Wild CampingRobensBackpacking Tent

Robens Elk River 1 review: a reliable tent that’s long flown under the radar

Is this the best tent you’ve never heard of?

✓  Top PickRobens Elk River 1 Weight1.5 kgCapacity1-personPrice~£200–300 The good✓  Lightweight at 1.5 kg
✓  Packs down near Nalgene-bottle size
✓  Fast and effortless to pitch
✓  Fully freestanding
✓  DAC exoskeleton — solid in the wind
✓  Double zip for great ventilation
✓  Gorgeous to look at
✓  Two internal pockets + lamp loop
The not-so-good✗  215 cm length — snug for taller users
✗  No longer sold direct from Robens
Check price for the Robens Elk River 1 →

At a glance

Check price for the Robens Elk River 1 →

Overview

Hailing from Denmark, Robens is one of the most established European brands in the tent space, and we have been lucky to have tested several of their lines over the years. In our experience, Robens has consistently delivered nothing but reliable, meticulously thought-out and reasonably priced shelters — and the Elk River 1 is no exception.

Weighing in at 1.5 kg, this tent packs down almost as small as a Nalgene bottle and is probably one of the easiest and quickest tents we have ever pitched. In places like Eryri, Bannau Brycheiniog and Dartmoor, we have been able to pitch this thing in a matter of minutes, even when the wind has been ringing in our ears. Over the years, we have used it in all conditions imaginable, including snow blizzards, driving rain and punishing winds. And the tent has been nothing but impressive the whole time. It consistently outperforms all expectations for its size, weight and price.

If you shop around online, you can normally pick up the Robens Elk River 1 for around £250. Despite no longer being available directly through Robens, we have seen it on various e-commerce sites, with prices ranging from £200 to £300. Due to the DAC poles and the exoskeleton design, as well as the quality of the taped seams and the YKK zippers, we think it is an investment worth making if you can afford it.

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How we tested

We have used the Elk River 1 dozens of times over two years. We have tested it against driving rain in the Lake District and ferocious winds in Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons). We have carried it for miles up and down the windswept mountains of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), and hunkered down in it in temperatures approaching –13°C in Dartmoor National Park. Every time: nothing but a cinch to pitch and pack away.

We are struggling to highlight any cons as we write this review, as there really is not anything we would like to see improved. Robens have not cut any corners in the design or the production of this shelter, resulting in a tent that delivers exceptional all-round performance in all 12 of the UK’s glorious seasons. The DAC 9mm aluminium Y-shaped exoskeleton pole is very easy to use and adds serious rigidity in bad winds, and the double zip on both inner and fly gives you plenty of ventilation options. Inside, two pockets and an overhead line and loop for a lamp make it comfortable on long nights, and the webbing straps on the guy lines can be lashed around the exoskeleton for extra wind resistance — a feature we highly rate on all Robens tents.

Features and performance

Livability

Coming in at 215 cm in length, the tent is a little on the snug side — something that may take some getting used to if you usually camp in something much larger. But users of average height will still have ample room to store kit. We have found it quickly becomes a cocoon of warmth from the harshest elements on the coldest winter nights. To maximise internal space, we store boots, stove and water in the porch overnight and keep the empty pack at the foot end — which means we can still spread out and have everything we need within reach.

“It takes the chore of pitching out of wild camping. Performing as well as it does in all weather, it allows you to be more present after a hard day in the hills.”

The looks

Another thing we love about this tent is the fact that it is rarely spotted out in the hills. There is something exciting about knowing a secret that nobody else seems to know. For us — with its exoskeleton frame that holds the fly in place and the gloriously earthy desert colour — it is one of the most photogenic tents we have ever been out in.

Check price for the Robens Elk River 1 →

Our verdictA tough tent to beat — and a secret still worth knowing.The Elk River 1 remains a favourite here at the GBAC purely because of the convenience its design offers: it takes the chore of pitching out of wild camping. Performing as well as it does in all weather, it allows you to be more present after a hard day in the hills, get a better night’s sleep, and set off quickly the next morning. All in, we think the Elk River 1 is a tough tent to beat, and we look forward to using ours for many more years to come.Check price for the Robens Elk River 1 →

FAQs

How does the Robens Elk River 1 perform in the summer?Brilliantly. For such a small tent, there are plenty of ventilation options, and if you are travelling light without tonnes of winter layers, there is more than enough room to spend multiple nights inside comfortably.

How does the Robens Elk River 1 perform in the winter?Surprisingly well. The exoskeleton pole structure absorbs huge gusts without issue and handles UK snow load easily. As it is so compact, it retains body heat effectively — resulting in a warm and comfortable shelter even in miserable weather.

How does the Robens Elk River 1 perform in the wind?Very well for its size and weight. The DAC poles, guy lines and clip-on exoskeleton provide amazing support — far more than you would expect from looking at it. You can also wrap the webbing straps around the poles before guying out for extra stability.

How easy is it to pitch the Robens Elk River 1?One of the easiest tents we have ever pitched. We have put it up on chilly winter nights in thick gloves and against galeforce winds. Each time: simple and reliable.

Is the Robens Elk River 1 worth buying?Yes. Shop around online — it is no longer sold direct from Robens but is available at various retailers for between £200 and £300. Given the DAC poles, exoskeleton design, YKK zippers and taped seams, it is a worthy investment for anyone who can get their hands on one.