Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications
A well-balanced solo tent with smart updates for comfort, weather protection and sustainability.
Wild Country says:
The Helm Elite 1 is engineered for solo adventurers seeking a lightweight yet robust shelter. Designed for backpacking and long-distance trekking, it provides a balance of weight efficiency, stability, and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those who want to maximise their enjoyment of the outdoors. For 2025, the Helm Elite 1 has been updated with a recycled, PFC-free flysheet, inner, and groundsheet, ensuring an eco-conscious design without compromising on weather resistance and durability. The free-standing, semi-geodesic structure delivers impressive wind resistance, allowing for reliable protection in exposed conditions. Pitching is easy, even in poor weather, while the compact packed size of 35cm x 17cm ensures it fits easily into a rucksack or bikepacking setup. Superior ventilation minimizes condensation, keeping the interior comfortable in varying conditions. Practicality remains at the core of the Helm Elite 1, with a spacious porch for gear storage and a single C-shaped side entry door for easy access
Our Verdict
The Helm Elite 1 improves on the Compact 1 with lighter fabrics, a reduced packed size and a more eco-conscious build, using fully recycled, PFC-free materials throughout. It pitches quickly, and I appreciate the full fabric pole sleeves, which do a good job of distributing pressure in exposed conditions. The flysheet and groundsheet still boast excellent hydrostatic head ratings. The interior space is sufficient for most users, with a generous vestibule and decent headroom; however, taller campers may find the length a bit snug. Ventilation works well for a single-door tent, helped by adjustable vents at each end. At 1542g and 35 × 17cm packed, it fits neatly into smaller packs or bikepacking setups. The structure is stable in rough UK conditions, and the 20D fabric holds up well over time. While the mesh inner can droop slightly with repeated use and the main zip could benefit from a more rigid storm flap, these are minor concerns in what is otherwise a very capable 3-season shelter.
- Reviewed by Basecamp Gear
Features
- Recycled and PFC-free flysheet, inner and groundsheet fabric
- Free-standing, strong design
- Excellent ventilation
- Easy Pitch, Easy Pack, Compact
Specifications
BCG Specs:
- Flysheets & Inner Weight: 1083g
- Poleset weighs: 459g
- 12 x pegs supplied weigh: 145g
- Total weight: 1542g (excludes pegs and bags)
Terra Nova Specs:
- Sleeps: 1
- Season Rating Spec: 3 season backpacking
- Free standing?: No (tent requires guy lines to be pitched)
- Minimum Weight: 1.65Kg
- Total Weight: 1.79Kg
- Number of Doors: 1
- Packed Size: 35x17cm
Material & Construction
- Flysheet: 20D Nylon R/S Si / PU Recycled C0 4000mm HH
- Inner Fabric: 20D Nylon 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
