Mad Windy (70+kmph) at Inverie, Knoydart in the Kuiu 'Storm Star'. Long Beach Campsite review.

[@PB22222]

I always love your Scotland videos

[@donnavansenior]

Aw thank you Peter 😊 Great to hear from you and hope life is treating you well. Yeah when I look back at last year I got myself to some amazing places - wish I'd had a few more days in Inverie but storms were coming in so it was just a quick overnighter, and even then the pre-storm winds were pretty mental. Hopefully I might get back there later in the year :)

[@stealthandysteath1069]

Evening Don. Well hun bloody lovely views 👍. An the tent did ya properly in that wind.... Thanks for sharing, 👍🇬🇧

[@donnavansenior]

Ey-Up Andy :) Yeah the tent did me proud once again on that camp. Sometimes campsite camps can be just as gnarly. Wish I'd been able to check the wind speeds properly but I'll agree with what the Met forecast. It's an amazing part of the world up there - and the beers at the pub are pretty good as well ;-) TFW :)

[@stealthandysteath1069]

@@donnavansenior that Yorkshire is comeing on lass 👍🤣🤣🤣.

[@neilson90TooTents]

Just got say, that's the best video yet, what a site, that's my kind of site, I could sit for hours looking at the view. Those loos, amazing names. Your pictures are brilliant too. Overall your best video.

[@donnavansenior]

That's a really lovely comment, thank you Neilson 😊 For a tenner a night you can't go far wrong with Long Beach campsite - as you could see the views were jaw-dropping. A toilet's always a bonus and there were fire-pits to use as well. Nothing much more you could ask for really 😁 a shop up near the pub sold an amazing selection of fresh foods and craft beers/ciders plus the actual pub itself was friendly with tasty ales - only went there to get an internet signal mind 🙄🍺 Old, quirky and friendly is how I'd describe Inverie and I'll defo head back. TFW :)

[@davids9549]

Grand place. I took the same ferry a few years ago and camped in the interior while climbing the less accessible Munros. Fantastic and memorable. Had a TN Voyager back then, liking the look if your Storm Star and wondering if that would have been a better option than the Scarp 1 I got recently - nothing wrong with that, mind. Glad you enjoyed the posh people's woodland walk.

[@donnavansenior]

Inverie and is a magical and quirky place, that's for sure. I was sort of hampered by time when I was there - a storm was heading in, so I only stayed the one night to make sure I got back to Mallaig ok. I'll head back there though, and stay for a few days next time and do a bit of hiking and wild camping. The TN Voyager is a great tent, my friend had the Ultra DCF version, I had the Storm Star pitched next to it one time, 2 good looking tents - but the RRP of that Ultra was bonkers (she bought her's 3rd or 4th hand). The Storm Star is a great tent David, absolutely rock solid in high winds. I've always like the Scarp 1 though, it's a tent I can see myself buying in the future if I saw one at a good price. TFW, atb DVS :)

[@williammay6879]

Look at that Donna. Handled like a champ and looks great to boot. Best colour. 😉🤣

[@donnavansenior]

Defo the best colour William but I'd love the brown one for a full set 😅 I'm always in awe of this tent with how well it performs in high winds, it's so quiet inside compared to other tents I've owned or used. TFW :)

[@brockcamps4972]

Beautiful photography. Always great music on your vids,. Looked like a great camp. Pips owners obviously made a lasting impression. Lol👌

[@donnavansenior]

Pips owners 😂😂 I was hiking down the coast looking out towards the Summer Isles a few days prior when the path turned into a cliffside drop and petered out. So I clambered down on to what I thought was maybe a private beach...there were a few people there and a dog. I called over 'hello' several times, they all looked at me like I was an illegal immigrant - bearing in mind they had Calvin Klein towels and flip-flops laid on the sandy beach, but up near the fence so their gear wouldn't be washed away...I waved a few times they looked at me then looked away. Then their small dog grabbed what looked like a dead seagull in it's mouth and the infamous line was uttered....."Pip!!! Spit it out!!" hahaha, go on Pip. neck it down and bomb over and give your owners a nice lick on the face 🤮🙄 Cheers Brock lol TFW :)

