Kerlon 1200 or 1800?
We are often asked how to choose between our Kerlon 1200 and Kerlon 1800 models. Both types are all season, all weather strong, and both have served quite well for everything from high mountain snow storms to placid summer days, and in exposed and above tree line situations as well as in protected terrain. Both offer high strength and light weight.
Essentially, however, the difference between the two is the relationship between “strength” and “weight”: Our Ultralight, Kerlon 1200 tents are designed to be very lightweight while still providing great strength, while the Kerlon 1800 models are built to provide exceptional strength while still having a low weight. In choosing, users needing the lightest tents that are also remarkably strong will favor Kerlon 1200 tents, while those needing the strongest tents that are also quite light will gravitate towards the Kerlon 1800 models.
Perhaps the most obvious, specific difference lies in the tear strengths of the outer tents. Kerlon 1800 has a minimum tear strength of 18 kg/40 lbs, while that of the Kerlon 1200 is 12 kg/26.5 lbs. Kerlon 1800 also has a somewhat higher UV resistance than that of the Kerlon 1200, and it has slightly higher abrasion resistance, as well. Many of the tent fabrics on the market – including those labeled “expedition grade” – have tear strengths of 2 kg/4.4 lbs to 3 kg/6.6 lbs. Thus, Kerlon 1200 is four to six times stronger than most other tent materials, and Kerlon 1800 is up to nine times stronger, yet both are amazingly light in weight.
But fabric statistics only tell part of the story. Kerlon 1800 tents also have slightly stronger floor and inner tent fabrics, heavier gauge zippers and other fittings, and 10 mm poles – again for greater strength – while the Kerlon 1200 models have lighter, still quite strong, 9 mm poles and lighter gauge zippers.
In general, the Kerlon 1800 models are built to handle the harshest conditions in all seasons, such as exposed and/or above tree line terrain and high-grit environments, like deserts, beaches, playas and the like. Their extra durability reduces the risk of problems, especially on longer adventures to very remote areas, where repair opportunities can be few and far between. Kerlon 1200 tents, meanwhile, are built for those who travel mostly in somewhat less demanding conditions, such as less exposed mountain terrain, forests in both winter and summer, and the like, but who still may encounter severe situations.
Since different users have such diverse needs, we build Ultralight, Kerlon 1200 tents that complement nearly every Kerlon 1800 model.
In tunnel tents, choose the Nammatj and Nammatj GT or Keron and Keron GT when you want that extra margin of strength that their Kerlon 1800 and 10 mm poles provide, or what their extra features have to offer. If the lowest possible weight tent is your highest priority – more than the additional comfort or the extra insurance of even more strength – the Kerlon 1200 Nallo and Kaitum models, and their GT versions, are the best choice.
The dome tents break down a bit differently. For the harshest conditions – base camp use at altitude, or in exposed and/or above tree line terrain – the Kerlon 1800 Saitaris, Saivo, Tarra and Staika are the most suitable, while the Kerlon 1200 Allak is up to all but that most demanding of conditions. The Kerlon 1200 Jannu, however, is in its own category. Designed as an Ultralight high altitude tent, the Jannu ranks with the three Kerlon 1800 tents for overall strength.
All solo tents are Kerlon 1200, since most solo travelers are always trying to carry less weight. The single-pole Akto is the lightest of the solo models, but it has been used quite successfully in polar and harsh winter conditions. The free standing Unna is the simplest of the Hilleberg solo tents, and could, in a pinch, accommodate a second person. For those needing the strongest option, the three-pole, fully free standing Soulo has an integrated vestibule, and is quite similar in strength to the two person Jannu.
