The Hilleberg History
1971
Bo Hilleberg establishes his company, Hilleberg AB, and meets his future wife, Renate Neuner.
1973
The new couple/company design their first production tent the Keb, the first commercial tent to have a connected inner and outer. Its obvious advantage – simultaneous pitching of both elements of the tent – made it an immediate success.
1974-1976
Rolf and Petra join the family. Company and family move to Jämtland, both to be near their production facility and to take advantage of the area’s fantastic mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and of course, snowy winters for skiing – everything an outdoors-oriented family could want!
Bo discovers that a certain type of silicone-coated fabric is six to seven times stronger than nearly any other tent fabric, and, always the early – or in this case, the first – adopter, switches completely from polyurethane- to the silicone-coated fabric for outer tents. Dubbed Kerlon 1500, it has an exceptional tear strength of 15 kg/33 lbs.
1977-1978
Bo redesigns the linked inner and outer tent design so that the two pieces can be disconnected, and incorporates this into a tunnel tent design.
1980
The introduction of the Keron, successor to the earlier linked-but-separate inner and outer tent design.
1982-1984
The Nammatj and the original Stalon models are introduced.
1987-1989
The first generation Nallo model is introduced to great acclaim, both for its remarkably low weight and for its innovative integration of the venting system into the outer tent door.
The first, extended vestibule GT versions – Keron and Nammatj – are introduced.
1990-1993
Saitaris, the first Hilleberg dome tent, is introduced, as is the first Hilleberg tarp and their first single-wall, Gore-Tex model, the Rupal.
The Staika, the first fully free standing Hilleberg tent, joins the line.
The EX system is introduced in some tunnel tent models. With its zip on, zip off vestibules, it foreshadows the Modular tents that will come in the next decade.
All tents get adjustable pole holders, which makes pitching even easier.
1995
After a number of years of internal testing to get it just right, Bo and Renate debut the Akto, a roomy, very light, solo tent with true all season function. It is an immediate hit.
The European Outdoor Award is given for the first time. The Hilleberg Nallo wins best overall outdoor product.
1996-1997
The company buys property in Estonia and begins building the new Hilleberg factory. It opens on February 2, 1997.
Unna, the second fully free standing tent – a solo model – is introduced.
Adjustable peg attachments are added to the tents.
1998
The Saivo debuts. An immensely stable three person dome tent, it also showcases Bo’s short pole sleeve and clip system, which makes pitching tents with multiple pole crossings simpler and quicker, especially in windy conditions.
2000
Hilleberg, Inc., the US subsidiary in Redmond, WA, is established – and run – by Petra Hilleberg.
2001
The Bivanorak is introduced. A patented hybrid of garment and bivy bag, it is the commercial version of what was originally developed as survival gear for Swedish Air Force pilots.
2002
Kerlon 1000, the Ultralight version of the established Kerlon 1500, is introduced in the second generation of the Nallo. Its 10 kg/22 lbs tear strength make it five to six times stronger than most other “heavy duty” fabrics. It is also used on the new GT version of the Nallo, which is so popular that demand outstrips production.
2003
Rolf Hilleberg becomes Managing Director of Hilleberg the Tentmaker in Sweden. Bo Hilleberg continues as Chairman of the Board.
After extensive development, both Kerlon fabrics boast an improved tear strength: from 15kg/33 lbs to 18 kg/40 lbs, and from 10 kg/22 lbs to 12kg/26 lbs. Fabric names are changed to “Kerlon 1800” and “Kerlon “1200” to reflect this.
2005
The fully modular Stalon and Muddus are introduced. Also new is the first Hilleberg Ultralight dome tent, the Jannu, which was designed as the ultimate, high mountain assault tent.
2006
The company debuts the modular Atlas, the Ultralight Kaitum, and the superlight single wall shelter Rajd. All are the epitome of the Hilleberg low weight principle: the eight person Atlas weighs a remarkable 8.4 kg/18 lbs 11 oz; the two person Kaitum weighs just 2.8 kg/6 lbs 4 oz, yet boasts two doors, two vestibules and exceptional roominess; the two person shelter Rajd weighs a mere 950 g/2 lbs 2 oz, yet comfortably takes two plus gear.
Hilleberg sweeps the prestigious Gear of the Year Awards, given by the readers of the German magazine Outdoor. The Nallo 2, Keron 4 GT, and Kaitum all won their respective categories, and the Kaitum also received the Editor’s Choice award.
2008
The two-person Allak and solo Soulo are introduced. Both represent the next evolution in Hilleberg dome tents: Ultralight, fully free standing, including vestibule(s), with exceptional strength. Also joining the line is the three person version of the Kaitum.
2009
The Kaitum GT is introduced, in both two and three person sizes. Remarkably light and wonderfully spacious, the Kaitum GT completes the Kaitum “family,” which is the Ultralight complement to the Keron models.
2012
Hilleberg introduces the Anjan tunnel tents and Rogen dome tent. These models are designed as very lightweight options for trips in warmer environments and/or during the snow-free months of the year.
2013
To make it easier to choose the right tent, Hilleberg organizes its tents into one of four "Labels," Black, Red, Yellow or Blue. Each Label represents a grouping by components and/or construction. In the Yellow Label group, the Anjan GT is introduced, joining the Anjan and Rogen models.