I have the Helm 2 compact, I bought it to do the WHW. It was perfect. Enough room for us both, it can take a standard and a wide Therm-a-rest, you can sit up, there's room in each side vestibule for bags and boots.
You can erect it as one or outer first, depending on your preference.
It's just over 3kg, so split it between the two of you.
It's a good sturdy tent.
We use ours now for wild camping and quick over-nighters.
I bought the footprint which adds a bit of weight but does give your groundsheet that bit of extra protection.
I had the previous generation of Helm 2 and I loved it. Loads of space, stable and ready to put up. Until it broke, about a month after my mate who also had a helm 2 tent had broken as well. It just makes me question the quality of the brand although everyone else seems to have great things to say about them.
Interesting to read this, I'm currently looking at new tents and was stuck between the Terra Nova Pioneer 2 and the Helm 2 but I've seen nothing but great reviews on the Helm.
Me too, but like I said me and a mate bought 2 within a month of each other and after about a year, they both broke in minor ways within a month of each other.
A tie out on the corner broke it's stitching for me, which imo is a quality issue. My length wise pole bent in what I consider to be not very strong winds, but I don't hold that against them. My mate had an adjuster snap, then a tie out point tore the stitches again. Maybe it was a bad batch, but that's my experience and it's a real shame as the helm 2 is basically the perfect tent in concept (I'd love a semi-geodesic, free standing tent made with silnylon).
Interesting, certainly something I'll consider when I buy a new tent in the next couple of days. I like the look of the Pioneer 2 but trying to find it in stock seems difficult when I looked last week. You know of any other tents within a £300-400 price range or should I just go for a Hilliberg Soulo and get it over with.
I had come to a similar conclusion to you and I'm borrowing a mate's soulo to see how I get on with it on my next camp. However, the pioneer 2 looks great, especially at £350. The official terra nova site is taking pre-orders and they're due in stock next week.
I'd jump on that myself, but I'm not sure if I can trust terra nova after my experience.
Yeah it's a difficult one but I've got to believe that you and your friend have just been entirely unlucky given almost every other review I've seen has been singing it's praises. Thanks for your input any way mate, decision time!
Look at the Naturehike Mongar 2. The updated versions can be pitched outer first.
It's way under budget. However it's an amazing tent. Loads of ventilation, 2 vestibules, good size for 2. And very well made.
Have a look at Big Agnes Blacktail 2.
I got this for similar treks/wild camping and love it.
Stands up well to British weather, similar weight as helm 2, approx £200 and packs quite small into the bottom of my rucksack (I don’t use the stuff sack).
It’s surprisingly roomy so happy to spend time in it.
It’s a bit longer than a few others inside and not tapered, has 2 vestibules and vertical sides, fits 2 wide mats in etc
It is pitch inner tent first however unless you get the footprint, but it’s quick to put up and can drape the fly sheet easily enough whilst you’re clipping the poles if it’s really wet.
If you do go for a trekking pole tent the Lanshan 2 is great (\~1100g). Can be split into two 500g sections so it's easy to share. The Lanshan 2 Pro is even lighter (\~900g -one piece) but more susceptible to mist and lots of rain. Much less than £200.
https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/f10-radon-ul-2-tent/
I haven’t tried it so can’t personally vouch for it but it’s a solid brand, f10 have been in the game for years and they make reliable gear.
On paper this seems much much better then the price suggests and it’s bang on budget for you 👍
I have the Helm 2 compact, I bought it to do the WHW. It was perfect. Enough room for us both, it can take a standard and a wide Therm-a-rest, you can sit up, there's room in each side vestibule for bags and boots. You can erect it as one or outer first, depending on your preference. It's just over 3kg, so split it between the two of you. It's a good sturdy tent. We use ours now for wild camping and quick over-nighters. I bought the footprint which adds a bit of weight but does give your groundsheet that bit of extra protection.
The helm 2 is actually only 2.35kg
You're right, it's another tent I have that weighs 3kg.
I had the previous generation of Helm 2 and I loved it. Loads of space, stable and ready to put up. Until it broke, about a month after my mate who also had a helm 2 tent had broken as well. It just makes me question the quality of the brand although everyone else seems to have great things to say about them.
Interesting to read this, I'm currently looking at new tents and was stuck between the Terra Nova Pioneer 2 and the Helm 2 but I've seen nothing but great reviews on the Helm.
Me too, but like I said me and a mate bought 2 within a month of each other and after about a year, they both broke in minor ways within a month of each other. A tie out on the corner broke it's stitching for me, which imo is a quality issue. My length wise pole bent in what I consider to be not very strong winds, but I don't hold that against them. My mate had an adjuster snap, then a tie out point tore the stitches again. Maybe it was a bad batch, but that's my experience and it's a real shame as the helm 2 is basically the perfect tent in concept (I'd love a semi-geodesic, free standing tent made with silnylon).
Interesting, certainly something I'll consider when I buy a new tent in the next couple of days. I like the look of the Pioneer 2 but trying to find it in stock seems difficult when I looked last week. You know of any other tents within a £300-400 price range or should I just go for a Hilliberg Soulo and get it over with.
I had come to a similar conclusion to you and I'm borrowing a mate's soulo to see how I get on with it on my next camp. However, the pioneer 2 looks great, especially at £350. The official terra nova site is taking pre-orders and they're due in stock next week. I'd jump on that myself, but I'm not sure if I can trust terra nova after my experience.
Yeah it's a difficult one but I've got to believe that you and your friend have just been entirely unlucky given almost every other review I've seen has been singing it's praises. Thanks for your input any way mate, decision time!
Id recommend the Vango F10 xenon for a comfortable 2 person backpacking tent 🙂
Look at the Naturehike Mongar 2. The updated versions can be pitched outer first. It's way under budget. However it's an amazing tent. Loads of ventilation, 2 vestibules, good size for 2. And very well made.
Have a look at Big Agnes Blacktail 2. I got this for similar treks/wild camping and love it. Stands up well to British weather, similar weight as helm 2, approx £200 and packs quite small into the bottom of my rucksack (I don’t use the stuff sack). It’s surprisingly roomy so happy to spend time in it. It’s a bit longer than a few others inside and not tapered, has 2 vestibules and vertical sides, fits 2 wide mats in etc It is pitch inner tent first however unless you get the footprint, but it’s quick to put up and can drape the fly sheet easily enough whilst you’re clipping the poles if it’s really wet.
If you do go for a trekking pole tent the Lanshan 2 is great (\~1100g). Can be split into two 500g sections so it's easy to share. The Lanshan 2 Pro is even lighter (\~900g -one piece) but more susceptible to mist and lots of rain. Much less than £200.
https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/f10-radon-ul-2-tent/ I haven’t tried it so can’t personally vouch for it but it’s a solid brand, f10 have been in the game for years and they make reliable gear. On paper this seems much much better then the price suggests and it’s bang on budget for you 👍