pressed to squeeze water through it unless you were wearing stiletto heels 😅 looked like a pretty miserable night. I'd rather have stayed at home in that weather.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I carefully edit out all scenes where I've got my stilettos on, thank you very much 🤣😉 But yes, I was very grateful for the build quality of the tent on this outing. Nights like this are good character builders, and the sun in the morning was a real heart-warmer 😍

[@thewildcampolians]

Me and my mate will be doing a similar-ish route in coming weeks. Hoping for much more friendly weather than you had to put up with. Great to see the Southern Cross standing up to it all. I've got the more budget option, the Wild Country Helm 2. Looking forward to taking that out on its first wild camp. Great video mate. Newly subscribed just now.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I hope you have better weather than this too! The Helms look extremely good for the price - that's a good choice. I'd like to get back to Dartmoor soon as it does offer some really remote spots to tuck yourself away. Have a great camp, and thanks a lot for watching and subscribing 🙏🏻

[@thewildcampolians]

@@joinmeoutdoors Thanks very much. Looking forward to your future videos. We'll definitely be looking for a little cover if the winds are up. We've done one vlog already on here and might do a second one if it isn't too overcast and drizzly that is.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@@thewildcampolians Poor weather definitely makes it harder to make videos! I'll have to check out your first one 👍

[@westcountrywildcamping9556]

Enjoyed that video. You are crazy lol.. that weather was awful lol.. I would have bailed. Do like that tent and your stove

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Ash. It felt like it had been too long since I last camped, so I was determined to get out and stay out! This tent is seriously growing on me too. Has your stove arrived yet?

[@yasminshikingmission]

Wow looks a tough wild camp ⛺️ those winds would have kept me up. Fab effort for getting through 👏 New subscriber here 😊

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks, and welcome! It was definitely a breezy one up there! Dartmoor has been kind to me ever since...so far...

[@roymeetsworld1]

Up against the elements, never easy but always rewarding!

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Exactly that! Thanks for watching 👍

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Not the best weather to go hiking in. Nice video 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I agree! I much prefer sunny weather, but I missed being out in my tent, 😁 Thanks for that, and thank you for watching 👍

[@marmadukegrimwig]

Great film!

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Chris! 🙏🏻

[@summitupmark5615]

Awesome test of the SC. Great video sir.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

That trip certainly bumped up my faith in the tent! Thanks for the comment, Mark 👍

[@Dean_Smith]

Another SC1 owner - With only 11 pegs supplied I don't think they intend you to peg the bottoms of the blue poles - i.e. Design, not oversight. I've also added dyneema loops and carry 13 pegs , just doesn't feel right not to peg them ! Fantastic to see the groundsheet hold up to the stream running underneath. Thanks for sharing.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi Dean. That's an interesting point you make about the number of pegs. I asked for confirmation from Terra Nova that the blue pole SHOULD be pegged down, so that I wouldn't be using the tent outside its design intent, but it was confirmed that the loops SHOULD have been attached for pegging out. I wonder if this was a way of leaving out two pegs so that the tent weighed just under 1.7 kg, rather than weighing 1.7-something kg?

[@raytaylor4199]

I don’t think I could cope with that much water in the vestibule 😢, well done for sticking it out, I think my Fjallraven Abisko dome 2 has a deeper bathtub than the southern cross, I’d still be worried though 😂

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Yeah it would have been a very different situation if the water had overflowed into the bath tub! Weirdly, I suppose a shallower bathtub would actually be better at that point as you'd be swimming in less water! 😅 Thanks for watching 👍 James.

[@santamulligan676]

Nice one Dartmoor has beaten me up once or twice😎bravo

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Haha Dartmoor is a brute! Thanks for watching 👍 James.

