Hilleberg Keron 4 GT Tent - Honest Review

Hilleberg Keron 4GT Black Label four person four season tent in green colour. Full expedition grade tent.
Made out of Kerlon 1800 outer tent fabric and 10 mm poles make for an exceptionally strong and stable tent. All season construction: outer tent walls extend to the ground and mesh areas are backed with adjustable fabric panels. Tunnel construction offers maximum space to weight ratio and is the ideal choice for mobile journeys.
Linked but seperable inner and outer tent for simultaneous pitching.
Tunnel design requires only four pegs for pitching, and the simple, single opening continouse sleeve and pole tensioner system is quick to pitch and remarkably stable. Dual entrances and vestibules ensure that one door can always be situated out of the wind and provide flexible entry/exit and storage options.
One standard and one extended vestibule afford even more gear storage and comfort.
An optional footprint covers the entire area of the outer tent, including the vestibules. It connects directly to the tent, and can be left attached during pitching.
Minimum Weight: 4.6 kg
Packed Weight: 5.5 kg
Outer tent fabric: Kerlon 1800
Poles (10 mm): 4 x 368 cm
Pegs: 22 Y-Peg
#hilleberg #keron4GT #tent #review

[@andrewvickers4487]

I was just thinking how a chair would work in there - thanks for the guided tour!

[@OutdoorPrep]

Works well in the 4GT, not so much in 3GT as it’s a bit lower. At least when you’re 196cm tall.

[@andrewvickers4487]

@@OutdoorPrep Yeah I had noticed that on the product pages, great to see the 4 "in person"! Helpful indeed, thank you.

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Dream tent! Thanks for the very thorough review!

[@OutdoorPrep]

It is a great one indeed! Thanks for watching Kevin, glad you’ve enjoyed it.

[@LeeD345]

Great review, especially inside shots 😮

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks so much - glad you’ve enjoyed

[@robgerety]

Great tents. I have the three man which I use as a two man on the tundra in the summer.

[@OutdoorPrep]

I really didn't like it when I first saw it but it has quickly became one of my favourites!

[@theknowlodge8294]

Great video mate. Love the Keron. 💪🏕

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thank you mate! Keron is great indeed! 😍

[@albertnielsen1154]

Me too (we too), using it north of the Arctic Circle - perfect when your fingers are stiff and you just want to get into your sleeping bag.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Oh that’s awesome! Where exactly?

[@michaelsargeant5923]

I nearly bought one of them but went for the saitaris instead. A very happy camper

[@OutdoorPrep]

Choosing a Hilleberg is always tough haha. Happy you've made the right choice and are happy with it! What made you go for the Saitaris? It's not a very common one.

[@richardclegg5853]

Wow, huge, but packs down so much less than you'd think. I just bought an Akto, tiny in comparison, but not all that much difference when bagged up in comparison. Great review

[@OutdoorPrep]

It's HUGE indeed :) Thanks for watching, glad you've enjoyed the review!

[@petergilbert72]

Have you tried packing the Akto without the poles? I find the tent can be squeezed into a very thin shape with all the air out. Poles and pegs then packed separately.

[@Rurik8118]

An amazing tent ⛺️ Kept us warm while on polar expedition across Greenland 🇬🇱 via Kite 🪁

[@OutdoorPrep]

It is indeed. Kept us safe on Greenland too. Pulling our sleds kept us warm 😉

[@Rurik8118]

@@OutdoorPrep Hot showers were never the same after were they ? 😅

[@OutdoorPrep]

@@Rurik8118 showers and so many other things that we take for granted... like seeing anything around you and not walking inside of a ping pong ball haha. How did you guys progress doing whiteouts?

[@Rurik8118]

@@OutdoorPrep Hi - whiteouts were approached with caution/respect being we were working as a team that could easily get separated. Generally, we would not set out into a whiteout if winds would overpower the kite size range we carried. On a few high wind days, when distance was needed to meet expedition timeline, we would set out in low vis with a visibility cut off and navigate with GPS/remaining in a tighter ‘formation’ as we flew. The lead kiter would have a nauseating time pushing forward with no visual reference to keep the ‘internal gyro’ of the vestibular system from tumbling. Relative motion was hard to determine at times …very challenging in the lead for sure. How did you find navigation in poor vis? Did you struggle with proprioceptive illusions ? We also found that given the windchill, the risks of a kite tangle or gear failure, wipeout were negatively compounded with rapid onset of frozen hands, feet & face. For this alone, high wind/low vis was avoided as much as possible. Perhaps not as big of an issue on ski crossing vs kite ?

