Hilleberg Soulo Tent - Detailed & Honest Review

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Rob, very clear explanation on tent set up. You deliver all the key points clear and brief. Two clips at a time, yes that's how I do it too. I really appreciate the link and shout re my video and I see that you mention another video from India In Motion. This just gives more information to your viewers and adds value to your work by the fact that you are searching the web for other content to bring to your viewers. Love the top tip on double rapping the toggle to tighten up the inner tension. All in all I think this is a great video with excellent content, camera work and explanation. Seriously well done. ATB Tom

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks for you input Tom, excellent analysts as well. And thanks for watching it too. Happy linked to your video as it’s great information 👍🏽

[@rtg0616]

Great review. I have the BL version after selling the RL. Before I used it I seam sealed the zip ends in the vent. Did what you did with the flappy fabric and bought another set of poles. I also use a mix of bigger pegs, and silenced the rattly zips. When this thing is double poled, it feels more like a building than a tent. It amazes me when people criticise this tent, when there are no competitors that will protect you like this can. When you see failure videos, it's usually down to lazy pegging and poor positioning in terms of wind direction. There really is no better tent on the market currently.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks 🙏 Absolutely agree. You won’t find a more solid tent. Can’t imagine this one failing. Some people complained about it leaking near the vent, but come on, they were in storms with huge amounts of rain pouring down and a few drops made it inside because the rain was literally being blown upwards… I didn’t do anything about the slightly loose fabric actually. It’s not that bad :) Cheers!

[@silverxmaple]

These videos are fantastic. I really appreciate the birds eye view of the poles too

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks a lot Brian! Also appreciate your support and taking the time to comment.

[@diverhoke]

Thank yous Rob - for one the best tentreview I have ever seen! 🙂 Talking about the things that matters and not just presenting the info that you can read about on the brand webpage. Qudos!

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks so much! Appreciate your support 🙏

[@Ricercar275]

Thanks a lot for this excellent review, with many tips and very useful informations. The little elephant is very cute !🐘Greetings from France !

[@OutdoorPrep]

Merci!

[@OutdoorPrep]

Watch part two here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6bGpYl-ZbOonLM *Different parts of this video:* 00:24 - Setup 3:30 - Exterior 7:40 - Interior 10:30 - Sizing & Liveability 13:58 - Tips for buying a Soulo

[@theknowlodge8294]

Absolutely terrific review as always mate. Love my Soulo. Just got the Black Label and waiting for the opportunity to test it. Lol

[@vals6004]

I like how you review ever detail. Very well made review.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thank you. Glad the details are appreciated :)

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

You made such a brilliant so thorough review if this tent!!! Gosh you spent MONEY on all those hillaberg tents!! 😳😳💸💸 I loved your little companion!! He seemed so sweet and cosy with you! 😂😉🐘🐘 must be nice to cuddle up to at night! Haha, on a more seri6note, I really did appreciate how detailed you went into everything! Like it's so true that a thicker mat will raise you higher and then the left of the sleeping bag on top of that! That all needs to be taken into consideration!! I thought it in my head, and you are the ONLY backpacker I have seen actually really mention it and discuss it! Amazing! Very impressed! With all 😍😊🐘

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks 🙏 I try to make them extra detailed for those who enjoy that

[@andrifsig]

Hi there, nice video. I own a Soulo, use it for bicycle touring in Iceland. Perfect for the climate. My only issue with it is I would like the vestibule to be a bit larger as then I could fit all my gear inside and still have relative comfort. Have done so in the past but it gets cramped really fast. Still love it and use it often. Can withstand the elements much better than most tents that brave the icelandic highlands. Have seen some tents get flattened down, broken poles and inhabitants coming out shivering in the morning as their tent was just not warm enough or stable enough. Meanwhile my Soulo kept me warm, dry and withstood the wind like the Rock of Gibraltar. My only disagreement with your review is the size of the groundsheet. If it would cover the whole area and a downpour would happen then it would be much more likely to drip on the groundsheet if it is too close to the outer tent body. Especially if there is also high winds as the tent body will move a bit in the wind. Then some droplets can drip down from the outside and potentially land on the groundsheet below if it flexes too much into the inner space of the tent. Have seen that happen on lesser tents and homemade groundsheets where they wanted to fill out the entire inner area with the groundsheet.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Ah yes, totally agree. The vestibule is a bit small if you have a large backpack. The one in the Akto is just a bit bigger but makes all the difference. As for the groundsheet - I do agree with that theory, it would collect water. However, if that was a conscious decision, I'd expect it on other Hilleberg tents too.