[@MrCMHUDDY]

Paused 7 mins in to like and subscribe... Sorry, gotta go and watch the rest. Good work so far fella :))

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Haha thanks! Glad you're enjoying it 😁

[@keithp211]

Great video, looks like you a very robust tent too. I was interested in the waterproof montane jacket that you wore and wanted to know if manage to resolve the issue with the water ingress and can I ask which one you have? I have the Gravity which I haven't used properly yet and am getting slightly worried after your experience.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Keith. I'm afraid I can't remember what model my jacket is, and can't find the model name anywhere on it. It wasn't cheap though, and is made of Pertex. I suspected I might have left the underarm vents open on that wet Dartmoor camp, but haven't really tested it much since. Some people suggested that it may have lost its DWR coating through use, so last week I bought Nik Wax wash (Tech Wash and TX) and have washed the jacket in both, to re-waterproof it. I haven't subjected it to any more rain yet, but I hope it will keep me dry now. Montane is a well-known brand, and Pertex is a well-known product, so I expect good performance from it. I hope yours performs well! James.

[@justmyopiniontoday7548]

Have you tested your goretex jacket to see if water still is beading up? With a backpack rubbing on it in after only four or five little overnight trips the DWR can be lost and moisture enters or is not vented. Easily fixed by a nikwax wash.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

This is a really good point. I haven't tested it properly since this video, no. I've just checked, and Pertex is okay with a Nikwax wash, so I'll chuck it in the washing machine. The issue you've described was one of my main concerns after investing in this jacket, but I had since forgotten all about it. Thanks for your valuable comment! 👍

[@Giskeoutdoors]

Really well done! I know I always get worried when the big gusts come in, but it definitely builds confidense in the gear and in your abilities. Glad I found your channel, +1sub from me! :)

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thank you, Giske. I fully agree - we don't know where the limits are if we don't test them! Welcome to my channel - I can already see that I'll enjoy your videos too, judging by your thumbnails! 😊

[@CJFraser78]

When I get all my kit will could you take me on my first wild camp fancy doing the Cotswolds way

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi Chris. I'm flattered that you'd ask, but I'm afraid my own camps are a bit more limited than I'd like them to be, for various reasons. The Cotswolds way sounds like a nice scenic place to get in some walking and camping though. Time to get the kit and make it happen! ATB, James.

[@davebetch9918]

Put a peg in the hole at the end of the blue pole

[@joinmeoutdoors]

As shown in the video, the blue pole is held down with a peg through the yellow Dyneema loop. I don't think my stakes fit through the eyelet in the strap itself, but I use the Dyneema loop to hold the blue pole in. Thanks.

[@bernardscott1783]

Would you recommend a southern cross for a good all round tent mate.??

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I absolutely would. If you've seen many of my videos you'll notice that I use my SC1 more than any of my other tents. That's because I'm happy to carry a 1.6 kg at any time of the year, so even if it's a warm and calm evening, the SC1 doesn't carry a big weight penalty. Conversely, if it's foul weather and I need a shelter I'm confident in, I'll sling the SC1 in my pack once again. It's as close to perfect as I've found so far!

[@richardwaudby7338]

Hi stumbled across your channel. I noted you mention you had a soulo too. Given the cost and weight difference between the 2 tents and that the sc1 seems to hold up adequately to bad weather (45mph winds) if you were comparing the 2 tents what would you say would be reasons for choosing the soulo over the SC. I ask as I’m looking at another tent (2 man) and have been thinking about the Allak. I Already have a Nammatj gt I rarely use due to the weight. I guess for just an hour and a half walk from the car I may more but tend to do a lot bigger days. Have been considering the sc2 also. (Amongst a few others)

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi Richard. That's a very good question, and I addressed them to an extent in one of my other videos entitled Do I Still Love My Hilleberg Soulo? You can find it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaWvl5yaoMqXiNk . In my opinion, the main reasons to choose the Soulo over the SC1 would be space (including height), materials and strength. The materials and strength of the SC1 are good, but not as good as the Soulo. The Soulo is undoubtedly stronger (partly down to its three, thicker poles), but unless you're going for really extreme trips, the SC1 should cut it in the UK. That said, I am glad I have both, as they both offer their own wild camp experiences, and it's a real treat to get the Soulo out of its bag each time. I'm probably beginning to cloud your judgement now! 😂

[@richardwaudby7338]

