Helm Compact 2 Tent

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The Wild Country Helm Compact 2 Tent is a solid choice for backpackers and campers looking for a reliable, spacious, and affordable 2-person tent capable of handling a wide range of weather.

Wild Country says: 

The Helm Compact 2’s small pack size of only 32cm x 17cm makes it easy and versatile for compact packing. This 2-person dome tent is a good choice for medium-duration backpacking trips where more space is preferred.

Our Verdict

The Wild Country Helm Compact 2 Tent is a versatile and practical choice for backpackers and campers seeking comfort and portability. Winner of Trail Magazine's Best Value Award in 2021 and 2022, this 3-season tent offers impressive features for its price point.

With a pack size of 32cm x 17cm and a total weight of 2167g, the Helm Compact 2 is easy to carry on backpacking trips (though not ultralight). Despite its small packed size, it provides ample interior space, with enough headroom to comfortably accommodate taller individuals.

The dome design enhances stability compared to single-pole tents, making it suitable for various weather conditions. With two decent-sized porches, gear storage is well-addressed, a crucial feature for longer trips or when camping with a partner.

The Stormtex P4000 FR flysheet and Aqua Stop P5000 floor suggest robust weather protection, while mesh panels on both inner doors ensure good ventilation.

Setup is quick and easy, with the flysheet and inner pitching together. The inclusion of a side-opening, tarp-style tent bag is a thoughtful touch, simplifying the packing process and enhancing the overall user experience.

While not the lightest option, the Helm Compact 2 offers excellent value for those prioritising space and durability in a backpacking tent. It's particularly well-suited for medium-duration trips and UK wild camping, where weather resistance is crucial.

- Reviewed by Basecamp Gear

Features

• Trail Magazine Best Value Award August 2021 & 2022 – ‘Sturdy, practical and well priced, this is an excellent tent for wild camping in the UK hills’.
• Plenty of headroom in the inner, suitable for the taller person.
• Includes two decent-sized porches for storing gear.
• Suitable for 3 season camping.
• The dome design provides more stability than a single-pole tent.
• Quick and easy to erect, the flysheet and inner pitch together.
• Includes a mesh panel on both inner doors to provide plenty of ventilation.
• Comes with a side-opening, tarp-style tent bag which makes it easier to pack away.
• A good choice for backpackers and campers looking for a roomy 2 person tent suitable for campsite stays and wild camping.

Specifications

• Inner & Flysheet weighs: 1641g
• Poleset weighs: 562g
• Total weight: 2167g (excludes pegs and bags)
• x9 pegs supplied weigh: 135g

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Material & Construction