Wild Camping & Hillwalking - The Mamores & Southern Cross 1 Tent Review
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Decided on a wild camping trip up in the 'Eastern Mamores' in Scotland, not far from Kinlochleven. This area and trip has been on my to do list for ages. Was just waiting on slightly better weather window before deciding to go and explore. Decided to test out the new 'Terra Nova Southern Cross 1' tent on this trip. Has been designed for 4 season use and just out on the market for 2016. So decided to put it through its paces at fairly high altitude in snowy and freezing Scottish mountains. So watch along to see how I felt it performed. I do cover some of the possible negatives to this design and size of tent. The location was amazing and looked like something from the set of 'Game of Thrones' and was just waiting on the 'White Walkers' to appear. Although filmed in full 4K as usual, the 'GoPro Hero 4' does not do the vast scale of the scenery or how I was really viewing the experience any justice. Hope you enjoy the film so please discuss and comment below. ____________________________________________________ Despite their modest height, walking and climbing in the Scottish mountains may be made treacherous by their latitude and exposure to Atlantic weather systems. Even in summer, conditions can be atrocious; thick fog, strong winds, driving rain and freezing summit temperatures are commonplace. The content shown in my films are just my own opinions, thoughts and as a way to record my trips. Walking and hiking in the Scottish mountains & hills can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Hazards you may encounter include: Open moorland Terrain, few distinct landmarks, Difficult navigation. Crags and steep drops near summits. Boggy areas. River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day. Snow and ice on summits even in early summer. Sudden changes in weather conditions. Temperature decreases by 1 degree C for every 100m of ascent. Note: You are responsible for your own safety. Are you fit enough to complete your chosen walk in the available time? Ensure you have the correct clothing for the changeable Scottish weather. Know where you are going on the walk and follow the route on your map. At the very least carry a map & compass, survival bag, torch, whistle and small first aid kit. Ensure you have enough food plus emergency rations. Cold temperatures will reduce the life of your batteries. In severe winter conditions you must carry an ice axe. You are also recommended to carry crampons. Learn and know how to use your equipment. _________________________________________________________________ Filmed entirely with 'GoPro Hero 4' in 4K - 'Removu M1+A1' Be aware that all film content and information is copyright and cannot be used for commercial purposes.
Comments
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great review! great channel!
I had the same problem with condensation in my Akto last week. I'd forgot to open the vent before nodding off. -6 outside, and soaking inside.
p.s I made a pair of tent booties from the sleeves off an old Primaloft jacket, they work fine. -
Your far from a Dour Bugger, Its great to get a real opinion on the tent, and glad you have posted this, its saved me a lot of money, don't think I will buy it now. Wee things can make a BIG difference to everyone. I have MLD Trailstar, Terra Nova Laser 2, Luxe Mini Peak 2, and Six moon design Lunar sola, that's before I start going on about my 2+ man tents. I also use hammocks and tarps a lot, and find it very difficult to select what to take on a trip if you have never been to that destination before, no trees, no hammock, no flat ground, not great for tents. For me I would like a freestanding lightweight tent, big enough and light enough to backpack and stand up to possibly 50mph wind, every day Scottish weather. I did buy a £20 tent from Argos that was freestanding for the Alps, and could bin it before coming back home, but was that good, I brought it back home and still use in Scotland and is great, so why but something that cost ££££ unless you use for months at a time, or extreme weather 70mph wind + where you would need to buy extreme tent. If I don't use my hammock, my 1st great tent/tarp in Scotland, where I stay, is the Trailstar, its bomb proof and I like to see outside when inside, if you know what I mean, a bit like sleeping under a tarp. Cuban, Hilleberg I would like to try but to expensive for the normal Joe Blogs, hard-core guy. Thanks for the great vid, cheers.
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Great camp mate love your vids. I camp on kinder scout on the 3rd of this month in my hilleberg soulo I think that's the tent you were referring to it was no were near as cold but very foggy an I awoke to the same level of condensation bag piss wrapped but still a good night great vid can't wait to camp in the snow again lol
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great channel and vid iv subbed you especially liked your decathlon hiking tent video im sold on it
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Cheers Ray ill check them out thanks.
im tempted by the Msr hubba hp .
too many choices. -
Hi Ray could you keep a 70ltr rucksack in the porch area.
have you used any of thr MSR Tents? -
great video looking like it was bloody cold . thanks always learning . thanks ATB
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Hi Ray - a very nice video and informative review :)
I have the both the SC1 and 2 and have now used them for several nights - the last time was the SC1 in similar conditions to this vid, but in the Lakes. I am 6'2" and although a snug fit i found the SC1 ok for room and much better than many of single hoop designs - sitting up to cook and eat was fine for me. My walk-in to the snow line was in constant sleet and I wore full water proofs from the start and thus was very damp by the time I setup camp. Despite this I suffered little condensation and was using a Alpkit (Long) sleeping bag - I am a side/curled up sleeper and hence I wasn't blocking the vent at the foot end, but I can imagine if the vents are obstructed it will cause problems. I found the tent to be very stable in winds of around 35-40mph and i'm starting to feel very confident in its abilities. I can also imagine the large side panels in certain situations will press against the inner tent, although when I was camping the snow seemed to build up only slightly before sliding off. The tent has been a doddle and is very fast to setup and pack away (a feature I was particularly keen on). So far I am very pleased with it and think it has great potential. I think the Hilleberg Soulo is slightly bigger.
