Hilleberg Tent thread
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Hello all, after buying my first Hilleberg tent, the Tarra, I'm a huge fan of the brand. I'd like to get a thread going for people to chime in about their likes and dislikes of different Hilleberg models, incluing photos. While there are a decent number of reviews of these tents on youtube, etc., I've noticed that many are pretty lacking at showing the interiors of the tents. I think this is a shame, since inside the tent is where you spend most of your tent-related time.
I'd particularly love to hear comparisons of the Jannu and Nammatj 2, as one of these will likely be my next backpacking tent (solo plus pooch). Nobody has interior photos of either of these tents (at least that I can find).
I'll start off with the Tarra:
The Tarra is a hybrid tunnel/ dome, self-supporting 2 person, all season tent. The reason Hilleberg calls it a hybrid tunnel/ dome is because the walls are much more vertical than in a traditional dome tent, offering increased usable space inside.
The tent uses the heavier Kerlon 1800 fabric, and four 10mm poles. It has two entrances and vestibules, which are an exact mirror of each other. With dual entrances, an overhead roof vent, and full bug netting doors on the inner tent, you can get excellent ventilation, both horizontal and vertical.
Cons- The Tarra is a heavy tent at 9 lbs. It also has a very large pack size for a two person tent. These are not surprises when you buy the tent, however, they are well worth considering depending on what uses you have planned for it. Like all Hillebergs, it is also expensive, at roughly $900. The weight, cost, and pack size are really the only three negatives as far as I can tell. How much those weigh (pun intended) will be different for each individual and use.
Pros- The Tarra is a bomb shelter. From the fabric material to the poles, to the set-up, you get the overpowering feeling of being able to survive a nuclear winter. Setup is simple. It is one of the fastest tents I've ever set up, and easiest with one person. A tent this easy to set up a second person would almost be more in the way, than helpful. It is also a warm tent. I camped in it in 19* F weather, on deep snow, and the temperature inside the tent felt MUCH warmer than the outside temps. It is large 2 person tent. The large pack size and heavy weight pay off in this regard. Before I bought the Tarra, I saw it set up next to the larger 3-person Saivo. The vestibules in the Tarra felt larger, and the interior felt only slightly less roomy, thanks to the Tarra's excellent vertical walls and more vertical vestibule angles. The Tarra is the first 2 person tent I've been in that felt like it was really made for two people, plus gear. In fact, it feels like 3 would not be bad in an emergency situation.
For backpacking the Tarra would not be a bad choice if used truly for two people. At 4.5 lbs each (and the weight can be divided nicely due to the removable inner tent, poles, etc), the strength, comfort, and space of the tent would make it my tent of choice for 2 person backpacking in demanding conditions. As a 1 person tent, 9 lbs and the huge pack size make it a pretty poor choice (ask me how I know:). For solo motorcycle touring/ camping, where weight and pack size are less relevant, the Tarra is a palace.
Here are some photos of my Tarra. My backpacking partner, for reference, is a 60 lb Belgian Malinois:
So now that I've got the ball rolling, I'd love to hear from other Hilleberg owners (and please put up pictures, inside and out).
PS- No flash was used on the second photo. The interiors really are cheery with the bright yellow color.
Hello Doug. I too have just joined the ranks of Hilleberg carriers. I bought an Unna for myself and my sometime canine companion.
Heavy compared to what a lot carry here sure. I slept like a rock in 60mph gusts in mine, so I'm sold on the extra weight at times.Had a Duomid for a couple of years. Great shelter, but not quite long enough for me at 6'3".
I knew I wanted something that would last me for quite a while. Needed to be long. Side entry for those long legs and views.
Funny I do not miss not having a vestibule. Got use to having everything in with me in the mid. Bears abound here so cooking in the tent is not a good idea anyway.
The Unna without the inner is absolutely huge. Easily get two in there with their gear. Has more usable width 2 feet off the ground than the Duomid did too, so a nice roomy interior.
I have some lighter weight poles from a dome tent I owned decades ago that I am going to make a set for the Unna to save some weight for not so terrible weather trips.
A well thought out feature set for my use. Freestanding is a nice convenience as well. Can shake the tent out in the morning.
Happy in my new home away from home.
Comparing the Duo and Unna pitched
The two packed. The Unna when packed outer only is of comparable size to the mid.
Massive cavern!
Plenty of room between the inner and outer to place your shoes. And they stay dry. The toggles are very easy and fast to use.
The outer goes tight against the ground if needed. Blocking all wind. The night with high winds I noticed no discernible air movement in the tent. Blissfully calm.
Tons of air space between the inner and outer.
Totally out in the open in 40mph+ winds.Hoping to get much more use out it in the future. My first tent in over 10 years. Been using a hammock or tarp and bivy.
Both are great options for times when you don't need a tent. I wanted a private space that was out of the wind. Easy and I mean it is really easy and fast to put up. That's always good. I just want in when I get to camp some nights.
Expensive, initially sure. Over the life of a properly cared for shelter, not so much. It was really hard to pul the trigger on spending so much on something just for me. A purchase that has begun to prove that it was a wise choice for me.Oh yeah. I love the modularity of the design as well. I look forward to getting the mesh inner later. Good color too.
Here are some more pictures
Nice steep walls
That cheery yellow inner
Nice huge entrance
Looks roomy, but how roomy is it?
Here it is with a large Neoair and my Ohm
Without the inner I could easily fit two 25" wide pads in there.
The vent at ground level in the rear is easy to operate. Can be deployed from inside when using outer only.I have added this post to the reader reviews.
Some pictures from our trip to Sarek national park in Sweden where we had 2 Hilleberg Kaitum 2 tents
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