So today was a new tent day, which involved the family dashing through to Keswick to purchase our new addition: the Hilleberg Nallo 2 in green.
Brandon and Ruby, a lovely couple from Settle in Yorkshire, had put the tent up for sale on eBay, and after a little exchanging of offers, we agreed on a price. They then kindly met up with us in Keswick to finalise the deal and exchange many hiking and camping stories over coffee in Booths.
We were looking for a true four-season, two-person tent that would be around the 2kg mark, so it wouldn’t be too heavy for Jaclyn to carry up onto the fells — a tent specifically for Jaclyn and Emily to go mountain camping on their own in all conditions, or one that could be combined with the Allak 2 so we can all go camping together. It soon became apparent, though, that there was a gap in the market, and we initially struggled to find one that suited all our needs.
Having spent many months looking at tent specifications online and watching countless YouTube videos, we decided in the end that the Nallo would be perfect. As with all Hilleberg tents, though, it was expensive.
Jaclyn had been saving her pocket money for over a year and wasn’t expecting to be able to get her new tent until next spring. However, when this one came up for sale at nearly half the usual price, which was brand new and had never been pitched, we had to grab the opportunity.
Being a very impatient family, we had to see it pitched as soon as possible, so we headed to Borrowdale to beat the storm that was forecast for the afternoon — so special thanks to Richard Weir at Chapel House Farm for allowing us to do a quick test pitch at such short notice. Thankfully, the roads and the campsite weren’t too busy, considering it was a Saturday on a bank holiday weekend.
We did take our Zenbivy pads with us to check the space inside, and we were so pleased to see that there’s plenty of room for two, although the rucksacks will have to be kept in the vestibules. The biggest surprise of all, though, which really pleased Jaclyn, was how quick and easy it was to pitch. This will be a great benefit in windy conditions.
This weekend is extra special because tomorrow is Emily’s birthday. She’s nine years old now, and she already owns a Hilleberg! Although she has promised to let Daddy use it on the odd occasion.
Richard
