The perfect tent

Рет қаралды 185,680

Жыл бұрын

The search for the perfect tent is like trying to find the holy grail. Here's a little of what I've learned and experienced when trying to find the best wild camping tent. All tents have their positives and negatives but I've found that finding the best backpacking tent is like trying to find a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
Link to the Trail Magazine Best Value Award 2022 Winning Tent - Wild Country Helm Compact 1
www.terra-nova.co.uk/products...
Use code Helm10 for a 10% discount off the sale price
Use code PAULM20 to get 20% off all other full price items on the Terra Nova website www.terra-nova.co.uk/?aff=624
Soto Torch Lighter amzn.to/3Qhgq51
Adapter for gas amzn.to/3zJ23zp
Link to the gear I use can be found here (more gear added every week)
www.messner.co.uk/my-kit-list
MASSIVE thanks to YOU. I couldn’t do this without your support.
One time channel support paypal.me/themessners
As requested by many of you. Thank you, it's much appreciated...here's how you buy me a beer or a coffee www.buymeacoffee.com/PaulMessner
Link to my Facebook Page and Group with loads of helpful advice and a great community.
/ paulme55ner
Please check out my website and help keep the channel going. Leave no trace T-shirts, hiking wear and more. www.messner.co.uk/
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.
#wildcamping #camping #backpacking

Пікірлер: 463

@markrico1917 Жыл бұрын

Your scripting is wonderful. It's so easy to listen to your videos - no wasted words, no awkward phrasing, just smooth transitions and a complete arc from beginning to end. Excellent work, and many thanks for the effort you put in.

@matthewgrace6915 Жыл бұрын

Still my go to guy for tips and tricks with wild camping. Always informative and helpful. Cheers Paul

@Darrenfive0 Жыл бұрын

A good watch that Paul. I often look back on all the gear I’ve bought over the years and I’m convinced the most expensive is not necessarily the best way to go. Thanks for posting 👍👍

@CosmicSeeker69 3 ай бұрын

Expensive= huge marketing budget

@pepstein Жыл бұрын

And here I am feeling silly for being on my third backpacking tent! But seriously, your broad experience, often with windy wet weather, gives you a good foundation for reviewing tents.

@darrenwaring609 Жыл бұрын

Really good video, Paul. Resonates with anyone who has been on the same journey. Your “to-camera” style is absolutely spot on - easy to watch, demonstrating a level of experience that can’t be bought. Nicely done pal 👍🏻

@phil.clarke Жыл бұрын

Agreed - it is the experience walking and camping that counts and not the tent. Even when a tent fails the memories of coping is more important than the tent.

@Thebluedocful Жыл бұрын

Paul, this is your best video in ages. Well, it is for someone like me who’s been following you for so long. Really nice to see the tent journey and your thought process. Appreciate everything you do and hope you’re happy and well 🗻

@thewanderingforester Жыл бұрын

Totally agree with the sentiment about the memories being the main takeaway from being in the hills whether hiking or wild camping. Not always great memories - sometimes more of a "learning experience"! - but many a tale to tell afterwards. I caught the love of the hills in the Scouts back in the mid-sixties and have been out there all my life. I'm pretty sure that ANY tent made now would have felt like the perfect tent back then. Having said that I've only just reconnected with wild camping in the last year - and I'm five tents in so far.....

@grelumbass Жыл бұрын

I really liked your run through of all (or at least most) of the tents you've used. It's good to hear about your journey and the reasons you went on it

@Smithyy12 Жыл бұрын

So true what you said at the end, stop looking for something that’s isn’t there , and enjoy what you have

@henrikmadsen6100 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul! Time well spent!

@KGi4 Жыл бұрын

My fist tent was Hilleberg Akto but it was 4 seasons and bad with ventilations, so i sold it and got MSR Hubba NX solo it was excellent for me but way too small, felt like sleeping in cofin, so i upgrated for 2 person and i cant be even more happy.. So getting comfortable tn is quite a journey of you are passionate about camping like Paul :) Great video and what a story Paul, you really have tried it all :D

@paulashby4952 Жыл бұрын

Paul, you are my go to fella when it comes to this sort of camping. Great information and perfectly delivered message. Thanks for another super video.

@AdamKucharczyk Жыл бұрын

I'm over 2 m long (205cm) which eliminates almost all tents - as they are just too short. I did a research, and it was YOU, who let me decide on the TN Helm 2 Compact (which has some extra longitude due to the way the poles are set up, those small triangles added the usual rectangular floor). I couldn't be happier, so thank you for your work and the videos of such a great quality! As for my search for a perfect tent a lot of credit goes to you :)

@FisherScotland 10 ай бұрын

Oh I know your pain I’m 1.94 m and I’m absolutely devastated of selection of tents 😢

@cyrilhaessig27 6 ай бұрын

Tent manufacturers should do a standard and a large version of their models, similar to what sleeping mat manufacturers do.

