Tent Question

Hey team:

So, I'm interested in a 4 season tent. Does anyone have experience with Hilleberg? I'm looking at the Kaitum 2/ gt 2. I have no real aspirations to camp in Antarctica, but I do want a tent I can comfortably take to the major peaks in the U.S. I'm not looking for a tank in weight, but I need a large enough foot print to fit 2+ gear and a dog under 10k feet. Quality is more important than anything. Anyone have any insight?

I already have an ultralight for summer camping, so I'm really looking for the next level.

I picked up a Hilleberg Soulo (one person, 4 season tent) last summer. I haven't tried it in high winds, but it's extremely sturdy, and well thought out. It came with 12 guy lines, I ended up removing 6 to cut down a little weight. I think it could still withstand any weather I would care to be outdoors in.

The external pole, pitch from the outside design is really nice, you just lay out the tent, fly and footprint as one unit and pitch it quickly without exposing the inner tent to weather.

If you haven't done so, find a dealer and look at whatever Hilleberg tents they have in stock. I think you'll be impressed. Also look at the section on choosing a tent on the Hilleberg website if you haven't already.

Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder carries them.

Can't personally attest to the quality, but Outdoor Gear Lab is supertaco's review wing...They have nothing but good things to say about the Hilleberg tents: outdoorgearlab.com/4-Season…

Check out their scoop and the personal reviews at the bottom...Lemme know if you find a deal, I'd love to get my hands on one...
Cheers!

I'll put in a vote for both Bibler (now owned by BD) and mountain hardwear.

I have the EV2 tent from MH and it is a great 4 season for the Sierras (14,000 ft). I would recommend getting something with a three pole design as it will offer more head space since you will have two people and a dog.

I slept in my EV2 this past weekend w/ my gf and her dog and it was a little tight.

I own a Nallo 3 which is not supposed to hold up to wind. However, I've used it on 2 sides of Rainier above 10,000 ft and it fared just fine. One day had 70-80 MPH winds. Any of their lighter tents can be done with extra poles and extra guy lines if you're really worried about wind. It's a great company. I didn't however take the tent to Denali since I didn't want to carry the extra and ended up carrying a Bibler Fitzroy. I wish I'd taken the Hilleberg after all.

I've also been using the Nallo 3 for about 6 years. I don't take it on extreme alpine expeditions, but it has been an excellent tent that has held up well against rain, heavy snow, and wind. My friends call it " the fortress" and " the trailer." It fits 3 tight and is roomy for 2.

I take it to the desert a lot, and what I like most about it is that the outer wall goes all the way to the ground. When the wind is blowing sand around, this keeps sand from blowing under the fly and into the sleeping area like other tents.

Though it is called a 4 season tent, it is not a great summer tent. You cannot easily set it up without the outer wall, so it can get stuffy when it's hot. You also can't pull the fly off to see the stars like you might on other tents.

I've never camped at a spot where I couldn't set it up, but because it is not a free standing tent ( you have to stake it out) it would be hard to deploy it in soft sand or on a rock slab.

The durability, quality and customer service have been great.

Because I take it to the desert often the zipper got totally thrashed ( like any zipper does when loaded with sand). After replacing the zipper pulls a couple of times ( Hilleberg sent me new pulls for free) I finally sewed a whole new beefier zipper on this summer.
I believe the Nammatj comes with a bigger gauge zipper, and heavier duty nylon.