[@tonybrown7847]

Looks like an amazing tent.

[@OutdoorPrep]

It’s quite something indeed

[@dannyheyrman4848]

i've owned a keron 4 gt for 20 years. It's still going strong. 2 years ago we used it on an iceland trip. it canand was very windy there but the tent was a safe place as it always have been.. on the fact you can't fully open the rear vestibule: never have missed that in 20 years. when it's to hot, just put up the inner without the outer tent. if it starts raining you can always throw the outher tent over the inner tent. downside is that the fabric stretches when wet/damp something my 25 year old hellags 2 doesn't do (as much) this summer i've bought the anaris. expensive but i know it will be around for 25 years when cared for.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Remarkable how they hold up when cared for properly! Thanks for sharing Danny 🙏

[@michaelgoode9555]

Pretty good review. The main vestibule door and both "eyebrow" ventilation windows are exactly the same as on the Nammatj GT. As for the rear vestibule: I am sure that somebody could get creative with a pole clip for instance to fashion a way to safely open out the rear vestibule. This is our next tent. We started 22 years ago in a Nallo 3GT, graduated to a Nammatj 3GT in 2011 and now I am looking at a Keron 4GT. It is the extra ventilation potential with an opening rear vestibule which appeals most to me.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Pretty good comment. Keron is a great upgrade. There’s more to it than meets the eye. The non-gt side seems stronger as the amount of fabric resting on it is smaller and with that, also that side should hold up better in strong winds. I hope to record a video soon on how to spot issues with the Keron (and other tunnel tents) and the story of how mine was replaced 3 times. Tip for now is: measure, inspect, measure again.

[@OutdoorPrep]

@@camouflage962 I sold the 4GT to get 3GT. The difference doesn’t seem that big but I would need to set it up in strong winds and alone. With the smaller model I could reach both sides better which makes for an easier and safer setup. 500g weight saving is also welcome. The issues have to do with poor quality control in the recent years. I’ve sent two Keron3GTs back because of that. The tent had sewing issues which translated into misvormd shape and sometimes too small pole sleeves. Also the inner tent could be lifted too much and tent becoming 200cm long instead of 220. Things like that. Before that I’ve sent two Rogens, Anjan and a Soulo back. Allak, Staika, Akto, Helags, Kaitum and K4GT had no issues to be fair, nor did the replacement Anjan and Soulo. Despite that - tents are still the best for harsh conditions but I would recommend inspecting it. Doesn’t have to be upon delivery - you have a lifetime warranty and they will fix it. If you’re purchasing from a good retailer - perhaps they can setup and inspect for you. Hope this helps 👍🏽

[@camouflage962]

@@OutdoorPrep Thx Rob - sorry, I have been extremely busy preparing for upcoming cold-desert-expeditions. Your statement "The issues have to do with poor quality control in the recent years." in fact worries me, along with a number of comments about an experienced inadequate quality of the zippers (by various users as place on the web), which obviously - nota bene also as stated to me by the manufacturer - require quite some meticulously applied, frequent maintenance. All that made me reevaluating my equipment lists.... yet, I have not come to any conclusion regarding HILLEBERG's KERON 4GT.... I need to rely on any piece of equipment as delivered, i.e., w/o getting worried/concerned whether or not it would perform when needed.