@claudia1215 Жыл бұрын

Sitting here with a coffee on a Saturday morning and this was such a joy to watch/listen. I really love this format, and hope you think about taking us through the history of some of your other gear. I recently got back from a 200mile/2week solo trip in Norway, and I spent my zero day catching up on your videos. Just what I needed to regroup!

@joinmeoutdoors Жыл бұрын

Great video. The research, hesitant purchase and subsequent testing of each tent along the way is what makes it fun trying to find "the one". We all know deep inside that the next tent won't tick ALL the boxes, but damnit we can try! 😁

@veroniquediallo6055 Жыл бұрын

This was such a great story about all of the tents you've had experiences with, wow. You are in my top five when needing info on gear. I thoroughly love and look forward to your videos.

@joerobinson1196 Жыл бұрын

Banshee was my first wild camping tent. Used it for about 6 years with no problems at all, it was even able to handle a week of wild camping in Arctic Circle in Norway. Top tent 💯

@mariumrajah Жыл бұрын

Lovely video enjoyed watching Thank you Paul

@mrbenn4385 Жыл бұрын

Your presentation is a breath of fresh air Paul. Honest experience with a laid back approach 👍

@JBwhattodo Жыл бұрын

I used your discount code the other week for helm 1 footprint, Thank you Paul. Enjoyable speech on tents 👍🏼

@chrisholt2474 Жыл бұрын

Great film, food for thought, thank you.

@darrenleigh201 Жыл бұрын

An experiential camper. That's what it is all about! Thanks for sharing

@dianekivi5349 5 ай бұрын

I have a Banshee and I pitch both inner & outer together!

@mrcpilling Жыл бұрын

Classic Messener. Another great video Paul. And a fantastic message. My first wild camp was in a borrowed banshee 200 years. I'll never forget it waking up at the foot of Scafell (not pike) and hoiking the thing up and over the next morning. Nowadays a Helm 2 takes me up the mountains in Wales. You're right though, it's not the gear, it's all about the experiences. Good lad!

@thesouthernwoodsmanuk216 Жыл бұрын

your right. being out experience the outdoors is the most important. . thanx buddy.

@karyn4875 Жыл бұрын

beautifully done.

@coachhannah2403 Жыл бұрын

I am an old, fair-weather backpacker who usually does in-and-out basecamping who sleeps under the stars until chased indoors by actual precipitation. For me, the Big Agnes Scout 2 Carbon at 15 oz works well. I do not use stakes (they rarely are practical in my area), but made pads from tarp material on which I place rocks. YMMV

@johnscully1836 Жыл бұрын

reminds me of a golfing friend of mine Paul, he has gone through so many different golf drivers looking for the perfect one and has now returned to one of the originals after finding some small issue with most of them. So whether its camping, golfing or whatever my advice would be, enjoying the moment is whats important.......love your vlogs by the way...

@markmcguigan1 Жыл бұрын

What a great show. You are a real inspiration.

@mickymazda1 Ай бұрын

Thanks for your content Paul. It's always so reasoned and well presented. Your love of camping became clear to me today with a single shot from this video - 3:20. I get it.

@summittotalkabout.podcast Жыл бұрын

So true! I'm still searching for the perfect tent. It's an expensive journey and I've loved every minute of it but like you said, its the experience of the camping that we remember. I still have very fond memories of my first wild camps using my Banshee. Great video Paul 👌

@michellevegangoodlife Жыл бұрын

Great video. Very true and wise advice. The perfect tent is highly subjective, like an art painting that some love and others don't. The great tent for me is the Eurohike backpacker delux 2, I love it. I've used it in all weathers and seasons and never let me down.

@ukpreppermuminspire-shoppingpa Жыл бұрын

Looking for a tent and this was very helpful, thanks for sharing 👌👍

@WessexBladesHandMadeKnives Жыл бұрын

yep Banshee 300...good little tent, I have an Aldi adventure 4 for calm weather with a mate, the monstrous Diablo 600 if rainy but not too windy(not into parasailing...), and a mixture of the cheapest tents I can buy in the winter sales, the Avon 3 is roomy but alas the poles are fibreglass rather than aluminium on the budget Eurohikes, my latest is an £8 gamble from a charity shop, looking forward to try that out(already quick pitched in garden ...) for an over night, but still feel happy with two army bashas popped together, great video again Paul, your considered conversational presentation makes for a valued watch!

