Wild Camping in the Wild Country Helm Compact 2 Tent
It all begins with a Good Tent!
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View towards the West, Helm compact 2 amongst superb scenery #ad
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As I ventured out solo ready to embark on my first lone wild camp, I found myself surrounded by the beauty of nature, only a short distance from the car. Long reeds around a glistening lake, Emerald Green Dragonfly’s flitting about in the morning sun, chirping of birds, and the alarming feel of the air move past my face, as a Heron flew level with it, only about a foot away, clearly startled by my presence, not sure who was more startled though, him or me - I hadn’t noticed him either prior to moving of the air.
I smiled to myself, feeling blessed about encounter. It was a reminder of the importance of connecting with the natural world and experiencing its wonders first hand. A priceless example of the simple joys that can happen when you head out into the wilderness.
Wild Country Helm Compact 2 - I’d not pitched it too well, but what a stunning spot! View towards the East #ad
Morning View from the Wild Country Compact Helm 2 tent, Sunrise, mountain silhouette, walking boots and a brew on the go! #ad
Once I’d arrived at the summit of the mountain, I carefully chose a spot to pitch the tent, a corker of a pitch - nice and sheltered between the crags, with an Opening that looked towards the east for the morning Sun, limited suitable ground and mostly uneven, but that doesn’t bother me though as the small footprint of the tent was ideal - bigger than some, creating more room internally, yet still small enough to find a good pitch on the mountain.
One important notable feature of this tent is that the outer and inner pitch together, eliminating the hassle of pitching separately and risking your belongings getting soaked. Only the outer is exposed to the elements during pitching. I can honestly say that putting up this tent was a breeze, offering me fast protection from the the weather. There was ample room for my backpack and boots in one vestibule, with enough space to cook in the other vestibule.
Compact Helm pitched between the Crags in the fog #ad
WOW! my mind is honestly blown by this! #ad
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As I emerged from my tent on the first morning after a night of camping, I was greeted by a thick blanket of fog that obscured everything beyond arm’s length. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment when I realized there wouldn't be a sunrise to enjoy, having set an alarm especially for it. I had envisioned a breathtaking morning scene, a stunning show put on by nature. However, I quickly reminded myself that I couldn't have it all – just the night before, I had witnessed a striking sunset. I chose to be grateful for what I had experienced. I took a stroll to a small tarn that was only a short distance, from where I was pitched by the summit, to collect some water to filter for my morning coffee. On Route back to the tent, water carrier in hand, climbing over the stile I glanced up as suddenly, a massive orange fireball of a sunrise broke through the mist, ascending into the sky directly in front of me, above the Helm. It was such an incredible view I gasped as I saw it, words could never express the gratitude I felt to be lucky enough to observe such beauty. As the minutes passed, the sun's rays illuminated the landscape, casting a warm glow over the lake below. I was already in awe of this magnificent show and then further to my amazement a cloud inversion formed over the lake below, with the pine trees silhouetted against the Sun shining through. As I marvelled at the view like no other, I knew that this was a moment I would likely never experience again in my life. I didn’t know mornings like this existed. My only regret was that my Husband wasn’t there with me to enjoy it. Unfortunately he has less annual leave then me so had to stay home and work.
The view I saw as I climbed over the Stile - Never seen anything like it, like being on a different planet #ad
Unworldly view from the tent - fireball sun with Fog #ad
Heading over to the west side of the summit for a different perspective, I was greeted by a Brocken spectre, a natural phenomenon and a rare occurrence. It was moments like these that made me realize how truly hooked I was on nature.
I had always felt a connection to the outdoors, but in that moment, I knew I wanted to immerse myself in it with even more effort. The idea of camping, carrying all my essentials up the hill, just to wake up to such a breathtaking sight, filled me with a sense of excitement and purpose. This experience solidified my commitment to embracing nature in a whole new way.
Cloud inversion, Sunrise over the mountains #ad
above the clouds - sunrise over the lake #ad
The Helm Compact offers ample headroom, I was able to sit up comfortably, however, I am only 5”2. After a dry night, there was no significant condensation in the morning, thanks to the effective design offering good ventilation . The tent provided a fantastic night's sleep, offering shelter from drafts and breezes. The part mesh inner doors ensured proper ventilation while keeping pesky bugs at bay.
