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Hilleberg Nallo 2 Review

A spacious and strong model built for high winds
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hilleberg nallo 2 4 season tent review
Hilleberg Nallo 2
Credit: Hilleberg
Price:  $815 List
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Manufacturer:   Hilleberg
By Ian Nicholson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 31, 2019
65
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#14 of 16
  • Weight - 25% 7.0
  • Weather/Storm Resistance - 25% 5.0
  • Livability - 20% 6.0
  • Ease of Set-up - 10% 8.0
  • Durability - 10% 8.0
  • Versatility - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Hilleberg Nallo 2 is a world-class tunnel tent that falls awkwardly between the company's lighter three-season Anjan 2 and the heavier Antarctic exploring Nammatj 2. The Nallo performs well in high winds but not as well when it comes to snow loading. For real mountain winter conditions, our testers reached for stronger tents like the Nammatj 2.
REASONS TO BUY
Spacious and strong for its weight
Top-of-the-line poles and fabrics
Easy to set up
Poles insert from outside
Inner tent is attached to outer tent
Great high and low ventilation
Spectra guy lines with camming adjusters
Inner tent is removable
REASONS TO AVOID
Zipper pulls are hard to grab with gloves and rattle in high winds
Needs a larger area to pitch and can be more challenging to setup in rockier terrain

Compare to Similar Products

 
hilleberg nallo 2 4 season tent review
This Product
Hilleberg Nallo 2
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award 
Price $815 List$900 List$560.00 at Amazon
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$799.95 at Backcountry
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$449 List
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Pros Spacious and strong for its weight, top-of-the-line poles and fabrics, easy to set up, poles insert from outside, inner tent is attached to outer tent, great high and low ventilation, spectra guy lines with camming adjusters, inner tent is removableBomber, great durability, compact footprint, lighter than average weight, fantastic balance of strength, weight, and livability, ample guy pointsVersatile, lightweight, double wall design works far better in rain than single wall models, handles condensation well, big vestibules, easy to pitchIncluded removable hooped vestibule, above average breathability among single wall tents, excellent ventilation, good headroom, compressible, robustLightweight for a double wall tent, inexpensive, versatile, easy set-up, interior fabric handles condensation well, and longer-than-average dimensions make this a better option for taller people
Cons Zipper pulls are hard to grab with gloves and rattle in high winds, needs a larger area to pitch and can be more challenging to setup in rockier terrainPoor ventilation, slightly tricky setup, insufficient guy lines includedIsn't as strong as other 4-season models, offers a good but not excellent packed sizeGuylines are light duty, not quite as storm worthy as other models, fabric is less resistant to tearing and long term exposure to UVTiny vestibule, one of the weakest 3(.5)-pole designs in our review, only one door
Bottom Line A spacious and strong model built for high windsAll-around uses are this model's forte, but it's still robust enough for when the weather turns gnarThe ski and summer mountaineering focused design perfect for almost any trip you can dream upA versatile single wall tent that works well for a greater range of conditions than most other 2-pole bivy-tent modelsA solid 4-season shelter at an excellent price. Great for summertime mountaineering or winter camping near treeline
Rating Categories Hilleberg Nallo 2 Black Diamond Eldorado MSR Access 2 The North Face Assa... REI Arete ASL 2
Weight (25%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
Weather/Storm Resistance (25%)
5.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Livability (20%)
6.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Ease of Set-up (10%)
8.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
9.0
Durability (10%)
8.0
10.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
Versatility (10%)
7.0
7.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
Specs Hilleberg Nallo 2 Black Diamond Eldorado MSR Access 2 The North Face Assa... REI Arete ASL 2
Minimum Weight (only tent, fly & poles) 4.44 lbs 4.5 lbs 3.80 lbs 3.5 lbs (no vestibule) 5.75 lbs
Floor Dimensions 87" x 52 in 87" x 51 in 84 x 50 in 82 48 in 88 x 57/60/44 in
Peak Height 40 in 43 in 42 in 42 in 43 in
Measured weight (tent, stakes, guylines, pole bag) 5.31 lbs 4.9 lbs 4.1 lbs 5.44 lbs 6.25 lbs
Type Double Wall Tunnel Single Wall Double Wall Single Wall Double Wall
Packed Size 5" x 20 in 7" x 19 in 18 x 6 in 7 x 22 in 6 x 6 x 20 in
Floor Area 30 sq ft 31 sq ft 29 sq ft 27.3 sq ft 32.9 sq ft
Vestibule Area 14 sq ft 9 sq ft (optional) 17.5 sq ft 10 sq ft 8.7 sq ft
Number of Doors 1 1 2 1 1
Number of Poles 2 2 2 4 4
Pole Diameter 9 mm 8 mm 9.3 mm 9.3 mm
Number of Pockets Side: 2 Ceiling: 0 Side: 4 Ceiling: 0 Side: 2 Ceiling: 0 Side: 2 Ceiling: 0 Side: 2 Ceiling: 2
Pole Material DAC Featherlite NSL Green Easton Aluminum 7075-E9 Easton Syclone DAC Featherlite NSL Aluminum
Rainfly Fabric Kerlon 1200 3 layer ToddTex 20D nylon ripstop FUTERLIGHT Nylon ripstop
Floor Fabric 70D PU coated nylon Unknown 30D nylon ripstop 40D ripstop nylon w/3,000mm PUR/silicone coating Nylon taffeta

