The Wild Country Helm Elite 1 tent is a lightweight and compact backpacking option, ideal for solo adventurers seeking a balance between weight and comfort. This review delves into the details of this updated single-person shelter, examining its performance in various conditions and comparing it to its predecessor. We'll assess its ease of setup, interior space, weather resistance, and overall value for money. Key features like the impressive hydrostatic head, recycled materials, and the redesigned pack system will be thoroughly investigated.This comprehensive review will explore whether the Helm Elite 1 lives up to its claims of lightweight performance and reliable protection from the elements. We'll discuss its suitability for various camping scenarios, from mild three-season adventures to the limitations it may present in harsher conditions. Ultimately, we aim to provide a clear and unbiased assessment to help you determine if this tent is the right choice for your backpacking needs.
Pros And Cons
- Weighs 1.75 kg (slightly lighter than advertised)
- 4000 hydrostatic head fly sheet, 5000 hydrostatic head ground sheet
- Recycled PFC3 materials
- Compact and slim pack size, easily fits in a backpack
- Easy to set up
- Inner tent is pre-attached to fly sheet
- Freestanding design
- Includes pockets and loops for storage and lights
- Mesh vent for ventilation
- Roomy for a one-person tent
- Vestibule areas on either side for storage
- Good wind performance (three-season tent)
- Not the most lightweight tent
- Only one entrance
- Inner tent can be a hassle to detach and reattach
- Thin ground sheet; footprint recommended for protection
- Pricey (£325 on Teranova website)
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Weight and Specifications
The Helm Elite 1 boasts a claimed weight of 1.77 kg, though my own weighing revealed it to be slightly lighter. This makes it a competitive option in the lightweight backpacking tent market. The tent features impressive hydrostatic heads: 4,000mm for the flysheet and 5,000mm for the groundsheet, ensuring reliable protection from the elements. It's also constructed from recycled PFC-free materials, showing a commitment to sustainability.
The specifications are largely similar to its predecessor, with the key differences being the color, now a striking 'Goblin Blue', and a significantly updated pack design.
New Pack and Setup
The new pack is a significant improvement, featuring a lightweight and durable design without clips. Its slim and compact nature makes it easy to slip into a backpack, streamlining your trekking experience. Setting up the tent is incredibly simple and intuitive; the poles slide effortlessly into their sleeves.
The color-coded poles and sleeves make assembly straightforward and quick. The pre-attached inner tent and flysheet further expedite setup, saving valuable time in the field. The tent is also freestanding, allowing for easy repositioning on uneven terrain.
Interior Space and Features
Despite being a one-person tent, the Helm Elite 1 offers surprising interior space. It's roomy enough for comfortable sitting, with enough headroom for a 6'3" individual (though taller users might find their head touching the ceiling). There are convenient pockets for storing small items and a loop for hanging a light.
Ventilation is well-considered, with a mesh vent and a partially or fully opening doorway, providing ample airflow while keeping out insects. There's also a good amount of storage space in the vestibule areas, perfect for gear.
Groundsheet and Footprint
The groundsheet boasts a 5,000mm hydrostatic head, offering excellent water resistance. While thin, its durability is enhanced by the use of a footprint (sold separately) to protect it from sharp objects like pine needles. Using a footprint is highly recommended, especially when pitching in areas with rough terrain.
This is particularly useful in environments like pine forests, where sharp pine needles could easily puncture the groundsheet. The footprint adds an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
Overall Assessment and Value
The Helm Elite 1 is a solid one-person tent, offering a good balance of weight, packability, and interior space. While the 300g weight saving over its predecessor may not be significant for all users, serious backpackers will appreciate the reduction. The freestanding design and ease of setup are definite advantages.
However, the price point of £325 is somewhat high, especially when considering its near-identical specifications to the previous model. If you can find it at a lower price (around £200), the Helm Elite 1 becomes a much more compelling purchase. It is a good all-around tent suitable for most three-season camping, but probably not suitable for harsh winter conditions or high-altitude mountaineering.