[@ger337]

It, s the best Review from the Soulo ❤️👍🙏

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks so much! Glad you like it. Check out part two and 3 as well :)

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

More Hilleberg reviews please! Very addictive.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Hahaha thanks Kevin. I’ll do my best but running out of tents here 🤣 Which tents do you use?

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

Hahahah I just laugh watching AGAIN you with your little companion!!! I love it!! It made me giggle so good! Coz it's so sweet of you and it really shows a bit of your personality in a subtle way and a fantastic way of showing humor too, in a subtle way!! I dig it!! 😍😍🤣🤣🐘🐘 adorable!

[@OutdoorPrep]

Lol thanks 🙏 🐘

[@helicopter2630]

Best review yet. Thank you.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks so much! Appreciate it!

[@ringperm]

Thank you, that was a good review. Very useful to watch reviews like this made by taller campers. I just subscribed, so I look forward to watching more content in the future

[@OutdoorPrep]

Cool! Happy to hear it was helpful. You can also have a look at the mesh inner for Soulo and the Staika review. Soon there will be a video on the Allak as well.

[@ringperm]

@@OutdoorPrep Thanks, I will check them out, and look forward to the Allak review also.

[@Olan...]

Really good idea about double wrappingbthe inner elastic bungees to reduce the flappage Rob...I am going to give that a go netx camp...Great Review

[@OutdoorPrep]

Cheers Olan 🙏

[@moss2309]

Excellent objective review!

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks Michael 🙏🏻

[@fritzd2116]

Great review! Totally agree on that 3-way ‘junction’ of those zippers-. I use my Soulo in winter alpine conditions in the Rocky Mts, so bugs aren’t an issue but I still don’t like that gap? That’s my only gripe about the tent, however. I find that I can put a 75 liter pack in the vestibule, though it’s a tight fit. Excellent channel. Keep up the good work and subscribed!!

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks so much 🙏 I’ve had my 75l Kajka in there as well. Fits but that’s it indeed. Not necessary a bad thing - it works and I would not want to carry more weight 👌🏼

[@kristaps2010]

13:30 space very important. I have Staika BL and I’m considering lighter single, Soulo BL. But I always have lot of luggage on my motorcycle and kayaking trips. Soulo might not work but Niak or Rogen could.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Hmmmm well it all depends on how your gear is shaped. The Niak vestibule has a different shape, there's not a lot of room up top, it's mostly close to the ground. Rogen would give you two vestibules indeed. I've had two, returned them both as they didn't match the specification, the inner tent was smaller than it should be. The Rogen is great on paper but in my experience it's not well designed. If you buy it, inspect it properly.

[@kristaps2010]

@@OutdoorPrep Thank you for good advice! What I’m not taking in consideration is price vs regularity of use. Maybe I can cope with carrying extra weight and size of really good tent vs spending loads of moneys £$€ for a tent what will be little bit lighter, packs bit smaller but gives less space inside and is less durable (I am bit clumsy). As an example on first trip my STAIKA got blown away scraping over the gravel…

[@OutdoorPrep]

That is indeed a good point to consider, often overlooked :) It of course all depends on how far and high you're hiking. Auuchhh if the Staika got blown away - that must have been quite a wind. Hope it's ok. So the light tent is for nice weather only I assume? Have you considered the Helags 2?

[@kristaps2010]

@@OutdoorPrep I bought second hand Anjan2 for hiking a while ago, I haven’t used it yet. I probably have to give it a go. But self standing feels so good. Don’t even need to guidlines it out. That’s why I was visualising mini STAIKA. For kayaking and motorcycling weather :). Hellags is a good option but I’m not considering it.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Ah if you can fint in Anjan then Helags is not needed indeed. Some people also like the Unna, but no vestibule space though. It's fully free standing like Soulo and Staika where as Rogen and Niak are self supporting - you still need to attach the vestibule door somewhere. Maybe Allak 2? haha

[@kayasper6081]