[@brockcamps4972]

Thanks for the indepth reply. Sound like fabulous people ( in the mirror). 👌

[@RamblingRuth]

Another great video Donna. An empty campsite is my favourite kind! The Pip thing made me laugh as my Border Terrier is called Pip. She’s a right bugger for rolling in smelly stuff so I’m often found yelling at her. I’m definitely not posh though 😂 😂

[@donnavansenior]

This was a great trip last year - I'd fancied getting the boat to Knoydart for a few years, and if a storm hadn't been forecast to come in I'd have stayed an extra day or two. I'd encountered the 'Pip owners' a few days previously up by the Summer Isles, ah man what stuck up people!! Poor doggo having owners like that 😂 I hope your Pip doesn't pick up dead seagulls for lunch 🤣🤮

[@MiriamKennedy]

That was a great watch Donna!! A woman after my own heart taking a trip out to an island 🤗 I adore camping on islands and we have some lovely ones here in Ireland so its great for me to see what Scotlands islands have to offer!! It always feels so exotic to get a boat and find yourself on an island for the night. How strong and majestic your tent looked, putting the competition to shame!! 😂 Looked a fab trip...lovely experience and memory to have made!!

[@donnavansenior]

Hi Miriam and good to hear you enjoyed the vid, thank you 😊 Inverie isn't actually an island - it lies in a region called Knoydart which is only accessible by either a 2 day hike (of 15 miles each way over some pretty rough terrain) or you can take a boat there - so I opted for the boat 🤣🤣 it might as well be an island though as it's beautifully cut off from everything, but has that Islanders type of spirit within the community. It's an amazing place & I'll definitely head back, but next time I'll spend a few days there and have a proper hike of some trails. I've seen your vids when you island camp and they looked amazing, I'm sure you took a cable car type of thing over to one? I'll have to look back thru your vids. Yeah the Kuiu tent stood almost motionless in those winds on this trip, I was super proud of it and it's my go-to tent for winter and stormy weather. TFw :) and Happy Camping :)

[@MiriamKennedy]

@@donnavansenior thanks Donna - and excuse my geography ignorance 😂 It looked a really fab spot to spend some time and like you said it seems to have a real island vibe! Thanks for the introduction to the area 😉

[@marksadventures2.8]

Hi there Donna. I'm liking 👍 this style of video 📹 👌

[@donnavansenior]

Thanks Mark. I try and keep all my video's different - it makes editing more enjoyable than if I just churned out the same type of format every time. I took loads of photo's on this wee trip and I suppose a lot of people might never have even heard of Inverie, but to me it was one of the loveliest, wildest and quirkiest places I've visited and I wanted to try and share that experience. TFW :)

[@Kev_Russ]

Been there once but need to return. Love Knoydart. Cracking camp Donna. 🤟

[@donnavansenior]

It's an amazing place Inverie. I should have stayed a bit longer but a big storm was coming in & I didn't want to get stranded over there. I'll defo be back but maybe next time I'll try the hike in from Kinloch Hourn....Cheers Kev :)

[@Hayyothhakodesh]

I just got my storm star a few months ago and I love it!!! It's my favorite tent even more loved then my hilleberg nallo2. I love kuiu. I own the kuiu mountain star tent too and first trip out we had a major storm and it was fabulous. The wind was scared of the tent!!

[@donnavansenior]

Morning KGK :) The Storm Star has to be one of the best sub 3kg 4 season tents on the market, it's an absolute beast of a tent! The design is solid, attention to detail is impeccable and it's whisper quiet in high winds. My only niggle is the small door toggles, but I use a clothes peg to clip the doors back now 😉 Had my SS out in winds up to 70kmph and it didn't move. It's a brilliant tent. Bought mine 2 years ago when the prices were cheaper (£538) and I must have had 40+ camps in it - only had to re-proof it once and it still looks brand new. TFW and happy camping :)

[@stevesdaysoff2759]

hello Donna. Looked like a nice place to camp. Really enjoyed watching. Atb Steve 👍

[@donnavansenior]

If you're ever over that way I'd highly recommend taking the ferry to Inverie. Its an amazing place Steve 😎

[@Sneaky-Sneaky]

You convinced me….I bought one! It’s a beauty!!

