Kaitum 3

We introduced the original, two-person Kaitum in 2006. Our goal was to create an all-around, all-season tunnel tent that would offer a high level of comfort, and would suit a broad array of users. Two concepts drove the Kaitum's development. "We wanted a lighter weight, two entrance, two vestibule tunnel tent," recalls Bo Hilleberg. "The Kaitum was developed for those who want the comfort and flexibility of the two entrance, two vestibule design, but don't necessarily need the extra strength of our Black Label Keron models." In addition, the popularity of the Nallo 2 and 3 GT had created a demand for a similar roomy, lightweight tent, but with two vestibules.

We used the same 9 mm poles and Kerlon 1200 outer tent fabric found in the Nallo models, since these and the other Red Label tents prioritize lighter weight over absolute strength. And, as we did with the Nallo, we used different length poles. While this certainly saves some weight, we found that different sized poles create a structure that's more suited to the thinner, lighter Kerlon 1200 outer tent fabric.

With the Kaitum, there's an added benefit: because of the different length poles, it is wider and a bit taller in the middle of the tent, and so feels bigger, as one of our staff discovered during the original Kaitum's development "We were out on a ski tour in Jämtland, Sweden, and two of us were sleeping in the prototype of the original two-person Kaitum," he recalls "In the morning, the other two on the trip gathered in the tent with us - one in the inner tent and one sitting in the vestibule. There was so much room, I was quite sure the tent was a three-person model!"

The Kaitum was an immediate success. In 2006 and 2007, it won back to back Gear of the Year awards from Outdoor, Germany's largest outdoor magazine, and it took home the same magazine's Editor's Choice award in 2006. "The Kaitum concept offered an outstanding space to weight ratio and was very popular, especially with backpackers," says Bo, "so we added other sizes." We introduced the three-person Kaitum 3 in 2008, and followed that in 2009 with extended vestibule, GT versions of both the Kaitum 2 and 3. In 2017 we completed the family with the introduction of the Kaitum 4 and Kaitum 4 GT.

And while the Kaitum models were conceived, at least in part, as a Red Label "version" of the Keron, and thus not meant for the most demanding adventures - polar expeditions, desert tours and the like - they are ideal for avid users who go out year 'round, in all types of terrain. "For both exposed, over the tree line terrain and for forested areas," says Bo. "the Kaitum models are great choices. They have a good amount of strength, plenty of all-season weather protection, and, because of their two vestibule construction, they offer better ventilation than the Nallo GTs, but at a similar weight."

Little wonder, then, that when Bo and Renate Hilleberg go out into the mountains, they very often use a Kaitum 3. "It's not too heavy, and it is very comfortable in any season," says Bo. "With both vestibules rolled away, it has amazing ventilation for warm weather, and in the winter - or when a sudden summer snowstorm hits, as it often does in the Swedish mountains - then there is no problem!"

Our Red Label models are true all-season tents, yet are still easily light enough for any backpacking trip. They are well-suited for nearly all users, and, unsurprisingly, they have become our most popular tents.

Before we organized our tents into the Label system – introduced in 2012 to make it easier for people to choose the right Hilleberg tent – our now-named “Red Label” models were simply called “Kerlon 1200 tents.” According to Bo Hilleberg, “The Kerlon 1200 tents were made at first for experienced backpackers who were out year ’round.” These tents were distinguished then – as Red Label tents are today – by their lighter weight, Kerlon 1200 outer tent fabric and 9 mm poles, in contrast to our Black Label models, which use stronger Kerlon 1800 in their outer tents and sturdier 10 mm poles.

Quite quickly, however, we discovered that these light yet remarkably strong Red Label tents were ideal for quite a large group of users. “Those just beginning to go into the backcountry get a tent that is reliable and offers great security for bad weather in the summer,” says Bo. “Experienced users often find them a lighter option for some of their trips. And they are quite good for families who are out in more challenging conditions.”

The first “Red Label” tent was the Nallo, introduced in 1987 as a response to those who wanted a 2-person tent similar to our Black Label Nammatj, only lighter. This led us on a quest both for new designs and a new fabric that would save even more weight without compromising our rigorous strength standards. That first Nallo spawned a collection – the Nallo 2, 3, and 4 and corresponding extended vestibule GT models – which then led to the newer design we use today. All of the subsequent Red Label tents evolved from that template: lighter fabrics, 9 mm poles, one vent up high, and often using different length poles – all to save weight without compromising true all-season strength.

Since the Nammatj to Nallo concept worked so well, we did the same with Staika to Allak, and then took it one step further and created a solo version, the Soulo. The Keron collection gave rise to the Kaitum models. The Saivo and Tarra were the inspiration for the Jannu. Both Akto and Unna, however, are “native” Red Label tents in that they were designed not to be Black Label counterparts, but to be exactly what they are: outstanding solo tents for those who go out in all seasons.

We know that the smaller Red Label tents – especially the Jannu and Soulo – are tremendously strong, and that leads some very experienced people to use them, quite successfully, for things which we don’t necessarily recommend Red Label tents. Eric Larsen took an Akto on his attempt to bicycle to the South Pole. Lonnie Dupre used a Soulo in the first winter solo ascent of Denali. And Alexander Barber continues to use the Soulo and Jannu in his solo climbs of the Himalayan 8000 m peaks. We do, however, advise against using Red Label tents for those doing sustained, multi-month journeys – round-the-world bicycle, motorcycle or trekking tours, for example. For these kinds of demanding adventures, we still recommend taking a stronger, more durable Black Label tent.

Such extreme usage aside, Red Label tents are ideal for those who find themselves out in all seasons and all weather, and who want an outstanding balance of light weight, strength, and overall comfort. For more on selecting the right tent for you, please see “Choosing the right Hilleberg tent."