I wonder why the Unna is is so few mentioned. It is 10cm longer and has a lot more inner room, while the package is slightly lighter but still being a red label tent.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Yeah that 10cm is very deceptive. The shape is different, similar to Staika. Actually, it uses the same pole length as Staika. Hoewever, it does not offer more space (Except if you remove the inner completely). I found the Niak to have similar and maybe slightly better space length wise. I do want to require it soon, when I can get my hands on it 😄 it’s an quite unusual tent

[@kayasper6081]

@@OutdoorPrep Thanks for answering. It is interesting what you say. I have to admit that with my length of 6,6" (198cm) a bit more inner length in the tent would have been welcome. And yes, it has the same length of poles as the Staika, in fact just last week I ordered the Staika 10mm poles to double up in my Unna for extra strength. So you are dreaming of your next Hillie, haha. It is a nice world, isn't it? My second would be a Kaitum 2. Best regards

[@OutdoorPrep]

@@kayasper6081 so would you say you’re happy with how you fit in it? Seemed small when I tried it. What made you choose it?

[@kayasper6081]

@@OutdoorPrep It is a bit small, yes. But with my length I am used that almost everything is a bit too small or low. I can live with it. What made me choose it, are several reasons: It is the less complicated tent, sets up very fast. Freestanding, is important in loose sand (I am a kayaker). Just a bit longer and lighter that most other tents. The inner space is rather roomy (wide), sometimes I have to stay all day inside to wait for better weather. I pretty much like that a second person could fit in as well, when needed. Last but not least; the entire side wall can get opened, really love that with calm warm nights. In warmer seasons I use the mesh inner. The sand pegs are invaluable too. Thanks for asking. I am sure you have your reasons as well, and that is another thing I love from the Hilleberg collection, its diversity. In the end we all enjoy the same brand! All the best, Jasper

[@OutdoorPrep]

@Kayasper that's a fair point. Outside of the Kaitum/Keron range it's all a bit too small generally, but those are not free standing / self supporting. And indeed, it's nice that those tents are different in many ways to match individual needs. The fully open door looks like a great option. It would be a nice shelter from the wind on a hike using just the outer tent. I've tried using a Tarp10 but in strong winds it doesn't hold up as well and it's a lot of work to setup. Thanks for sharing your insights and perspective!

[@turtlebayster]

really great review. thanks.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks 🙏

[@robstanley7381]

Brilliant review, well done 👍 I definitely agree with you regarding checking of the tent for faults. My Soulo arrived with a 10mm diameter hole in the wall of the bathtub. On the whole it's a good tent but with limitations, particularly the lack of ventilation. The price of all Hilleberg tents have gone crazy in recent years and I now struggle to justify spending the money they ask.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks so much! Yeah I've returned 3 tents, because of defects, and one defect I've simply accepted. It happens but we shouldn't just assume that everything is good all the time. The price has increased indeed but I think they do last a long time, so especially if you have multiple tents, they can last a lifetime (if cared for correctly). It still is a large chunk of cash though...

[@chriswildingo]

Very nice review.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@summittaedae2323]

Brilliant review, probably the best on on a soulo. The small gap it the triple zipper shouldn’t be an issue if your using the soulo for the season it’s intended for. Apart from that it’s pretty much a perfect tent. You are freakishly tall and in winter would be on a thick pad but I’m a short arse at 5ft6 . What’s your best tent for winter camping?

[@OutdoorPrep]

On a winter adventure now and I brought the Keron3GT. It’s big but I found I need to space. If there was a Keron2GT I’d get that one. If you’re not as freakishly tall then I like the Staika. For me it was too small still. Now got the Allak3 with 10mm poles 👌🏼 Winter - yes, but big snow - still choose the Keron. Greetings from the Arctic Circle 👋

[@summittaedae2323]

@@OutdoorPrep good choices, happy camping from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Camp-N-Wilddragon]

Great video.thanks

[@OutdoorPrep]

Cheers dragon!

[@darkshaman7087]

I have bought the Vern 1 new as cheaper and is really good and a bit more room than a 1 man tent as its 1.5 and i'm well happy with it

[@OutdoorPrep]

Cool man! I’m looking forward to seeing that tent too. Enjoy!

[@darkshaman7087]

@@OutdoorPrep its a solid tent for the money, I sent direct for the shop as I would have had to pre-order it in my country anyway from the shop that deals with them anyway cheers, take care mate 👍

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

Good one. Thanks a Lot

[@OutdoorPrep]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@bimazivanovic4784]

Does using the mesh inner improve the ventilation in the tent?

