Hilleberg Soulo or Mountain hardwear EV2

I do not have experience with your other tent, but do own the Hilleberg Soulo.

The Soulo is a fine one person tent with usable vestibule space. It is light for such a very strong tent. The tent can handle very heavy snow loads easily. Keep in mind that this is not a tent I'd want to spend days in in a storm because it is small inside, but that's just something all these tents will face.

The interior is bright yellow and cheery. The construction is top notch all around. The double wall construction means it's easily 10-15 degrees warmer inside the tent than outside when all sealed up. I personally prefer double wall tents because they have less condensation issues and you get an extra layer of security if something should go wrong in the exterior shell.

The Hilleberg tents are not treated with a fire retardant which means the fabric is going to be several times stronger than tents that are treated with that kind of chemical. The tear strength therefore in case of damage (from an ice axe, crampon, etc.) is going to be much better than other tents for camping in harsh conditions. Their Kerlon fabric is the strongest I've seen in a tent. Personally in bad conditions I'm much more worried about a tent being ripped to shreds in the wind than catching on fire so I'm comfortable with this engineering trade-off.

The guylines add significant support against winds. I suppose you don't technically need all of them, but my overall view is if the designer of the tent put guylines there, then it's best to use them. They are not a problem for me and I feel more secure with them in place even if camping below treeline out of the wind because you never know when wind could come up. The guylines on the Hilleberg are designed to wrap around the exo-skeleton poles and then go to the ground. This adds considerable strength vs. just attaching the guy points to the bare fabric. Once guyed out, this tent is extremely strong.

The Hilleberg vestibule is setup so when open no rain/snow can enter the sleeping area. The EV2 appears to have the typical vestibule where it allows rain/snow to enter when the door is open. But I need to see it to confirm. I really hate vestibule designs that allow water/snow to enter the floor area of a tent. It's almost as if these tent designers have never camped in wet conditions because if they did, then they'd realize how bad an idea it is.

The Soulo vestibule is good for storing most gear, but I wouldn't normally bring things like snowshoes in, etc. as it would be a tight fit. I suppose cooking with a canister stove is possible, but I'd be extremely careful with other types of stoves. The vestibule is parallel to the sleeping area on the Soulo so you can easily lie in your sleeping bag and access your gear or keep the vestibule open for ventilation, views.

There is decent room to sit up in the Soulo, I don't know about the EV2.

I have a full review of this tent posted here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEfmzI1tO6I

You may also consider the Hilleberg Jannu which is larger. Or if you want the lesser weight, the Hilleberg Unna could also work but you don't have a vestibule at all on that tent.

Hilleberg makes great tents that are tested and used in the hardest conditions on the planet. I trust them above all others. Hope that helps.

Craig has summed out how great the Soulo is but as he states it is very small, I only have used mine for a 4 day winter trip in Ireland and it is bombproof.

To be honest I am nor overly happy with the space in the inner, for winter trips where the weather is Ok I am going to use it with the inner collapsed and will hang the inner if the weather turns bad.

Cheers,

I like single-walled tents (I have them from Bibler, Integral Designs, Nemo, Garuda, and TNF) but I'd put a caution on the EV2. From what I've read, it is very easy to set-up, and after that there is no consensus. Some say it leaks, some say it is condensation-prone, many don't like the floored vestibule, and others say that the vestibule collapses too easily under a snow load.

But the biggest problem for the EV2 (unless all your trips are in winter) is that it seems to have no mosquito netting on the door.

I endorse what Craig has said about Hilleberg tents. The Unna is my winter solo shelter, basically a Soulo with no vestibule – the vestibule space is part of the tent. I've found guys to be unnecessary except in a full-on gale, though I'll stake them out before turning in for the night. I have no knowledge of the MH tent you mention but you can't go wrong with Hilleberg.

With respect to the Unna, how well does the virtual vestibule work? Any pics of what itw looks like to uncle the corner?

The guylines on the Soulo are essential to keep the fly taut when you encounter wet heavy snow. Last winter I was out in a late season storm, 18" of cement-like snow fell overnight. I had all but one guyline pegged out, and the Soulo kept its shape perfectly with the exception of that one spot. It was opposite the door, on the back of the tent. In the morning I awoke to that side being deflated by about 1/3 its normal volume due to the weight of the snow.

If the Soulo sounds a bit too small for extended trips, have you considered the Nammatj 2? It's in the same ballpark, weight wise, and would be much more comfortable for one over a multi-day trip. The tunnel design is well proven in wind and snow, but you will need to knock snow off the top periodically.

Wow, great insights, Craig. I appreciate your thoughtful analysis and wonderful video. You're a rock star! I can see you hosting some program on the Discovery Channel. I'm going to opt for the Soulo based on your input and those of the others. I'm sure it will serve me well. I'm still a little concerned about the inner tent sagging and then hitting my bag. I read about putting my jacket over the end of the bag, but hopefully that isn't necessary. If so, there are greater challenges in life than a bit of condensation :) thanks again and happy trails!

Thanks to all of you for your excellent comments. I really appreciate sharing your time to help me with the decision. I think the Soulo will be a good option for me. I'm hoping it doesnt sag inside and it is relatively quiet in high winds. We'll see. Thanks again and I wish you all many happy adventures.

Hi Stuart. Thanks for your response. I do think the Soulo will be a bit cramped but I'm limited to that one due to it's relatively low weight. The Nammatj as you mention would be ideal, but the additional weight is a deal breaker for me. I'm a solo snow camper and mountaineer and I'm trying hard to keep weight at a minimum. Its so much more fun that way.

David, sorry but I don't have pictures. The virtual vestibule is large enough for boots and a water bottle but not for cooking. Not enough room and it sits where the fly is low.

Richard

Did you look at the Big Agnes String Ridge 2. At about 5 lbs it is close to the same weight as the EV2 but cheaper, especially if you use the REI 20% discount.

I could not go for the expense of a Hilleberg but wanted a tent with a vestibule I could cook in and enough room not to go crazy if I had to wait out a storm for 4 or 5 hours.

Hi Bruce – I wasn't familiar with that Big Agnes offering. I'll give it a look. I already have the copper spur UL1 and am really pleased with it. Thanks for the suggestion.

Ray Estrella reviewed it on the backcountry gear test site.

I have used it three times so far. It vents very well even with two people inside.

weight is right at 3# and it's a palace for someone solo. with 30 sf of floor space there's no need for the vestibule when traveling solo. it will stand up to wind and snow with the best of them and condensation is easily addressed with proper venting esspecially with only one person breathing in the tent. you will hear complaints about them leaking, but with the seams sealed properly i haven't had a problem.