Frequently Asked Questions

General

Do your tents have a rain fly?

We call the rain-fly the outer tent. What you see in the pictures is the outer tent, that being red or green.
One important feature that, in our opinion, distinguishes a true four-season tent is that the outer portion comes all the way to the ground around the entire perimeter of the tent. This helps keep out wind, rain, and snow.
On a Hilleberg tent, the outer and inner are hooked together and pitched simultaneously; saving time and keeping rain from reaching the inner tent. The outer can be pitched separately when you need a larger shelter or the inner can also be pitched separately in warm and dry conditions to keep the bugs away.

One of my pole sections is bent, is this normal?

Some of our tent models come with slightly pre-bent poles. These poles have a few sections that are pre-bent in order to reduce stress on the pole.

Why are your tents so expensive?

The materials used in a Hilleberg tent are of the highest quality, therefore they are also more expensive than many others.
Our exclusive Kerlon fabric has a tear-strength up to six times that of ordinary tent fabrics, and our groundsheet material was chosen because it is the most waterproof and puncture proof fabric we have found.
We have our own factory in Europe where one person makes each tent. You can even find their nametags inside the tent. We do not mass-produce anything. Each tent is assembled and checked before being sent out. We never compromise on quality or safety in order to achieve a lower price.

Do I need footprints? Do the footprints cover the vestibules?

A footprint will increase the life of the floor and protect it from damage. However, it is not needed for the function of the tent. The groundsheet fabric is waterproof and puncture proof.
Some people like to have footprints to keep mud off the tent or to cover the vestibule floor. Footprints help prevent dampness from the ground from condensating on the inside of the outer tent. We sell footprints that cover the entire underside of the tent including vestibules. They tie on to the rings, where the inner tent attaches to the outer tent, with toggles. The tent may be packed with the footprint tied on.
When returning from a trip make sure both pieces are fully dry before packing away.

Are your tents double-walled?

Yes, all of our tents consist of an inner tent of breathable water-repellant fabric that is attached to a waterproof outer. This design decreases condensation and increases insulation. They are pitched simultaneously giving a quicker, more integrated set up with the inner always protected from the rain from the moment you take it out of the bag until it is pitched.
From a safety standpoint, a double wall is advantageous because it will still protect you from the weather in the event that one of the layers becomes damaged.
A double wall tent with the inner attached with shock-cords and toggles also allows more flexibility since both the inner and outer can be used separately.

I want a tent with no condensation.

One can always expect some condensation in a tent in certain conditions.
Some factors that lead to condensation are high humidity and or lack of wind outside the tent. Inside the tent we are dealing with moisture from our breath, the ground, and wet clothing.
Our double wall tents are designed to minimize condensation as much as possible. The breathable inner tent fabric lets air-born droplets of water out, like humidity from our breath or the ground. And at the same time it repels the large droplets from coming in; those coming from the condensation that can form on the inside of the outer tent.
In a smaller tent, you might feel like there is more condensation but it is really only closer to you.
We do our best to minimize condensation by choosing the best fabrics and giving vent placement careful consideration. You can read more on condensation in the Tent Information section.

Can I fit my pack in the vestibule?

Hilleberg tents generally have larger than average vestibules.
They are designed to accommodate at least the amount of gear for the number of people for which it is intended.
GT – models have an extended vestibule. Keron 4 GT's even have vestibules big enough to park two bicycles.
When using the tent on longer trips in the winter or when extra gear is required, we usually recommend going up one size in the tent or opting for a GT model for extra room and comfort.

Why don’t you add more mesh screening to your tents?

Since all of our tents can be used year-round, you need to be able to fully close the tent in severe weather.
Each time we add mesh we also have to add zippers and inner tent fabric to cover the mesh when needed. Otherwise, driving snow or rain can pack on to the mesh and melt through. Adding the necessary zippers will increase the weight.
This question illustrates the difficult balance between features and weight and deciding which is most necessary.

What are the differences between a Nallo and a Nammatj?

While both are very good four-season tents, the Nammatj is better suited for extreme weather while the Nallo has an emphasis on lighter weight.
The Nallo uses the lighter weight Kerlon fabric on the outer tent and a lighter weight groundsheet material. The quality of both these fabrics is higher than standard; they are just a lighter version of what the Nammatj uses. The Nallo has a large vent integrated into the entrance with various venting options. For 2005 the Nallo adds a fabric backed mesh vent on the back of the inner tent and an option to roll up the back of the outer tent for more airflow.
The Nammatj has a more protected entrance with two large vents with guy lines on each end. The Nammatj also has a vent on the back of the inner tent with access to through to adjust the outer vent. The Nammatj GT adds a mesh door to the outer tent entrance which the Nallo GT does not have.
The Nallo is more streamlined in appearance because it has a shorter rear pole which helps reduce weight.
For longer, more demanding winter expeditions and high altitude use we usually recommend the Nammatj over the Nallo, but the Nallo is one of our most popular and award winning models and is still a very strong and weather proof four season tent.

What color should I choose?

Customers often pick red to stand out or green to blend in. With our tents you have a choice of color for every model. Because the inner tent is yellow, there is no effect on mood between choosing red or green. The colors do not make a difference on temperature in the tent or the amount of light it lets through.

What additional items do I need to buy for my tent?

All the tents come complete with the necessary poles, standard pegs, and guy lines with line runners included. You also get a stuffbag, pole bag, peg bag, spare pole section with repair sleeve, and instructions.
Depending on the intended use, you may want to purchase additional or special use ground pegs. These you will find in the accessories – spare parts section on this website.
Some customers may also choose to buy footprints. Footprints cover the complete underside of tent including vestibules.
In the event that you would like to pitch the inner tent separately, you will need the separate pole holders: 2 for each pole. For example, an Akto requires two while a Nammatj requires four.
Check in the tent description to find out how many your tent requires.

What is your warranty?

We offer a lifetime guarantee on materials and workmanship. Excluded from this guarantee are damages from accidents, inappropriate handling or lack of care. Ordinary wear and effects from UV exposure are not covered. All repairs not covered by this warranty will be carried out promptly and at minimal cost.

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