Guide GORE-TEX® Balaclava

A lightweight and extremely robust tent which has two huge porches. I was recently sea kayaking and found the porches extremely useful when storing wet kit, whilst keeping the inside dry. It’s a very easy tent to pitch, with three poles all the same length, can be used free standing and was the envy of everyone other paddler. It would also be ideal for bike packing, mountaineering and wild camping.

Purchased after much research and I have not been disappointed. Very easy to pitch and quick to pack away. I have used it in all four seasons in the UK, including high winds, driving rain and well below zero and it has held up flawlessly. I am 5ft 9" and can sit up in the middle, can easily get changed and store my kit - the storage area accessed by the small zipped door is brilliant! I would highly recommend this tent.

Can't fault this tent - lasted perfectly in 50+ mph winds and 12-14" of rain in 24 hours in the Icelandic Highlands. While other tents were flapping and struggling, this stayed as solid as a rock and comfortable inside.

Can’t fault this tent – lasted perfectly in 50+ mph winds and 12-14″ of rain in 24 hours in the Icelandic Highlands. While other tents were flapping and struggling, this stayed as solid as a rock and comfortable inside.

The tent is not only small and super light, but you can pitch it in around 5-6 minutes. It’s also simple to fold back as well. Nice front porch and loads of room for one person. Perfect for wild camping and backpacking. Highly recommend.

I have owned this tent for over a year and is my go to for multi-day hikes. It's easy to setup and packdown; the inner and outer can be setup at the same time to prevent the inner getting wet; and, it's durable and feels sturdy in windy conditions. My only jipe is that the regulators on the flysheet come loose pretty quickly. I don't know if I have misinterpreted the way they should be used, but I have resorted to a temporary fix as I can't get them to hold and will likely replace them with third party ones that have a better friction grip.

Three months ago we purchased the helm compact 3 While we initially chose this model because it was marketed as robust, waterproof, freestanding and well-ventilated—qualities essential for our needs. we have encountered several significant issues that have made the tent unsuitable for its purpose. First the lack of adequate ventilation: The poor ventilation has resulted in severe condensation inside the tent every night. Despite trying every possible solution—such as adjusting the setup, optimizing airflow, and using the ventilation openings—the problem persists. The condensation is so excessive that our sleeping bags and other gear become soaked nightly, leading to discomfort and potential damage to our materials due to prolonged exposure to moisture. As travelers relying on durable and functional equipment for long-term use, this situation is deeply disappointing. We did not prioritize the tent’s compact or lightweight features but specifically chose it for its promised durability and ventilation, which it has failed to deliver. Secondly the tent is not freestanding: The tent is sold as a freestanding tent. But it is not freestanding at all. If you can’t pitch the tent you can’t sleep in it. We’re really disappointed and angry of the false information provided about the tent by the brand. We don’t understand how such a brand is able to lie ,to their customers about such an important factor!!! I would not advise this tent!!

I bought my Quasar in 1987 aged 15, some 37 years ago, from High Sports in Shrewsbury (*No longer in business). Where my Quasar has not been. Anyway am here looking for a new one for my 21 year old son. You'll not find a more durable tent. I consider it to be lightweight, and spacious.

I have used this tent about 6 times this year. The latest being 3 nights in the lake district during storm Bret . The tent endured freezing temperatures, snow ,rain and 60mph winds without any problems at all . It is a great tent for just myself with bags of room, great ventilation and very sturdy.

It was love at first pitch. So fast and easy to pitch with its single pole design. Ones you add the trekking poles it becomes a tank of a tent. There is plenty of space inside and the two vestibules gives you so much flexibility. I have used it several times now out in the Peak District it all sorts of conditions and it’s taken it all in its stride. Can’t wait to get out in it again.

Used this tent for the first time over two nights during freezing temperatures. A good tent with a couple of issues. Firstly the doors system for holding them open involves a clip on the inner part of the tent which when the doors are wet is a bit of an issue socking the inside of the tent. I solved this ridiculous issue with a bulldog clip, tents costing £20 don't have this issue! The second is the absolutely wasted area between the outer and inner parts of the tent which is huge causing the inner to be tiny and definitely not a 2man tent unlike the picture above, you can't lay two tapered roll mats down so it's definitely a one man making the second door irrelevant. Oh I would add that it has the smallest bathtub on the inner making the footprint a must along with it seems definitely handicapping this tent towards the terra nova ones..... shame really 😕

I've had this tent for just over 2 years, possible three. and use it every time i go camping. It packs away small, is 2.3 kgs and i love it. Cooking in the porch is the best feature.

Brilliant product. I cannot understand why these aren’t used more by winter climbers and mountaineers. I’ve had them years and they are an essential part of my winter layering system. I would not be without them during a winter accent. When my current pair finally give up, I’ll buy the same again.

As someone who is regularly cold and has to wear several pairs of socks, I can honestly say these are the warmest socks I've ever owned! No need to layer up as they're super warm on their own and so soft and cosy on the skin!