Review of the Naturehike Vik 1 tent after 2 years - worth buying for wild camping?

[@714lgdan]

I bought this tent about a year ago. Im 6'1" and it was a tight but comfortable fit. I have no complaints yet. I came across your video to look for a possible bigger/upgrade. The nights I slept in had considerable condensation inside the next morning. My feet do touch the side of the tent. So not great on the breathability and could be an inch loner. I'd add a larger vestibule access zipper on the smaller side to, its hard to access. I imagine its to put shoes through? But it should be multipurpose and so bigger things and be placed. I give this tent 7/10. Great review. I agree with everything you said here.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

That's good feedback to share with everyone, thanks. I've pinned your comment as it may help others 👍 I agree about the single, small zip access into the mini vestibule. It's a useful size for shoes and some other bits and pieces, so better access would make better use of that area. Thanks for your comment 😊 James.

[@maxflight777]

beautifully narrated … good observations. many thanks for filming this ! Best wishes

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks a lot for the comment! 🤗 James.

[@adge_ventures4915]

Great over view James. For the money its an absolute belter 😊

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Adge. I think so 😊

[@RichardShortland-Neal]

I used the Vik1 last year when I walked the Coast to Coast at the end of May and on the whole I was impressed with it. For a one person tent I found it had a good amount of space. I have 2 other one person tents, the Forclaz MT900 and the Robens Elk River 1 and these both have less room than the Vik1. As for condensation I did get some but just wiped the inside down with a cloth and out of 14 nights in the tent I only had one really bad night when I had a couple of small pool in the morning on the tent floor.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I fully agree. Perfect amount of interior space for a compact 1 person tent, and the condensation maintenance is all part of single skin tent life I think. A nasty surprise for people who aren't expecting it, but once the temps climb high enough the condensation problems go away and it's ideal 😎

[@werner_r]

Good to hear that you loved it. Going to do the C2C in July with my Vik1. I've only tested it out once - and the inner was too short for me. Added an extra attachment point to pull it out from the front and I now seem to fit (184cm). Also did some extra seam sealing - I know its taped, but still. And thanks for the video - I will now add some extra velcro to the vents as well.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

That was a good little mod to get some more interior space! Additional velcro (or some kind of clasp) would be a good idea for those times when you can't guarantee the weather. Or a pair of strong magnets for each vent I guess. I hope the trip goes well!

[@YONDERMOUNTAINADVENTURES]

Great review big lad !!! It'll be so helpful for a lot of people who are considering it and for those just starting off so well presented mate top class as always

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks a lot amigo! Hope it'll be helpful to someone or other! ☺️ James.

[@rodoutdoors]

Well done. I picked ip the Vik 1 for $99 from the USA site some time ago. I love this tent. I mostly use only 2 stakes to pitch. Handles wind pretty great. Only con really is rain in heavy wind. Water will enter through the top vents, but you can close the vents to prevent that. The zips could be better quality. Condensation can be dealt with. Love the pack size and quick setup. I like exoskeleton designs. I'd love one in navy blue.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Two stakes?? I'm clearly going overboard by using all nine 😂 So you generally just have it sitting on the ground and peg out each vestibule? That must be about a 3 minute pitch! Exoskeleton tents are just a dream to put up and take down aren't they? 👌 Thanks for watching.

[@rodoutdoors]

@@joinmeoutdoors Yeah it's a super fast set up haha. I only stake out the vestibules. Held up with 25-30 mph wind gusts too.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

That's impressive!! I'm guessing your bodyweight is a pretty key component in the tent's ability to stay put in those conditions, but that's really cool to hear 😮

[@kim_outdoors]

Fab review James 👌

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks Kim! 😊

[@w0m4nIz0r]

i bought this tent a while ago, i really like that one, but just in warm conditions like you said. I used it twice in very rainy and cold conditions and it was an absolute mess..... condensation was horrible and it was cold as f... im gonna use this one only during spring-autumm.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I'd say that's exactly the way to go with this tent. I think a lot of people write it off as a "bad tent" because of the condensation in cold or damp conditions, but it's just a case of "horses for courses" if you ask me. It's a gem in those warmer conditions!