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Hilleberg Nallo 2 is the lightest double-wall model in our review. It finds a nice balance between strength and weight and is storm-worthy enough for a majority of summer-time mountaineering trips in the lower-48. It has a relatively spacious interior and a decent-sized vestibule. It needs a fairly big area to pitch but is easy to set up on snow or in established campsites. However, it's quite versatile and handles condensation and moisture better than all the single wall models in our review, yet is comparable in weight to the most versatile of those shelters.

Performance Comparison



Ease of Set-Up


The Nallo is reasonably quick to set up as long as you are in an established site, on snow, or good anchoring options exist. Simply peg out the ground level guy points, insert the two poles into the pole sleeves, and peg and tighten the guylines. You can use as few as four stakes to pitch it. Like many of Hillebergs double-wall models, the Nallo pitches from the outside, and the inner body is suspended. This aspect of pitching this tent makes it one of the simplest and easiest to erect in our review.

However, when camping in more alpine environments in the lower-48 or Southern Canada, it can prove challenging when camp spaces are limited. It has a smaller footprint than Hilleberg's other non-free standing models the Nammatj 2, but it can be pitched when larger flatter areas don't present themselves. For example, a lot of "alpine" campsites that aren't on snow are often on rocky moraines or tucked between boulders, and this can be the most challenging terrain to pitch it in. It isn't that you can't pitch it most of the time, but it certainly takes more effort in less open spaces.

Weather Resistance


The Nallo uses 9 mm DAC Featherlite NSL poles, which are easily some of the best available, and also the same as dozens of other tents from Hilleberg and other brands in our review. These are pretty strong poles but not the strongest, for example, the Hilleberg Nammatj 2 uses stronger 10.2 mm poles.

The Nallo is capable of handling powerful winds. We know of only a few other double-wall tents that weigh a similar amount and stand up to strong winds better. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for static strength; the Nallo performs moderately well at resisting heavy snow loads and nearly broke during one night of testing; see the photo below. In such a storm, it's essential to attentively knock snow off the roof and vestibule, and clear it away from the sides of the tent. If it's dumping, we suggest setting an hourly alarm and going outside to remove snow from the vestibule and walls and check on the tie-outs.

hilleberg nallo 2 4 season tent review - this picture shows 4" of heavy, wet snow on the nallo 2. this...
This picture shows 4" of heavy, wet snow on the Nallo 2. This shelter needs "maintenance" during heavy snowfall. You need to be inside or near it to knock snow off. The Nammatj is much stronger!
Credit: Max Neale

The Nallo has many attributes that contribute to its strength and durability. Perhaps the most important is its outer tent fabric, Kerlon 1200, which is likely the third most robust woven fabric found on any tent we've tested. It has a tear strength of 26.5 pounds, yet weighs only 1.47 oz/sq.yd. This impressive performance is because the fabric has three layers of 100% silicon. Silicon is more expensive, but also a superior product, to the polyurethane (PU) that is typically used.