[@OutdoorPrep]

@@camouflage962 I’d wish the quality control would have been better, but it’s not to be confused with overall quality of the product. So here’s what you do: set up the tent and measure it. Make sure there are no sewing errors. If there are any issues - they will be visible upon inspection. In my case I saw it immediately after setting up the tent and sometimes even during setup. For example the pole sleeve would be too tight and I couldn’t tighten the pole cup, let alone use two poles. Those issues should have been picked up during quality check, unfortunately they don’t measure every tent, just one from the batch. Here’s the good news: if your tent looks good - you’re good to go and you can rely on it for years. They won’t spontaneously break. The materials are good and have never had any issues with the zippers. For me it’s still number 1 when it comes to tents and my Hilleberg collection is proof 😄 I also wouldn’t know what else to recommend. Manufacturer service is also a very important aspect of the overall product experience, and Hilleberg is one of the best in that aspect as well…

[@camouflage962]

@@OutdoorPrep Hi, Rob - Eventually, I have purchased a KERON 4GT, plus double poles etc.

[@bazzmidas]

Well done, except you didn’t show a picture of the special edition?

[@OutdoorPrep]

Hmmmm you don’t see the cammo version @13:18?

[@bazzmidas]

Haha. It’s a standard joke we have here in Ireland. Your reviews are the best on KZbin. Keep up the good work.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Hahahaha you got me there. Can’t believe I didn’t get it haha 🤣 Good one Bastiaan And thanks for your kind words. I appreciate the support 🙏

[@lisetteschutte5495]

Thanks Rob! I really like the feature of mesh on the vents! Do you have a favorite feature of this tent?

[@OutdoorPrep]

Great question. I think it’s the large door and vestibule combined with mesh panels. The comfort and security it offers is second to none 👌🏼

[@camouflage962]

Rob ... hej... - did you manages to produce any fotage/video on QA issues you haf come across with some of your tents by Hilleberg?

[@OutdoorPrep]

Hej Haven’t had much time to film new videos unfortunately :/ If you want specific info or have questions you can message me on Instagram @outdoorprep - happy to help Cheers

[@paulwilliamson9073]

I may be biased but still prefer the Saitaris for space, strength, and liveability.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Strength - sure, but space and liveability- this one has a much bigger vestibule. 287cm vs 368cm pole that’s used for it. Unless you’re in the snow and can dig a hole, I find the Saitaris’ vestibule not really usable. How do you use the tent Paul?

[@HoboTurtle]

lack of roll-away vestibule is almost a deal breaker for me, but equally a deal maker for kaitum.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Yeah it’s a shame. With Kaitum GT you get an even nicer option 👌🏼

[@hikeroutpost]

Can't decide between Green and Sand. Which one do you think is more pleasant to be in and also looks nicer in person? Unfortunately I can't see them in person as there are no stores nearby that sell them.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Uhhh that’s very personal. Green is a little bit darker inside (good in summer, less in winter), can look almost black sometimes. Sand tents to blend into landscapes - if that’s what you like. Where are you located? Have you ordered the catalogue? You get fabric samples, they are small but it’s something 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@hikeroutpost]

@@OutdoorPrep Sorry for late reply, just saw this. I'm in Canada and no one sells it here so only option is to order online from Hilleberg. For some reason the catalogs never came when I requested few times. I noticed that green looks almost black under sunlight. Do you find it warms up nicely under the sun due to darker color on cold days?

[@hikeroutpost]

@@OutdoorPrep Also important question about condensation on cold or winter days, do the walls of inner tent become wet or do they stay dry?

[@OutdoorPrep]

@@hikeroutpost Yeah check with Hilleberg again but as far as I know, they are also not allowed to sell to Canada. So that's why your catalog might not have been sent either. The reason is regulations of the country with regard to fireproof material. As for the colours, they do change depending on the sun indeed. New green can often look black. I quite like it. I don't expect there to be a measurable difference in temperature inside due to the color. When the sun comes out, the sand heats up just as well... sometimes more that you'd like :)

[@OutdoorPrep]

@@hikeroutpost Well it depends on your definition of cold: they either will be wet or frozen so in a way dry again :) Check out the video I have on condensation in Soulo for more info but basically every tent has condensation given the "right conditions". There's no escaping the laws of physics. It's not a problem if you learn how to manage it and have the right size tent so you don't need to toch the wet walls with your dry clothing.

[@silverxmaple]

I wish they would extend the inner tent a little. The vestibule is almost too big

[@OutdoorPrep]

Oh that's interesting. How come you'd like more space there?

[@albertnielsen1154]

I disagree, you need a lot of space for 4 large backpacks.

