Hey Does anyone have experience or a preference between the MacPac Microlight or Hilleberg Akto? Cant decide which i prefer  Thanks
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 The Tarptent Scarp? I prefer twin entarnces, even camping solo. I've used a Spacepacker solo for that reason, but buying now the Scarp is lighter and gives you a more comfortable laying space. Pete.
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 Can't speak about the MacPac, but I'm very happy with my Akto ! I don't think you can compare one to the other - the Akto has proven itself over the years. Must admit I was initially tempted by the Scarp, but I'll with my Akto. Some cool pics here showing it's true versatility : clicky
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 The Scarp is a very nice tent but wont last as long as the Atko as it uses lighter materials.
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 Then again the Scarp is cheaper, so may depend on how often you will use tent and in what conditions. The Scarp can and is, made far stronger by using the optional cross poles. AFAIK, not an option with the Atko. Making the Scarp more versatile as you can use more of the year. MHOO.
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but isn't the Akto a 4 season tent  Akto for me
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 No the Akto is only 3 because of its lack of snow holding abillity.
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 4 season according to Hilleberg It's 4 season enough for me most of the time - check out Belgian Hikers link above. Not saying's it's the best however although I'll not be selling & going for anything else thats on the market at the mo.
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 Another point of view on the Akto: http://v-g.me.uk/blog/outdoor-gear/farewell-akto-the-lasercomp-rules/ For me, the Akto is a bit of an odd compromise, and it feels like its getting a bit long in the tooth. I'd prefer either roomier (Scarp) or lighter (Laser Comp) or if I really cared about being 'bombproof' something like the Soulo. If you treat your tent well, it'll last you a hell of a long time even if it is made of super ultra light tissue paper. I don't recall anyone mentioning that their Scarp or Laser just fell apart in a storm, but maybe I just missed all those stories?
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A quick read through the Scarp owners tread will reveal very limited details of a Scarp being damaged and replacement pole being required on a stormy 50mph + night in Ireland.... I'm not suggesting that an Akto would have survived same conditions....
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I don't think you can compare one to the other - the Akto has proven itself over the years. Eerrrr, I think the Microlight has quite possibly been around longer... No the Akto is only 3 because of its lack of snow holding abillity. But people use them all through the year without typically wishing they'd taken something else. Which strikes me as the obvious definition of "4 season". If you're expecting to be under big dumps of snow (that's big dumps of it, not just a wee bit or any on the ground already) then take something else. Pete.
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Eerrrr, I think the Microlight has quite possibly been around longer...
The point I was trying to make is how well respected and popular the Akto is globally. I have never heard of a Microlight before, except those ones with wings and engines attached 
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I have never heard of a Microlight before I have. They're well respected and popular (were they not they'd not have been in production for so long). Part of how much it's been heard of is down to local markets. In the UK far more people will have heard of Euro-Hike than have heard of Helsport, but that relative lack of popularity doesn't mean that Hel Sport make duffers, just that the local distribution is piecemeal. Go somewhere where Hilleberg aren't so easily available and Macpac more so then it'll be the other way around. Pete.
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I don't think you can compare one to the other - the Akto has proven itself over the years. Eerrrr, I think the Microlight has quite possibly been around longer... No the Akto is only 3 because of its lack of snow holding abillity. But people use them all through the year without typically wishing they'd taken something else. Which strikes me as the obvious definition of "4 season". If you're expecting to be under big dumps of snow (that's big dumps of it, not just a wee bit or any on the ground already) then take something else. Pete.
And i could get a job for the Met office who cant even predict how much white stuff makes the country come to a stand still every time we have an inch of the white stuff!! Im good but not that good 
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| Edited: 07/02/12 17:36 |
 Ah, you've edited that, Didster. Did you go and see the bit on Hilleberg's Akto page where it states under Specifications "Seasons: 4"? http://hilleberg.se/product/akto
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Errr dont know what your on about Matt  . Spotted it after i posted tbh ... Took a battering in the wind video tho did it not,well impressed...
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I lost a pole side on in a gust - estimated at 70+mph on my Akto -I measured 50mph+ the morning after & the wind was worse in the night. I know a few folk who've had older Akto poles go in high winds & the new pole is stronger in design around the ferrules. I agree with Didster that there are stronger tents but you can get winds like that all year round & Hilleberg do state it's four season in b&w on their site. I use it for 4 season backpacking in the UK & try to get a more sheltered pitch in a hoolie but for windier places than the UK with little shelter I take the Super Quasar. Also 4 season but much higher up the scale.
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| Edited: 07/02/12 17:45 |
The Scarp that got destroyed was mine. At the time it hadn't be fully pitched, I was in the process of doing so when gust hit. I was on my knees, about to put a peg in ground, the gust blew me to the ground and ripped guyline from my hand so hard it cut in to my palm. I don't know what the wind speed was but having been out in winds of 70+mph, I reckon was at least 70mph, straight on to side of tent, not the rear. I'm not too sure any 1 pole tent would have stood up in those conditions. I think the only reason Stephen's did was it was fully pitched and mine acted as a wind break, even with the addition of extra guylines, at times it was near 'touch and go' that Stephen's was going to stand up to winds. Paul.
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And i could get a job for the Met office who cant even predict how much white stuff makes the country come to a stand still every time we have an inch of the white stuff!! How many times in your life have you camped in the UK when there's been enough of a dump to knock an Akto down? Pete.
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