@TobyHaskins Жыл бұрын

This is such a good video. I loved how you worked through all the tents you have had over the years and the pros n cons of each. Very helpful as I am looking to buy a tent right now. Think the Durston will win the day.

@chrisf5475 Жыл бұрын

Loved this 😊

@paulbutler8737 Жыл бұрын

Great video lots of useful tips

@dannysadventuresyt Жыл бұрын

love this one Paul, great stuff!

@MrYellopz Жыл бұрын

Really good video Paul! Cheers!

@gj2772 Жыл бұрын

This video is one of my faves of late Paul. Great way of putting it at the end there. Ultimately its all about feeding that urge to be out on that hill... Great to see you back at your best pal.

@Segasocks Жыл бұрын

Loved watching that one Paul!

@insoleandlaces Жыл бұрын

Love my Terra Nova Solar which is now very old but still going strong and my even older Vango Force 10.

@frstesiste7670 Жыл бұрын

I've used a lot of different tents and ended up with two favorite basic designs. 1. Pyramid: Love the simplicity of design and setup, really good (but not perfect) in high winds (when done right) and can be superlight particularly when used with trekking poles. The disadvantage is that to get a fair amount of room inside they take up a lot of area which to some degree limit where you can set it up. 2. Two crossed poles free standing. Again, love the simplicity and symmetry of the design and ease of setup. You get the same volume with a lot smaller footprint than a pyramid but need dedicated poles. It's probably the type I've used the most and have this basic type from BD, Marmot and Eureka. What I haven't found yet is the second type with a perfect vestibule design, or at least a design where I can use the door in rain without getting water on the floor. What I'd like is a model where the inner tent is around 50cm shorter than the outer in on end creating a vertical wall on the inner and a small vestibule with the door slightly away from the wall of the inner tent.

@MarkoCoomo Жыл бұрын

Great watch Paul. Not even out camping in the wilds and really enjoyed it!! 👍👍

@IanTed Жыл бұрын

Still using my Halo 200 for motorcycle camping, best £100 I’ve ever spent, easy to set up and pack up and a doddle to move. Weight isn’t so much of an issue as backpacking but I still love your channel for reviews of accessories and I share your love of the great outdoors, maybe not quite as adventurous, great channel👍

@walkaboutphilpots3795 Жыл бұрын

I Love tents , different little houses to pop up on almost any spot that suits , get cosy and and get a brew on, just great. The SC1 is a great tent.

@XraySpectacles Жыл бұрын

got one about 14 years ago and still use it , GREAT tent

@sammers82 10 ай бұрын

Love this video 👍

@jschwitters Жыл бұрын

Greatest video ever about this topic. Greetings from Germany. Watching the video I realized that I watched all the videos about these tents. Great peace of KZfaq Art!

@elainajourney Жыл бұрын

That was super wholesome

@xxn0thing Жыл бұрын

I just had to retire my first "real" tent. So many memories of introducing my daughter to camping! She's grown and on her own now. I have had many, many other tents come and go, but the memories that came with this one are irreplaceable. 🙂

@96gaber Жыл бұрын

Great video Paul!

@yasminshikingmission Жыл бұрын

Hey nice tips 😊and great info thanks for sharing Paul

@saintbrocardus3046 Жыл бұрын

I havent finished the video yet, but this is by far the best one you've made. Kudos! dont ever quit!!!!

@abbasv3700 Жыл бұрын

Excellent point at the end. Although you could house a small village at this point!

@sf9000 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video, Paul. A good tent becomes a companion over time - the paper only matters when you're shopping!

@allyp7 Жыл бұрын

looking forward to the Durston video. i'm looking to get that for bike packing next year. great vid as always!!

@thewatchman6074 3 ай бұрын

The older you get, the more comfort and and staying dry becomes the main priority for a wild camp. I've actually been using the Wild country hoolie 2 for a couple of years. Very little condensation, no leaks, and tons of space. Down sides are it's not movable, and has a big footprint, so you need plenty of space for a set up. (PS, I'll probably never see it again, as the Grandson borrowed it)

@LMay64 Жыл бұрын

So true! I’ve progressed and regressed through 12 different tents, tarps, bivies and hammock systems in search of my perfect tent. My first SMD Skyscape Trekker X (amazing for stargazing but sooooo fussy!) was my first DCF tent. I’ve gone on to get the duplex (including the flex poles to make it freestanding), an Altaplex, dcf tarps and a borah bivy as well as the OR Alpine Ascentshell bivy, and most recently a Tarptent Moment DW and a Durston XMid. I won’t even touch on my different hammock setups, from Dream Hammock to Warbonnet. (I’m ashamed to admit I’m contemplating a new kit by Superior Hammock with a sewn on UQ). I have a shelter addiction to say the least. They are sort of like children as I love them all - except the Altaplex. My search for the perfect pack is nearly as bad. Oh well. They all bring joy and amazing memories (except my Altaplex lol).

