By Michael Wheiler

September 5, 2006

 

Company:

 

    Hilleberg

    www.hilleberg.com

 

Product:

 

    Rajd:  A Superlight Single Wall Shelter

    Color:  Green

    Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price For The Rajd:  $285.00 US
    Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price For The Rajd Footprint:  $32.00 US
    Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price For The Rajd Poles:  $35.00 US

 

    Height:  5'10"  (177.8 cm)
    Weight:  175 pounds  (79.4 kg)

    email:  jmwlaw@ida.net

 

General Information:

The Rajd along with stakes, a footprint and poles arrived undamaged.  The shelter's components included the shelter with guy lines attached and 10 stakes.  There is a stuff sack for the tent and the pegs.  Hilleberg graciously included an optional Rajd footprint (with stuff sack) to assist in protecting the floor of the Rajd during the test period and two optional poles with stuff sack.  Both the footprint and pole set are accessories that can be purchased from Hilleberg.  In the box with the Rajd was a very impressive 2006-2007 Hilleberg catalog with price list, a single page description of the Rajd and a very brief manual (in three languages).  Hilleberg also provided me with a specification sheet regarding the Kerlon fabric used in the Rajd with samples of a standard ripstop nylon fabric, Kerlon 1200 and Kerlon 1800.  Since I also tested the Hilleberg Akto, this was not the first time I had seen this specification sheet.  However, again I was impressed with the spec sheet because the samples were provided to do my own tear test and, given my professional training, I love ripping things apart!  The "standard fabric" provided ripped fairly easily using just my hands.  On the other hand, I was unable to tear the Kerlon 1200 with just my hands.  Also included was a very nice personal letter from Petra Hilleberg, President of Hilleberg The Tentmaker USA.

 

Manufacturer Specifications:

 

Hilleberg's catalog indicates that the word "Rajd" is pronounced "ride".  The Rajd is an A-frame style shelter with two access doors.  According to Hilleberg, the Rajd's weight is 2 pounds, 2 ounces (950 g) which includes the shelter, guy lines and 10 pegs.  The Rajd can be pitched using hiking poles but optional poles are available and are listed at 9.6 ounces (272 g) per pair.  Each pole is approximately 45.3 inches (115 cm) in length.  The Rajd is made of Kerlon 1200 with an advertised tear strength which is "6 times stronger than competing products!"  The "square pegs" provided with the Rajd look like long nails or spikes with a loop of red and white polyester string through the upper-end of the peg.  The pegs are made of hardened aluminum, are 6.3 inches (16 cm) in length and weigh 0.32 ounces (9 g) each.  The pegs are described as "slim and solid"  and can "easily be driven into hard ground."  The integrated string loop in the peg is designed to facilitate removal of the peg from the ground.  The 2mm guy lines are made of red and white interwoven Spectra cord and polyester.  According to Hilleberg, this produces a cord with "no slip, near zero stretch and water absorption, an easy-to-handle soft feel, high UV resistance and a 300 pound (135 kg) breaking strength."  The Rajd is advertised to be 100 inches (255 cm) in length and 47 inches (120 cm) wide.  At the peak, the Rajd is 45 inches (115 cm) in height.  The Rajd has a sewn in floor with no seams.  No-see-um mesh has been placed into the top one-third of each door to promote cross-ventilation.  Eaves have been designed to extend out from the ridge line to cover the mesh but Hilleberg bisected the eaves over each door with a zipper which allow the user to roll up one or both halves of the eaves to assist with even greater air flow through the shelter.

Item	As Measured By Tester	As Weighed By Tester (Neopost Digital Scale)
Shelter	approximately 21"/53 cm around in the stuff sack; approximately 10"/25 cm in height in the stuff sack.	1 lb. 13.5 oz./0.84 kg with the stuff sack; 2 lb. 1.2 oz./0.94 kg with 10 stakes and attached guy lines in the stuff sacks.
Stakes	approximately 6.25"/16 cm in length.	0.4 oz/11 g each; 3.7 oz./105 g for 10 stakes in the stuff sack.
Poles	both poles approximately 5"/13 cm around and 16.75"/42.5 cm in height in the stuff sack; Each pole is 45"/114 cm in length assembled.	One pole weighed 4.9 oz/139 g and the other weighed 4.8 oz./136; both poles in the stuff sack weighed 9.8 oz/278 g.
Footprint	approximately 9.5"/24 cm in length, 6"/15 cm in width, and 0.25"/6 mm thick in the stuff sack.	8.8 oz./249 g with the stuff sack; 8.4 oz./238 g without the stuff sack.

