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A reliable, compact solo tent with thoughtful updates for stability, comfort and sustainability
Wild Country says:
The Helm Compact 1 is a lightweight, free-standing one-person tent designed for solo backpackers who need reliable shelter with a compact pack size. With a spacious interior, generous porch space, and excellent ventilation, it offers year-round versatility. New for 2025, the Helm Compact 1 now features a recycled, PFC-free inner and groundsheet, along with a new solution-dyed flysheet for enhanced durability and eco-friendly performance.
The Helm Compact 1 is built for adventurers who value a balance of weight, durability, and interior comfort. Weighing just 2.09kg, with a minimum weight of 1.85kg, this tent provides ample sleeping space, making it a versatile option for three-season backpacking trips. The free-standing structure ensures stability on varied terrain, while the newly updated flysheet, inner, and groundsheet improve environmental sustainability without compromising performance. A rear storage space under the flysheet allows for additional gear storage, accessed conveniently from inside the tent. Designed with Easy Pitch and Easy Pack features, the Helm Compact 1 is quick to set up and packs down small, fitting neatly into a 35cm x 17cm bag—ideal for space-conscious backpackers and cycletourers
Our Verdict
The Helm Compact 1 continues to impress, with minor but meaningful updates, including a new solution-dyed flysheet and fully recycled, PFC-free inner and groundsheet. At 1870g and with a 35 × 17 cm packed, it’s small enough for bikepacking or multi-day treks. The dome structure, featuring Superflex alloy poles, remains firm in poor weather. With a 4,000 mm fly and a 5,000 mm floor, water resistance remains excellent.
Ventilation is facilitated by two adjustable vents and a partially meshed inner, which helps reduce condensation. The interior length is 220 cm, but taller users may find the usable space limited at the head and foot due to the sloping walls. At 5'10" or under, it’s easy to sit up and change inside.
The porch provides ample gear storage, with the rear flysheet extension offering extra storage accessible from inside. The tent’s classic Wild Country colourway remains unchanged, adding to its familiar and dependable feel. For its price, it offers proven durability and well-balanced features with few compromises.
- Reviewed by Basecamp Gear
Features
- New for 2025 with recycled. PFC-free inner and groundsheet fabric.
- New solution-dyed flysheet for enhanced resistance and durability.
- Award-Winning—Trail Magazine Gear of the Year and Best Value Winner.
- Free-standing design for stability on challenging terrain.
- Spacious interior with excellent headroom and ventilation.
- Rear storage area under the flysheet for extra gear access.
- Easy Pitch, Easy Pack features for quick setup and compact packing.
Specifications
BCG Specs:
- Flysheets & Inner Weight: 1422g
- Poleset weighs: 448g
- 12 x pegs supplied weigh: 145g
- Total weight: 1870g (excludes pegs and bags)
Terra Nova Specs:
- Sleeps: 1
- Season Rating Spec: 3 season backpacking
- Free standing?: Yes
- Minimum Weight: 1.99kg
- Total Weight: 1.98Kg
- Number of Doors: 1
- Packed Size: 35x17cm
- Inner Dimensions: Length: 220cm, Height: 92cm, Width: 77cm, Front Porch Width: 45cm + Additional Back Porch: 40cm
Material & Construction
- Flysheet: 68D PES R/S PU WR C0 SD 4000mm HH
- Inner Fabric: 68D PES R/S Recycled WR C0
- Groundsheet: 70D PES Plain Recycled PU WR C0 5000mm HH
- Poles: 2 x 8.5mm Superflex Alloy
- Pegs: 12 x Alloy ‘V’ Angle 12g
- Guylines: 4 x Yellow Reflective
- Inner Door: Half Mesh
