Wild Camping Storm ARWEN - 87 MPH Wind (Met Office) - Hilleberg Soulo

In this video I pitch the Hilleberg Soulo Black Label Tent in Storm Arwen ; 87mph gusts of wind were recorded by the Met Office less than a mile from the wild camping location which was fully exposed to the high winds. Part of the idea of this video was to demonstrate set up and take down, in extreme wind and also at night. This tent is as strong as houses and didn't move or take any damage.. I had some audio difficulties due to the wind noise and new camera equipment so bear with me at these points. As usual the lighting was provided by LedLenser. In this case the H15R Core. ATB Tom.
If you have enjoyed this video you can help the channel and support this type of content by buying me a coffee using the link below... Many thanks Tom
ko-fi.com/tomh...
Have a look at Chris from MCM Outdoors out as well in Storm Arwen from the link below. His videos are very professional and definitely worth a look and comment..
• Wild Camp in Storm Arw...

[@TOMHEANEY100]

I hope that you enjoy this video of the challenging conditions I encountered with Storm Arwen..ATB thank you for watching. Tom

[@JessicaTPeterson]

It helps me to watch how calm, deliberate, and sure of your skills you are. I don't expect to be pitching in such extreme winds, but even a fraction of that wind speed can feel like a lot. And you never know.... Thanks very much. I learned a lot.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Thats strange - I watched this video yesterday myself for some reason... To be fair I was not in a remote location here and had complete confidence in the tent.. BUT you never know and securing the tent and guy lines is so very important as its the main reason that even tents like this can fail..Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave me a comment.. best wishes Tom

[@hsaurid]

Tom, this has to be one of the best tent pitchings under the most adverse conditions I’ve ever seen. Thank you!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Harry, you are welcome. It was much harder to film than actually pitch the tent ha ha. thank you for watching and commenting. ATB Tom

[@EventyrsorenDenmark]

It was a Really Nice video and. Thank you Very Much. 🙂🙂🙂

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Great that you enjoyed it. ATB Tom

[@permiescot1110]

Hectic weather and yet your voice is very soothing.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi thank you for watching and commenting. I had to sooth my self under conditions like this. Sorry that the audio was a little under par but this was due to the noise in the tent and new camera equipment. Better next time... ATB Tom

[@worldtoday9244]

Fantastic

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you for the positive comment.. ATB Tom

[@Foskey83]

Great video. I'm sold. I will buy one.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi thank you for the comment. Yes the Hilleberg Soulo is definitely the strongest one person tent available... Best wishes and I hope you get one very soon... Tom

[@ArswieWaende]

Hi Tom. Thank you very much for all the toil, facing tough conditions and filming it. As in all your videos it is obvious, that you know what you are talking about by reviewing and not just reading the description. It really helped me out, choosing the right tent(s). You deserve more views for this high quality content! All the best, Frank🇦🇹

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey Frank thank you for watching even more of my videos..It's great to hear your thoughts once again. I really appreciate your feedback. I try to push the limits, but in a safe calculated way so that the video demonstrates good practice and I am not pushing the tents to failure (I love them too much for that). All the very best wishes once again.. Tom

[@p.richter9592]

Great job handling the Soulo in those conditions. Nice tip on backing up the tent pegs. I’ll have to remember that one. I loved you sitting in the tent very calmly sipping from your cup while all hell was breaking loose outside. Very cool. ATB from Norway 🇳🇴

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you for your positive comments and watching. I was relaxed to be honest as the tent was taking it all so well. Hope you are getting it cold there in Norway... ATB Tom

[@bazzmidas]

That tent is brilliant. Thanks for sharing.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi thank you for your comments. It took the wind no problem at all. ATB Tom

[@eliritashurina]

Hahaha still manage to drink coffee🤭😂🤣 this is really funny to watch at the same time so lovely. That wind oh my😱

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Elirita, how are you? Thank you for watching and commenting on my video and other videos too. Your red Staika looks great and great to hear that you love it... Here in this storm the tent was very comfortable and stood so strong that I could relax and enjoy the coffee ha ha .. ATB Tom

[@joannedorman7281]

