Are Hilleberg Tents Worth The Money? 

Last Updated on 18/12/2022

are Hilleberg Tents Worth The Money

In this article, you’ll find out, are Hilleberg tents worth the money. You will learn why Hilleberg tents are so expensive and what makes them different from almost all other tents on the market.

When it comes to purchasing a tent for camping, there is a myriad of choices out there, and it likely won’t take long before you begin to wonder why there is such a discrepancy between the cost of these portable shelters. At the top end of that scale are Hilleberg tents, ranging new from £680 to a whopping £5375! 

As such, you might find yourself questioning why Hilleberg tents are so expensive.bn Whether you’re looking into a single-person solo backpacking tent or a tent to take on a multi-month expedition across Antarctica, this guide will aim to outline why Hilleberg tents are worth the money.

We break down the materials and technologies used, the single-person craftsmanship that goes into each product, and the testing, assembly, and quality control methods used before a tent is sent out. Long story short, there’s a lot that goes into making these tents, and we’ll be taking a deep dive into all things Hilleberg.

Are Hilleberg Tents Worth The Money?

To find out if Hilleberg Tents are worth the money, you have to ask yourself two simple questions to figure out if your situation requires such an elite tent and also if you can spare the money. If the answer to both f these is yes then Hilleberg tents are totally worth the money.

The first question to ask is, do I need it? If you are camping in extreme conditions in remote locations, then you need to be able to trust your life in your tent. In this case, you may need one. Similarly, if you go camping every weekend for four seasons of the year, then you are going to need a tent that can stand up to the test of time.

The second important question to ask is, can I afford it? If the thought of spending over $500 on a tent makes you sweat, then maybe it’s too much for you right now. When money is tight, buying a high-end tent is not going to help the situation and is probably not worth the money. If you buy something you can’t afford, it’s hard to enjoy it to the fullest.

“If you can’t buy it twice, you can’t afford it” Jay-Z

Hilleberg tent quality proving itself in winter

Why Are Hilleberg Tents So Expensive?

Hilleberg tents are not just expensive for the sake of being expensive. A lot goes into developing and crafting them as well as sourcing the world’s most advanced materials. Here is a look at some of the different reasons why Hlleberg tents cost so much:

Materials

The Hilleberg brand prides itself in uncompromising quality, offering strength, reliability, durability, and low weight for its products. The fabric used to make the tent shelter needs to be both waterproof and breathable, thus letting air escape without allowing water droplets in, and Hilleberg has created fabrics that do just this.

They often use triple laminated silnylon for the outer shell, which has been proven to be one of the lightest, strongest, most waterproof, and most durable available today. Not only that, but they undergo extensive testing, but more on that later. Hilleberg then uses DAC poles to form the frame of most tents; these poles are significantly stronger and lighter than most other tent poles. 

In fact, every element of a Hilleberg tent has been considerately designed to the highest quality. From YKK zips to super strong guy lines made from Vectran fibers, polyester and extra light tent pegs, the entire design has maximized comfort and durability and minimized weight as a priority. 

Craftsmanship

While most tents are mass produced by machines and factory lines, Hilleberg are actively preserving the art of tent making as well as innovating new designs. 

Each tent is then hand-cut to shape using preset patterns and then stitched together. There is no mass production here – just care and dedication by a small team working hard to build tents that last.

Every tent is signed by the maker (like a luxury car engine), which goes to show how much care goes into making it.

Importation

The world can be a confusing place when it comes to buying ‘locally’ since it can often cost more to purchase products in-country than import them from abroad. The same can be said for Hilleberg.

Each tent is manufactured in Europe – Estonia, to be exact. Each design is driven by problem-solving rather than creating something new. As mentioned above, Hilleberg wants to make life easier for the user rather than create something that looks good but doesn’t stand up to the job.

While wages are lower in Eastern Europe, when you export and import things like customs fees, taxes, and reseller licenses always add on way more

Testing and Quality Assurance

Testing and quality assurance begin right at the design phase of a tent. To begin with, Hilleberg uses CAD technologies to plan, then develop prototypes that are field tested throughout the year and in all weather conditions. 

Once the design is complete and materials have been ordered, but before any tent is cut to size whilst the fabric is still in a roll, it is rigorously tested for proper color, abrasion resistance, waterproofness where appropriate, weight, and many other properties. The fabric also undergoes the all-important tear test, checking the strength of the fabric against continuous tearing. 

Once the tent is then constructed, a Tent Inspector will personally check every element of the tent, from the inner and outer fabrics, poles, dimensions, and more – they are meticulous but with good reason. I would imagine they have close to or over a hundred checkpoints to tick off.

Ease Of Use

As already discussed, Hilleberg tents are designed for ease of use. Whether using a single-person tent or a family-sized tent, they are created to be easy to pitch whatever the weather conditions, and whether using bare hands or thickly gloved fingers.