[@donnavansenior]

I've had lots of tents over the years but this is my all-time favourite and go-to bad weather tent, it's an absolute gem & I know it will always keep me safe :) Did you get the Orange one or the more manly gunmetal one?

[@Sneaky-Sneaky]

@@donnavansenior I did get what they call the brown one because it blends in nicely with the areas I camp in. I didn’t realize it was the manly one…hahaha! What really attracted me to the storm star was its strength and how light it is. I’m like you, I want a shelter I can depend on in harsh weather. Where I backpack the most, the weather can be very unpredictable and violent. Thanks again Donna for all the videos that showed this tent could be trusted when you need it most. Cheers!!

[@normanscout1864]

Hello Donna, you do go to some beautiful places Scotland was one of my favourite places to go to and camp ,climb and walk used to luv it I don't know if you've been to the Isle of skye but if you do get to go there take a boat trip from Elgol to Loch coruisk and camp there it's so magical highly reccomend it you can also walk round the Loch which is spectacular I do like your tent it takes bad weather no problem and very spacious canny camp site quite cheap which always helps I wasn't one for pubs I liked being in my tent with a good book and my snakebite (lovely) great video as always thumbs 👍and thanks for sharing look forward to your next one xx ,

[@donnavansenior]

Hi Norman :) Yeah I've been to Skye but haven't done much hiking or exploring there - I had a really bad back when I was there and was quite crippled. I suppose I'm due a return visit to Skye then...and I'm loving the idea of where you suggested, just had a good old Google of the area and wow! It looks amazing and beautifully remote. Inverie was amazing, I should have stayed there for several nights but an electrical storm was due to hit the day after I left and it was forecast to be stormy for several days. The Kuiu has stood up to everything thrown at it so far, you know me I love my tents and have quite a few lol, but the Kuiu is my go to choice for bad weather. I'll be back to Knoydart, it's an untamed wilderness so I'd never take safety lightly. TFW Norman :) xx

[@jdmillar1958]

Had a bedtime viewing of the camp Donna. Canny beat a west coast sunset, White sands of Morar, Arisaig, spent many a great night up there. Also, the beach at Camusdarach was the location for Local Hero beach scene.

[@donnavansenior]

Sunset from Mallaig that night was the best! I was at Arisaig and Morar last year, drove that windy B-road looking for an overnight pitch, it's a lovely stretch of coast but quite busy with motorhomers. Inverie was great, old and quirky and friendly, totally my type of place & hopefully I might get back over there again later in the year. TFW David :)

[@cheviotoutdoors]

Nice camp Donna. I like the little fire pit 🔥

[@donnavansenior]

Thank you 😊 that little firepit is amazing for the size it packs down to. It's a great piece of kit for the darker nights.

[@cheviotoutdoors]

@@donnavansenior might be tempted next time on Ali Express 😂

[@donnavansenior]

@@cheviotoutdoors eBay and Amazon have them just as cheap ;-)

[@cheviotoutdoors]

@@donnavansenior cheers, I’ll check it out 👍

[@ScotsWildcamper]

Fantastic area Knoydart i need to get back. Donna your not poo pooing hilleberg tents lol. The storm star has a great design with the cross points giving alot of strength. Enjoyed the video as usual , happy camping.