Really enjoyed this video. Great work filming in these conditions. Jo

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Just to add some safety considerations that I took into account when making this video. 1. To begin I checked the location during daylight hours as shown and measured the wind speed compared to forecast. 2. This was an area very familiar to me where I have camped many times. 3. I checked the tide times as I knew at full tide I might be at a small risk of crashing waves. 4. At least 4 friends were aware of my exact location and had check in times with my wife. 5. I took the strongest tent in my collection that I have pitched before under challenging conditions. 6. 6 extra pegs were brought and additional guy line to secure the tent if needed. 7. I took the safest route to the location with no hazards and minimal risk of being blown over in the high winds. 8. Finally I chose to bail and not sit it out at all costs as wave spray and foam was starting to hit the tent and it was 4 hours to full tide....I was never worried about the wind just the possibility of a rogue wave being too close fro comfort. ATB Tom

[@magicworldbyjorg]

..cool video keep up the great content.. Thank you…

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you very much for your positive comments... ATB Tom

[@MiriamKennedy]

Brilliant Tom - your confidence in the tent was obvious and fab to see how bullet proof it truly is (the term I always hear associated with these tents). I currently have no need for a tent which is so high spec but should I ever realise I need a tent to deal with such conditions then the one to select is obvious! Glad you chose to go home for a decent night sleep - sometimes the pleasure of being in a tent just isn’t worth it! Great to see the tent holding so strong and also your experience with setup and take down of this tent in tough conditions 👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Miriam, thank you for watching and commenting, especially as a content creator yourself. (just subbed to your channel). Yeah I just didn't wand to get zero sleep and I don't like ear plugs when its so extreme just incase something happens and I don't hear it. I have camped here in my Akto and it took a pounding with waves and as it was windier last night and the tent was getting sprayed despite the fact that the tide was four hours to full I decide to fight another day.... ATB Tom

[@mrnobodieswildcampingadventure]

Them Kestrel Wind Anemometers are most excellent and not cheap. I have the Kestrel 3500 and is constantly very accurate when it comes to wind speed, gusts and temperature. Good to see you are using such for measurement Tom.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi yes it's the benchmark.... Tested the wind many times with it although trying a 'hold peak' one that a friend bought me at the moment..... Must have a look at your Abisko Lite 1 videos.... ATB Tom

[@john_t_t]

That looked like some night and tent took it really well. I really like the way it can be pitched safely in high winds. Any time I have had any damage to my tents has been either pitching them or taking them down in the wind and this system seems to eliminate that problem. Thanks for another great review.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi John, thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. I wanted to demonstrate setting up the tent when it was dark and very windy instead of the usual pitching videos that you see in calm conditions. The ease of set up by one person in any weather means that I can choose to go camping more or less at any time no matter what the weather is doing and not have to worry that I cant get my tent pitched. In fact the weather is kicking off again at the moment so I missed another opportunity to pick another tent and try the same. Really looking forward to getting a camp with you soon and testing one of your North Face tents when the conditions are rough.... ATB Tom

[@Fellmandave1]

Good punt at it Tom. Nobody could blame you for going home to snuggle up with your favourite Teddy. I was walking out in it last night and really was glad I was not camping so full kudos to you.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Dave thank you once again for watching and your comments. I am lucky to have this location very local.. Definitely made the right decision to bail as was able to edit today as I got some sleep and had pretty much achieved what I wanted. ATB Tom

[@hassnoshib3031]

Fab video and content in difficult conditions. I will borrow your idea about backing pegs up and guy line extensions if I encounter weather like this. Thank you Tom.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Hass, you are welcome. The pegs were absolutely fine but its I have had them blown out before and it can cause serious failure and damage not being any fault of the tent... ATB and thank you for commenting. Tom

[@eliritashurina]

Oh my this is so lovely to watch. Oh dear hillebergh I am so inlove with your tent😩😭😢. It’s so expensive😩 but it’s hands down tent.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hello Elirita, once agin thank you very much for the comment... These tents are expensive but you can trust them to protect you in the worst conditions for many many years.... Tom

[@alexonthemountain8343]

Very informative Tom. I’ll apply your advice next time I pitch my Allak in high winds. Cheers 👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Alex, thank you for watching and commenting. I hope you are getting use of the Allak. It's a great tent. ATB Tom