Reasons why Hilleberg Tents are Worth it

4 Reasons Why Hilleberg Tents Are Worth The Investment

Are Hilleberg tents worth the money? To try and create a clear picture of whether Hilleberg tents are worth it, here are some of the reasons why they are:

1. They Last Forever

If you are someone who loves to get outdoors, whatever the weather, and camps often, then the cost of a Hilleberg tent might be worth the investment due to their longevity – they are built to last, and it is unlikely that you will need to purchase another tent once you own a Hilleberg.

2. They Are Built to Endure Extreme Weather 

If you often find yourself in remote environments that are exposed to the elements, have rough terrain, and require a sound base for the night, then a Hilleberg tent might be right for you, as they are constructed from exceptionally durable materials and designed to withstand the very worst that the weather can throw at us. Whether you enjoy winter walking, polar expeditions, jungle adventures, or desert explorations, Hilleberg has a tent built for all of the challenges that each biome can throw our way. 

3. Incredible Weight to Space Ratio 

The beauty of Hillebger tents is that despite using lightweight materials and overall being lighter tents on the market, they do not compromise space and comfort for the user. These tents often have a higher frame making it easier to sit upright when inside, and a large porch in which to cook or keep wet gear. They will quickly feel like a home from home, and if you are not worried about a few extra grams on a multi-day trip, having the extra space can be an immense luxury.

4. Ease of Use and Reliability

As mentioned above, these tents are constructed to be easy to use and quick to put up even in poor weather conditions. This means you’ll spend less time exposed to the elements and more time inside warming up and drying out. They are also world-renowned for their reliability – Hillebger tents have supported many a polar expedition, high altitude summit, and desert crossing. They are built to last and will be by your side for all of your adventures.

Who doesn't need a hilleberg tent for camping

3 Reasons Why Hilleberg Tents Are Not Worth The Money

As Hilleberg tent owners, we may be a little biased, and so it is important to consider the reasons why such an expensive bit of kit is not worth the money.

1. If You Don’t Camp Very Often

If you are not an avid camper, then a Hilleberg tent is likely a waste of money. They are designed to be used and out and about on adventures, battered and bruised, so to speak. And this is certainly the best way to get value for money out of a Hilleberg tent.

2. If You Only Camp in Mild Conditions in Summer

If you mainly find yourself residing in campsites in the warmer summer seasons, choosing to stay indoors during the wilder, wetter, colder months, then again, a Hilleberg tent isn’t quite what you need. Hilleberg tents come into their own on multiday treks and expeditions in harsh climates and if you are just using them for a weekend campsite visit, I would consider them overkill.

3. They Cost a Months Rent

Hilleberg tents are expensive! For some, they are the cost of a month’s rent, a small van or car, or even a holiday!

The question of whether or not you can afford a Hilleberg tent is a personal one, but really worth considering. It is not worth getting yourself into debt for a tent that is an excess of what you need for your adventures. There are cheaper tents out there that will do most, if not all, of what you need as you evolve your outdoor passion.

How To Decide If A Hilleberg Tent Is Worth It For You

Overall, deciding whether or not a Hilleberg tent is worth the money is a totally personal journey. If you are someone who spends countless nights under the stars in wild and remote environments, especially in winter and mountain conditions, and you can afford the price tag, then absolutely go for it.

However, if you are merely curious to get your hands on a big-name brand but don’t actually need the reliability and advanced technologies that come with a Hilleberg tent, then perhaps it is not the time to purchase one.

 


We hope this article has helped you decide are Hilleberg tents are worth the money. Let us know in the comments what you think of these expensive tents

Gear Assistant
Gear Assistant

This article has been written and/or edited by Andrew N. 20+ years of hiking, mountaineering, and camping experience, with access to all the latest outdoor gear.

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  1. […] serve a particular purpose and come in handy if you use a lot of siliconized camping gear. Many Hilleberg tents use a siliconized outer shell as do many rain tarps, and so if you own that type of gear it is a […]

  2. Daniel Salisbury 03/01/2023 at 14:29

    Having bought a 20yr old Nallo 2 from a friend who had decided that his camping days were over I am a firm believer in Hilleberg products. Whilst it was an excellent one-person tent, I found the Nallo 2 a little small for me and my wife, hence upgraded to a Keron 3 person tent, which I know will last me forever. I have used this tent extensively both for ‘family camps’ on level, grassy pitches, but also when motorcycle camping in rough conditions. It is incredibly well made, easy to erect, strong, secure and quiet in strong winds (unlike lesser tents, which flap and rattle through the night, resulting in poor sleep). I also have a Terra Nova Laser Compact 2 for hiking, but whilst well made and incredibly light, this does not offer the same sense of security or stability as the Hilleberg. To supplement this investment, I also bought a footprint and a Tarp 5 which can be used together with a bivi, or as an open porch/canopy to the Keron 3. I have also used it many times for hammock camping, and as a UV shelter when summer hiking. It is made of the same material as their tents, hence incredibly light and completely waterproof. In my opinion, and if I were still in my twenties, I would have bought only Hilleberg products because I now know for certain they would have lasted for the past 30yrs. At the end of long, wet hike, there are few things less enjoyable than assembling a cheap tent and sheltering from the rain wondering if it is going to leak. The security offered by Hilleberg tents is most definitely worth the price. Thank you for reading.

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