Hilleberg Tent Guide
Since Bo Hilleberg established the company during a 1971 skiing trip to Austria Hilleberg has grown to become one of the most respected tent manufacturers in the world. To this day the company remains within the Hilleberg family and is widely considered to be one of the best tent brands on the market.
Hilleberg tents are graded into label categories which describe their strength and weight. Black Label tents are the strongest tents in the range, with a tear strength of 18kg - suitable for all season camping.
Red Label tents are classic all season models delivering a similar level of strength while being slightly lighter.
If you're looking for the lightest tents available then Yellow Label tents deliver exceptional performance for minimalist campers, trail runners and bikepackers.
We’re based in Scotland, so we see plenty of wet ground, wind and changeable forecasts. We've tested Hilleberg gear in everything that our fair nation could throw at us, so that we can guide you to the best tent for you.
The key is matching the tent to the conditions you actually camp in, and to the way you like to travel.
This guide gives you a practical route to the right tent. Use the quick picker first, then use the label system and the shortlists to narrow down your selection.
Quick picker
Answer the questions below and follow the suggestions. Each answer points you to the best label to start with and a shortlist of models to consider.
Where do you usually camp?
Mostly exposed sites
High ground, open moorland, coastal, above the treeline, or anywhere wind is a regular factor.
- Start with: Black Label or Red Label
- Models to consider: Keron, Nammatj, Kaitum, Nallo, Soulo, Allak, Tarra
Mostly sheltered sites
Forest, valleys, lower ground, calmer pitches, campsites.
- Start with: Red Label or Yellow Label
- Models to consider: Nallo, Kaitum, Enan, Anjan, Niak
What season do you camp in most?
Year-round, including winter and shoulder seasons
- Start with: Red Label for most people, Black Label for more exposed winter use
- Models to consider: Nallo, Kaitum, Allak, Nammatj, Keron, Soulo, Tarra
Mainly spring to autumn
- Start with: Yellow Label or lighter Red Label
- Models to consider: Anjan, Niak, Enan, Nallo
If you often camp in wind or more exposed places, lean towards Red.
What matters more, weight or comfort?
Weight matters most
- Models to consider: Enan, Niak, Anjan, Nallo
- Skip to: Tunnel vs freestanding
Comfort and space matter most
- Models to consider: Kaitum, Keron, Allak, Tarra
- Skip to: What to look for in the details
Do you need freestanding?
Yes
You often camp on rocky ground, platforms, thin soils, or awkward pitches where pegging is harder.
- Freestanding models to consider: Soulo (1p), Allak (2p), Tarra (2p)
No
You are happy with pegs and you want more space for the weight.
- Tunnel models to consider: Nallo, Kaitum, Nammatj, Keron, Anjan
If you’re unsure
If you want one tent that covers mixed UK and Northern Europe conditions, start with Red Label, then choose tunnel or freestanding based on where you pitch most often.
Hilleberg groups their tents into four labels. Think of the labels as a guide to strength, adaptability and weight.
The strongest and most storm-capable tents. Built for exposed conditions and regular winter use.
- Best for: winter, high winds, exposed pitches, frequent use
- Models to consider: Keron, Nammatj, Tarra, Soulo
Strong all-rounders for year-round use in mixed conditions. Often the best balance for people who want one tent for most trips.
- Best for: year-round use, mixed conditions, reliability without maximum weight
- Models to consider: Nallo, Kaitum, Allak
Lighter tents aimed at spring to autumn use and more careful pitch choice. They can be great, but they are less forgiving in very exposed weather.
- Best for: lighter backpacking, spring to autumn, more sheltered pitches
- Models to consider: Anjan, Niak, Enan
Group shelters designed for shared space and longer stays. Not the default choice for solo or two-person backpacking, but excellent for group trips and basecamp use.
- Best for: group trips, basecamp, a shared shelter for comfort and space
- Models to consider: Altai, Atlas, Stalon XL
Black Label: maximum strength for exposed camps and winter use
Red Label: all-round strength for year-round use in mixed conditions
Yellow Label: lighter options for spring to autumn and more sheltered pitches
Blue Label: group shelters for basecamp and shared space
This decision shapes how the tent behaves on real pitches.
Tunnel tents
Tunnels are often the best balance of space and strength for the weight. They can be very strong when pitched well, especially when oriented into the wind. The trade-off is that they need good pegging and a bit more thought about pitch choice.
Good if: you want more room for the weight and you are comfortable using pegs well
Models to consider: Nallo, Kaitum, Nammatj, Keron, Anjan
Freestanding tents
Freestanding tents are easier on rocky ground and awkward sites. You can set them up, move them into position and then peg out. This can be a big help when the pitch is uneven or space is tight. They can be a little heavier for the same internal space.
Good if: you often camp where pegging is harder or you want maximum flexibility
Models to consider: Soulo, Allak, Tarra
Use the scenario that matches how you camp most often.
Year-round UK use, including shoulder seasons
Start with Red Label unless you regularly camp in very exposed winter conditions.
Most people should look at:
- Nallo for a lighter carry and a classic tunnel layout
- Kaitum if you want more porch space and better liveability
- Allak if you want freestanding flexibility
If you expect more serious winter exposure:
- Nammatj for a tougher tunnel option
- Keron for maximum security and space in rough weather
- Soulo for a very secure solo tent
- Tarra if you want a strong freestanding two-person option
Winter and high wind, exposed pitches
This is where Black Label earns its keep.
Models to consider:
- Nammatj for storm focus in a tunnel format
- Keron if you want strength and space for longer trips
- Tarra for strong freestanding performance
Soulo for a highly weatherproof solo tent
Spring to autumn backpacking, weight focused
Start with Yellow Label, then step up to lighter Red Label if you want more margin.
Models to consider:
- Enan for low weight solo use in milder conditions
- Niak for lightweight two-person use and a compact pack
- Anjan for a lighter tunnel with good space
If you want more all-round weather security without going full Black:
- Nallo is often the sensible upgrade
Solo trips
Pick based on exposure and season.
More exposed or year-round use:
- Soulo for freestanding strength
- Nammatj if you prefer a tunnel layout and storm focus
- Nallo if you want a tunnel all-rounder and a lighter carry
Milder conditions and weight focus:
- Enan for lighter solo use
- Niak if you want extra space and comfort in calmer conditions
Longer trips where comfort matters
If you expect to spend time inside due to weather, space and porch design matter more.
Models to consider:
- Kaitum for an excellent balance of space and carry weight
- Keron if you want maximum space and storm capability
- Allak for freestanding comfort and easy pitching flexibility
- Altai / Atlas if you need group shelter space and a basecamp feel
Explore the tents by model
Dive in and take a look at each of the models we stock to see which one fits the bill for your next trip.