[@donnavansenior]

I'd had a few beers at the pub Eddie and came back to the campsite like a smug so-and-so looking at how little movement the tent had compared to other tents there 🙄 😅 so that section of vid was partly fueled by Knoydart Brewery ales 🍺🍺 It's a sturdy wee beast that's for sure. Wish I'd stayed longer at Inverie for a proper explore and some hiking, but a storm was forecast and I didn't want to risk being stranded over there for several days if the boats couldn't run. Cheers Eddie, looking forward to your Creagh Meagaidh vid :)

[@thegeordiefellwalker8878]

The cheap little bobcat's raised a few eybroos Donna 😮seen a little mod with 2 extra guy out points on the back to stop it sagging 👍your storm star is a serious tent👌

[@donnavansenior]

Yeah I watched Ant Survive the Night's Bobcat video - it's a sturdy wee beast! Llama Annie has a Bobcat so I've seen them up close (it's a copy of the Berghaus Peak Pro 3.1 but Annie says the Bobcat has the better inner). Too small for me the Bobcat, I prefer a roomier tent. Yeah the Storm Star is a serious piece of kit Geordie, it's the one tent I'll never sell.

[@MALLY_DAGS_TV]

You need to open a hilliberg rescue centre, Donna lol Where the public can sponsor a red label for just £2per month and receive put up dates! Great video as always

[@donnavansenior]

⛺🤣🤣⛺ hahaha, great idea Mally! The Hilleberg Rescue Centre pmsl. Had me howling when I read your comment at work this afternoon :)

[@djsiimz]

Nice one Donna looked like the poor people get the best spot haha with beautiful views if i eat an apple and see a pip I'll pmsl this was a great funny vid see you on the next one😂

[@donnavansenior]

The poor peeps defo got the best pitches on this one Siimz lol. Not too bad for a 30 minute hike in from the ferry though, then boosh - those views!! Spoiled rotten I was 😊 I'll defo head back there again, but it'll be for a few days next time not just an overnighter. Wish I'd video'd the Pip saga - a reet posh family up near the Summer Isles a few days prior, they totes ignored me when I was waving and saying hello (and I was only a few metres from them, ignorant sods) so when their wee dog ran out of the sea with a rancid dead seagull in it's mouth and they started shouting "Pip!! Spit it out!!" I was howling hahaha. Go on Pip lad, get it down ya!! 😂😂🤮

[@robch4414]

*Such* a good tent! One day...

[@donnavansenior]

Had mine 2 years now Rob, they were cheaper back then, I paid £530 for it which was an absolute bargain. Only had to re-proof it once so far and that was after 40+ camps. Great quality, a solid design and it's kept me safe on many a mad night.

[@TheNeilo-Audiosound]

Miss D just signed up for a ⛺️ giveaway with you then ended up here Somehow🤷‍♂️ And Yet “I No Complain” as somewhere along the lines of a binge watching recently (as you know) this one Evaded the Radar so I’m now watching a 4mth Old Trip that I’m thoroughly enjoying🙏👍⛺️👜🥾 Keep on keeping on Miss D ❤️

[@donnavansenior]

How good did the Storm Star look pitched there Neilo? Safe as houses in that tent. Knoydart is somewhere I've fancied seeing for a few years - and when I learnt they had the UK's most remote pub that sealed the deal lol. Instead of the 2 day hike in I decided to take the boat and got there in 40mins 🙄😂 I'll defo head back, this was almost a spur of the moment trip so I was only there for 24hrs. Lush though! What a place! 💚

[@strators07]

Great vid an review! You appear to have a footprint that includes the vestibule? Online appears to cover the tent base only ? If you could let me know I would be grateful as am close to buying one, your vids are very helpful! Thanks Richard

[@donnavansenior]

If you get in touch with Lucy at Quintcraft.co.uk, she'll make you a footprint to cover both vestibules. I paid £70 for mine 2 yrs ago off her. She's very well known online and does excellent work. The Storm Star is a beast of a tent and I'd choose it any day over a Hille. Packsize gets smaller iover time when the xpac on the seams softens up with wear. Mine still looks brand new after 40+ camps and I've only had to re-proof it once. Let me know how you get on if you get one. They ship them out really fast when they're in stock, takes about a week. Atb, Donna 😎

[@strators07]

Thank you for that 👍

[@McCaff62]

The poor hilleberg owners must dread every time you upload a video Donna.

