Dissuade me from buying a Hilleberg Unna

It’s a really nice tent, I prefer the Soulo for the vestibule though (I live in a wet area), but it’s not an issue for plenty of others.

Have you read reviews? The outdoor gear Lab review is probably the best one.

Hi, Stephen

Yes, I believe I’ve seen every available review. My main concern, aside from carrying more than I need and hurting my back, is the single vent not circulating enough air. I don’t know if the Suolo has the same setup.

I wonder if I could cook inside the “virtual vestibule” in the Unna.

(edit: The more I think of it I doubt I’d cook in any tent vestibule, too paranoid about fumes)

You could also not buy a Hilleberg Niak, which is similar to the Unna

I think I read about the Niak in the long Hilleberg thread. I’m not willing to buy new so I’d have to wait it out to find a used Niak (not yet released right?). I really want something winter friendly as well.

So your post heading says “Dissuade me from buying…”

And then you go on to say:

“I’m obsessing over a used Hilleberg Unna and I’d like to hear how many of you would consider it as a solo tent on a long (mild) winter trip…”

So which is it? :)

Just curious: is there one specific attribute of the used Unna that you are resonating with? Would you be as obsessed with it if it were new?

Performance-wise, both tents should do “just fine” given the trip you’ve described. Personally, I’d go with the Terra Nova given the choice, assuming it could comfortably fit a 74″ individual. If the tent stakes are lame, bring stakes that’ll work. The Unna seems like lot more weight for little practical benefit on a trip like that, imho.

And I admit: if not careful, one can easily be seduced by  “the call” toward Hillebergs, given their historic reputation for impeccable quality & durability. They probably make a tent for every feeling the human being desires to express.

You caught me, Matt! I’m wasting an awful lot of time internally debating the purchase. I may be filling a void as they say… Anyway, as close as I’ve come to buying, I would like to hear someone tell me their disaster story with an Unna if it’s out there.

I don’t know why the Unna appeals to me particularly.. I passed up a really good deal on an Anjan 2, and I think it’s largely aesthetic. Initially I got spooked when I couldn’t stake out my Terra Nova tent after some impenetrable icy snow cover in Wisconsin, so on my intended cold weather test I had to bail and use the wooden shelter. I decided I needed the assurance of a freestanding tent in case I have the same problem on my upcoming trip. That was the start of it.

I would like to know if I should concern myself with the purported lack of ventilation. I’m a novice and not sure what to expect.

Just pull the trigger Duke.

I looked at the Unna and the Soulo for my first Hilleberg. For winter use, I decided that the Soulo was more capable with its third pole, both at withstanding strong winds in the mountains, and at handling snow. Mine handled two feet of wet cement-like snow in an overnight storm with ease. You will still need to deploy the guylines in conditions like that, so carrying a mixture of pegs capable of penetrating frozen ground is a must in winter camping.

What do you give up opting for the Soulo? The inner isn’t as large. I’m 5’9″ and I was perfectly happy. I’ve read folks who are 6’2″ and were also comfortable in it, so it’s a matter of what you’re willing to deal with. I was able to put a large / wide Exped Downmat in there and still have space left over. It weighs 7oz more than the Unna.

What do you gain, apart from what I mentioned above? A real vestibule for one. One you have space to cook in. An inverted T zip door on the inner, which can be opened up fully, left half open, closed with 1/2 mesh, or closed with full mesh. Very flexible. A decent roof vent. Not as effective as, say, the 2P Jannu or Allak, but combined with the vestibule, I would say it gives better air circulation than the Unna. And lastly, incredible stability. The Soulo pitched taut as a drum, without stressing the outer tent zip. It really feels rock solid.

Another thought, for condensation management and ventilation, you should expect to have the inner tent door partially open. And in still conditions, open the outer tent door somewhat too. (When there’s good airflow, the roof vent should be enough). I felt that the Unna’s inner tent door shape and zipper setup made it nigh on impossible to roll 1/4 – 1/3 of it back and secure it to allow more airflow to the inner. Perhaps people who own Unnas can confirm or refute that.

Best of luck in your decision.

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