Wild CampingNortentBackpacking Tent

Nortent Vern 1 tent review: the new kid on the block that seriously packs a punch

Light enough to carry on a summer bikepacking overnighter, sturdy enough for a UK winter storm, and more spacious than any other one-person tent we have tested. We think this might be the best all-round 4-season solo shelter on the British market right now.

✓  Top PickNortent Vern 1 Weight1.49 kgPrice~£490 (UK)Seasons4 season The good✓  Very lightweight for a true 4-season shelter
✓  Robust and durable materials
✓  Crossing pole adds real wind stability
✓  Most spacious one-person tent we have tested
✓  Double door opens fully for vestibule/views
✓  Seam sealant included in the box
The not-so-good✗  You have to seam seal it yourself
✗  Less stable than heavier 4-season alternatives in serious storms
✗  Not freestanding — needs pegs for structure

At a glance

Overview

Nortent is a Norwegian manufacturer of high-quality 4-season tents and tarps. Though the brand is fairly new in the UK, they have been making shelters ideal for the tundras of Scandinavia for some years — which makes them optimal for UK 4-season conditions. Weighing in at 1.49 kg at a minimum, the Nortent Vern 1 is the lightest tent in their line by far and an ideal shelter for weight-conscious backpackers, thru-hikers and bikepackers looking for a one-person tent for use across all of the UK’s four seasons.

Costing around £400 when bought directly from Nortent (including import duty), the Vern 1 is by no means cheap. As of October 2023, you can order the tent in the UK directly from Valley and Peak for around £490, which comes with the crossing pole for use in windy and snowy conditions. That price puts it at the higher end of many budgets — but we think the quality versus what £490 can otherwise get you in the tent space represents excellent value for money. The Vern 1 is an incredible shelter that will keep you safe in practically any conditions for many years, if not for life. Compare it with the competition: the Hilleberg Akto will set you back almost £200 more, and the Tarp Tent Scarp 1 around an extra £100 — if you can buy one in the UK at all.

The Nortent Vern 1 is also very roomy when pitched correctly. There is more than enough room for one person and kit, and that is without taking the generous vestibule space into consideration. Two doors on either side of the pole can both be opened all the way, turning the vestibule into something close to a balcony — perfect for watching a sunset or sunrise, or for maximising ventilation in good weather.

How we tested

We used the Vern 1 on numerous occasions across a range of UK conditions: a blustery woodland camp where temperatures dropped in the night; a wild camp on a summit in Bannau Brycheiniog in a snap summer storm; and numerous nights across Dartmoor in exceptionally rainy and windy conditions. The one condition we have not yet thrown at it is snow — though we cannot wait to put it to the test the second some is forecast. We are confident about what we will find.

Features and performance

Pitch and stability

Pitching the Vern 1 is simply a matter of threading through the central pole and then pegging out each end. In windy conditions, the numerous peg-out points along the sides give it extra stability, and two guy lines allow for strong performance in gusts. The crossing pole serves to pull everything drum-tight — ideal for stopping any flap in the wind. That said, it is still not as solid in serious wind as many other, heavier 4-season shelters such as the Hilleberg Soulo. Be sensible about where you pitch the Vern 1 in the most exposed conditions.

It is also worth flagging upfront that the Vern 1 is not freestanding. Without pegs in the ground it has no structural integrity unless you are relying solely on the crossing pole. On good ground this is never an issue, but it is worth knowing before you head onto rocky or frozen terrain where pegging is difficult.

“We’d take this on any and all UK adventures — whatever the time of year. For those looking for one singular tent that will perform well in any conditions, we don’t think there’s anything better on the market right now.”

Space and livability

The interior is the standout surprise of the Vern 1. With a head height of 1 m, most people can sit upright comfortably — a significant advantage on long winter nights when you are spending real time inside the shelter. There is ample room for one person and all kit, and truthfully two people could probably sleep in it fairly comfortably if all kit was moved to the generous vestibule space.

The double vestibule doors are a genuine feature rather than a marketing point. Opening both all the way creates remarkable airflow and turns the vestibule into outdoor living space — something you will genuinely use when the weather is kind. In rain and wind those same doors close down to create a tight, quiet shelter.

Seam sealing

The one genuine caveat: the Vern 1 requires seam sealing before first use. In a move to keep the price accessible, Nortent leave you to seal all permeable seams yourself using the sealant they provide in the box. The process can be a bit messy and time-consuming, but is not difficult — smear it over the stitching on a dry day with little wind and leave it to dry. Once done, the tent is fully waterproof and the life of the shelter is extended significantly. We would recommend doing a practice pitch in the garden first anyway, so treat seam sealing as part of that same pre-trip preparation.

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Our verdictThe best all-round 4-season solo shelter on the British market right now.The Nortent Vern 1 is a fantastic shelter for so many reasons. Tried and tested in wet and windy conditions across Dartmoor and Bannau Brycheiniog, we would take this on any UK adventure whatever the time of year. It is a solid all-rounder that is just as well suited to summer backpackers out in lowland areas as it is for Scottish winter mountaineers anticipating heavy snowfall.The seam sealing requirement is a minor inconvenience, and those heading into genuinely exposed conditions should still be sensible about pitch selection — this is a lightweight tent that demands to be treated as one. But for those who want one singular shelter that will perform well in any conditions and on any UK adventure, we do not think there is anything better on the market right now.

FAQs

How does the Nortent Vern 1 perform in summer?Impressively well for a 4-season tent. Lightweight and easy to carry, with ventilation ports at head and foot, it is just as suited to summer backpacking as to winter mountaineering.

How does the Nortent Vern 1 perform in winter?Excellently in UK winter conditions, especially with the crossing pole fitted. It is a lightweight tent, so pick your pitch sensibly and avoid the most exposed positions in serious storms.

How does the Nortent Vern 1 perform in the wind?Very well for its weight. The crossing pole pulls the fly drum-tight and meaningfully improves stability in gusts. Treat it as the lightweight shelter it is and choose your pitch accordingly.

How easy is the Nortent Vern 1 to pitch?Very easy. Single central pole, peg out head and tail, adjust the tensioners. We pitched it in under five minutes in the wind including adding the crossing pole and guying out extra lines. Note it is not freestanding — pegs are required for structural integrity.

Do you have to seam seal the Nortent Vern 1?Yes. Nortent supply ample sealant in the box. Apply it over all permeable stitching on a dry, calm day and leave to dry. It can be time-consuming but is not difficult, and it renders the tent 100% waterproof.

Is the Nortent Vern 1 worth the money?Yes. At around £490 from Valley and Peak it is a significant outlay, but the Hilleberg Akto costs almost £200 more and the Tarp Tent Scarp 1 around £100 more. For a reliable, lightweight 4-season shelter that will serve you well in any UK conditions, it represents strong value for money.