The SC2 is plenty large but a fair bit heavier at 2.4kg. Terra Nova say it is 4 season backpacking (like SC1) but I am not sure what that translates to in real conditions - the TN Voyager is 3-4 season back packing, but I can't see the SC as any more robust. The SC2 has doors both sides which means the walls of the inner tent are less supported and droop inwards which I find slightly annoying. -
Hi Ray, good review and video. I totally agree with the negatives of the TN laser and southern cross style 1 person tents they are claustrophobic. They are far too tight on headroom and the sides of the inner encroach into the already tight floor footprint as they angle inwards towards the apex eating into the space around the head. Consequently as soon as you move the inner touches the fly and any condensation drips on you. I still have a LaserLite, but have stopped using in favour of a MSR Hubba range, I back pack and wild camp solo and with my wife so we have the Hubba NX, Hubba Hubba NX and Mutha Hubba NX tents. I would recommend that you try the 2 person Hubba Hubba NX, near vertical walls, lots of space, 2 doors, good ventilation and has proved as robust in 50 mph+ wind and rain as the TN Laserlite and a much older TN Ultra Trisar. The Hubba Hubba NX is about the same weight as the TN Southern Cross 1 and is the one I tend to reach for more than any other of my tents solo or not.
I know it's not as robust as a Hilleberg Staika but for me it has the space and is half the weight, I'll work my way around the odd occasion when we have 80+mph winds. -
Great video and nice to see an honest opinion on the tent. Im currently using an Alpkit Kangri 2 man tent for my wild camps, I tend to do mostly summit camps and have never had any condensation problems even when camping above the snow line. Only issue I have with it is the weight, 3.5kg is a bit much to cart about for miles on your own.
How do you find the wee alpkit stove? I was just about to order one yesterday, but they are out of stock at the moment. -
really enjoyed this video and the review on the tent I have subbed to you, I have the Hilleberg Akto and in cold damp conditions it also gets condensation. I also have the Jannu this does not suffer as bad as the akto for condensation but the air vent is on the very top which I think helps this, atb steve.
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Another great video Ray and funny too..like your references to being on a downer! I like the look of the SC1 but i reckon the problem in those conditions, damp driven snow etc. is the lack of a high vent ( did you keep the door unzipped at top as that may have helped ) ? MSR with low end vents has similar problems. I camped that exact spot in Autumn damp conditions a few years back in a Scarp 1 with no probs. The wee top vents help extract the moisture so if you've borrowed one it'll be great to get your feedback on it. I'm still waiting on the 2016 abisko lite 1 so it'll be a good comparison with the Cross 1...all the best. Andy
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great vid good honest practical review on the tent too !
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Incredible how nice the weather looked going down! looked very cold and very still up there Ray, not a good combination for condensation but as you say it was pretty extreme you wouldn't want another night out up there with everything so damp. Headroom does look limited, but it looks a capable tent in strong winds. The bottom line is one tent simply can't do it all, or at least at the moment its hard to find one tent that fits all conditions etc. Hope you get on ok with the scarp, its very used mate lol as you will see :) Tim
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Hi Ray went to Arran for 2 nights used the southern cross 2. No condensation Ok space for 1 ( i got it for solo ) headroom ok.TBH i wasnt really thinking about it , i hope to get to Corrour or somewhere high this sunday with it , then take it to Skye.I'll do a wee review after that.I speak to Andy about Skye and pass on details atb.
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Another great video, you should have more subscribers!
Looking into a trip up to Scotland. Been looking at your Cairngorm videos looks an amazing place to wild camp. Cheers, Steve. -
Was there driving passed the church only a week and a bit ago... so many beautiful places to explore there. really need to get up high around there love the solitary big time ... beautifully captured as always!!!!! The tent a bit wee small for me i just gotta have space mate!!!!!. i also feel TN are losing their attention to detail... Have loads of issues with my polar lite but adore the space in mine - however none with condensation been ok infact VG... trouble with poles/bedroom spiltting and tension straps coming off... i have a love hate relationship with TN lol.... could be the close proximity of body heat etc... optimus windshield - top tip as i have the 500 cup.... The booties try and get someone to get you some from Nepal.. i got a pair for a fiver when i was there... i also pop on a pair of heat warmer socks. you can get them at go outdoors or even in some garages... theyre mint!!! sorry for the waffle but love the gear craic mate... Take care ATB julie
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Another great film there, condensation is always going to be a problem given the humidity in this country. I remember reading you basically breathe out a pint of water overnight and it's going to go somewhere! That tent does look like a bloody coffin though, the inner was too close for comfort. I'm 6'2" and don't think I could ever get away with a 1 man tent; I can barely sit up inside my f10 helium 2. 'dour bugger' comes with the territory of being Scottish 😀, we could win the lottery and we'd still sound depressed!
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Hi Ray..the last clip of you walking back down WOW amazing...views to die for...great viewing.... might take a look at that windshield.... condensation is a pain, our moist climate and the type of ground all contribute's, but having the inner zipped as wide as possible and the fly too all help's. Air flow is the key, breathing, cooking, and ground moisture, condensation is here to stay... losing battle..I had a chuckle when you said you sometimes come across as a "dour bugger" ...unsure if many will understand what that means..very funny...ATB R&D :)
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