[@silverxmaple]

@@albertnielsen1154 If I had 4 people, I would bring two separate tents. I think a lot of people use the Keron 4 for two or three people. I just wish the rear vestibule was a teeny bit smaller so that taller folks can fit a bit better. I don’t foresee me putting anything there but rather it becomes mostly a second entrance/exit

[@albertnielsen1154]

@@silverxmaple We are usually 3 friends who trek together in the north, but sometimes one of us bring a fourth friend, who then sleeps in a small tent with little room for a 30 kg (66 lbs) backpack. We then keep most of his stuff in the 4-persons tent.

[@sneakybow1]

​@silverxmaple taller people? They'd have to be over 7ft tall not to fit in this inner as it is.

[@TonyHobbs]

In the clip it looked flattened by wind? Why is it ok for polar if gets flattened? Building snow walls helps i guess? Is it better easier to use than saitars ?

[@OutdoorPrep]

I just came back from an expedition on Greenland where we used these tents. The tents were subjected to huge storms, some lasting 48h and got buried in snow that was carried by the wind. They performed great 💪🏼 It’s easier to use than sitaris for sure (especially in those conditions).

[@TonyHobbs]

@OutdoorPrep ah fab thanks for reply Yeah I'd very recently heard tunnel is much easier to set up and collapse esp in bad weather esp if solo. Do you just sit it out in weather like that? I guess you carry several days more food than needed ? Plus do you carry plenty of power to watch a movie on phone etc? Lastly ... I'm just thinking about these things do guys kinda get to know each other and team up for a joint trip or head off solo etc Thanks in advance ☺️

[@OutdoorPrep]

They are indeed. Especially because you carry them on a pulk with the poles already inside and the tent rolled up. Then you just secure the tent on one side, pop in the poles and you can have the tent up in 2 minutes (in ideal conditions of course). The Saitaris is stronger if you're in an environment where the wind changes direction. Ideal for base camp - set up one and don't move for a few days / weeks. Yeah some trips can take between 5 and 30 days so you take a storm day into account. We continued in 65km/h winds but more than 100km/h is very difficult so best to stay inside. Usually not enough power to watch a movie. Phone battery also dies faster in those temps. If you're looking to go on a trip like that check out www PolarExped (dot) COM and contact me through whatsapp if you're interested. We're heading out in March :)

[@TonyHobbs]

@OutdoorPrep thanks Rob I saw Antonio in a video do something with the poles I didn't really watch fully I'll nose better I'm meeting my friend Chris Townsend hopefully a few times this year so I'll pick his brains a bit on it all and kinda gear my mind up a bit more . I may have sourced one of these tents in uk soon to arrive in a store they hard to find so might just bite the bullet and get one so kinda letting my gut feeling and brain think things out. Thanks for reply and pinged message on WA to you.

[@Bikepacking]

Great video

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thank you 👍🏽

[@TonyHobbs]

Hi Rob I don't see you on WhatsApp. Are you still around and up for a trip for a few days next winter?

[@OutdoorPrep]

Im going to Sweden and probably Norway but they will be around 7d / 100km trips

[@TonyHobbs]

@OutdoorPrep OK I've a few ideas but in future might be in position to do that not for couple few years though thanks for reply

[@OutdoorPrep]

@TonyHobbs ok sure thing buddy. Let’s be in touch 🙏🏻

[@TonyHobbs]

@OutdoorPrep next March I'm going norway to just practice play from hotel on small lake see how I get on keep it simple initially

[@christianbuttner7933]

Four people would never fit comfortably in it, you say at 6:10, but that's nonsense. I've already slept in it with four people, all well-built water polo players, taller than 1.85m. Of course, it doesn't work if you use XL sleeping mats, because then you can only fit three. But if you lay these out on the floor and then lie on them crosswise, nobody lies in the cracks between the mats. It also doesn't work if everyone lies in the same orientation. You have to lie in such a way that one person's head is always next to the other person's feet. Then it works wonderfully.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Head to toe is not my definition of comfort buddy 😅 I’d go as far as say that Keron 4 is comfortable for two people on a winter expedition. I’ve also been in Keron 3 with two people and that’s tight. Cheers 🙏🏻