[@donnavansenior]

🤣😂 I've had a bit of flack from Hille owners in the past - but you know what? The Allak was always my dream Hille tent and it still is - well maybe the Nallo has slightly nudged ahead lol. Give me a choice between an Allak and a Storm Star though and I'd pick the SS every time. TFW :)

[@BorderRambler]

Now you weren’t teasing the hilly and msr owners Donna 😂😂😂 but your storm star is a rock in that wind 💪 it hardly moves . Looks a beautiful place for sure , the land time forgot eh atb Dave ⛺️👍

[@donnavansenior]

@@BorderRambler 😇😂 who me? Never lol. I lent the MSR owners (it was an Elixir 2) my pole splint after one of their poles snapped when they were trying to put it up. The Allak stood firm. Flappy but firm. I've owned MSR's in the past and will defo buy another one but I wouldn't spend my hard earned cash on a Hille, there's too many other tents on the market that are far cheaper and suit my style of camping. The Kuiu did look rather fine though didn't it lol. An Alpkit Soloist rocked up later on and that hardly moved either, you used to have one of those tents didn't you Dave? It was a lass bikepacking, she loved using it. Yeah if you're ever over that way a trip to Inverie for a pint, an explore and at least one night in a tent should go on your list 😁 TFW :)

[@anthonykelly5]

Donna what camera have you,great video .

[@donnavansenior]

On this video, I would have been using my Samsung A32 mobile phone to record video / photos. It was only earlier this year that I bought my Osmo Action 3 camera.

[@Northern_Rockhopper]

Just bought my first Kuiu after watching this video. The comparison against the Hilly in the wind just sold it. £538 with the footprint seems a bargain. 😁

[@donnavansenior]

I can see from your channel content that you're someone who appreciates tents. I'm sure you'll be well impressed with the Storm Star. The footprint from Kuiu doesn't cover the vestibule areas, it's still a good deal you've gotten yourself, but if you want a footprint to cover both porch areas look on Amazon for a 'Hikeman' groundsheet - you want size Medium, it'll cost you £21.99 and it's not far off a perfect fit 😁 The tents only take a week to come from the US.

[@fraserconnell21]

Kernoydart looked great in your film miss D👍. Now what's your honest opinion of your sea to summit sleep pad? I do struggle with sleeping pads so please let me know. Thanks and stay well n keep yer pekker up mate. 👍

[@donnavansenior]

Hya Fraser - the S2S Comfort Plus Insulated - it's not a bad weight, packs down nicely and is comfy enough but it's slightly noisy if you toss and turn - I like the fact it inflates on both sides - so if one side failed you'd still be fairly comfy. The R rating won't see you out over the cold months though - I think it's about a 4.2 which would only take you down to around zero unless you bulked it up with a closed cell foam mat underneath it. I'm now the proud owner of a S2S Etherlite Extreme XT.......now this is the mat you want to try out, it's expensive (I paid £163 for mine a few month back) but holy moley is it comfy! R value of 6.2 and a chunky 10cm of thickness, it's the comfiest mat I've ever used. Great for peeps that toss and turn. Hope that helps Fraser :)

[@fraserconnell21]

@@donnavansenior Thanks D. The etherlite pad looks a nice bit of kit. Thanks for answering the question. Fair thee well, pilgrim😁👍

[@donnavansenior]

@@fraserconnell21 Ciao for now Mon ami ;-)

[@1024Pete]

How did you deal with the frustrating C Clamp carabiners for the poles? How did you get the pole out of its sleeve without being hassled? Thanks for your thoughts.

[@donnavansenior]

If you pitch the tent as Kuiu recommend, the C clips go on easier. Insert the 2 longer poles, attach C clips, insert shorter pole, attach C clips, then clip up rest of plastic clips. As for the pole tip getting stuck in the sleeves...simply squeeze the bottom of the sleeve when taking the pole out. Hope that helps some Pete.

[@craig3401]

Looked a great place and it was definitely breezy but the tent looked great.have you swapped the guy lines out and moded them?

