Hilleberg Nammatj - the Best Four Season Tent for You?

In this video, I provide my in-depth review of the Hilleberg Nammatj, after using the tent extensively, in different types of terrain and conditions. Cheers.

[@algentry1]

There is a difference between expensive and costly. Long live Hilleberg the Tent Maker.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Well said, Mr Al.

[@Fellmandave1]

Fantastically edited and narrated again Joshua, plus snippets of some beautiful locations. Nice one!

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you very much Mr Fellmandave. I really appreciate it. :)

[@darkshaman7087]

I could not stay in a red tent the colour would do my head in haha, cheers for the video

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi DarkShaman, that's pretty understandable. I find with the yellow inner, I dont really notice the red very much, but certainly without it, it's like living on Mars. What color would be your ideal?

[@wildmountainman1]

Really enjoyed this video in terms of quality info and great footage. Well done Josh.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks very much Mr Barry.

[@GoSummitSolo]

Id just like to say that your videos are brilliant. I csnt believe I only just found your channel now. Brilliant feedback on all the tents which I highly agree with most of what you say too. I hve a lot of experience too and therefor it's really good to actually see someone giving propper lagit feedback on these tents. It's brilliant. New sub. 🎉

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you very much, GoSummitSolo. Those are very kind words. :)

[@DiGiTaLdAzEDM]

I have a 3 person Nammatj with the regular vestibule. The one limitation I have experienced is snowloading. Because of the shallow angle, the rear of the tent can get flattened in very heavy snowfall, if frequent snow removal is not done. This happened to me in my Nammatj 3 during a blizzard. On the plus side the Kerlon 1800 fabric took that stress without any damage, and the tent still kept me well sheltered. Digging out was a challenge. I would regard the Nammatj as a very capable 'all rounder'. Other Hilleberg models with more vertical sides (dome style) may fare better in heavy snowfall, although I have seen comments that the geodesic design of dome tents is not as able to withstand high winds compared to the tunnel tent design. Just for pure comfort under most conditions the roomy Nammatj is a worthy contender.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hello Digitaldazedm, thanks for sharing your experience. It sounds like you have quiet a few trips under your belt with the tent. I do agree, regarding the geodesic design of some of the Hilleberg tents. I used to own an Allak 2, and ended up trading it for the Nammmatj in this video, because of wind related issues. I actually made a video about it, which is visible on my channel. Thanks again.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Joshua, this really is a fab video.. You have put so much thought into it and demonstrated everything you say with great practical clips.. A fantastic effort that really flows well.. Extremely professional seriously well done... best wishes Tom

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you, Tom. Those are some very kind words. I really appreciate it!

[@DemiGod..]

Had a nammatj 2 many years ago. Intend to get another as a great tent.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Nice, did you sell the first one?

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Great video and review. I have the Unna. Cheers from Norway!

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you very much stigfloberghagenphotography!

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Great video. You know you have a Hilleberg when you are all tangled up in guylines and have to call for help or have to bust out the scissors (so says the owner of 4 Hilleberg tents).

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks very much Mr KevinSmith! Which Hilleberg tents do you have anyway?

[@marsa74]

I bought my Nammatj 3GT around 15 years ago and paid 800 Euro. It‘s still in perfect condition and has been used all seasons. My bike fits into the vestibule and that’s the reason why it is my preferred tent for bike tours (I have an Akto for hiking). I would definitely buy this again. Perhaps a Keron now because comfort becomes important as I get older 😊.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing that @marsa74. May I ask what sort of bike tours you do? I've got an akto as well (and also do a fair bit of bikepacking).

[@1DrBar]

Good details in your review. I'm about 6 feet tall (183 cm) and have long legs and size 13 feet, and have not yet had any problems with my feet touching the end and my bag has not yet ever gotten wet. I've got the Nammatj 3 GT which I believe has the same inner length, so it must be that I don't sleep in very cold environments and thus my sleeping bags are fairly thin and so is my mattress - or that is the best idea that I can come up with. I'm in the Southeastern part of the States and we get snow here that stays on the ground for more than half a day - about every four or so years. High temps and humidity is our challenge and the ventilation of the Nammatj is something I really value. I don't mind the weight, because all of those details are so well thought out, just as your video has pointed out but I do wish the volume were somehow magically reduced as I have to take a less comfortable backpack. I'm now looking at which Hilleberg will be my fifth and last one. Well, I've been saying "last one" since the first one - but rumors have it that we only live once. Quality such as the HIlleberg tents have keep me smiling and my interest up. How to put a price on that?

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi 1DrBar, thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you enjoy Hilleberg tents even more than i do!