Examination and Set-Up:

 

I took an extra day before writing this report to actually set up the Rajd in my yard.  Before attempting the set-up, I read the brief instructions.  The instructions with photographs were easy to understand.  I attempted to set the Rajd up by myself in a brisk northern breeze.  Set up was fairly easy.  Per the instructions, I staked out the Rajd's floor first.  I then placed the optional poles in the pole-end cups which are located in the top of the shelter just inside each door.  I set the poles upright one at a time and the guyed out each ridge line.  Next, I staked out the guy lines located on all four corners of the Rajd and pulled the guy lines tight.  The guy lines must be used to fully erect the tent into a usable form.  I was very impressed with how easy it was to set-up the Rajd.  The Rajd nearly looked identical to the pictures on the website and in the catalog.  Using the guy lines, the Rajd can be pitched fairly tightly but I could still hear some fabric rustling in the breeze.  

Hilleberg is very careful to caution that although the Rajd is "highly weatherproof and very durable," it is a light weight shelter--not a tent.  The Rajd is constructed of a single layer of fabric.  According to Hilleberg, it is designed to provide the "gossamer weight" of a tarp without sacrificing the comfort of  walls and a floor.  However, it "does not offer the same comfort or strength [as a tent], especially in variable to poor weather conditions."  As should be expected, the Rajd's single wall design makes it more prone to condensation than a double wall tent.  Given the light weight nature of the fabric used in the Rajd, Hilleberg also cautions that extra care should be taken to protect the floor from being damaged.  Hilleberg suggests placing a foam sleeping pad under the Rajd's floor before pitching it, especially on rocky ground.

 

Initial Impressions:

 

The Rajd appears to be well constructed.  It has a unique design which I really like.  I especially like the light weight of this two-person shelter.  In the past, I have been reluctant to "tarp tent" because I prefer the security of walls and a floor.  Call me a wimp but I really do not like things such as snakes, bugs, skunks (yes, I have actually had one visit the interior of my tent while I was in it), mice, etc. crawling on or around me while I'm trying to sleep!  The Rajd offers a solution to those concerns.  Given my initial observations, the Rajd appears to be very stable but this appearance will be tested during the next 6 months.  It is roomy enough inside for two persons and would be palacial even for one person and gear.

 

Field Testing Strategy:  

I plan to use the Rajd on September 8-9 in the Challis area near Mosquito Flats.  In September, I plan to climb Idaho's ninth tallest mountain--Hyndman Peak (12,009 ft/3,660 m) and Utah's Mt. Timpanogos (11,749 ft/3,581 m).  Each of those climbs will involve an overnight stay near the trail head.  In mid-October, I will again be in the Challis area for approximately one week hunting elk and will attempt to use the Rajd depending upon the weather.  I will also have a larger back-up shelter for that week.  I have no specific plans yet for November 2006 through March 2007 but I will take at least one overnight trip per month.  I will use the Rajd in my back yard as much as necessary to supplement my test days before the heavy snow arrives. Most all of these outings will be in very mountainous terrain--5,500-8,500 feet (1,700-2,600 m) above sea level.   Given the terrain I will be frequenting during these trips and the fact that our fall weather is already here (cooler evenings and days) and the winter months are fast approaching, the Rajd will likely receive some testing in pretty tough environments.  While I will try to test only during the better weather, the Rajd may see some weather for which it was not necessarily designed. 

 

In general, I will be testing the strength of the Kerlon fabric, especially the floor.  I will try the foot print alone on ground that is not too rocky and will add the extra protection of a sleeping pad when necessary.  I also want to see how well the ventilation system works in the Rajd and will be reporting on humidity levels and condensation.  I will be checking the Rajd's ability to keep rain out and how well it does in southeastern Idaho's famous winds.  Given the generally rocky ground we camp on in these areas, the tent pegs will surely get a good work-out as well!  I will be testing the ease with which the Rajd can be set-up in various weather conditions.  I will also attempt various methods of setting-up the Rajd.  The shelter is designed to be used with hiking poles, sticks, optional poles or by just using the guy lines and I will attempt to set-up the Rajd using all of these methods.

