Tents for mountain use in the Sierra Nevada, Alps and Patagonia

A review of the tents we currently use and recommend for year round mountain use in the Sierra Nevada, Alps and Patagonia.

A recent clear out and repair of our tent stocks has made me re-evaluate which tents we use for which location and mountain activity. Basically we recommend high quality tents from well known makes such as Terra Nova, Bibler (now part of Black Diamond) and Hilleberg. Yes, I know there are many other fine tent makers out there, but I can only comment on what has worked for us over the past 10 years as mountain guides.

We don’t compromise for the sake of cost. This is false economy! We always go for the best quality, even though it will invariably be a higher price than competitors. I have a simple way of looking at this. You may end up paying €100 more but if you get 100 better quality nights in the mountains for 2 people then 50 cents a night extra per person is well worth it in my opinion. True?

So what do we recommend you use, when and where? All the tents below have similar characteristics ie. are quite expensive but well made with quality materials that have stood the test of time and use.

Summer Sierra Nevada, Spain (normally Jun until Oct incl)

2 person lightweight tent

Hilleberg Nallo 2 GT
Weight: 2.6kg (1.3kg a person)
Typical cost: 440GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

We have used our Nallo for many years. A large and roomy interior with a massive vestibule for storing rucksacks, cooking in, or for somewhere for the dogs to sleep! Well made and stable.  Loads of headroom. Simple and quick to erect. We have had 2 poles snap in 8 years use, both on the same night on an incredibly gusty evening camping at Siete Lagunas en route to doing Los Tres Miles 3000m peak traverse. This was in late August so was unexpected!

1 person lightweight tent

Hilleberg Akto
Weight: 1.5kg (1.5kg a person)
Typical cost: 330GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

The Akto was my second foray into the 1 man tent sector. My first purchase being a Terra Nova Solar. This is much roomier and I like the large side entrance which is useful for storage and cooking. Strangely, there is only 1 centre pole. The front and back panels do take a bit of getting used to but once erected do function well. Not as stable as a Nallo in cross winds when the centre pole can bend alarmingly. Nevertheless a very light and roomy tent. Also just about suitable for 2 persons who know each other very well!

1 person hooped bivvy bag

Terra Nova Jupiter
Weight: 840g (840g a person)
Typical cost: 250GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

I never got to grips with the old style bivvy bags. Sure they worked ok and were very light but the drawback for me was always the claustrophobic nature of the head covering. The advent of hooped bags changed that. One of the best around now is the Terra Nova Jupiter with a massive hooped section. Now you can while away the time reading or playing on your ipod! Terra Nova also do a Saturn bivvy which has a second smaller pole near the foot area. They are low to the ground so getting in and out can be a bit of a pain but they will never get blown over by the winds. Goretex outer ensures it is waterproof.

Winter Sierra Nevada, Spain (normally Nov until May incl)

2 person alpine tent

Terra Nova Ultra Quasar
Weight: 3.3kg (1.75kg a person)
Typical cost: 450GBP (Offers now direct from Terra Nova at 350GBP!)
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

The Ultra Quasar is a lighter version of the bombproof Quasar (see below). You save 1.1kg and quite a few bucks over it’s expedition style neighbour. Everything else is the same. Great space for 2 (or maybe 3?). The double vestibules are perfect for storage or cooking on those dark winter nights. Ventilation options keep the inside dry on the coldest nights. As everything with Terra Nova, there is a genuine feel of quality about it. Perfect for winter mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada

Summer Alpine (normally June until Sep incl)

2 person alpine tent

Bibler I-Tent
Weight: 2.2kg (1.1kg a person)
Typical cost: 500GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

Single skin Goretex skin. Easy erection from inside even in a blizzard. High head space and narrow footprint for small ledges. Well made, strong and above all…..super light. At only 1.1kg a person, this is an incredible alpine tent. Perfect for 1 or 2 nights out in the high mountains. The only drawback is the lack of a vestibule which unfortunately is an optional add on at 119GBP, but well worth it. I also believe that if I had a choice again I would rather go for the slightly larger El Dorado tent they make. A must have for alpinists!

Patagonian Icefields (Nov and Dec)

2 person expedition tent

Terra Nova Quasar
Weight: 4.3kg (2.15kg a person)
Typical cost: 450GBP
Manufacturers webpage and specification
Comments:

THE expedition tent. This is the one I have most confidence in. For taking the worst weather that the Patagonian Icecap can throw at you and never bat an eyelid! When the blizzard is howling outside you will know that there will be no epic story of survival against the odds looming. Spacious, 2 vestibules and strong. I remember once being hit by storm force winds high on Aconcagua (Camp Berlin, I believe). Other climbers were struggling to retain control, but the Quasars, lent to us for the expedition by those nice people at Terra Nova, stood the test. Recommended for expeditions to wild places.