Description
A remarkably spacious 1 person tent
The Helm Compact 1 is a well proportioned, free-standing dome tent designed for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a lightweight tent which packs down to a compact pack size. At just 30x17cm the tent packs easily into a rucksack or panniers.
â–º A good choice for medium duration backpacking trips where more space may be needed.
â–º The inner has plenty of headroom and there’s a good sized porch for kit storage, plus extra storage space under the rear flysheet accessed from a small door in the inner.
â–º Suitable for 3 season camping, the dome style provides more stability than a single hoop design such as the Zephyros 1.
â–º Quick and easy to erect, the flysheet and inner pitch together.
â–º The Helm Compact 1 has a mesh panel on the inner door plus a small mesh door with cover at the rear of the inner (which also allows access to the rear storage space) , providing several options for ventilation depending on weather conditions.
â–º Comes with a side opening tarp style tent back which makes it easier to pack away when it’s time to move on – simply roll the tent into the bag and pull tight.
â–º A good choice for backpackers and campers looking for a roomy 1 person tent suitable for campsite stays and wild camping.
â–º Flysheet 4,000 HH, Groundsheet 5,000 HH
Key differences between the Helm Compact 1 and Helm 1:
Helm Compact 1 is quicker and easier to pitch with combined pegging point for flysheet and inner, new flysheet colour, yellow reflective guylines with cleat style runners, side opening tarp style tent bag, compact pack size (30x17cm), ventilation panels only on front and rear door.
We recommend using a footprint which sits under the groundsheet and porch area to help prolong the life of your tent. A footprint for the Helm Compact 1 is available.
A 2 and 3 person version of this tent are available Helm Compact 2 and Helm Compact 3
Nikos (verified owner) –
Super sturdy in wind consitions. I have not had the chance to use it in the rain just yet. I am 5’10” and I can easily change clothes inside the tent.
Albert D (verified owner) –
The tent is great… but the customer service isn’t.
I ordered a footprint with the tent but it never arrived. I had to contact Terra Nova to find out where it was. It arrived about two weeks later but it was incomplete (it looked as though it had a price tag on previously which had been partly scraped off, maybe a return?) anyway, it had bungee cord missing off it so again I had to contact Terra Nova myself.
I thought that by buying direct from Terra Nova I would get better service than by using a third party seller. I was wrong.
I like the tent but am unimpressed by the customer service.
Dave Binks –
I haven’t tried this out for real yet, but on first erection in my garden: -The tent appears to be well made (I have bought Terra Nova tents before and am confident this will be fine), and really good value for the money, but there are a few points to think about. –
I’m 6ft 0ins tall and this is not really long enough inside. My feet touch the end whilst my face is uncomfortably close to the wall at the other end, remember that the walls are not vertical – they slope towards the centre of the tent, so whilst the footprint appears on paper to be adequate, the full length is not useable. If you are say, 5ft 10ins or less, it would be fine.
The inner tent door opening could be a bit wider, it’s necessary to be really careful not to catch the opening when trying to get out.
I can sit up inside it, but only if there is no lamp attached to the ceiling loop.
For anyone taller than me, I would say this isn’t really big enough. I’ll live with it because I wanted to reduce the weight and bulk of my old Terra Nova Solar 2, which is actually still a good tent, but heavier and bulkier. Like most light tents, I would recommend using a footprint of some sort to protect the thin groundsheet from cuts etc.
Paul Messner –
I’ve used the Helm 1 Compact many times and have been extremely how well it performed in testing conditions, including severe wind and rain. The Helm has stood firm alongside tents that have cost 4 or 5 times the price. It’s easy to pitch, has generous storage space for your gear but I’d recommend that it’s more suited to people 6ft and under. You can see why this tent has won industry awards and I’ve said before that this is probably the best 1 person tent £ for Lb that’s out there for general wild camping.
pk.szymanski (verified owner) –
I recently upgraded to the Zephyros 2 tent, and as a 183cm tall man (6ft), I find it incredibly comfortable. While it may seem small if you’re accustomed to larger tents like 3-person ones, it’s perfect for backpacking and wild camping, offering excellent value.
I’ve tested it in strong winds exceeding 50mph and heavy rain, and it held up admirably. Unlike the Zephyros 1, which lacked a pole, this tent meets all my needs perfectly. I highly recommend getting a footprint for it, as it greatly simplifies pitching.
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend this tent. While I haven’t had the chance to compare it to TerraNova tents yet, I’m very satisfied with my purchase and hope to do so in the future.
Graham –
This tent is just too short for anyone over 5ft 10ins. Apart from that one issue, it’s absolutely brilliant. I hope Terra Nova produce a longer version soon.
Richard Mansfield –
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.