Nordisk Oppland2 Si
During a recent trip to Norway, I got to know the Nordisk Oppland2Si quite well over three weeks of use. When you’re trekking or traveling a quality tent can be the difference between an enjoyable adventure or a miserable nightmare. I’m please to the say the Oppland2 turned out to be the former.
Choosing a tent is perhaps more complex and fraught with danger than you would initial expect. There are some relatively basic points to take into account when choosing your tent:
- What size do you need, often denoted by “x-Person” whereby x=the number of people accommodated
- Will your tent accommodate you, your traveling companion(s) and all your combined possessions in comfort
- How much does it weigh when packed and will you be able to carry it over long distances
- Is it waterproof and if so to what degree
- How many seasons will it accommodate
- What levels of protection does it provide from extreme conditions such as gales or blizzard or prolonged heavy rain
- Is it well ventilated
- Is it constructed from quality fabric and components
- How much does it cost
The list does go on but in short make sure you cover all your basis and purchase something that is not only appropriate for your upcoming trip but future trips, terrains and seasons.
For me personally the general rule of thumb has tended to be that as you spend more money on a tent, more of those bases will be covered and you’ll have a product which enhances your experiences, rather than turning them into a living nightmare! Buying from a reputable and quality manufacturer is an excellent starting point…
Nordisk tents are made for tough use!
Nordisk have an excellent heritage and pedigree, having initial been founded in 1901 and throughout it’s history had a significant impact on the outdoor market as a whole
Nordisk since 1901
Founded in 1901 Northern Feather was the first Danish company to focus 100% on down and feathers. From simple trading to development of own products like duvets, quilts and pillows Northern Feather developed into one of the leading world wide players within the down and feather business.
In 1967 Nordisk Freizeit was founded as a subsidiary of Northern Feather focusing on the growing outdoor market. During the 70’s and 80’s Nordisk played a key role in building the still new European outdoor sector, through own companies in Germany, Denmark, Sweden and the UK and under the brand name Caravan.In the years to come Nordisk and Caravan became major players in the business, being recognized for its innovative and very fashionable products.
In 1991 we changed our brand name to Nordisk, being true to our story and heritage. Nordisk is still a European brand, but the last few years we have also expanded beyond the European continent, and now you will also find Nordisk products in faraway countries such as Japan and Korea.
1901: The rise of Nordisk
On March 20, 1901 Nordisk Fjerfabrik A/S (Northern Feather) was founded in Copenhagen by H.O. Lange – a 23 year old son of a danish grocer. Based on the idea to buy and sell raw and semi-manufactured materials primarely related to feathers and down Nordisk Fjer developed rapidly into a world wide player.
1908: Worldwide expansion
As early as in 1908 Nordisk Fjer established a local unit in China, and in 1917 Northern Feather Works Ltd. Was established in New York. The production had been expanded with bedlinen and related products, and from 1969 this area of the business came in focus, and Nordisk Fjer became a brand developing, producing and selling feather- and down-related products.
1941: The first Sleeping Bags
In the early 40’s Nordisk Fjer started developing and producing the first sleeping bags. From the beginning the sleeping bag range included down as well as synthetic filled bags, and the construction was at first based on the knowledge from the production of pillows and blankets. This however quickly changed into a distinct area of development, and the outdoor range was soon expanded.
1967: Focus on outdoor
Realizing the importance of the growing outdoor market, the subsidiary Nordisk Fritid is founded in Malmö, Sweden – and the goal is to produce products with high focus on innovation, quality and functionality to the growing outdoor market. This evolves into what later is known as Caravan – one of the first dedicated outdoor brands in the World.
1974: The rise of Caravan
The first catalogue under the brand name Caravan mainly consisted of sleeping bags and mats spiced up with informative articles about the products as well as exciting travel stories. In 1977 the first tents appeared as did apparel, and in 1979 backpacks were launched as the catalogue changed its name to ”Caravan Backpacking”.
1980: The first Outdoor Fashion Brand
During the 80’s also cookware, footware, compasses, knifes and bike-bags were added, and Caravan becomes a full range outdoor brand. Furthermore Caravan puts intensive focus on design and hereby becomes one of the first outdoor fashion brands in the world.
1991: Nordisk Freizeit without Nordisk Fjer
After the dramatic bankruptsy of Nordisk Fjer in 1991, Nordisk Freizeit continued alone under the previous management with a strong focus on the North German market. The brand name ”Caravan” was lost, and the products were now named ”Nordisk” for the first time.
2005: The new era
In 2005 danish Erik Møller together with two others buys the company with a renewed focus on product development, logistics, procurement and not least intense focus on the brand ”Nordisk” creates a strong platform for once again conquering the world – now under the brand name ”Nordisk”.
2010: Conquering the World
Since 2010 focus has been on the many potential markets primarily in Europe and Asia, and with the establishment of a chinese office, Nordisk are now able to control and optimise the entire value chain from production to the final destination in the shop. A strong product development programme has been launched as has the renewal of the entire visual identity of Nordisk based on the ”Strategy 2015”.
When you buy a Nordisk tent or any other for that matter, you’re basically buy a shelter. A shelter against rain, wind and creepy insects. But you’re also buying a shelter that has been tested in a professional Wind Tunnel, And when I say tested in a wind tunnel, I really do mean “tested in a wind tunnel…”
The Nordisks tents are equipped with a lot of tailor made details and a shelter which is easy to erect and to break down again. Choose between the very light and durable siliconized models (SI) or the more heavier Polyurethane coated models (PU). SI is a very light, fine and highly tear-resistant 240T ripstop nylon material, double- or triple-siliconized with a water column of 3000 mm and a weight of just 54 g/m². PU is a very robust, tear-resistant 190T polyester fabric with a high density and a 3000 mm water column. The fabric weighs just 64 g/m².