[@OutdoorPrep]

Technically it’s not so much the ventilation (although there is some improvement), because that’s the air from outside the tent coming inside the tent, but it had a huge difference on breathability. You can notice the difference in warm weather. There’s another video on the mesh inner tent on my channel.

[@chrishomer]

Thank you

[@OutdoorPrep]

Cheers

[@stephenrathbun]

What Sea To Summit sleeping pad size is that you used in video? Is it the rectangle wide or rectangle large??

[@OutdoorPrep]

It's the Rectangular Large - 201 x 64 x 10

[@stephenrathbun]

@@OutdoorPrep thank you. Ordered a Soulo BL and should be here in January. Going to sell my Staika I think and go smaller. Great video thanks for getting back to me.

[@OutdoorPrep]

@@stephenrathbun no worries. Did you order from HB directly? They have 2 models in the outlet and available - if you don't mind minor errors.

[@stephenrathbun]

Yes I ordered from Hilleberg directly and I don’t mind the wait. If I pay this amount I want perfect so I will fully check it like you recommended. And I have an Anaris I will use for warmer weather.

[@OutdoorPrep]

@@stephenrathbun ok excellent! Yes do check. They have quality control, but there's always the Monday morning inspection :) How are you liking the Anaris? I've been looking at it myself, but havent been able to try it properly yet...

[@lisetteschutte5495]

Excellent tips and information 👌 thanks Rob! I was wondering about the ‘gap’ between the 3 way zipper where cold or bugs could come in! Any tips on how you deal with that?

[@OutdoorPrep]

Cold should not be a big issue - that piece of fabric will take care of that. Bugs however, those can still get in... best solution seems to just put a sock in it or something like that. I don’t expect a “fix” from Hilleberg because I don’t think they see it as an issue... 🤷‍♂️

[@lisetteschutte5495]

@@OutdoorPrep thanks! And I’m so curious about the elephant in the tent! 😆 made me laugh

[@OutdoorPrep]

Hahah very good. 😅😬🙈🤓

[@allanspqr14]

That zipper gap is worrying though, I love in Scotland and on the summer months the midges would eat you alive if they got in lol

[@OutdoorPrep]

hahaha yeah that's very true. Surprisingly enough, not a lot of people mention this as an issue. Perhaps they don't camp in such places.

[@fol964]

Hi Rob, I’m 192cm and considering the Soulo. I’m worried about the length and my feet or head touching the inner tent. What do you think? Thanks

[@OutdoorPrep]

Definitely be prepared for that possibility. Few factors to consider: thickness of your sleeping pad, loft of your sleeping bag, if you’re a side sleeper or not and shoe size. If you can stake out the corners you’ll have a bit more room. Inspect the tent properly to make sure the fabric isn’t too loose - happens sometimes. You can also double wrap the elastics like I did for extra room. With all that said, there isn’t a much better alternative. Allak 2 is not much better, Allak 3 is however, but that’s much bigger. Good luck 💪🏼

[@fol964]

@@OutdoorPrep thanks Rob. I need to buy sight unseen so need to get it as right as I can.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Then I’d consider the conditions you’re using it in. How bad is it that you touch the walls? It can be not a big deal or it can be dangerous - depends on the conditions and circumstances of your trip.

[@Hightower600]

Helags 3 next please? :D

[@OutdoorPrep]

Haha yeah that would be a great one. Tricky to get my hands on that one though, but I'm on the lookout :)

[@BensOutdoorExperience]

Great for camping, not so much for hiking. ;)

[@OutdoorPrep]

Because of the weight? Depends on where you’re going

[@BensOutdoorExperience]

Hilleberg is what Lexus is for a dentist. Great for camping. I have never seen a hiker with such a heavy tent.

[@OutdoorPrep]

@@BensOutdoorExperience well, what can I say... You're looking at one now! :)

[@BensOutdoorExperience]

@@OutdoorPrep Sorry, had to use the dentist card 😀 wish you a Happy New Year!

[@carrotsandrunning]

13:55 it's gotta be pretty roomy. I mean, it's got an elephant in it.

[@OutdoorPrep]

Exactly 🙌🏼

[@ironkid8836]

Ocd on the gap bro it's a tent

[@OutdoorPrep]

It’s all about the details bro ✌🏽

[@herbyhannan1675]

Tip number 1, get a mortgage

[@OutdoorPrep]

Or a book on Investment strategies