[@huntingandcampingwales485]

Video didn’t disappoint. Great watch and epic conditions to really test your gear. Appreciate the effort Tom. Ooh I do love a storm camp 👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you for the positive comments. Its so hard to film in these conditions particularly from the salt spray getting on the camera lens.... Thanks for watching. ATB Tom

[@NNICKKK]

Currently watching this on top of a Lancashire fell in my tent, wind is gusty but not too bad.. wind chill apparently -13deg C.. my coldest yet but I'm well prepared and loving it. Some conditions and balls on display (metaphorically..) here. Great stuff. What a tent that is. Couldn't have picked a better vid to accompany my food and beer. ATB ❄️❄️❄️🙏❄️❄️❄️

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Have an awsome evening. I would much prefer the mountains to the coast... ATB Tom

[@NNICKKK]

@@TOMHEANEY100 thank you Tom. It was amazing, cold but amazing. Toasty in the tent though, and an amazing sunrise. Worth the effort 👌

[@gerrymcveigh]

Tom, steady as a rock on the outside. Great job putting up and taking down the tent in those conditions👍👍 Deafening on the inside and no doubt sleep wouldn't have been much of an option. Great stuff😊

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey, Gerry thank you very much for watching and commenting. Yes honestly the tent was extremely easy to set up and take down even in this wind. Sleep was not an option as you say and I prefer not to use ear plugs in wind like this as I like to know what's going on re the wind and potential issues. ATB Tom

[@fiskmasadventures]

Now that was a crazy wild one! Really impressive to see the Soulo, and very cool to see you dared to head out! Stay safe!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Fiskmas Adventures, thank you for watching and taking the time to comment on this video. It was a well calculated camp. I was very familiar with the area, had measured the wind speed compared to forecast before hand so I wouldn't have any surprises, took extra tent pegs, used my strongest tent and practiced high wind set up at night on many occasions... Looks like you come form Sweden so time for a Hilleberg for you.... ATB Tom

[@fiskmasadventures]

@@TOMHEANEY100 It definately seemed like you had a complete control over the situation, really impressed with those risk calculations. Doing that takes experience, so no doubt you wouldn't get in water over your head! :) Yeah the Hilleberg tents are really amazing pieces of gear, but unfortunately they are waay over my budget, lol. //Martin

[@ShazBookOwl]

Hiya, So you were the 3rd bloke I watched that was pitched out in Storm Arwen. Also watched MCM Outdoors and Bushman & Blue. The Hilleberg Soulo is a great tent, and purpose built to use in this situation. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I 👍🏽 and subbed. Cheers

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Shaz, welcome to my channel and thank you for your subscription. Yes I watched both of their videos too... They should have had this tent... I know some whole say that no tent would have stood but I honestly believe that the Black Label Soulo would have. I hope that you enjoyed the video and thank you for taking the time to comment.... ATB Tom

[@thewestonfront]

My kind of madness. Nice one Tom. Shame you didn't sleep the night.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Will thank you for watching and I hope that you enjoyed. Yes it would have been great to sit it out but I had stayed past the worst of the storm according to the weather forecast. Getting no sleep at all now just takes me too long to recover and not worth it for me.... ATB Tom

[@pdorman9086]

Tom, I loved this film! I kinda hoped you’d be out in this! I know the spot you’re at is so exposed to high winds, so is a brilliant real world example of how strong this tent is. Loved the different camera angles from within the tent, and the torch was class! Great job

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Phil, great to see you out too in the Staika. Thank you once again for your comments and support. The Ledlenser H15R Headlamp was great and I would trust it as if my life depended on it. Must catch up at some point soon. I fancy testing your Tarra against the Mountain 25 if the conditions materialise.... ATB Tom

[@ACshinealight]

Some balls Tom - respect ✊

[@TOMHEANEY100]

You on my channel tonight as well? Hey that's great thank you I appreciate you watching and also taking the time to positively comment. I love my Hilleberg's as you can see here and from my many other videos. This is why, when your tent protects you easily in conditions like this you realise why it is so expensive. The construction techniques, design and materials used are first class. To be honest my house is quite close to this location and definitely not as exposed as here and we had tiles off the roof.... No damage to the tent though.... ATB and I hope you are well. Welcome as a new subscriber too. Tom