[@donnavansenior]

The Storm Star stood proud that night Craig. Wish I'd had my anemometer with me because those gusts were fierce. Never modded anything, just back pegged the guys and used 2 Deltas. The difference between movement in the Kuiu and Allak was noticeable 😉

[@craig3401]

@@donnavansenior ye the allak looked a bit flappy or they didn't pitch it right.its just your guy lines looked different to mine are yours double like the hillebergs so like a higher and lower line on each pole

[@craig3401]

@@donnavansenior it's ok I've had another look you use same peg for the 2 different lines I peg each 1 but suppose it saves on so many pegs

[@donnavansenior]

Yeah I just doubled up the guy's on the head end corners with the guys that come off the door panel seam, seemed to make sense to double them and use just the one Delta to secure. Worked a treat, that tent was going nowhere lol.

[@Roger718P]

Hello Donna, New subscriber and love your down to earth videos. Wondered if you could help me with this one. I’m looking for a new four season tent at a non too ridiculous price and really like the look of this Kuiu Storm star. The only problem I have is that I’m an ageing 6 ft 3 ins ( 190cm in new money) bloke and sometimes get wet feet pushing my feet against the inner tent onto the outer fly. I really like the dome tents especially the simplicity of this one having the non fully sleeves poles but wondered about the length and whether the angle would be shallow at the edges. Realise of course you might not have an answer to this but I can’t get to look at this tent locally. Very best wishes and keep up the great videos.

[@donnavansenior]

Hi Rodger, nice to hear from you and thanks for the sub. I've seen other people say if you're 6ft and over it's best to sleep diagonally in the Storm Star, I'm guessing you're going to be using the tent as a solo occupant? It is a brilliant tent, my only complaints with it in the 3yrs I've had mine, is that the door tie-backs are too small and fiddly, and sometimes it can be a bit tricky to secure the last metal clasp, especially if I have cold or wet hands. Apart from that I have no other gripes. It's kept me safe in some pretty sketchy weather. Yes I'd wholeheartedly recommend it. Size wise, I couldn't say 100% if your feet might touch the walls. The tent is stated as being 220cm in length, but you'd have to take 10-15cm off for the gap between the fly and inner. If you give me a few days I could measure it diagonally for you?

[@Roger718P]

Thanks Donna The diagonal measurement would be useful whenever you’re next using the tent. Looking around tent length is a common issue with lanky 6ft plus people. I will take a look at a couple of the Hillebergs as well, the Unna at 230cm internal looks simple and promising although expensive and currently out of stock. Thank you so much for getting back to me and best wishes.

[@liamransford7381]

Hi I really fancy this tent. Did you buy of their website, if so was the import tax added in their price, or did you have to pay more outside of their websites

[@donnavansenior]

With all Kuiu tents, the price they quote (with shipping included) is all you'll pay. They take care of customs charges. Its a shame other US companies don't do the same. Its a cracking good tent and I think they're on sale at the moment 😁

[@ksgonewild]

I know I know but an oldie is a goodie lol! Do love this tent so enjoying tent porn on a Friday 😂 I hope you’re well lovely xx

[@donnavansenior]

Helloo Karen 😁 I still love this tent as well, had it going on 3yrs now and been out with it over 50 times, and it's still in great nick. There's a few more people in the UK buying them now, and you can see how well it stands up to daft winds next to Hilleberg's and MSR's..... I'm up Scotland at the mo, weathers windy lol, but I'm good 😊 thanks. Hope you are too Xx

[@ksgonewild]

@@donnavansenior I think this may be what I replace my cloud peak with one day, it looks fab! Have a great time lovely!! I’m struggling with sciatica at the moment 😭

[@donnavansenior]

Ah no, not sciatica 😢 i occasionally get it and its crippling. I hope you ease up soon xx​@ksgonewild

[@ksgonewild]

@@donnavansenior thank you lovely! 🥰

[@alexrobinson2281]

70+ kph is not mad windy in this area , that is less than 50 mph which is 80 kph , just a breeze for here , a good day for hingin the weshin oot 😂

[@donnavansenior]

Yes - tis but a stiff breeze for you folk! But for us soft southern pansies just south of the Scottish border, in Newcastle, it's known as 'double-pegging' weather 😂😂