There are so many choices, personally I couldn't justify the huge price difference between the helios and the competition. Certainly not for 550 grams. You can shave about 150 grams off the helios by changing the guy lines and pegs etc. and I like the tougher fabric on the helios fly sheet, the poles are identical (on my one anyway) to the competition and the inner tent is pretty much the same there's a slight difference on the groundsheet.
Try and go to a shop and have a look at them, luckily the field and trek near me had them all in stock
I have the Helios 2 and have been very impressed with it. Once pitched correctly it's very stable and has plenty of space for one, you can fit 2 but it would be cosy. I bought the ground sheet for the solar competition 2 on which this tent is based, this allows you to pitch the outer first if you want or not use the inner at all ( aka the fast pitch system terra nova system). Terry Brand has a good review of the solar competition 2 on his website worth a look. I've used it in wet and windy condition with no problems, having the ground sheet protector adds flexibility.
Just an update so this thread isn't reactivated in 10 years time,
The Alpkit 200 Sleeping Bag is now sold
The Karrimor X-1 Lite has been returned to Field and Trek. I decided to use it for a quick trip to Ireland a 2 weeks ago. Absolute disaster, groundsheet leaked, there are no guy points and the big side wall press against the inner in light wind. Glad I used it before some poor soul bought it from me.
Thanks again to all those who bought from me. I've already "replaced" these items with a ME Xero 350 and a Wild Country Helios 2 among other things (better not say too much the other half is about)
Hi I'm in the market for a new lightwieght tent, after going through the usual sites, I came across the Nook. Interesting design and looks to have loads of space. The review in Trail magazine was good but did say that heavy rain may come under the fly as it doesn't sit low to the ground. Just wondering if anyone has one or has any experience with this particular tent. Thanks
I recently picked up a Karrimor X-1 Lite Tent 2012 model but it's not for me as I cannot get my full lenght neoair in it.
Weight is 1.9kg, Specs are actually quiet good for the price, have a look on the field and trek website but the fly HH is 4000 and the bathtube inner is 5000
It's a interesting design and is free standing. I pitched it in the front room to try it with the rest of my kit. There is a decent ammount of gear storage space and cooking space. As I said my 183cm neoair won't fit but if you have a tapered mat it will fit just fine. I did try an old full lenght self-inflating mat I had and it was fine.
Des Scally