[@stuart6347]

Fair play for heading out Tom! Tent looks to have held up really well but as you say there’s no chance of sleeping in that lol. Great job as always 👍🏻 cheers

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Stuart, thank you for your positive comments once again. I hope that you are getting out camping soon. ATB Tom

[@jamiecrutchley3550]

Incredible Tom👍👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Jamie, not too bad thank you. Had to make the best of it as you know I love getting vids of tents in high winds.... ATB Tom

[@Przewalskis]

I really enjoyed your video. Especially all the safety arrangements that you had made. If you camp in severe weather conditions it is better to have trained before. Like you did here. I myself prefer a little calmer weather. But, like I wrote, it is good to practice.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi thank you for watching and commenting on this and many other of my videos. I am glad that you enjoyed the show... I was very familiar with the location and knew that the only real hazard was the wind. Like you said I had thoughtout and practiced the high wind set up on many occasions before attempting this one... ATB Tom

[@northumberlandmountainhopper]

Great video, Great seeing it pitched in the wind, My MSR is a no go for that and my Storm tent , a Vango mirage flaps a lot when pitching so the soulo is certainly well thought out being ground up, Keep em coming

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi again Mountain Hopper... Thank you for the comment.. Yeah few people (especially the manufacturers) show how to pitch their products in harsh challenging conditions. Maybe its because a lot of tents actually are extremely hard to do just that. I have had a number of great tents that I still worried about getting them up under high winds. Not the Soulo though. It was easy even for this video.. ATB Tom

[@jimmysqueezyronin5623]

Blimey! I'd have bailed long before you did. Fair play to ya.👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you for watching and commenting. The tent honestly was very comfortable in the conditions, just very loud... ATB Tom

[@wildmountainman1]

Very nice Tom! Great to see you getting out there in the wild and putting the BL Soulo under moderate pressure. The only hassle I find with sleeping in strong wind in the constant noise. You would have been pleased to have got home later at night on this occasion. Well done. ⛺💨😀

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Barry, thank you for watching and your comments. Yeah in all honesty it was only moderate pressure and I was very relaxed knowing the tent was taking it absolutely no problem.... ATB Tom

[@mountain_del1863]

That's some effort and a great video Sir. That tent is quite something else. ATB 👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi thank you for watching and this very positive comment. Yes conditions like this are very hard to film in as is managing the tent and gear. I try to make an effort to bring different content to my channel to will film in extreme conditions when possible. I hope you are well. ATB Tom

[@northumberlandmountainhopper]

What a great test, obviously top of the range, which is again obvious by the way you build it from the ground

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi yes, I would have loved to personally record higher wind speeds but hard to be out at the time when you get the gust.... ATB Tom

[@johnrossmacmathuna2231]

Nice video, We had planned to camp that night too. but decided not to. primarily because of the conditions driving to the mountain.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey appreciate your comments John, and I know you love getting out in the high winds and harsh conditions. Great to see your videos too and looking forward to your next one. ATB Tom

[@Super.Quasar]

Tom, that was an amazing video showing just how well the Soulo stands up to those heavy winds. Obviously very noisy and flappy, but no doubt the occupant is safe. There’s no bending in the tent at all and we can assume that even heavier wind won’t break the Soulo BL. Also, a good demonstration in how to handle the Soulo in these conditions. A valuable contribution for wild campers. ATB

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Gary, thank you for your comments and support once again. Being honest I was very relaxed in the tent as it was taking it no problem at all. It is so strong. I have a feeling that the stronger fabric doesn't stretch as much as the lighter fabric in the red label. I meant to pitch the tent at a slightly different angle as I knew that the wind direction was supposed to change. This meant that the wind was even hitting the tent from the side in some gusts but it still never moved. My house even took some damage last night and the tent was in a more exposed location and took none....Putting it up was very easy and I could have done it in winds 30mph more I reckon. Have a look at MCM Outdoors if you haven't already as he was out too in a Nordisk Telemark 2.2LW. Its a lightweight tent for mild conditions just like your Unna..... ATB Tom

[@Super.Quasar]

Soulo RL wouldn’t have coped with this, Tom. However, the Unna with the 10mm poles - a RL++ , would have matched the Soulo BL no problem. I’ve now watched the MCM video and think he was after dramatic tent-flattening footage. Fortunate he wasn’t remote and vulnerable, imho. It’s actually a good counter to your choice of tent where you were absolutely safe, albeit slapped about. Ha !

