THE SOULO AND NIAK: INSIGHT FROM THE TENTMAKERS
Stuart Craig of Hilleberg describes why the combination of these two tent models will equip you for any kind of trip and any kind of weather.
“Will’s choice of a Red Label Soulo and a Yellow Label Niak is an outstanding, highly versatile tent ‘kit’.
“The Soulo, with its fully freestanding construction and very robust, multiple-crossing-point dome structure, will handle nearly any weather in any season and any terrain. The Niak, built for the snow-free times of the year, is remarkably strong and very light, and offers palatial comfort for the solo adventurer (and featherlight weight for two).
“With the Soulo, you can confidently tackle trips, year-round, where demanding situations are likely, be that challenging pitching circumstances or uncertain, temperamental (and foul) weather, knowing that the tent’s structure – the 12kg/26.5lb tear strength in its Kerlon 1200 outer tent and its DAC 9mm poles – will handle it all.
“For less formidable, warmerweather adventures, the Niak will provide welcome, spacious comfort and equally welcome light weight. And its Kerlon 1000’s 8kg/17.5lb tear strength and the same 9mm poles as found in the Soulo have the built-in capability to handle whatever comes, be that driving rain, the occasional sleet or hail deluge, or even, as Will notes, winds running to 40 knots (70kph/45mph+).
“If you want to increase the range of your Soulo/Niak kit towards the more robust end of the spectrum, opt for the Black Label Soulo: it is Hilleberg’s strongest solo tent, and arguably the strongest one-person tent available. It has the same dimensions, structure and fully freestanding construction as the
Red Label version, but with the added strength from DAC 10mm poles and Kerlon 1800 fabric, with an 18kg/44lb tear strength in the outer tent.”