@@joinmeoutdoors Thank you for the reply and for the link I’ll certainly check it out. Much to my other halves annoyance (and to my own to a certain extent) I keep buying tents and try to have a few to cover different eventualities. Happy to carry Hilly weight up a hill which takes a couple of hours. I live and hike in Scotland and will quite often do long weekends walking for 8-10 hr days and carrying multiple days worth of food. Taking a hilleberg on such trips just isn’t pleasant. But can often end up camping high and the weather not the greatest. If it was forecast bad bad I’d change my plans but 20-30 mph is pretty common. I probably pack my fears as people would say and would say lighter trekking pole tents which I own or have previously owned are more than adequate for such conditions. However I want something which sits in between the 2. Currently got a scarp 2 in that basket but has its nuisances and been thinking the Kuiu, sc2 or maybe even sling fin crossbow 2 to replace.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

@@richardwaudby7338 Sorry, slow reply as I was out camping! I think you're absolutely right to buy more than one tent. I find them to be much like cars and motorbikes. No one car (or tent) can excel in ALL circumstances. If only one can be bought, then compromises have to be made. I wouldn't hesitate to take the SC1 on a trip where 30 mph winds were expected. In one of my videos ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6bOmGdpZ9GMo9E ) you'll see the tent exposed to winds that I believe were in excess of 45 mph. Standing very near to the tent, I was measuring over 60 mph, though I think the tent MIGHT have been ever so slightly sheltered by the terrain. Not sure. I thought long and hard about the Scarp 1 before buying my SC1. It has a long list of plus points, but still seems to be one or two iterations away from being a finished product.

[@dunlop1195]

Hi. Great content btw. Just a quick question re the southern cross. I’m looking to add to my tent collection and am looking for something that will cope with high winds. I’m 6ft 3. Is the southern cross big enough to accommodate me do you think?

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi. That's a tricky one for my to answer. I stand at only 5 ft 9, so you're a whole half a foot taller than me. I find the SC1 to be JUST tall enough for me to use it, in terms of sitting up inside. Ideally, it would be about 2 inches/5 cm taller, but it's JUST acceptable to me as it is. I do know of taller users who don't find the internal height a problem, so it's all a bit subjective. If you're local to me (Somerset), drop me an email or contact me on Instagram and you can have a look at mine if you like. Glad you're enjoying the videos! Thanks, James.

[@dunlop1195]

@@joinmeoutdoors thanks for the reply. I think I will have to go with another make as I already have the terra nova comp 1 and whilst it’s a good tent. It is a tight squeeze and the cross from what you say may not be too much different. Thanks again and keep on with the good content.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I think the SC1 is actually lower than any of the "Comp" tents (unsure if you meant the Helm Compact, Zephyros Compact or Laser Compact). I do sympathise with the taller people trying to find suitable tents! Thanks a lot for the support, and good luck in your tent hunt 👍 James.

[@grahamclarke9806]

Been up yes tor many times with my soulo no problems but as u know bit heavy also got telemark 2.2 for lightweight but not sure would cope 4 season so do u recommend that tent thinking getting lighter 4 season one so do u have any suggestions

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi Graham. You're absolutely right about the Soulo - it is quite the lump to lug around the countryside, but we both know it has its merits. I agree - I always think the Telemark looks like it wouldn't enjoy too much weather too. I am a strong supporter of the Southern Cross 1 and am never shy about recommending it. You might find one of my recent videos useful where I share my thoughts after owning and using it for a year. You can find that video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4Oun6lpfMhlq7Msi=V0ivsUg3Rg2hmfwr

[@grahamclarke9806]

@@joinmeoutdoorsthank you so much yes agree everything u said they got one black fri deal so will treat myself much appreciated and thank you getting back to me

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Ah good shopping! If you want to support me, you can follow my affiliate link ( www.terra-nova.co.uk/aff/JoinMeOutdoors/shop/ ) to the Terra Nova website and I will automatically receive a small commission (at no extra expense to you). If you want to buy any other Terra Nova goodies, you can use my discount code OUTDOORS20 at the checkout and get 20% off any full-priced items 👍

[@grahamclarke9806]

@@joinmeoutdoorsyes will do thanks again

[@joinmeoutdoors]

My pleasure, and I hope you love the new tent! 🤗

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

What’s that gadget you have for measuring the wind speed mate?

[@joinmeoutdoors]

It's a handy little Amgaze anemometer. Pretty cheap, and from Amazon 👍