Berghaus Snowdonia 2.1 2010

I’m not sure what has surprised me most here – the fact that Berghaus has designed its first ever tents, or that they are being made under licence by the Blacks Leisure Group and will only be available in the UK from Blacks and Millets stores. Either way, what is most important is how the products perform.
The Berghaus Snowdonia 2.1 is just one of several models that’s available via the Blacks-Berghaus partnership, as there is also a two-person dome, a three-person tunnel and a four-person tent in the range.
At just £130 the Snowdonia 2.1’s price is very appealing, but this is countered by the weight of 2.95kg, which is relatively heavy these days. However this is a two-person tent, so that is only around 1.5kg each when shared.
I used the tent for a week in Scotland, and what I liked instantly was that it could be pitched quickly and easily thanks to colour-coded poles. The porch is extended with an additional pole, to make this area huge and ideal for storing a few rucksacks with space to spare for cooking and drying gear.
I also liked the double entry points, as they allow two campers to have access without the need to shoulder-charge their mate out of the way in order to get in and out.
But the tent’s interior is a little gloomy due to the dark blue outer – although of course this could be viewed as a benefit because it does make sleeping easier. I’d also like a bit more ventilation as there are only a couple of small external vents plus a small section of midge net on the inner doors. Also, the external doors cannot be opened from the top. While I didn’t experience a lot of condensation in this tent, I’m not so sure that would be the case in all weathers – and I’d certainly like to see more venting options.

Price £130
Sleeps 2 persons
Design tunnel with porch extension
Poles shock-corded alloy
Inner polyester
Flysheet PU-coated polyester, 4000mm hydrostatic head  
Groundsheet PU-coated nylon, 5000mm hydrostatic head
Internal dimensions length 215cm; width 130cm; height 90cm
Packed size 43x20cm
Weight 2.95kg
Made in Far East
Stockist details – tel. 0800 665 410; www.blacks.co.uk