[@penman8985]

I like your perspective on how much it costs to buy a Hilleberg. If you are a regular wild camper then a Hilly is a good investment. You might just have convinced to go for a Hilly. Great video 👋👋👍

[@petergilbert72]

And if later you sell it, they hold their price well.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi PenMan, thank you very much. I appreciate the feedback. Which one do you have (or are considering buying)?

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Couldn't agree more, Peter!

[@1024Pete]

Thanks. Very helpful. I was fortunate the Big Agnes Shield 2 became available again. Otherwise, I would have gone Hilleberg. While there are differences, there are similarities in quality, strength and purpose. Be well. Happy Trails!

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks very much @1024Pete!

[@tomasrosturrognvaldsson9932]

Clever

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks, Tómas.

[@TheTrailDancer]

Have you tried the Unna? I love the Staika for its freestanding ability...

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi TheTrailDancer, I havent tried the Unna. Do you happen to have one?

[@2hands_and_a_brain917]

I have both Nammaj GT3 and Akto. For use in New Zealand hunting conditions all year round, you cant beat them. Cost is something anyone can overcome. You cant ovecrome a collapsed or ripped tent in the deep hills.

[@alwaysforwardyt]

What a great review of a tent! Very well done! l have no interest in this tent (or any other) and l had to keep watching until the end 🙄😅ATB!

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thank you very much, @alwaysforwardyt. I appreciate it. I was interested in that helsport tent you have, which from what I've seen, looks like the stronger older brother to many of the hilleberg tents.

[@alwaysforwardyt]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors You're welcome 😊 "Helsport" is the 'Norwegian alternative' to Hilleberg (Swedish, as l'm sure you know 😉). l think Helsport was bought by "Barents," also Norwegian (very closely related to Helsport). Jesus, this sounds like a (low profile 🙄) 'history class' 😅 They're all excellent tents 😎

[@andrewvickers4487]

I agree with @TOMHEANEY100 (a legend!), I really appreciate the insightful feedback in your Hilleberg videos. I had this excellent tent lined up for a long while but I'm now leaning towards the Keron for the added space, even though I'll be using it solo most of the time - it'll be used extensively and long-term so, as you say, it's an important investment.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks Andrew, may I ask what types of trips you'll be using your Keron for? Cheers.

[@andrewvickers4487]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors Year-long Scandinavian motocamping! The goal is to spend as little on hotels as possible 🤞

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

@@andrewvickers4487 best of luck!

[@markofwisconsin]

Joshua, a quick question knowing you owned both of these tents. Nammatj 2 vs Allak 2 for low winds, in the woods conditions, 20 to 45 deg f temps. I would think the Allak with 2 doors would allow for better ventilation, and less condensation. I own a Hilleberg Tarra, and it is a beast, but colder temps and strong winds are needed. Your thoughts for low to no wind, Nammatj or Allak?

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi MarkofWisconsin, wow - small world. I'm actually from Northern Minnesota, near Duluth. May I ask where in WI you're from? I actually really like the Allak for exactly the conditions you describe and for those situations, I'd go with that tent. Come to think of it, in my Allak video the scenes where it's pitched on a frozen lake aren't far from the Wisconsin border. Lastly, if weight is less an issue for you, I'd go with the Staika over the Allak (as in my opinion, there's a lot less messing around for setting it up).

[@markofwisconsin]

Hello Joshua, I live in Milton WI (40 miles south of Madison). I am actually thinking of moving to International Falls, 165 miles north of Duluth, now that's Northern Minnesota, lols. I like to fish (Rainy Lake) is the best! I thought about the Staika but, I thought there were a few design advancements with the Allak, being a newer design. As I said before, my Tarra will take just about anything (I was caught in a blizzard in Hurley Wis and had close to 25" of snow dumped on it) and with single poles, it took it but, the lack of ventilation, condensation, and weight are hard to take. You need wind with the Tarra, as I have camped in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest @11000 ft at 10 deg, in 60 mph wind, the Tarra was great in that environment, and I doubt many tents could compete with it. So, you do believe that in low to no breeze, in deep timber applications, the Allak wins over the Nammatj? I do like the idea of the fast pitch design of the Nammatj, along with the lower weight. I don't want to take a chance on a yellow label Hilleberg, where I could encounter late fall snow storms. p.s. I'm still keeping the Tarra.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi@@markofwisconsin , funny that. I'm actually from about 1 hour north of Duluth (the Iron Range), which is just a few hours from International Falls. Agreed about the fishing! Regarding the Allak, I do think it's better for the conditions you describe than the Nammatj. Free standing tents are much nicer when the ground is rock hard frozen and there's not much for useful snow around to build anchors. I do feel the guylines are a bit of a pain with the Allak when it's that cold, as you have to wrap them around the tent poles (which I find hard to do with thick gloves on), but that's just me. However, if it's dead calm, then you don't really need the guylines.