Additional features help make it more resistant to weather than other tents. (1) The outer tent goes down to the ground, which blocks wind, snow, and limits most splashback from driving rain. (2) The poles sleeves can accommodate an extra set of poles, which makes the tent significantly stronger. (3) Ground straps are oriented perpendicular to the tent to take stress off the poles and keep them at the right height. They can also be used as guylines if needed. Hilleberg is the only manufacturer to include this feature. (4) The vestibule has a "door band," which keeps it in the proper shape and minimizes tension on the zippers. (5) Reinforced guy points and the adjusters are metal and not plastic. (6) Spectra guylines that don't absorb water or stretch. The Nallo's guylines also have camming adjusters.

hilleberg nallo 2 4 season tent review - front to back: hilleberg soulo, nammatj 3 gt, and the nallo 2. a...
Front to back: Hilleberg Soulo, Nammatj 3 GT, and the Nallo 2. A single wall Nemo model is pictured in far rear.
Credit: Max Neale

Livability


The Nallo is slightly smaller than the Nammatj. The author has spent more than 40 nights in the Nallo and can attest to the fact that it is very comfortable for its weight and weather protection. But the extra 11 ounces to step up to the Nammatj 2 bring more interior volume, more space to sit up, and a vestibule that is better for cooking in. Ventilation is a key component of tent design, and the Nallo does well at managing condensation.

hilleberg nallo 2 4 season tent review - there's plenty of space for two inside the nallo 2. also note the...
There's plenty of space for two inside the Nallo 2. Also note the rear vent, clothesline, and how the door unzips and stuffs into the pocket.
Credit: Max Neale

Unlike similar tents from other companies, the Nallo's vestibule has a continuous zipper that hits the ground in two places, making a significant arc. There are four zipper pulls that provide multiple configurations for opening the door: open from the left or the right, or pull both zippers down if you can't reach one of the two down by the floor. We appreciate these options.

hilleberg nallo 2 4 season tent review - inside view of the nallo 2 vestibule. 20l and 30l packs lie on top...
Inside view of the Nallo 2 vestibule. 20L and 30L packs lie on top of two 60L packs. There's enough space for lots of gear, or for cooking and a moderate amount of gear.
Credit: Max Neale

Durability


The Nallo's fabrics are tougher than most other double-wall tents that weigh a similar amount, but the tent is significantly less durable than the Hilleberg Nammatj 2, which uses tougher fabrics all around. If you consider durability to include pole design, then many freestanding single wall tents are more durable than the Nallo since they are less likely to collapse from snow loading.

Weight/Packed Size


Without stakes, the tent and poles weigh 4 pounds 12 ounces; however, most people will find their useable trail weight to be around 5.3 pounds with guylines, pole bag, etc. This model packs down reasonably small, as well. There are lighter options in our fleet, as well as heavier.

Adaptability


You can remove the inner tent for summer backpacking.

hilleberg nallo 2 4 season tent review - the inner tent hangs roughly 4" below the outer one and can be...
The inner tent hangs roughly 4" below the outer one and can be removed quickly with elasticized toggles.
Credit: Max Neale

This is an excellent option because even though there is no floor, the tent walls and vestibule extend to the ground and create a reasonably good seal to prevent insects from flying inside.

hilleberg nallo 2 4 season tent review - remove the nallo 2's inner tent (takes about a minute) and you have...
Remove the Nallo 2's inner tent (takes about a minute) and you have an expansive floorless tarp shelter.
Credit: Max Neale

Features


Hilleberg should ditch their old clunky metal zipper pulls and replace them with two colors of reflective cord (one color on the inside, another color on the outside) and replace all the lines with a reflective cord. We've wanted them to do this for years. Most other companies do. It would make the tent much easier to use and perhaps lighter, too.

Value


This tent is not cheap and is certainly on the more expensive side of those included in this review. With that said, it offers enough advantages that we still find it a solid value for several reasons. One of the biggest is its versatility across a wide range of climates. It also boasts a below-average weight and is one of the most long-lasting models in our review.

Conclusion


The Hilleberg Nallo 2 is a solid performing tunnel-style tent that performs fairly well across a range of conditions, though its set-up can be cumbersome. It is one of the lighter tents that we tested and the lightest overall double-wall four-season model. It handles condensation like a champ, making it suitable for occasional three-season use, though it's not incredible for harsher four-season conditions.

Ian Nicholson
 

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