[@jereldonovan834]

I’m a big fan of the Vik1 but have converted over to the Vik2. It has a bit more foot room due to the ventilated ends, 2 doors which means being able to close both vents from inside the tent, also has larger storm flaps in those vents preventing anything from coming in. Single skin vs double will always be a bit debatable but each have their benefits, I set up in the rain often so I’m a big fan.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Okay the Vik 2 sounds like it brings some nice added perks to the game then! Thanks for sharing that 👍 James.

[@allieandmaria]

Ditto, Vik1 to Vik 2 in dark green. It also allows you to sleep diagonal so less issue with height. Vik 2 - perfect weight, price and size. 👍🏼

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I'm enjoying all this feedback from other Viksters! 😁

[@sarahseymour3334]

​@@allieandmariaI'm looking at the Vik 2 so this is interesting. Can't decide between that and a cloud up.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I've often peeked at the Cloud Up as well, but I like to be able to cook while lying on my side, gazing out of the door. The Cloud Up has its vestibule and door at the end of the tent, so you'd need to cook lying on your front or kneeling up at the end up the tent. That's what steered me away from the Cloud Up, but maybe you'd prefer to cook that way 😊

[@Johnnygee10]

How's it going James. Or should I say howdy 🤣.Excellent review and well presented 👍. I have another con for you the colour, (White not very stealthy) Ordered the vik 1 in green last year, turned out to be a two man tent. 🤪So moved it on. 🤨 Bought and returned two other lightweight tent the Bella 1.5 last year and a couples of weeks ago the terra nova laser compact 1. 🧐 So I have a new tent that has just Arrived ?🙂😊😎👌😉.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Howdy! Fair comment about the colour - in most settings, at least. Quite handy if you're pitched against the skyline and the sky is light grey! 😉 The Bella looks like a fairly decent tent tbf. You're working your way through everything on the market though! 😯 Cheers, James.

[@Johnnygee10]

@@joinmeoutdoors The search is over now 😉. Have a look at one of my previous comments about the Bella (the very long review)🤪. 🧐And the terra nova claimed dimentions were misleading on the website I bought it from.😉

[@joinmeoutdoors]

So what's the ultimate tent that you're settling on? 🤔🤔🤔

[@Johnnygee10]

@@joinmeoutdoors I had to go Hilleberg again with the Enan 👌

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hmm I'm getting deja vu, so perhaps you've already told me this. Sorry if I forgot! Has it been out yet? They're appealing little tents those - bit of a do-it-all 👍

[@thevalleywalker]

Didn't realise the Vik was a single skinned because as you say in your conned it's a condensation gatherer. Have to say Naturehike tents are very good budget tents for someone like myself who is not a regular camper as such. I have had the Star River 2 for 6 yewars and its still going strong..... I do fabsil it once a year. atb Al

[@joinmeoutdoors]

It's a bit deceptive because it has functional vestibule and an inner door, so it can fool you into think it's a two skin tent. But yes, like all single skin tents, avoiding condensation is not a strong point, so it's one for warm and dry weather 👍 I like the look of your Star River. Good to know it's standing the test of time! James.

[@pedroclaro7822]

Looks absolutely great value! But I am looking for a winter mainly tent, as I already have my hammock setup for summer and shoulder season. Guess not

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Yeah the Vik 1 does represent really good value in my opinion! As you say though, I really don't see it as a winter tent.

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice review 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Thanks 🙏🏻😊

[@matteotamberini2152]

Great video thanks But clip the door on the inside not on the outside and you don't have to get out of the tent to close it👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

In all honesty, you could scramble across the vestibule and reach under the flysheet to unclip it, but by the time you've done that it's probably more convenient just to get up and do it 😂

[@ashab1]

Is it not possible to open the outer door inwards?

