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.