[@markofwisconsin]

Hello, @@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors After much research, I'll be skipping the Nammatj 2. One problem with the Nammatj, is the sloping inner tent at the foot end, with condensation on your quit, or sleeping bag, in that I am 72" tall, but use a 78" sleeping bag. One big advantage with my Tarra is the ends of the inner tent are vertical, thus no chance of the inner tent hanging on my sleeping bag, getting it wet. Thinking that I was going to purchase a Nammatj 2, I bought a footprint for it. New in the bag and never used. If you know anyone looking for one, $50. I think I'm going to take a chance on the Helags 2, and try and be cautious at night if I'm caught in the snow.🤔

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi@@markofwisconsin , sorry for the slow reply. I've just seen your message now. Regarding the footprint, I don't know who might be interested in buying it specifically. There are a couple of facebook groups you might be successful in selling it though - one is called "Hilleberg Owners Group" and the other is called "Hilleberg Tents for Sale". If you still have it when I'm back in Minnesota in about 6 months, I could potentially be interested in it, but that's not something I can guarantee.

[@michaelsargeant5923]

Have you done a review on the tent I have the saitaris .only found one on utube 🇬🇧

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hello Michaelsargeant5923, I don't unfortunately. I've done videos on the Akto, Allak, and some other brand tents, but not on the Saitaris. May I ask - what kind of trips do you use it for? Thank you.

[@bandofbros8112]

The only problem I have with Hilleberg tents is the weight. The light ones are around 3 kg. Materials have evolved. For me the Hillebergs are more like a 1.5 season tents, for winter/Alpine conditions. Would never use it in the summer.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Thanks for sharing your perspective bandofbros.

[@petergilbert72]

Hilleberg aren’t into ultralight. But their tents are light compared with intended purpose, ranging from 1.2kg (just over 2.5 pounds) upwards.

[@brum293]

Personally I use their black label tents as 1 season during winter and the yellow label as 3 season the rest of the year. I think the red label is better suited as 4 season. But it’s a compromise as it’s not as strong and comfortable as the black label during winter and not as light as the yellow label. There is no perfect tent for all occasions, just have to choose what works best for you. :) To me the weight to strength ratio is very good for the conditions I’m in. Keron 3GT is 5kg but I’m sharing it so 2.5 kg/person. My solo 3 season tent is Niak which is 1.7 kg. For two persons the Rogen 3 is 2.5 kg total (1.25 kg/person) which I think is really good for that strength and comfort. Compare that to one of the “ultralight” tents like HMG Ultamid 4 which is 2.2 kg in total with full inner insert, guy lines, stakes, pole.

[@jonbrown314]

How's it stake up against a minaret?

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hi Jon Brown, they're similar in some ways but very different in others. I'd say the Minaret is a bit stronger than the nammatj, but it's also a lot less comfy and the ventilation isn't as good.

[@jonbrown314]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors interesting to hear the minaret is more robust. Hillies have a reputation and a bit of sex appeal.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

@@jonbrown314 very true! I feel it's more robust mainly just on the fact that it has about the same diameter poles and structure, with probably about half as much surface area (that has to stand up to the wind). So it's stronger basically just because it's smaller. I'd say the materials of the nammatj are better.

[@budniyevgeny]

Hello, I live in the south of Israel, my hikes are mainly in the foreign terrain of the rocky Arava desert. In summer the temperature easily rises to 45°C. Also in winter the temperature can drop to 0°C. Desert conditions are extreme: dusty storms, rocky soil, sharp stones, thorns, dangerous insects. Which Hilleberg tent is best for me? Be sure to have an inner mesh, strong footprint, and ventilation that can be opened/closed.

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hello budniyevgeny, to be honest I don't have any experience with tenting in such an arid desert, as you have. So, it's difficult for me to give you a quality suggestion. I do feel that a 4-season tent in that kind of heat would be terrible, but also, I would imagine you would need some protection from blowing sand? To cover such a wide variety of conditions, I think it would probably be best to have two different tents (summer and winter).

[@ghoutdoors1857]

I’m also from israel so I hope this helps. I use a Hilleberg Keron 3gt and a red label Soulo for winter( check out “Hilleberg Keron 3gt in storm Elpis for a look at that). And I use a Hilleberg tarp 5 and mesh tent 1 for summer. I was in Eilat camping and around the kinneret this august and was comfortable with the heat

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Hello@@ghoutdoors1857. Thank you for sharing that information. Do you get much for blowing sand or debris in any of those places? Please forgive, as I'm very unfamiliar with camping in Isreal.

[@adrianfatan4069]

for the conditions you describe you will be doing better with alternatives to Hilleberg.

[@ghoutdoors1857]

@@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors sometimes when the wind picks up, then I add the mesh tent 1