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Helm Compact 2 Tent in the morning sun, mountain peaks and cloud inversion in the background. #ad
Specification List: Wild Helm Compact Two Tent
Brand: Wild Country by Terra Nova
Model: Helm Compact Two Tent
Capacity: 2 people
Weight: 2.36KG
4000mm Waterproof FLYSHEET made with Stormtex 68D RIPSTOP PU
5000mm Waterproof Aqua Stop 68D PU GROUNDSHEET
Setup: Freestanding design with lightweight superflex alloy poles
Two entrances - one at either side
Two vestibules - one at each entrance
Weatherproof: comes with Fully taped seams for enhanced protection against rain and wind
Additional Features: Interior mesh pockets for storage, stuff style storage bag with compression straps included, for easy transportation
Ideal Use: Backpacking, camping, hiking
Price: Budget-friendly option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable, lightweight and compact tent
Spectacular sight - Brocken Spectre within the cloud inversion #ad
Wild Country Helm Compact Tent Pros and Cons
Pros:
Lightweight and compact design, ideal for backpacking and camping trips.
Easy to set up with color-coded poles and clips.
Inner and outer pitch together, saves time and keeps inner tent dry when pitching in rain.
Durable materials make it suitable for various weather conditions and tough use, I used during heavy night-long rain and no rain got in the tent!
Ample vestibule space for gear storage outside the sleeping area, with its two vestibules - one at each door. Saves the need to climb over your companion when nature calls!
Ventilation panels help with airflow and reduce condensation.
Affordable price point compared to similar tents on the market.
Good amount of headroom when compared to most backpacking tents.
zipper clip on both doors, to stop zips blowing open during winds.
High quality premium brand.
Wild Country by Terra Nova - Helm Compact two tent with mountain backdrop and Sunrise #ad
Cons:
Might feel cramped for two large people with all their gear - despite being a 2-person tent.
Although it is compact/lightweight, its not as compact/lightweight when compared to more expensive tents used for Backpacking. (but more affordable).
Technically not a 4 season as its outer layer is not flush with the ground (unless the grass where pitching is long). I personally use it year round without any issues though.
Doesn’t come with a foot print, you can purchase one separately though (can be used without a footprint - I use it without a footprint).
Review Conclusion:
After spending several nights in the Wild Helm Compact Two Tent, I can honestly say that this tent exceeded my expectations in terms of durability, ease of setup, and overall quality and performance.
The compact size makes it perfect for backpacking adventures or camping trips where space is limited in terms of both backpack, and pitch size. The waterproof material kept me dry during heavy downpours & it withstood high winds well. Enabling me to fully immerse myself in the beauty of nature without worrying about the elements. Confidently zipping up the tent each night, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness, I felt a sense of peace and belonging wash over me. Without the worry of the tent letting me down.
The design of the tent allowed for ample ventilation, preventing any condensation inside, whilst still maintaining a draft free shelter, keeping those chills at bay!
The Helm Tent blends in well with its surroundings and the colour creates a gentle glow of green sunlight to wake to, as it filters through the tent, I felt connected to the natural world outside.
One of my favourite features of the Wild Helm Compact Two Tent is the thoughtful attention to detail in its construction. From the reinforced seams to the sturdy zippers, every aspect felt well-thought-out and designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. As someone who values quality and reliability in their gear, I appreciated the craftsmanship that went into creating this tent. I quite literally could not find a single stitch out of place!
In conclusion, the Wild Helm Compact Two Tent is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking an affordable, Lightweight, compact & reliable shelter for their outdoor Adventures. Its blend of functionality, durability, and comfort make it a standout option in the world of camping gear.
As I packed up my belongings and bid farewell to the wilderness, I knew that the memories made in this tent will stay with me for years to come.
I think you’ll agree, that my first night solo wild Camp set the bar pretty high! I’m certainly hooked on it now, having already had several more solo wild Camps since.
This is an extremely reasonably priced Tent, especially when compared to others with similar spec, cheaper than most in terms of price, without any compromise on quality or features.
Whether you're backpacking through the mountains or exploring the wilderness, the Wild Country Helm 2 Compact Tent is a must-have for your outdoor escapades, a reliable 3-4 season tent that won’t let you down.
Wild Country is made by Terra nova, a well know trusted brand, the Wild Country Range offers a more budget-friendly alternative to the original product line, So unsurprisingly the quality is fantastic. Most importantly this is a high quality tent within most modest budgets for a tent of this kind.
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The sun setting behind the Mountain Peaks #ad
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