Wild Camping UK: My Tent Journey from Freebie to £1,000 Hilleberg
From Free to Premium: My Wild Camping Tent Evolution
When I first dipped my toes into wild camping, I had no idea how deep the rabbit hole would go. What started with a free tent from Facebook Marketplace eventually led me to invest in one of the most renowned solo tents in the world—the Hilleberg Soulo. This journey wasn't just about upgrading gear; it was about learning, adapting, and discovering what works best in the unpredictable UK wilderness.
The Lichfield Treklite 200: My Freebie Introduction
My wild camping adventures began with the Lichfield Treklite 200, a two-person tent I snagged for free on Facebook Marketplace. Its bright blue color wasn't exactly stealthy, but it served its purpose. The tent was inner-pitch first, which isn't ideal for the UK's wet climate, but it was lightweight and easy to set up. The mesh-heavy design meant excellent ventilation, and I never experienced condensation issues. It even had handy storage pockets and loops for hanging gear.
OEX Phoxx 2 V2: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse
Next, I upgraded to the OEX Phoxx 2 V2, a tent I purchased for around £60 from Go Outdoors. This tent was a game-changer in terms of durability and weather resistance. It featured a semi-geodesic design, providing stability in windy conditions. However, the interior space was limited, and sitting up inside was a challenge. Despite its compact size, it had two doors and vestibules, offering flexibility in gear storage and entry/exit points.
OneTigris Stella: Stepping into Four-Season Camping
Seeking more space and a four-season rating, I turned to the OneTigris Stella. Priced around £200, this tent offered a significant increase in interior room. I could comfortably sit up and even kneel inside, which was a luxury compared to my previous tents. However, I noticed the flysheet didn't extend all the way to the ground, which could allow drafts in colder conditions. Additionally, the tent's black color made it stand out in natural settings, and I encountered a minor issue with the zipper, which I managed to fix with pliers.
Hilleberg Soulo: The Ultimate Solo Shelter
Finally, I invested in the Hilleberg Soulo, a tent renowned for its durability and performance in extreme conditions. At nearly £1,000, it was a significant investment, but the quality was immediately apparent. The Soulo is a true four-season tent, with a robust design that can withstand heavy snow and strong winds. I tested it during a winter camp on Kinder Scout, facing snow and sub-zero temperatures. The tent remained stable and warm throughout the night, providing a level of confidence and comfort I'd never experienced before.
Key Takeaways
Start Simple: You don't need expensive gear to begin wild camping.
Upgrade Gradually: As you gain experience, identify what features are most important to you and upgrade accordingly.
Test Your Gear: Always test new equipment in controlled environments before relying on it in extreme conditions.
Invest in Quality: High-quality gear like the Hilleberg Soulo can provide unmatched performance and peace of mind.
Reflection
Looking back, each tent in my journey taught me valuable lessons about wild camping. From the basics of setting up camp to understanding the importance of reliable gear, the progression was as much about personal growth as it was about equipment. I'm curious—what has your tent journey been like? Have you found a setup that works perfectly for you, or are you still experimenting? Share your experiences in the comments below!
In this wild camping video, I break down my full tent evolution — starting with a free Lichfield Treklite 200, then upgrading through the OEX Phoxx 2 and OneTigris Stella, and finally investing in the Hilleberg Soulo.
Suggested Reading
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