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A spacious, three-season tent that is ideal for backpacking trips in changeable conditions. The usual top quality materials and construction from Hilleberg still provide an easy to use, durable tent but without the weight penalty attached to some of the stronger four season tents.
Hilleberg says:
The Niak expands on our concept of very lightweight yet remarkably strong three-season tents that we introduced with our one-person Enan. Ideal for two people who want to go as light as possible, the Niak is also a veritable lightweight palace for one person. Its dimensions accommodate two people, but its single door and lengthwise vestibule make it somewhat less comfortable than our other two person models, so the Niak is especially good for a parent and a child, or for one person and a dog. It is also the perfect three-season solo tent when you want to be as comfortable as possible at a low weight.
As with our other Yellow Label models, the Niak’s outer tent is made from our lightest weight Kerlon 1000, and it is supported by the same DAC NSL 9 mm poles used in our Red and other Yellow Label models. Its simple, two pole design – inspired by our Red Label Unna solo tent – is quick to pitch and very stable, and the single vestibule can be completely rolled away to maximize air flow through the full mesh inner tent door. In addition, catenary curves along the bottom edges of the outer tent create space that both allows for constant air flow and also ensures that the outer tent is stretched properly for optimal performance.
Prior to its introduction, the Niak went through well over 250 backcountry nights of use, in all types of weather, in Scandinavia and the US, as well as in the Alps and in Scotland. Two person users appreciated its light weight, and solo users loved that it offered such roomy luxury at such a surprisingly low weight. All proclaimed it as an outstanding choice for any summer or warm weather trip.
Our Verdict
Hilleberg's Niak 2 Person Tent is a great, freestanding tent with a low enough weight for multi-day adventures. The simple cross pole design is pretty much the same as the one person Unna but the Niak has a wider footprint and a vestibule. This tent is a pleasure to use and the low weight is a real bonus for this much space.
The simple two pole setup results in a quick and easy to pitch and the vestibule just needs a single peg to be freestanding. The inner space is really generous and the well designed inner comes pre-attached so the tent is really quick and easy to pitch even in the wind and rain. It really makes a difference when you're setting up camp after a long day. The lighter weight fabrics make this two man tent lighter than many of the solo tents from Hilleberg without sacrificing too much strength. The only issue I have is the single entrance to one side, which can be an issue for access with two people, particularly at night.
The details in the design, materials used and quality of construction result in a fantastic tent. Hilleberg focus their designs on quality, durable tents that provide shelter from the worst conditions. They use a label system to differentiate their tents and intended uses. The Niak falls into the Yellow Label category which are: designed to be very light and to provide comfort appropriate to use in warmer climates and/or snow-free conditions; offer a lightweight balance of weather protection and constant air flow; interiors are designed to maximize light weight while providing sufficient roominess.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
(Unfortunately, we are only able to ship Hilleberg products within the UK & EU)
Features
- Kerlon 1000 outer tent fabric and 9 mm poles make for a very lightweight yet strong tent.
- 3 season design: ventilation is built into the construction, and the inner tent mesh areas have no backing fabric panels.
- Self-supporting dome design requires only the vestibule to be pegged, and the simple full sleeve and tensioner pole system make for quick, easy set up.
- The Niak has room enough for two plus gear, and is also a spacious mansion for one.
- Linked but seperable inner and outer tent for simultaneous pitching.
- The single entrance/single vestibule configuration affords easy access as well as storage space.
- An optional footprint covers only the inner tent area and not the vestibule. It connects directly to the tent, and can be left attached during pitching.
- The inner tent can be replaced with a Mesh Inner tent (sold separately; see accessories).
- The outer and inner tents can be used separately. Pitching the inner tent alone requires optional pole holderes (see accessories).
Specifications
Weight Specs
- Flysheet & inner weighs: 1156g
- Poles weigh: 410g
- Total weight: 1566g (excludes pegs & bags)
- Pegs x10 weigh: 96g
Construction + Materials
- Inner tent area: 2.6 m2/28 ft2
- Vestibule area: 0.75 m2/8.1 ft2
- Fly fabric: Kerlon 1000, 20 D High Tenacity Ripstop Nylon 66
- Fly treatment: Coated on both sides with a total of 3 layers of 100% silicone, and treated for UV resistance during dyeing and coating
- Fly hydrostatic head: 5000 mm/49 kPa (ISO 811)
- Fly tear strength: min. 8 kg (ISO 13937-4)
- Inner tent fabric: 10 denier Ripstop Nylon
- Inner tent treatment: Durable Water Repellent (DWR)
- Floor fabric: 50 denier Nylon
- Floor treatment: Double-coated polyurethane
- Floor hydrostatic head: 12000 mm/118 kPa (ISO 811)
- Floor miscellaneous: Highly puncture & abrasion resistant
- Poles (9mm): 2 x 370 cm / 2 x 145.7 in
- Pegs: 10 Y-Peg UL