[@joinmeoutdoors]

This seriously needs looking into 😂 I'll have to try to remember your question when I next use this tent. I can't really think of a reason it couldn't, now that you ask! 🤔🤦🏻

[@mrsrhardy]

I bought the STAR-RIVER over the VK1/2 but it was a near thing with me looking for as many reviews as I could on YT & if Id seen this review earlier it might have swung me the other way, maybe. But the StarRiver is awesome as its slightly better than the Mongar 2 & CloudUp1/2 but any of these tents for the asking price would have sufficed as it often comes down to whats on sale on Amazon as anything else when purchasing.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I agree - I think in this corner of the tent market it often comes down to price. £20 difference in price can swing the deal, rather than beibg being hard set on particular specs or features. The Star River will no doubt be able to handle a wider range of weather's, bring a dual skin tent, but at a bit if a weight penalty. Horses for courses 👍 James.

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

How’s it going James?

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hello Pete. Okay here thanks, just haven't been out for a camp for a long time for this reason and that. How are you getting on? Have you stolen some dry day opportunities to get out?

[@Ash12530]

What Tor is this one? It looks way off the beaten track… I’m planning to head down to Dartmoor next week! ⛺️👍🏻

[@joinmeoutdoors]

This was filmed at Hunt Tor 👍 Have a good camp!

[@Ash12530]

@@joinmeoutdoors Cheers James. 🙌🏻

[@michaelbratten2403]

A potential solution to the 5th/final con - have you ever tried folding the outer door inside rather than outside?

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Hi Michael. A few other people have mentioned this in the comments too, thanks! On reflection, I think I have done this in the past. I was a bit spaced out with a bug when I shot this video so I think I might have spoken a bit of nonsense there 👀

[@michaelbratten2403]

@@joinmeoutdoors Haha no worries. Thanks for the review btw. Very helpful

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I'm glad you found it helpful. I always enjoy being able to bust this little tent out when the weather is right!

[@Juanlu.]

¿Necesitaste sellar las costuras, o con el sellado de fábrica es suficiente? ¿La has probado en condiciones de mucha lluvia? Gracias por tu vídeo. Saludos desde España!

[@joinmeoutdoors]

¡Hola! El sellado funciona bien de fábrica, pero no la he usado en mucha lluvia. Un poco, si, pero yo elijo condiciones secos y cálidos por este carpa. ¡Un abrazo de Inglaterra!

[@Juanlu.]

Gracias por tu respuesta! Las Islas Británicas son un escenario muy exigente para comprobar la resistencia del material a la lluvia!

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Si, tenemos mucha lluvia aqui...demasiado lluvia!! 🤣

[@allieandmaria]

Con #5. You can clip the door back from inside. Easier for a left handed person mind, but you can do it without getting out.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I did think this as I was editing the video actually, as I'm sure I've done that before. It does involve crawling most of the way out of the tent though, so it's probably quicker and less awkward to just get out and do it! That said, if it's raining, then staying dry would be the preference 🙂

[@grabkor]

Try to hook the opening flap inside rather than outside and You probably gonna rid off the last disadvantage 😉

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Haha thanks. One or two other people mentioned this, and I think I have actually done that in the past. I wasn't very well when I filmed this vid and think I might have lost my mind a bit on that point 🙃

[@TheWalkingKev]

Can't fault it for the money. People getting into wild camping could end up with a lot worse for this kind of money.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Fully agree Kev 👍

[@Olan...]

Good review BUT yuu might as well put in a couple of more shifts in work and buy the MSR Hubba NX which is more or less the same weight, better colour for blending in , more livable space and double skin, good in the wind PLUS you can use it pretty much most of the year . I you buy cheap you buy twice so false economising really .

