SG Skyscraper or Hilleberg Niak

[passinggas33]

Looking to buy a 1-2 person 4 season tent and narrowed it down to these two. I know that the Niak is considered a 3 season, but is it really only that, or does it hit above its "classification"? Which would you consider more "storm worthy" and all around better? Yes that is a general term, but think a variety of storm conditions. I'm looking to use this tent on the Unlimiteds in Montana (snow), to a sheep hunt in Alaska (high wind?), a goat hunt (weight) and everything in between. Which of these two are you choosing if your life depending on it?

A little background. I don't need a 3 season tent as I'm very happy with my Tarptent Double Rainbow. And I have some tipis that I take with a stove, when I know I'm going to be in continual snow and sharing weight. So I'm looking at this tent as being the next step in 4 season arsenal. Thanks in advance.

 

[MountainTracker]

Looking to buy a 1-2 person 4 season tent and narrowed it down to these two. I know that the Niak is considered a 3 season, but is it really only that, or does it hit above its "classification"? Which would you consider more "storm worthy" and all around better? Yes that is a general term, but think a variety of storm conditions. I'm looking to use this tent on the Unlimiteds in Montana (snow), to a sheep hunt in Alaska (high wind?), a goat hunt (weight) and everything in between. Which of these two are you choosing if your life depending on it?

A little background. I don't need a 3 season tent as I'm very happy with my Tarptent Double Rainbow. And I have some tipis that I take with a stove, when I know I'm going to be in continual snow and sharing weight. So I'm looking at this tent as being the next step in 4 season arsenal. Thanks in advance.

I have the SG, one thing to consider with that tent is that it is not a fly first setup, which I am finding I don’t like. The only other gripe I have is the vestibule seems small to me, but if using solo that’s a non issue. The tent is very well made. I’ve used it goat and sheep hunting in AK, and if it would have been an option when I went to the MT unlimited, I would have taken it without concern. SG has two doors vs the niak. From what I’ve seen the niak has a slightly smaller footprint. I’ve only messed with the niak at the local shop here, never used in the mountains, so I’ll leave that to those who have. There are a few threads on the niak that would help you. A lot of guys use both of these tents exactly how you describe and they both seem to be storm worthy.


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[Turkeygetpwnd38]

I don’t have any experience with the SG but by all accounts it’s a nice tent. I have a ton of nights in the Niak though, it’s my go to tent for 90% of hunts. The only limitation with weather is really the fly is cut pretty high up in a crescent shape on the ends and the back fly has a decent gap as well. If there is a lot of wind, it can get drafty. I wouldn’t be worried about snow load though and it’s more than storm worthy. Another plus is mentioned above, fly first/with pitch, I wouldn’t go back to any other way.

If you want a true 4 season bomb proof I’d get the Soulo, I’ve had it as well. It’s a little tighter and heavier(than Niak, not SG), but if I remember correctly you can get it right at 4lbs with some trimming.

 

[passinggas33]

I don’t have any experience with the SG but by all accounts it’s a nice tent. I have a ton of nights in the Niak though, it’s my go to tent for 90% of hunts. The only limitation with weather is really the fly is cut pretty high up in a crescent shape on the ends and the back fly has a decent gap as well. If there is a lot of wind, it can get drafty. I wouldn’t be worried about snow load though and it’s more than storm worthy. Another plus is mentioned above, fly first/with pitch, I wouldn’t go back to any other way.

If you want a true 4 season bomb proof I’d get the Soulo, I’ve had it as well. It’s a little tighter and heavier(than Niak, not SG), but if I remember correctly you can get it right at 4lbs with some trimming.

Do you think you could make the Niak “more bomber” if you went to a 10mm pole and added in a zipped in ability to cover the mesh?

 

[Athens]

My buddy was in his SG tent, and I was in my recently purchased used Big Agnes tent ,$150.
I was envious of his elbow room. Both tents functioned properly in challenging conditions.
I'm hoping to get a Skyscraper this year. Well designed, light, compact.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Do you think you could make the Niak “more bomber” if you went to a 10mm pole and added in a zipped in ability to cover the mesh?

I wouldn’t be concerned about the poles. Only weak link is the fly but that’s why it’s considered a 3 season. In my mind, it’s not a safety concern, just comfort. Worst case, it’s a little drafty and have the potential to get a little moisture blown in, but not enough to matter.

 

[Southern Lights]

Hilleberg 3- season are as strong as most four season tents. But I still use only their four season tents as for a slight weight penalty you are going to get a structure that is just not going to fail when you need it most. That's worth the extra weight to me.

The main thing is their 3-season tents the fly does not come all the way to the ground. This helps with ventilation, but in a storm can provide a place for wind/snow to blow up and flap around more. Their four season tents come all the way to the ground which means they can also be used a shelter with no inner if you need to save weight or fit an extra person in during an emergency.