When we first introduced the Akto over 20 years ago, we did not know that it would become as popular as it has. Although only slightly heavier than a bivy bag, the Akto offers near-luxury, all-season shelter for the solo traveler – lodging that includes a vestibule and a packed size small enough to fit into a side pocket on many packs.
It’s an ideal choice any time you need the lightest weight, all season solo tent, and while it was not designed for extreme use, it has proven itself on extended polar expeditions, and so will stand up well to all conditions. Hikers, climbers, bicycle tourers, and sea kayakers alike have embraced its lightweight roominess, and today it is being used in every clime, all over the world.
“I originally switched from enclosed tents to a floorless tipi to save weight on extended backcountry hunts. It made sense, lighter gear meant longer range and less fatigue. However, on a recent spring bear hunt in tick-infested Idaho, the floorless setup didn’t seem like the best option, so I picked up the Hilleberg Akto and gave it a shot. After that trip, I’m not sure I’ll go back to the tipi, unless I’m packing my titanium stove for a late-season hunt.
The Akto with its tent body, 10 stakes, center pole, and stuff sack weighs in at just 3 lbs. 12 oz. It fit neatly into the side pocket of my Sky Guide 7900 pack. The vestibule is surprisingly roomy; I was able to store my backpack, rifle, and other gear there. At 5’10", I still had enough space to keep additional gear inside the tent and sleep comfortably. I was able to sit up in the tent and cook under the vestibule in the mornings and evenings without hitting my head on the ceiling. The tent has vents on both ends and a double-wall construction, which meant I experienced zero condensation, even after wet and cold nights. That was a huge upgrade from my usual routine of waking up damp in the tipi.
My favorite feature is its quick and easy setup, especially in the rugged terrain I was hunting. The area was steep and covered in thick brush, making it tough to find flat, open ground, but the Akto’s small footprint allowed me to pitch it in tight spots where my tipi simply wouldn’t have fit. Another major benefit? Peace of mind. I didn’t have to worry about bugs crawling on me at night, and I slept like a rock. It rained, snowed, and blew hard throughout the trip, and the Akto held up flawlessly.
If you’re in the market for an enclosed, single-person tent, I can’t recommend the Hilleberg Akto enough. It’s a bulletproof design that’s been trusted by backcountry users for over 20 years, and after my experience, I can see why.” – Hunter LeMasters, Hunt Advisor
MSRP: $740
For more information, go to www.hilleberg.com.