[@TOMHEANEY100]

@@Super.Quasar So if you put 10mm poles in the Unna to make it stronger then surely it would be fair to put 10mm poles in the RL Soulo... I think they both would have taken it to be honest.... But I won't mention the ESQ - my ambition is to destroy one in the wind on camera... shouldn't be too hard for that one... ATB Tom

[@gregmiller8249]

Great video Tom. Nicely set up for those conditions. Looked rock solid. Next time we should use the Tarra and see how it fairs 🙂.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Greg, yes I would love to but just a bit wary of damaging someone else's tent. The Z pack is up next... Thank you for watching and commenting.. ATB Tom

[@petergilbert72]

Great video! I had intended taking my Unna to a local flattish hilltop to experience the storm using my new 10mm poles and extra guy lines. Forecast looked ‘perfect’ with cloud base relatively high, and some snow and a fine sunny morning forecast next day. Unfortunately someone stole my bike and some of my winter gear the previous day so my mind was on other things… Roll on the next storm!

[@kayasper6081]

Too bad, Peter! I am very curious to your Unna test, since I also use it with 10 mm poles and extra guy lines. Sorry for your bike.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Peter, thank you for your comments once again. Really sorry to hear that you had some valuable equipment stolen. Hard to believe that people still do that sort of thing....I hope that you can get it easily replaced. ATB Tom

[@rodneyporter3320]

Who pitches a tent in pitch black blowing a flaming gale. 🤣🤣🤣got my sub 🤪

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Rodney, thank you... I try to bring real content to my videos that others are not doing... ATB Tom

[@rtg0616]

Great video Tom. Just a tip for you for next time it's too noisy. Boots Chemist sell the best (by far) ear plugs, that can literally make you deaf. They're wax and you mould them to your ear opening, when warm. I've used them in war zones and slept through my hotel being bombed! So they're pretty good!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey that is a good idea. I am always a little wary though of not being able to hear anything in case there is a problem such as tent damage. I did use ear plugs at one point and my vestibule pegs blew out in high winds and tent took some damage due to this. If I had spotted it sooner this may not have happed. So still undecided regarding this but I will definitely give the Boots ones a go if I decide to go for it. I do appreciate the tip thank you. ATB Tom

[@scotthunter4]

I find the silicone ones the best (marketed as BioEars). Not tried wax though.

[@rtg0616]

@@scotthunter4 I think they changed to the silicone material this year was it? That'll be them. A bit sticky when you first use them, but yes they're brilliant.

[@MCMOutdoors]

Haha, great stuff Tom! I was out in the Lakes last night and wondered if anyone else was as crazy as me! One tent was destroyed and my Soulo (red) managed it okay down in the valleys. Kudos for getting out and experiencing it mate - ATB, Chris

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Chris, thank you for watching and commenting. Your channel is growing very well and I can see that you make a great effort with your excellent content. Did you make a video from yesterday? ATB Tom

[@jimbothescot4282]

These tents seem very flappy inside on the wind, I couldn't handle that personally and the noise of the zips would keep me up all night prefer a fully geodesic tent like a quasar or a Vango MTN 2, also was out with my mate recently in his soulo and it was leaking water at the zip unforgivable in a tent of the that price, can't believe you bailed at the end and wasn't seeing any 80mph winds on your kestrel, Dave's wild camping and the muss current hille soulo wind champions

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Thank you for watching and commenting. All tents have their pros and cons. I come from a quasar and fully geodesic inner tent pitching background and have extreme weather experience owning 3 quasars, 2 North Face Mountain 25s, 24s, 3 ve25s, and 2 Mountain Hardwear Trango 2s as well. I can tell you now that I have damaged all of them trying to set up or take down all of them in conditions like this. What good is a tent if you cant get it pitched in extreme wind? All tents are noisy at this level of wind but like you say I do wish there was more tension on the inner. The leaking water at the zip is also a reasonably well known issue from Hillebergs, which troubles some users but I have had no issues myself. Yeah I bailed but I stayed to the forecast was at its worst and its hard to stand out half the night in lashing water spray getting your camera covered in salt water trying to get the big one on the Kestrel. ATB Tom

[@Super.Quasar]

No doubt Daveswildcamping taught us all a lesson. I’ll never forget when he returned to his pitch and all that was left was a single guy and 4” of tent fabric. What a master!

