Hilleberg Akto One Person Solo Tent Review 2016/06/12
The Hilleberg Akto needs little introduction. A one person tent from
the world-renowned Swedish company. A design that has been tested over
the last 20 years in some of the harshest environments.
Introduction
The Hilleberg Akto has been in my kit list for nearly 5 years and has
indeed served me well; the aim of this review is to discuss in detail
its real world issues, which make the Akto a slightly confusing piece of
kit.
The first obstacle is to understand that it’s a tent not without
flaws. Even though it has had slight revisions over the years these
are only minor changes, the fact that the design has not really
altered over this time is one issue that gives rise to many factors
when used out in real world conditions.
Condensation
Condensation can be an issue in the Akto and you can literally have
drips from the underside of the fly sheet on some very still damp muggy
nights. It is improved somewhat by using the foot print but it is not
completely removed when faced with these conditions. That is not to say
the condensation gets into the inner as the design keeps this in mind
and so there is a substantial gap between inner and outer which helps
keep the condensation away from you and the inner.
The three points of ventilation are the big vents at each end of the
tent which can be opened from the outside only and the mini one at the
top of the door which is covered by an awning like the ones at each
end of the tent. With all three open and the Akto pitched into the
wind, even a slight breeze, the condensation is well managed and
seldom a problem.
Ventilation
The vent on top of the door leads to another problem which is where the
rain can be drawn up the fabric that holds the zip and eventually starts
to drip into the porch area. This goes unnoticed until you stick a
footprint in there and then you wake up with some water in your porch.
It requires the user to pitch the tent and apply some silicon seam
sealer to this area to stop it happening, I am yet to do this as it only
drips a small amount and has not concerned me so much.
For some of you reading this you will be wanting to find the perfect
one-person tent in the Hilleberg Akto so keep reading because it does
get better.
The Hilleberg Akto
Well first and foremost the Hilleberg Akto is made from the best
materials available. Its famous silicon nylon rip stop they call Kerlon.
DAC Featherlite NSL poles and the attention to detail in the use of
quality durable components used throughout the tent. Makes the Akto
shine on the quality side of things. These features all come together
and helps in making the Akto a very stable and durable piece of kit. All
of this adds to the weight though. The term stable is highly subjective
as its only a one pole tent and therefore is not a fully featured storm
tent. However it can certainly take a beating. I have personally faced
40mph gusts on one particular night with the Akto and it was pushed
around but it did not fail, there was so much rain that night that the
pegs were partly submerged when I got out the tent the next morning,
however the groundsheet kept the water out!
At 1.6kg its not the lightest one-person tent around, add a footprint
and you are looking close to 2kg. So why carry this extra weight? I
think it's down to the extra reassurance that your shelter can handle
a bit more if the conditions change. Still maintaining a liveable
environment whilst on the trail.
Pitching
The Hilleberg Akto is a tent you really pitch twice each time. It
happens in two stages, first you get the tent up and erect it. It is
VERY quick to pitch. In bad wet conditions without wind this first stage
is enough to just allow you to get out of the rain and happily spend a
night. However if you are faced with wind then it's highly recommended
to walk around the Hilleberg Akto again. Tightening and potentially
repositing some of the pegs and guy lines. As the results will be well
worth the time. This extra step in pitching allows you get the fly sheet
extra taught and guy lines in the proper position for maximum wind
stability.
Guylines
Each end of the tent there are two loops of guy lines connected to the
mini fibreglass poles at each corner of the tent. This is such a well
thought out approach. It gives strength without the need for
discreet guy lines and pegs as each of the loops do the job of 2
separate guy lines. Once all ten pegs are engaged correctly the Akto
takes on another form. One of solid performance in mixed conditions
which includes a strong wind. The Hilleberg Akto is pitch as one, the
inner and outer are connected. This is an absolute life saver when
pitching in wet conditions. The Akto can also be pitched inner only or
fly only. Optional accessories also include a total mesh inner.
Replacing the nylon and mesh inner you get with the tent, this complete
mesh offering would be for hotter environments.
Dimensions
Inside the Hilleberg Akto there is plenty of room for a very tall person
(I’m roughly 188cm) in terms of length and width. The midge screen door
is again very big to allow adequate internal ventilation. Sadly
the midge netting does not extend right to the base of tent. It would be
nice to be able to lay there looking out at the view. If you want to do
this then you have to have the inner open which could potentially let in
insects.
Living in the Akto on extended trips is
a pleasure even for a tall chap like myself! With one roomy internal
pocket and space inside the inner for a large roll mat along with
clothing and equipment it doesn’t feel cramped. The porch area is big
enough to cook in and store your rucksack and boots again with space
left over. However head room is an issue for me and I can't sit up
without my head touching the inner.
