Heimplanet Fistral Classic 1-2 Person tent review

Heimplanet_Fistral_2__TNT6877 — The Heimplanet's unusual external blow-up structure will be the talk of your campsite. Image: Justin Foulkes

RRP £599 – but check out our deal-finder ...

Basics

Heimplanet is a Hamburg-based company that first really caught the eye of the design world with the launch of their radical new tent The Cave in 2010, featuring a boldly styled external structure of pneumatic tubes.

Like the Cave, the Fistral is a freestanding dome tent with an inflatable frame. Great for car camping weekends but tricky to split between two for carrying, this weatherproof, durable tent offers UK 2-season protection.

First impressions

The poles in this tent have been replaced by sturdy inflatable chambers. This gives it an unusual look but it’s a clever system that will bend rather than break in the wind. There are two generous entry points, which will allow most people to crouch rather than crawl inside.

This tent comes in at a similar price point to the Big Agnes Copper Spur Bikepack and the MSR Hubba Hubba NX-2 and offers much the same internal and porch space. With a wider mesh inner, it may not feel as warm as the Hubba Hubba but it has a higher waterproof rating.

How weatherproof is it?

This tent boasts a 40-denier flysheet with impressive 5000 mm waterproofing as well as a sturdy, high-walled inner floor. With no poles to risk bending or breaking, the Heimplanet Fistral has been designed to withstand high winds as well as rain. The impressive height, closable ventilation vents and mesh inner will help keep condensation issues to a minimum but could also reduce warmth. The inflation system has two chambers to keep the tent upright should one chamber develop a fault.

Heimplanet_Fistral_2__TNT6918 — You can inflate with Heimplanet's special pump – or use an ordinary bicycle pump. Image: Justin Foulkes

Is it easy to pitch?

This tent will initially be an outer first pitch but the inner and outer can be left together for subsequent pitches. The double action mini pump (not included) is efficient and reasonably compact.

Tent inflation pump — Heimplanet's double action mini pump is available as an extra. Image: Justin Foulkes

Heimplanet also offer a double action floor pump. If you're bikepacking, you can opt to inflate the chambers with a bike pump, but this will require the pump adaptor (included) and plenty of exertion.

White tent — The Fistral 2's has a decent sized porch with each of its two doors. Image: Justin Foulkes

Is there a porch?

This tent has two generous porches with room for rucksacks, boots and cooking equipment. The porches do not have groundsheet cover unless you purchase the optional footprint.

Heimplanet_Fistral_2 — Head height feels generous in the Fistral 2. Image: Justin Foulkes

What’s the inner tent like?

For its pack size and weight, the Heimplanet Fistral is comfortable. It gives a closer sideways sleep than some but offers plenty of sitting-up headroom and adequate sleeping length for two adults. This tent doesn’t have many gear storage options, but the two side porches offer additional space.

Packed white tent — The packed Heimplanet 2 is a little bulky for backpacking. Image: Justin Foulkes

Is it easy to pack?

With no poles to fold, the Heimplanet Fistral is particularly quick to strike. For full deflation, roll it so the air intakes end up on the outside of the bundle. With the inner and outer together this tent’s a tight fit into the bag but the roll top and lengthwise compression strap slightly reduce the pack size.

Value for money?

High price buys high quality materials, wind and rain-proofing, and it’s easy to pitch.

Best for...

2-season car campers or backpackers who don’t mind carrying a bigger pack. It would also be great if you needed a tent two people could sit as well as sleep in.

Facts at a glance: Heimplanet Fistral, Classic 2-Person tent

Packed size: 38 cm x 20 cm
Weight: 2.9 kg
Inner height: 112 cm
Suitable for: 2-season (no season rating given by manufacturer)
Flysheet: 40 Denier HT Polyester Ripstop DWR PU
Waterproofing: Flysheet HH 5000 mm (groundsheet HH 5000 mm)
Poles: Double chamber inflatable pole - 140 HPE Dacron (HT Polyester), TPU
Pitch: Once assembled, inner, outer and frame together

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Also consider...

MSR Hubba Hubba NX-2 tent

RRP £569.95

If you prefer to go under the radar on your campsite, the more conventionally styled - perhaps even slightly dull – Hubba Hubba NX-2 might be perfect for you. But while the design may not be flash, it is extremely smart. For its very low weight, it's spacious, with two doors each having its own decent-sized porch, and fairly generous head-height. It feels robust and well-made too. Highly functional. Read more details in our full-length review.