User Review: Hilleberg Soulo

I often travel solo. There are many lightweight tents available but few that are truly four season tents. The Hilleberg Soulo is a tent for the person who wants a tent for all seasons. At under four pounds (3lbs. 13 oz. on my scale), it is light enough for summer backpacking and tough enough for four season use, even strong enough for high altitude expeditions.

There are many design features I like with the Soulo.

1. It sets up easily

2. It is self-standing with numerous tie out points to make it rock solid in high winds.

3. It has a floorless vestibule which is great for storing wet gear and for putting on crampons in the shelter of the tent.

4. It is an itegral double wall so both walls go up at the same time and the vulnerable inner tent stays dry-unlike traditional tents where the porous inner tent must be set up first, even in a pouring downpour or wet heavy snow, and then you race to drape the waterproof fly over the top.

5. The integral double wall not only keeps the inner breathable, porous tent dry, but it makes set up easier in high winds as you don't have to wrestle a snapping, flapping fly over the top of the tent.

6. The Soulo is strong. I've had it in measured winds of 58 mph and it stood solid and I slept well, not having to worry about my tent not surviving the night. It has three poles and unlike wedge tents and tunnel tents, can withstand wind from any direction.

7. If planning a winter's trip to New Hampshire's Presidential Range or going to the Poles, any place you know you can get extreme winds, you can double pole the Soulo for extra strength.

8. Ventilation is great. You can open a vent on the roof and lock open the front door, giving you a protected sheltered "porch" in rain or snow.

8. This tent  is light enough for summer backpacking and is strong enough for winter mountaineering. It sets up easily and can handle rain, snow, hail and wind from any direction.