Time under Canvas: Estonian Ripstop

At the centre of our excursions into wilderness is the canvas we sleep under. A trustworthy tent is a must for the unpredictable nature of the lovely British weather – also it’s just nice to get a decent night sleep on a multi day camp.

 

After many a late evening discussion in the Lakes, Peaks and Highlands we’ve decided the freestanding nature of the Soulo is our favourite out of a long list of positives. Taking the stress out of finding the perfect pitch (more on this coming soon) in dwindling light is an absolute luxury. If it’s not flat, pick it up and move it.

 

Some might call it tent snobbery. We hear you. The price tag alone does make the Hilleberg range less accessible to many. But with minus temperatures on the agenda and pitches over 900m in January, we prefer to cut back on the nights out and save up for a cosy (and stable) home for the evening. We’ve abandoned pitches due to flimsy three seasoners in the past. Put briefly, in Soulo we trust.

 

The Techy Bits:

Materials:

• Outer Tent Fabric: Kerlon 1200 (30D high tenacity ripstop nylon, coated with 3 layers of 100% silicone on both sides)

• Inner Tent Fabric: 20D ripstop nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment

• Floor Fabric: 70D nylon with triple PU coating

• Poles: DAC Featherlite NSL 9mm aluminum (3 poles)

• Pegs: 12 x V-Pegs

Dimensions:

• Inner Tent Width: 100 cm / 39 in

• Inner Tent Length: 220 cm / 86.6 in

• Inner Tent Height: 95 cm / 37 in

• Vestibule Area: 0.9 m² / 9.7 ft²

• Floor Area: 2.0 m² / 21.5 ft²

• Packed Size: 43 cm x 17 cm / 17 in x 7 in (L x D)

Weight:

• Minimum Weight (inner tent, outer tent, poles): 2.0 kg / 4 lbs 7 oz

• Packed Weight (complete with pegs, lines, stuff sacks, etc.): 2.4 kg / 5 lbs 5 oz

Weather Resistance:

• Outer Tent Hydrostatic Head: 5,000 mm

• Floor Hydrostatic Head: 15,000 mm

• Poles: Capable of withstanding significant snow loads and high winds due to its 3-pole configuration.