The Mountain Inquisition

Hilleberg make top quality tents and keep innovation in the family. Founded by adventurer Bo, his daughter Petra is now CEO. We put her outdoor credentials to the test...

Meet Petra Hilleberg, the ultimate outdoors businesswoman

Scafell Pike, Snowdon or Ben Nevis? They’re next on my list, especially after a fabulous – if rainy, snowy and chilly – backpacking trip to the Cairngorms last May. The highest mountain you’ve climbed?

I have been to just below the summit of Mount Kenya, at about 5000m. Who’s your mountaineering hero?

When it comes to my outdoor inspiration – or hero – it is definitely my dad, Bo Hilleberg. What do you love most about being in the mountains? No matter how many times you go out, it’s always different, and, no matter the weather or the terrain, it’s always uniquely – and stunningly – memorable. Most memorable day in the outdoors?

Too many amazing memories to pick just one. But there was the time when I woke up early in the morning in a small, prototype one-person tent and realized I was in the middle of a reindeer herd, with the reindeer running around the tent. Funniest thing you’ve seen on a hill?

It has to be the guy who was carrying a fridge as a backpack! You’re in a pub. What’s on the menu?

There are unfortunately (or is it fortunately?) very few things that I don’t like on a menu… and all those things go quite well with a cold beer or a glass of red wine. What was the last book you read? A Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child. Favourite hill snack?

Sweetwood Cattle Company’s Original Fatty meat stick. Very tasty! Worst thing you’ve ever eaten?

A ‘rotten’ shark dish in Iceland. Worst by far! Favourite animal?

My dressage horse, Boogie Woogie, and my crazy Bernese mountain dog, Boomer. What‘s the best pair of walking boots you’ve owned? Meindl Islands. Which celeb would you like to share a tent with? Is this for talking or for cuddling? How much is a pint of tea at Pete’s Eats?

How about, “how much is a decaf latte at Starbucks?” Your ultimate mountain day in three words… Fun. Relaxing. Interesting.

Hilleberg the Tentmakers was formed by Bo Hilleberg in 1971, but really became successful after he met, married and started working with Renate Neuner. Growing up in northern Sweden, their daughter Petra is a keen outdoorswoman and a ski instructor, as well as president and CEO of the company. Find out more at gb.hilleberg.com

When it comes to my outdoor inspiration – or hero – it’s my dad, Bo Hilleberg.”