Specific Test Plan	Features To Be Tested
Ease of  Use/Set-up	Based upon the description offered by Hilleberg, pitching the Rajd should be simple even under unexpectedly adverse conditions.  I will report on how easy I believe it is to pitch the Rajd even under such conditions.  I will report on my use of sticks, hiking poles, guy lines, and poles in pitching the Rajd.
Weather Resistance	The biggest concern with any single wall tent, but especially one designed as a lightweight single wall tarp/tent hybrid is moisture--including condensation and using it in moist or wet conditions.  Fortunately, in this high desert environment usually moisture is not a serious concern from July through September.  Spring and winter months present more of a moisture problem.   Hilleberg claims that the Rajd is "highly weatherproof."  However, Hilleberg also points out that due to the design of the Rajd, there is only a single layer of fabric between the user and the elements and the floor is made of the same material as the walls.  Based upon my use of the Rajd under rainy or snowy conditions, I will report on any opinions I may formulate regarding the use of a tarp foot print under the Rajd.  During my use of the Rajd, I will report on humidity levels (using a digital Maximum/Minimum Thermohygrometer) inside and outside of the shelter; any noticeable condensation build up inside the shelter; and any outside moisture leaking into the shelter.  The wind in my area of use can be a serious problem for those seeking shelter under any type of fabric shelter.  Shelters need to be tightly pitched and securely anchored.  A good shelter will not bow with the wind pushing fabric into the face(s) of its occupants.  I will report on how well the Rajd fares under such conditions.  Finally, I will report on whether the no-see-um mesh in the Rajd's door panels allows wind blown moisture to enter the tent or whether the eave design affords sufficient coverage while at the same time assisting with condensation removal.
Breathability/Air Flow	Hilleberg reminds the prospective buyer that the single wall design of the Rajd, by nature, is more prone to condensation than a double wall tent.  To combat this problem, Hilleberg has constructed the top 1/3 of the door out of no-see-um mesh to promote cross ventilation and Hilleberg integrated a zipper into the design of the eaves over each door to allow the eaves to be rolled up for even greater air flow.  I will be testing and reporting on any noticeable dampness inside the shelter after each night's use--especially during colder temperatures.  In that regard, I will also be testing the Rajd's ventilation system design.
Comfort	The manufacturer claims that the Rajd is "remarkably roomy", "comfortably big enough for two", and a "veritable palace for the solo traveler."  Are these claims true?  I will use the Rajd as a solo and dual person shelter and will report on the "roominess" of the shelter in both capacities.  Also, I will report on whether the two doors in the Rajd are configured so as to allow easy ingress and egress by its user(s)?
Durability	Hilleberg uses Kerlon1200 fabric in the Rajd.  Hilleberg claims that Kerlon 1200 fabric is "stronger than most so called 'heavy duty' tent and tarp fabrics and will stand up quite well to demanding conditions."  This is the same material used in the Akto.  Based upon my use of the Akto, I have been very impressed with the durability of the Kerlon 1200 fabric but would like to see how that same fabric holds up under similar use of the Rajd hybrid design.  Hilleberg suggests using a foam pad underneath the Rajd when it must be pitched on rocky ground.  Generally, with any fabric shelter, I attempt to avoid placing it over rocky ground--rocks are generally not good for the shelter or the occupants.  Nevertheless, I will report on the outcome of placing sleeping pads of various kinds under the Rajd.  Do the pads stay in place and do they provide sufficient protection to the floor of the Rajd?  Does the use of pads under the Rajd result in less moisture build-up under the floor of the shelter?  How do the pads fare when used under the floor of the shelter?
Versatility	The Rajd is reportedly capable of being pitched using a variety of supports.  I will use a variety of support systems and report on the same.
Zippers	How durable are the zippers after multiple uses?  Do the zippers function properly?  Do the zippers catch on the shelter material frequently or easily?
Dimensions	I have already reported my findings regarding my attempts to verify the manufacturer's listed measurements and weights for the Rajd.  For what it is worth, I will also report on how well the Rajd fit into my pack with other gear.  I am especially interested in Hilleberg's assertion that the Rajd with its floor and walls weighs less than many tarps and bivy sacks.  At its listed weight, the Rajd is significantly lighter than any of my current backpacking shelters.  If it handles my regular backpack season use as described above while remaining relatively durable, at this weight, the hybrid design could very well make the Rajd my shelter of choice.
Cleaning	How easy is it to clean and dry the Rajd?

Additional Personal Biographical Information:

I have had more than 38 years of outdoor experience.  I've been car camping/hiking/backpacking since my early teens; mostly weekend trips but some week long trips.  I try to take trips of 3 to 5 days in length at least once a year along with multiple weekend jaunts during the year.  I like to camp/hike/backpack regardless of the weather.

 

Geographic Information: 

 

Most of my camping occurs in the southeastern Idaho area but spills over into central Idaho, western Wyoming (Grand Teton National Park) and western Montana.  The elevations of the areas I frequent generally range from 5,500 feet (2 km) to 8,500 feet (3 km) above sea level.  However, during the summer of 2005 I was able to climb Mt. Borah in the Lost River Range (12,662 ft/3,859 m) and Diamond Peak in the Lemhi Range (12,197 ft/3,718 m).  I recently climbed Mt. Leatherman (12,228 ft/3,727 m).  Idaho has nine peaks with elevations above 12,000' (3,658 m).  Mt. Borah is the tallest; Leatherman is number two and Diamond is number four. The weather in southeastern Idaho is fairly typical of a high desert plain.  Winters are usually cold and snow depths vary but are generally over 10-12 feet (3-4 m) in most of the areas where we camp and snowshoe.  Springs can be moderately wet and cold.  Summers are typically dry and warm (80 to the upper 90 degrees Fahrenheit (27-32 Celsius) though this year we have seen temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) (38 Celsius) with occasional thunderstorms.  Fall weather is actually the best--crisp mornings, warm afternoons and cool evenings with little moisture.  In the winter, although we can expect colder temperatures, we generally try not to camp in anything colder than -10 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 Celsius).

 

My thanks to Hilleberg and BGT for the opportunity to test the Rajd.

 

Mike Wheiler