@camptube7621 Жыл бұрын

You beat me to reviewing this classic tent. Great video and you are right. This is the perfect tent in every way.

@benwalks Жыл бұрын

I got a station 13 Whisper, 1 man, good vestibule, lightweight etc loved it that much I got the station 13 shield which was the same design but 3/4 season. Honestly love them!

@bobbanks4277 Жыл бұрын

Loved the way you finished this video. Loved my first wee tent. Cheap, cotton inner, tiny wee door that, if it had been raining, you couldn't get in or out of without getting wet. Wouldn't have fancied it up a hill in weather but it saw me through a lot. I've never found the perfect tent either and these days I've got two. A small tepee style one that uses the trekking poles. Spacious, light but, yes, breezy and not ideal in colder weather and another, heavier tent that let's the wind in less for the other times. Both have things I love. Both have things I don't. Neither create an experience any different from just getting out there with something that does the job.

@sujoyteslesl Жыл бұрын

Excellent content, Paul. Always grateful that I found your channel, dude. - Cheers, from Toronto

@Andy_84 Жыл бұрын

Enjoyed your honest take on some of the high end tents. I sometimes think people are scared to give an honest review of these expensive tents due to backlash you receive for having an opinion. Each to their own as far as I'm concerned, it's your money at the end of the day. For me the dd xl pyramid tent and/or a tarp does the job. And my hot tent in the winter when car camping. Looking at getting a bivvy at the moment to add to my tarp setup. Enjoying the videos 👍

@janellekoch Жыл бұрын

Just purchased a Scarp 1 after months of waiting for it to come back into stock! I’m happy to tramp with a slightly larger pack so excited to give it a go and see if it can handle the NZ conditions over here 😍

@garrycollins3415 Жыл бұрын

Well done.

@EricBanner571 Жыл бұрын

It's not so much about the tent but the journey and experiences. after watching many of your videos, I settled on the Terra Nova starlight 2. Plenty large, super light and the quality is outstanding.

@briantheminer Жыл бұрын

Great sentiment right at the end 👌

@FantomsNephew Жыл бұрын

Wonderful reasoning!

@shaunjbaird1 Жыл бұрын

nice and perfectly said!

@cajunrangers Жыл бұрын

Just bought the Wild Country(Terra Nova) Helm 1 on your previous(original) video recommendation - think suppliers have just been restocked. Not had a chance to use it yet but I'm looking forward to it. Great to see you back to your old self Paul - and enjoying making videos again - keep up the good work. 👏🏻👍🏻🙂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@EliBaskin Жыл бұрын

A couple of months back I spent 5 days in Iceland. My Tarptent Stratospire Li withstood high winds, and was a bombshell. Lightweight, pretty easy to set up. It's not free-standing, sure, but it's my tent of choice, and I just love it. Tarptent Stratospire Li is the tent for me.

@kevinoshea2870 Жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed that vid...🤟

@h.bsfaithfulservant4136 Жыл бұрын

Great vid Paul 👍

@robbymonger9381 Жыл бұрын

I have a big Agnes 3 man tent that I bought for a less bulky car camping situation and when we started backpacking I just brought it. It weighs way more than most backpacker tents but it is manageable and it is a really nice tent. So until it is too ragged to keep using I think I am stuck with it

@georgejossaume2417 Жыл бұрын

Paul, if I could like a video twice, I would. Amazing insight, thank you

@ironkid8836 Жыл бұрын

I get that feeling on two fronts on my harley and when I am camping out

@thebikepackingadventurer Жыл бұрын

I love my Helm1 and Pioneer2. Not sure I will ever need more than this. I don’t chase lightweight ever, as I would prefer more robust. Although I am 6’3 and 90kgs and an endurance cyclist, so a couple of kgs more doesn’t bother me in the slightest. As long as my pack is 20kgs or under I can walk all day. 1 tent that is perfect for every condition doesn’t exist in my mind. Good to have a few for every scenario

@garrettdempsey Жыл бұрын

I think you can slim down the tent if it's only for sleeping and augment it with a good tarp system for sitting in to cook/relax etc.