[@GoSummitSolo]

Absolutely love the video Tom. Great effort and spirit to get out in those conditions. That's what its all about! Testing to the max. Great effort in putting this video together haha must have not got much sleep haha worth it though.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey thank you very much Evgenia for your positive comments. Yes I believe very much getting out in the rough stuff as I know you do too. I love your Instagram videos and just wish I had access to the snow like you do.. No sleep for me on this occasion ha ha. ATB and very happy camping. Tom

[@vespasian266]

I've had my brand new lunar solo pitched in the garden for three days. the wind pushes through the surrounding buildings creating a wind tunnel effect. I was out last night just to re-tension the guy lines, seems to have got through the worst of it with flying colours. tonight I sleep in it to test how it gets on with condensation.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey enjoy your test. You can get decent gusts between permanent structures.... ATB and thank you for watching and commenting...

[@Denstoradiskmaskinen]

Disposable earplugs? Travel companion 101, nice video

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi thank you I just might have to go down that route after many years of avoiding it due to wanting to be aware of my surroundings incase something happens.... ATB Tom

[@Denstoradiskmaskinen]

@@TOMHEANEY100 Thats a Secure Argument, thanks :)

[@AndrewParkOutdoors]

Solid ! Im thinking however on doing a series of videos called 'how quiet is your tent'? :-) As you say you can't get sleep in a lot of cases yet I'm pretty sure my Rab Summit Extreme would be much quieter due to the heavy eVent fabric. Atb Tom. A

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Andrew thank you for your comments and watching too, especially when you have tested so many tents yourself.. Yeah the heavier fabric will not flab and stretch as much so definitely potentially less noise. I too want do do something similar next regarding inner and outer tent pitching first pros and cons. Not totally focused on the noise issue though. ATB Tom

[@deliriobimotadb6]

Fantastic video! One question: how can Hilleberg tents be waterproof with this ‘hole’ in the roof? OK, the top ventilation hatch is covered by the fly-cover. Probably ok during ‘vertical’ rain but what about ‘horizontal’ high wind rain pushing the rain under the ‘hat’. I’ve seen some videos showing horrible leaking…I understand the need for ventilation but I learned that making a hole in the roof of tent is never a good idea (very few brands do that). What’s your take on this? Mark

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Mark, thank you for your positive comments. You have raised some great points here. I would always pitch the tent narrow end into the wind and this means that the actual 'hole' is furthest away from the driving rain. No matter how much money you pay every design has its pros and cons. Customers cry out for ventilation and in smaller tents this is very important to help reduce condensation. Hilleberg also bring their fly sheets to the ground to seal out the weather. I am a big fan of this to reduce drafts, splash back and spindrift. However this reduces air flow and if there wasn't a vent at the top then condensation would be a big issue and Hilleberg would be criticised seriously for this, probably more than the rain ingress under certain conditions. For me the Hilleberg Soulo is all about strength, durability and standing firm in the harshest of conditions. There are few other one person tents if any that have 10mm poles, 3 poles supporting a small structure, super aerodynamic, 100d groundsheet, 40d double silicone fly and inners, and incredible construction techniques to match. I am very biased, sorry but that is based on my priorities and the failings of many tents I have used before. The Terra Nova Quasar for example has incredibly poor separation between outer and inner which will transfer moisture and dampness to the inside of the tent under many different conditions, and not just driving rain. So this true point of not technically being water proof is one small issue to me easily overcome by many many unique strengths.... ATB and I hope this helps. Tom

[@deliriobimotadb6]

