By Chris Townsend

July 01 2008

TGO Rating 5 stars

Having used the Akto on hundreds of nights, sometimes for months at a time, it’s hard for me to be objective about this superb tent. It’s one of my favourite items of gear.

When it appeared it was one of the lightest solo tents; now there are tents weighing half as much or less. Despite that I still think the Akto is the best compromise between weight, space, stability and durability. It’s expensive but will pay for itself over time due to its toughness.

The single hoop design is simple and used by many tent manufacturers. What distinguishes the Akto is quality of materials and manufacture and the details of the design: four fibreglass rods in the corners of the inner that raise it up so you don’t have fabric just above your face; double guylines on each corner and each side of the pole; a protected vent above the top of the flysheet door; protected vents at each end of the flysheet; and the spacious porch with ample room for storing a pack, boots and wet gear, and cooking safely with the door closed. In good weather half the porch can be opened up for good views and ventilation. 
The inner is roomy enough for one with some space for gear. I can sit up in the centre with my head just brushing the inner. I’m 5’ 8” but do have a long back. Even so, some taller people might find the headroom restrictive.
The Akto is also quick and easy to pitch with no fiddly Velcro tabs or awkward, finger-pinching connections. I can erect it with gloves on in a few minutes. The guylines make it very stable for a small, lightweight tent and it flaps and moves less than most alternatives. 
The Akto has developed a reputation for being more condensation-prone than other tents. I can’t say that I’ve found this. Indeed, if all the vents are left open less condensation forms than in many tents of a similar size that provide the same weather protection. I leave the vents at each end of the flysheet unzipped virtually all the time and only close the vent at the top of the door if midges are a problem. I only close the inner door when the midges are out too. Close all the vents and doors and condensation is more likely, as with any tent.
The Akto is designed to cope with the worst mountain weather year round. I find it ideal for the Scottish Highlands. In areas with more benign weather, a lighter tent or a tarp may be perfectly adequate but in a Highland storm I like the protection of the Akto.