@gcprost Жыл бұрын

You certainly have had your share of tents. I taught backpacking, canoeing, ski touring and mountaineering for 14 years. I haven’t had nearly as many tents. My favourite for solo and two person use is the MSR Hubba Hubba. I live in Calgary, Alberta right up against the Rocky Mountains.

@TheSoloSummiteer Жыл бұрын

Totally agree Paul. It’s a means to an end 👍

@PaulMessner Жыл бұрын

Still searching for the perfect means to an end though Dave 😂

@guitarhiker4449 Жыл бұрын

Nice choices! Its good your trying a large range of tents, designs and price ranges. I personally tried alot of one man tents but i'm quickly realizing a two man tent is probably the way to go. Large enough for 2 but a palace for one. One tent i wish i never parted ways with was the 2019 version of the big agnes copper spur hv ul 1 tent in olive color. More room than any one man i have used! Super fast setup and very breathable and waterproof! It had a bad stitched area near the tents main door zipper. Kinda bugged me so i sold it and figured i would just buy another one. Little did i know it would be discontinued and a new 2020 version released (which i don't personally like). My other favorite one man tent is the US military Litefighter 1 tent in multicam camo. Awesome little tent!! Very packable, easy setup and super weather resistant! I have used it in many storms with zero leaks!! A few tents i'm considering are the sea to summit Telos 2. Or the nemo bikepacking 2 tent. Or the tarptent double rainbow Li tent. Keep searchin Paul i' m sure you will eventually find what your looking for! Stay safe! Hike on!!

@malcoppock4255 Жыл бұрын

Great video Paul. Some great pointers there. Not been out for such a long time. I last used a tent 5 years ago. Not mine but my mates. Need to do some solo stuff now so looking around. I must see your 35lr camp set up.

@jeffstevens763 Жыл бұрын

Good info Paul good to you smile more👍

@davidbrierley391 Жыл бұрын

Hi Paul, another great video👍 I get the impression that your heading towards designing your own tent, incorporating all the features you’re after, I bet you’ve thought about it. Keep up the good work 🫡

@T0myTune Жыл бұрын

wonderful video! :D keep it up!

@coletribe3503 Жыл бұрын

Another grand video Paul. Shared a very similar journey and identify with all your dilemmas. Currently, my go to tents are: Vaude Hogan Ultralight 1-2 person for solo camping or with my son Wild Country Hoolie 2 Etc for camping with wife and our two pointers🐶 … and when you bought your Rab tarp recently, it got me looking too and I ended up with a Rab Element 2 Shelter which I’m looking forward to trying soon. My holy grail, is weight and compactness too. Aiming for less than 800g shelter and all that i need for a weekend in 35l rucksack. Keep sharing your insights and adventures, they always inspire and entertain.

@niksgee3538 10 ай бұрын

Fantastic video. I don't watch KZfaq videos too often. But going back years had seen you with 85 per cent of these tents. Good to see you doing OK.

@andrewforrest8938 Жыл бұрын

I'm going out 2 weeks time for a 3 day camp with my mate in the peak District ,there's never ending Search for a great tent, isn't out, thanks Paul for a great video 👍

@pcoley Жыл бұрын

Ah the Banshee 300. Carried that across the Alps on the GR5 and loved it. No need for anything else!

@CampNWildWithTheDragon Жыл бұрын

Thee tent ohh yeeaahh, great content as always 👍

@alanhayward6719 Ай бұрын

Great video, just saved me lots of money and frustration when buying a tent.

@SocialCamping Жыл бұрын

I was nursing my son in the early hrs on the sofa a week ago and stumbled across your channel. Gonna get set up and take him with me. Wish I’d have done it sooner

@robertpullicino2391 Жыл бұрын

Dear Paul, my first tent was a Banshee 300 and now I have 6 tents (more really but I am embarrassed to say how many) .... in any case I still have my Banshee 300 and will always treasure it ..... I had a smile throughout your video ..... 🙂

@sophieprinz416 Жыл бұрын

I did 2,5 month in the highlands with a 50€ Harley Davidson tent. It's definately time for a proper tent now but the time I had with it was an experience I'll never forget.

@MrKenthepainter Жыл бұрын

Well done you 👏

@biagiosadventures7204 Жыл бұрын

Indeed, tent and sleeping mat are my two weakness.

@edwardenglish6919 9 ай бұрын

Your videos deserve a subscription. Well done. "Don't be like me, save your money." I've used the original Hubba Hubba for 12 years now, wind and rain, quick deploy and take-down, reasonable size and weight, well built, strong poles. I just got back from a 3 week canoe trip with many portages, no regrets.