Review: Hilleberg Soulo Tent

I have owned this Hilleberg Soulo tent for a over a year and every time I use it I get more psyched that I bought it. A few years ago I realized I go by myself on all of my trips. Schedules, families, jobs, too big bellies, etc all got in the way of coordinating anything. So the two man Mountain Hardware Trango Assault was too much tent for one person, and way too much weight for on person. The trend these days seems to be tarp tents, hammocks or bivies; but where I live I need a tent. Between wind and snow none of those previous options work. After seeing an advert in Backpacker Magazine I settled on a Hilleberg Soulo.

The Soulo caught my eye as it is 100% free standing. Sure it has a plethora of guy lines, but you don’t need them all. And I tend to go backpacking in the winter where everything is covered in snow. This is what makes me prefer a freestanding tent. Other requirements I have are standing up to insane winds and large amounts of snow. The Soulo is a genuine 4 season tent. It is part of what the Hilleberg folks call their “Red Label” tents. Red Label tents are 4 season tents with a trade off of absolute strength for lighter weight. Basically saying, 4 seasons but don’t spend two months at the base of Shishapangma in it.

The Soulo is not a single wall tent, is is a double wall with an ingenious vent design right above the door that lets it breath while not letting in the blowing snow.

The vent is visible in the pic above. It flaps out of the way when you are inserting the three poles.

The spacious vestibule has room for you pack, boots, and provides coverage for suiting up in bad weather.

Now don’t get confused and think this is a bivy sack. Nope, this is a 1 person tent that you can sit up in.  No claustrophobia in this tent.  In nice weather you can unzip the entire side of the tent opening it up to the vestibule nearly doubling the size of the tent.

For perspective here I am standing next to it.

I purchased the ground cloth for it as I use it mostly in the snow, the design is pretty ingenious, you never have to remove it once it is attached. The is nice because it also goes underneath the vestibule allowing more dry area for your gear.

This is a great tent that packs down small while keeping you safe in extreme conditions. This has replaced a 9lbs tent with a 5lbs tent that packs down to maybe 1/3 of the size of my previous tent. I have not had a bad night in this tent yet.  If you need a light 4 season tent for 1 person get this tent. Hilleberg even makes a mesh inner tent you can swap to for the summer for those in warmer climates.

Hilleberg Says: http://us.hilleberg.com/EN/products/red-label/soulo/soulo.php

• 1 person
• The Soulo is a completely free standing solo tent that is both remarkably light and expedition-ready.

SINCE THE SOULO’S FREE STANDING construction allows it to be pitched almost anywhere, and since it is remarkably light and tremendously strong, it is ideal for almost any adventure. During its development, nearly every tester found it perfect for whatever trip it was used on. Mountaineers, both recreational and professional, will take to its strength and low weight, as will backcountry hunters and winter campers. Bicycle, motorcycle and paddle tourers will choose it for its free standing simplicity and compact packed size. Backpackers in all seasons, long distance trekkers, and weekend hikers alike will be drawn to its light weight and integrated vestibule, and ski tourers and ski mountaineers will appreciate its snow load handling. Tall users will love its length, and all will appreciate its remarkable overall roominess. “Soulo” means “island,” in Sami, the language of the people indigenous to northern Scandinavia.