@@TOMHEANEY100 Thx very much for your expert advice, Tom! It’s really appreciated. I recently cycled through Iceland ( in mostly horrible weather). Waterproofness is essential when you’re tired, irritated,cold and preparing for yet another rain storm in your tiny tent. In such conditions you can psychologically live with some condensation but NOT with a leaking tent. That’s why I’m still a bit hesitant towards a Hilleberg dome tent. But I fully agree with you : the perfect tent for all weather conditions does not exist. Thx again. Mark

[@OutdoorPrep]

Uhhhhh that flame was quite close to the fabric.... You're a dare devil Tom!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Yeah it was a bit, close but no cigar.. One to watch out for as the vestibule is smaller than the Akto... ATB Tom

[@turdwarbler]

Great Video. Send the video to Hilleberg. They would love it. I have a Hilleberg Nallo 3 GT. Wonderful.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Michael, thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Yes the video has been posted on the Hilleberg Owners Group FaceBook page. Great to hear that you have a Nallo 3 GT very nice.... ATB Tom

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Great video Tom but I could barely hear your words of wisdom! Cheers.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Kevin, I know for flip sake, new camera and audio needs some practice but always a challenge in those sorts of conditions as it just was sooooo loud in the tent...

[@whatsnottohike]

More importantly, how did you manage to keep the camera standing up!? 😁 Always good to see a pitch and take down in real conditions. Thanks 😁

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi thank you for your comments. The tripod legs will go out almost horizontal so no probs keeping the camera stable. Harder actually in the tent.. Hope you are well and getting out in the outdoors. Tom

[@eddie4324]

Hi Tom, are the pegs used the ones provided with the tent?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi yes all Hilleberg Y pegs that come with the black label tents... I personally prefer these and bringing a few extra to the delta pegs that many use.. ATB Tom

[@eddie4324]

@@TOMHEANEY100 Ta, looks like a few people mix pegs from different companies with their tents.

[@MrWildWales]

Crazy wild night pal! Not that pleasant sat there worrying but an adventure for sure

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Yeah, I wasn't worried about the tent, just didn't fancy zero sleep or getting smashed by a rouge wave as I was a little closer to the action that I would have liked to have been.... Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment as its harder to do that when you are making films and putting in the time yourself. Well done on your channel subscribers too. ATB Tom

[@DemiGod..]

Had a Tarra that is setup similarly, the method of setting up the tent by clipping on is briliant. The tunnels though, like the nammatj were much faster to setup. In the small vestibule, the flame from your stove looks dangerously close to the tent, one reason I prefer tunnels with bigger vestiblues. As a mater of interest, which do you think could take more from the side, a nammatj 2 or the Soulo?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hey some great points here thank you. Yes set up is easy and amazing but very slow... Nammatj is easy and fast.. Yes flame 🔥 close enough but ok I think 🧐.. Regarding the Nammatj or Soulo side in that's a really hard one. 🤔 Soulo has 1 pole mainly supporting it for side winds. Nammatj has 2 but a larger surface area to support. 🤔 I'd go Nammatj 2 as I think the total panel volume supported by each individual pole is less

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Less.. oops pressed the wrong button on the phone and replied before I had finished..

[@NoOne-yt6yf]

Why didn't you stay until morning?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Michael, the truth was that I was very close to the sea. It was 4 hours to full tide and I was already experiencing some spray from waves hitting the tent. I had a slight worry about being washed away to be honest as the waves were massive. The winds were forecast to peak at 12.00am and I stayed to slightly beyond that point. So I live to fight and test another day... ATB Tom

[@thequietprofessional8435]

Nice one Tom.....no condensation there then ! Did you remember your earplugs !!!!!!!!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi, none at all... I actually don't like ear plugs as I prefer to be aware of my surroundings just in case of a problem with the tent etc, so no sleep at all... ATB Tom

[@IrelandOutdoors]

Brilliant video Tom, that’s the kind of real world testing I love to see. Amazing how the outer managed to stay so rigid in those conditions. I see you have moved on from the Silva ADC. I was thinking of getting the Brunton ADC summit which seems to be the exact same. Would you recommend the kestral over it? ATB Gary

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi thank you for watching. I wouldn't touch it. The measuring wheel propeller is too small and hard to orientate into the wind to get an accurate reading... The Kestrel is far superior in my opinion. You don't need all the data just the wind speed...ATB Tom

[@jenspetersen672]