[@adge_ventures4915]

If you get those shifts boxed off you'd never buy an msr Hubba NX with that extra money. There are way better tents available in that budget. Be a better comparison if it was a stack of sub £100 tents.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

With the Hubba NX weighing 200 grams more and costing 4 or 5 times the price of the Vik 1, I don't think they're very comparable tents. I'm not a fan of false economies either, and consider the Vik 1 to be good at what it does. I wouldn't recommend it as the only tent you own, to use year-round. Then again, I wouldn't recommend the Hubba NX for that job either, with it being a 3 season tent.

[@Im_With_Stupid]

Have you ever owned a Naturehike tent? Because they're not cheap tents you'll have to buy twice. They sell cheap because the company making them has much lower overhead, zero "premium" mark up and they're an outsider in the market. A lot of people don't know this, but Naturehike Outdoors is not some fly by night maker of cheap Chinese garbage. Before they started their own brand, they were MSR's tent maker and might still be making tents for them for all I know.

[@subspaceanomaly]

Your con#5 makes no sense to me, if you're inside the tent, you unzip the door, pass the latch thing from one hand to the other as it reaches under the vestibule wall side, and then lean and hook it from there. No need to get up or go outside

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Someone else said this, and I think I agree. I haven't used the Vik 1 since this video but I think I possibly do use the door as you've described. I had to watch my video back just now and can hear how rough I sound. I was coughing endlessly between takes and barely made it to the end of the vid with what was left of my voice 😂 Possibly wasn't thinking as clearly as I could have been 🙂

[@subspaceanomaly]

​​@@joinmeoutdoorsno worries, I wasn't nit picking. I'm just way lazy so I'd have done that from the beginning, slightly bad habit of always looking for shortcuts. You may not have used it much during those two years. Being a frustrated product designer myself and watching tent reviews there seems to be a lot of better ways things could be done, if one can source these sheets cheaply it wouldn't be that hard to make your own tent, though it would certainly be a faff.

[@joinmeoutdoors]

No you're right, I haven't used it a huge number of times as I only use it for certain occasions. Looking for shortcuts and efficient ways to do things isn't a bad habit at all 😊 I'm right with you there. "The perfect tent" seems so elusive, yet I'm convinced that a large chunk of us are all looking for quite a similar perfect tent. Someone just needs to make it!

[@subspaceanomaly]

@@joinmeoutdoors an example of it being a bad habit.. I was living for a bit in a Glasgow slum and people kept trying to steal my 30 year old Toyota. After rebuilding the ignition after a failed theft attempt I started keeping the steering wheel in the flat and bolting it on when going out. Once that was the new normal I then started not bolting it on for short journeys and just applying forward pressure. Inevitably I forgot to keep it up and found myself driving off the road, luckily managed to stop before crashing, and bolted it on, and then sat wondering why I'm such a f*****g idiot.. Can definitely be a bad habit as too easy to stop thinking.. In my experience at least. I bought the mongar 2 waiting for it to arrive. Will likely modify it a bit, dislike the low cut of the bath bit and it needs pockets. The tent I've designed in my head is a ball shape which is around 65% of a sphere. Might get round to making it one day.. You should design your own if you have a passion for it, pretty low bar to entry compared to most products

[@dreys6tube]

If you need to set it up on a rocky surface then you will end up sleeping only with your sleeping bag😮

[@joinmeoutdoors]

I'm now trying to remember what I said in this video to prompt this comment 🤣🤔

[@craig3401]

Personally I wouldn't have a single skin tent

[@joinmeoutdoors]

They do have their supporters and their opponents. I simply won't use mine unless the weather conditions aren't right - it's not worth the damp and cold, and I can see why that doesn't fit with some people's list of "must haves".

[@Ash12530]

I’ve just brought my first single-skin tent, really liking it to be honest, it’s a bit smaller than this one though - I call it my deluxe bivvy! It’s a MW Backpacker-1 ‘Lightweight’… Good for some stealth camping too 👍🏻

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

Nice balanced review J

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Haha small 1 person tents definitely reach a point where they cross over with bivvies! Sounds good though 👍

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Cheers Pete 😊