Hello and more Hillebergs

[AndyR]

Hi All,

I've been lurking around the forum for a while and decided I should post something, I thought outlining a couple of recent tent purchases might be a good start, especially as some of the decision making involved info on this forum.

Pre kids we did a lot of walking while post kids we've been much more focussed on camping from the car. Now the girls are older we do both in a wide range of places from tassie to central Oz. Over the last couple of years we've replaced our aging tents with two beautiful Hillebergs. Initially we wanted, what would be at the time, our second tent, that we could have as the parent's retreat but that was also large enough that if things turned to poo we could all fit. For this we bought a Saivo. A bit later we needed to replace our other tent and wanted one we could use for two-person walks and that the girls could use when we're off as a family. For this we bought a Staika.

The Staika is free standing with separate side entrances/vestibules. The Saivo is self supporting, the central section will stand on it's own with just the vestibule at each end requiring to be pegged out. This is nominally a 3-person tent but we can fit all 4 of us if needed. Both use Kerlon 1800 and are therefore on the heavier side but given some of the environments we like to go we decided (and were advised) the heavier material would be better in the long term.

Both tents are fantastic! easy to pitch, well made, great ventilation, feel bomb-proof and can be pitched as one or just fly or just inner. We also bought footprints, though probably not needed, I like the extra security and the weight is minimal. Having said that, this weekend I noticed a small (1mm) hole in one of them, so maybe money well spent.

Yes they're expensive, I wish we were buying them now, but they're worth it as far as we're concerned. Another massive positive is whenever you email the U.S. with a question, you get a prompt and helpful response. Prior to the purchase of the Saivo we had several options in mind from the major manufacturers. I emailed similar questions to all of them. the response from Hilleberg was immediate, another took 3 days and the rest I didn't hear from.

If anyone wants more info on either of these just ask.

cheers, Andy

[ULWalkingPhil]

Hi AndyR, two very nice tents you have there. I to own a red Hilleberg tent. Great colour, Makes a great contrast in images surrounded in green foliage.

[Nuts]

Red ist goot ya!

[ninjapuppet]

far out!....
thats very pleasing to the eye.

[Nuts]

Not my preferred colour, does lift the spirts though (and looks nice in piccys )

[ULWalkingPhil]

Red ist goot ya!

PB180004.jpg

Wow, is that for real? I love it.

Can I borrow this image and post it on Hilleberg's facebook page? unless you want to. I'm sure Hilleberg would love to see this one.

[Nuts]

lol, yer if you want, they seem like good people, go for it...

[bushwalker zane]

That is crazy, what a great shot. I have been looking into Hilleberg quite a bit, so it's reassuring to see so many people trust them!

[hikingoz]

lol. Geez nutz. would feel awkward pulling up alongside in a bd single skin. would probably just find another camp site I've got a hilleberg though and reckon its the beez neez .

[Nuts]

I know, they are a bit of overkill for the Overland Track and in summer there's a tarp off to the left that would have made you feel more welcome though.