Force 10 Helium 200 review

Sleeps:  2 (just)
Weight:  1.3kg
Dimensions:  internal 210x120cm
Pack size: 40x12x12cm
RRP:  £250

Review:  One of the lightest two-person tents on the market, although it's only 30cms wider than the Force 10 Helium 100, and as with the Helium 100 the internal height is pretty stingy, so don't expect much room to move around.  Also (as a two-person tent), don't expect to be spending a lot of time inside the tent - it's designed for getting out of the elements to sleep in comfort and not much else.  But that's where the negatives end - the Force 10 Helium 200 is a fantastic two-person ultra-lightweight tent.  Solid as a rock even in awful weather, high quality flysheet and seams, just one pole with innovative curved linking sections to reduce strain, and just seven small pegs.  For couples tackling mountain backpacking or long-distance trails, this tent works out at just 650g each (although you probably wouldn't want to detatch the inner from the flysheet as it makes it so much easier to erect to keep them together), which can make a vast amount of difference.  If you shop around for the best price (as we have done below), this two-person tent suddenly becomes competative in the one-person lightweight market.

Best bits:  Very lightweight as a two-person, roomy and still light as a one-person
Worst bits:  Snug with two-people inside, not suitable for anything other than sleeping

RRP:  £250
Where to get it cheaper?: £199 here

Force 10 Helium 100 review

Sleeps: 1

Weight: 1.19kg
Dimensions: 210x95cm internal
Pack Size: 40x11x11cm
How to pitch: Watch the video here
RRP: £220

Review:  The Force 10 Helium 100 is a great little tent.  Whilst you might shave a few grams off with an ultra-lightweight tent, to get a double-skinned tent that is near to 1kg for under £200 is fantastic.  It can easily be thrown into a small rucksack, and is perfect for hiking and camping. The tent goes up and down very easily - there is just one real pole (you can't count the little stub that holds up the foot end as a pole), and seven pegs.  As with all one-person tents it takes a bit of fiddling with the corners of the tent to get it taut, but once sorted the tent holds firm. As a test run, we took this tent to a festival this summer, and in very strong winds it was easily erected, and whilst other tents were blowing away all around the Force 10 Helium was rock solid. Inside the length is decent and can easily accommodate a person up to 6 feet tall with a bag.  The width is reasonable, but the height is a little restrictive. In short, one of the best lightweight tents around.

Best bits:  Lightweight, easy to erect, weatherproof
Worst bits:  Height can be restrictive, somewhat difficult to get in and out

RRP:  £220
Where to get it cheaper: £175 here