Allak 3

We introduced our Red Label Allak in 2008, and it quickly became – and has remained – one of our most popular tents. But that popularity is directly related to its proven design, which we created with our first fully free standing tent, the Black Label Staika.

Introduced in 1990, the two person Staika was originally conceived for paddle tourers in Sweden, who were asking for a free standing tent so they could more easily camp on the flat, rocky spits and islands so common in Sweden’s Archipelagoes. “We wanted to build a fully free standing tent,” recalls Bo Hilleberg. “Most dome tents are really self-supporting rather than free standing, since they still need to have their vestibules pegged.” To create what became the Staika, Bo constructed a true dome shape with three poles, and built two entrances and two vestibules into that structure, so no pegs would be needed to make the vestibules be functional.

While the Staika was an immediate success with the paddlers, it quickly became a favorite of other users, as well. “We made a few prototypes in 1989 and sent them to a German scientific group doing an expedition to the South Pole,” says Bo. “They found it ideal, since it could be pitched anywhere and it was very, very strong.” Indeed, because of its simple dome shape, the Staika was both remarkably roomy and exceptionally strong in very windy, snowy conditions. Its two entrance/two vestibule format provided plenty of storage as well as flexible entry and exit options in poor weather. Add that to its adaptability in tough pitching conditions, and mountaineers quickly found it perfect for their needs, as did ski mountaineers and long distance motorcycle tourers.

Fast forward to 2006, when we began development on what became the Allak. We had had great success in building the Nallo and Nallo GT, Red Label “versions” of the Nammatj models, and we had just introduced the Kaitum, a Red Label “version” of the Keron. We knew there was great demand for lighter all season tents, so it seemed natural to use the Staika as the inspiration for a two person, fully free standing Red Label tent.

In 2003, we had replaced the Staika’s full pole sleeves to our short pole sleeve and clip system, and we used that same system on the Allak. Since Red Label tents prioritize lighter weight over absolute comfort and strength, we used the same 9 mm poles and Kerlon 1200 outer tent fabric found in other Red Label models. To keep the weight even lower, we also sized the Allak a bit smaller than the Staika and tweaked the design. To accommodate the new tent’s lower profile, we reconfigured the vent system, building in separate vents above each entrance, where in the Staika the vents are integrated into the door zippers. We also increased the size of the vent cover, and added a rain gutter to prevent drippage while entering and exiting. We also discovered that the new design lent itself to a smaller version, as well, so we created our one-person Soulo to complement the two-person Allak.

Upon its release in 2008, the Allak was an immediate success. “At first,” says Bo, “the Allak was popular with those who spent time in the Swedish Archipelago. But we knew from the beginning that other users would like it very much.” And so it has proved. While not quite as strong as its “big brother,” the Staika, the Allak has become one of our best “all around” tents, working as well for backpackers, hunters and mountaineers as it does for paddlers. “During development,” says Bo, “all of us at the office would take the Allak, since it was able to be used anywhere: in the forest, above the tree line, anywhere. And it is very light and comfortable!”

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."