Outlet – Helm Compact 2 Tent – SS20 – Grade A

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.

I purchased my Terra Nova Voyager from Cotswold Outdoor, in 2003, just after we returned from Iraq. We went straight over to the Alps where i spent 3 weeks in this tent, in varied weather conditions, and must say that this is a bomb. we had this tent in the snowline, as well as in the valley (more rain) which it performed better than I had expected. The mountains threw everything at us, determined to spoil our trip and yet, the Voyager proved its worth by staying erect and watertight. Both my climbing colleague (at the time) and I are both 6'2" (188cm) and although tight, it was warm, and the vestibule was a suitable size to house both our bergans, although cooking became tight. I am really impressed with this tent, as i was in the Lake District last week with my voyager and is still as good looking as the first day i bought it. I purchased my Terra Nova, as I had many experiences living in the Quasar, in Norway (Artci Conditions), and that was not moving in those conditions. Its well built, looks great and performs well, hence the voyager. I ma now looking to reseal the Voyager as wel as purchase the Southern Cross 1 and would welcome any views on this.

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!

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.

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.

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.

I have an Axis 2 and love it! I'm in SE USA and need the great ventilation and ability to pitch the fly and groundsheet for warm nights. Strong tent, and very roomy, tall inside. Very protective for a 3-season tent, as well. good in storms and quite dry. spacious porch, too!

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.

Solid tent in the wind, trekking poles work well I used the rubber end on the ground sheet/footprint. Just annoying there is no gutter on the doors so water can drip in when open.

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.

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 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.

I bought my Voyager in 2004 and am still using it regularly. It is my primary tent and it does everything, from car camping to above the snowline in the mountains. It has withstood everything the mountain weather has thrown at it: heavy rain, snow & wind. It is tight for 2 people, but fortunately neither me or my wife are super tall. With only one door, it can get hot & stuffy in higher temperatures, but as a light weight shelter against adverse weather I cannot fault it. The seam tape on the flysheet is now pealing off, but after 20 years that is not a major issue. Just needs some seam sealant to be good to go for several more years. Very happy with my purchase!

Superb tent, easy to set up, roomy for one, cosy for two. Great in the snow in Norway, survived biblical rain and winds in the lakes (ended up in the middle of a shallow pond/very large puddle) and stayed dry without any problems. Just bought a Jupiter bivvi for a trip to the highlands - appears to be of the same high quality as the southern cross so looking forward to using it.

Used the tent for 6 mountain camps and have not had a single issue. Absolutely love this tent, it's quick and easy to pitch, so much space for one, has withstood some serious uk winter weather with gusty 40mph winds and torrential rain. Packs up reasonably small, even with the ground sheet. All the original moans have been sorted, which means terra nova listen to their customers. Really good bang for the buck.