I helped a friend make a decision on a 1P shelter recently, and it boiled down to Scarp 1 vs Akto. (Funny, the Tarptent to Hilleberg comparison almost always boils down to these two models.) The crossing poles and dual vestibule / door setup on the Scarp make for a more flexible shelter. In the end he went with the Akto because he doesn't plan to take it out in heavy snow, and more importantly he needed more vestibule space for his dog than the Scarp could offer. Other buyers have different criteria. It's nice to have the choice.
I've owned a couple of Tarptents, the SS2 and the Notch, and I'd say they are built to a different standard than Hillebergs. Different, not necessarily worse. Lighter materials means lighter weight, but less durability and more fiddly to pitch in bad weather. They do very well for what they were designed to do, but I would prefer to ride out a winter storm in my 2 or 3P Hillebergs. I would also expect to have the Hillebergs fully functional, without need for repairs, for the long term. The impression I got with the Tarptents I owned was that they would need replacing after a few seasons' heavy use. If I buy three Scarp 1s in the time that I own one Akto, which was the more economical purchase?
On the quality argument, I've had runs in the inner tents from both Tarptent and MLD, right out of the package. I've also had crooked stitching from both companies. They function fine, but may not be the most aesthetically pleasing. The one product quality issue I had with a Hilleberg was a missing zipper slider in an end vent. I contacted Hilleberg and it was replaced within the week. I was specifically asked whose name was on the tag, so they could address the QC issue with the right employee back at the manufacturing facility. I've written before about how Hilleberg treated me when I had concerns about the usable space in my Kaitum 3. They allowed me to exchange a nearly three year old tent for a new Keron 3 because (in their words) "we stand by our products for a lifetime." I was astonished at their customer service.
"Bo Hilleberg, Hilleberg founder ,is quoted as always telling his children "We are not here for the company,it is here for us".. This tells me a lot." I guess that depends on your interpretation. My wife is a tax accountant and runs her own company. She is currently on her third straight week without a weekend day off, and may not have one till after April 15. A lot of small businesses run this way, but it doesn't mean it's right. I read it that Bo Hilleberg wants his family and employees to have a balance between work, family and outside interests. That's pretty typical in Scandinavian countries.
The annual price increases in N. America are a kick in the wallet, no doubt. However they're also happening in Europe. And the prices over there are eye-watering. However we've seen ~10% price increases year on year from a number of cottage manufacturers and from the bigger outdoor brands. It's just that the base price of Hillebergs is so much higher to start with.
For most folks on BPL, backpacking is a three season hobby. The fourth season is for skiing or snowboarding or hut trips, or perhaps for whinging on forums. They don't need a Hilleberg, and would resent the weight and the price penalties for performance they won't ever use.