Would the red label soulo have made it?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Jens. Yes I am 100 percent sure it would have. I had mine out in similar winds. under a little more strain but it would have been fine... Thank you for watching and commenting. ATB Tom

[@jenspetersen672]

@@TOMHEANEY100 thanks for your reply Tom. I have the red label myself. One more thing: what is better in your opinion 10 mm pole or 9 mm dobble poled hillerberg soulo? Br jens

[@TOMHEANEY100]

@@jenspetersen672 the double pole 9mm would be even more rigid but almost too much so IMO as the poles are well supported by the guy lines. The 10 mm are stable enough and lighter too... TOM

[@luismaia884]

@@TOMHEANEY100 Great video, Tom. Do you feel that the VE25 and Mountain 25 would have survived?

[@TOMHEANEY100]

@@luismaia884 Hi Luis, the Mountain25 yes Ve25 definitely at its limit or beyond. Ve25 very hard to pitch and take down in wind like this. Mountain25 tricky to pitch too and I reckon would have pole damage taking dow. ATB and thank you for commenting. Tom

[@neilmckenna236]

Great video Tom.... you should have sat it out 😁👍

[@TOMHEANEY100]

NeXt time I will for sure.... Thank you for watching and commenting..Tom

[@conniepurnell4496]

My god that wind 😑

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Connie, yes it was mad. Easy to manage the tent to be honest but too noisy to sleep.. Thank you for watching and taking the time for a comment. ATB Tom

[@jamesmurillo144]

Lol!

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Glad you enjoyed it... ATB Tom

[@jonathanmeehan4400]

Really don't like the way the inside of these tents blow around.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Jonathan, yes I wish the inner was more taught too, but in all honesty in winds like this they all are hard to sleep in due to the noise... Thank you for commenting and watching. ATB Tom

[@brucemckenzie5724]

Would any inner not be very noisy in these conditions 🙄

[@Super.Quasar]

@@brucemckenzie5724 Not at all, Bruce. Expeditions to Everest couldn’t get the rest they need preparing for a summit attempt in a flapping tent, but there again they don’t need 2kg lightweights.

[@albeklik8055]

Very careless you and that stove it is a bad move if you haven't realized I can't help you.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Well a good few years with no tent fires. Perhaps you could expand on your comment as I am always willing to learn and all of us make mistakes along the way even after many years. ATB Tom

[@KramF10]

Your title is misleading.. I saw evidence of 50.4 mph gusts.. Not 80+, which your title reads...

[@TOMHEANEY100]

Hi Mike, Its pretty impossible to stand out all night trying to get the big wind reading on the Kestrel in all honesty. I would love to but in lashing water spray I was not going to take a soaking just for that purpose. Most other content you see on KZbin the video shooters don't get outside their tents to film at all. The reality is that there is little chance of you catching the big gust just at the right moment when you are measuring. It has been done but by very few. I too was a little disappointed but that's reality. As I said in my description the Met Office recorded 82.5MPH one mile from my location and I was in an exposed spot. Good enough for most people. I can see that you too have a channel and have wind tested your Vango and a Terra Nova Ultra Quasar. Maybe time for you to try a wind meter too and try and get that evidence, its not easy.. Any way ATB and hope you are getting out in the harsh conditions.... Tom

[@KramF10]

@@TOMHEANEY100 agree, it is difficult, so don't put it in the title then. Looks like you are just trying to get views to be honest, that's how it comes across with those subjective video titles anyway.

[@TOMHEANEY100]

@@KramF10 I have actually changed the title. And of course I am trying to get views. Thats how KZbin works... Tom

[@brucemckenzie5724]

@@KramF10 the wind speeds he mentioned were accurate and in line with the weather forecasts that affected the UK last night. Your comment seem disingenuous and a bit petty to be honest...just saying. The guy made a video in testing circumstances and provided a very informed overview of how the tent performed in difficult conditions. ATB

[@KramF10]

@@brucemckenzie5724 The title was misleading, which Tom knows and is why he changed it. Tom is fast becoming a well respected Hilleberg tent reviewer on KZbin, so what might seem like a negligible comment about wind speed, is actually a very important fact.. Especially as the forecast rarely matches reality.