The Oppland2Si is the ideal tent if you are looking for something compact without compromising on comfort and the need for storage space. The aerodynamic tunnel construction adds great wind stability, and makes it easy to erect. The Oppland 2 has a large vent at the front and rear which provides optimal airflow, securing an excellent indoor climate when the weather leaves no choice but to stay indoor. The vestibule provides plenty of room for storage and cooking, and can even be turned into an extra living area if used together with the matching footprint.
Main features include:
- Excellent Ventilation control
- Large vestibule for storage, cooking or use as an extended living area
- Strong aerodynamic tunnel construction means it excels is wide range of conditions
- Extremely high tearing strength
- Magnetic ‘quick-snap’ door closures
- DAC poles
- Y-Pegs
- Colour coded zippers
- Reflective guy lines
For more information, check out the Nordisk homepage
Or just bite the bullet and buy one of these bad boys from our friends at Cotswoldoutdoor
Make no mistake, the Oppland2Si from Nordisk is a formidable piece of kit but does this does come at a price. However, if you look after it accordingly there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get years of faithful service in pretty much all situations.
Lets take a look at the tent in a little more detail.
The tunnel design of the Oppland2 provides genuine useable space above and beyond that which you’d expect from a geodesic or dome tent. The only disadvantage, if you can call it that, is that tunnel tents rely upon more guy ropes and pegging points to maintain stability than it’s geodesic cousin. That said, tunnel tents can be erected outer first, meaning that in very bad weather you’re not getting the inner wet before throwing over the flysheet. Indeed the Oppland2Si can be pitched with the inner tent already fixed.
The overall footprint of the Oppland2 is huge, especially when you take into the consideration it’s relatively svelte pack weight, which is where tunnel tents come into their own.
The most common designs have a sleeping area at one end and a porch/storage/ living area at the other. That vestibule area is a must for keeping your gear dry and safe, as well as providing alternative space should the weather take a turn for the worst
Having spent three weeks, pitching, taking down, adjusting, packing away etc. I’ve gotten to know the Oppand2Si pretty well. The more times you use, the more you appreciate the robustness of materials and manufacture, as well as the little details which sing quality.
From the DAC colour coded poles through to the ground or Y-pegs
One slight flaw I’d point out is that the top cross section of the ground pegs, which in fact tri-star (Y) shaped, is rather sharp and in ground anything other than spongy soft digs into your hand. Now, let me be clear, the pegs themselves are of exceptional quality and very robust, however the majority of the time I pushed them into the ground with my boot or used a little hammer I happened to bring along. As long as you’re aware of this fact it isn’t a problem, however should you be in the middle of nowhere will little around to assist you, it might be a tricky to get them in.
Condensation and ventilation can be the sworn enemy of the avid camper; both causing reasonable levels of discomfort. I’m please to say that ventilation is not a problem for the Oppland2.
Each ‘end’ of the Oppland2 boasts a ventilation point, which can the operated either in the fully open position, no-see-um insect net or fully closed. Each ‘end’ is also secured with a three-point to single pegged guy line, which also provides shape to the venting point.
Pitching the Oppland2Si is a relatively straightforward process, once you’re accustomed to what’s required. If like me you already own a tent, which is quite likely to be the more common dome or geodesic design, it does take a little longer to complete the pitching process.
As tunnel tents are not inherently as stable as geodesic tents, there are more fixing points required before the job is complete. This really isn’t a big issue and in reality and the advantage (and option) of being able to pitch the Oppland2 with the inner tent already fixed is obvious; especially if it’s raining!
Colour coded poles and sleeves also ensure it’s easy to locate which poles goes where
The guy ropes are also very easy to locate and secure with adjustable tension lines depending upon the weather. They’re also woven with a reflective thread giving the tent viability and dimension at night.
The single side door is substantial in size and perfect for simple access and egress.
Little details such as colour coded zippers and magnetic ‘quick-snap’ closures all suggest thought and quality. All in all you’re rewarded with a superb shelter that’s lightweight, spacious and accommodating.
For me the most obvious advantage is the additional space afforded by the tunnel shape which just swallows your gear with ease. No more cramped tents and tripping over bags and boots on your way out!
I really enjoyed using the Oppland2 over three weeks in Norway, Finland and Sweden which based upon it’s heritage couldn’t have been a better testing ground. A fantastic tent that’s lightweight, robust and constructed from quality materials. What more could you want?
Nordisk Oppland2Si
- 2 Large flysheet vents create optimal ventilation
- Large vestibule for storage, cooking or extended living
- Strong aerodynamic tunnel construction
- Extremely high tearing strength
- Magnetic ‘quick-snap’ door closure with colour coded zips
- DAC Featherlite NSL poles
- Easy tuck-away storage pocket for inner doors and fly sheet door
- Webbing integrated into flysheet ground construction for optimal tension
- Fabric:
- Flysheet
- 100% 40D nylon ripstop, double sided 3 layer siliconised
- Inner
- 100% nylon, breathable and water repellant
- Groundsheet
- 100% nylon
- 3000 Hydrostatic head flysheet
- 10000 Hydrostatic head groundsheet
- Pack size: 15 x 50cm
- Weight: 2.9kg
This symbol indicates how much wind each tent can endure without breaking – 32,7 m/s is hurricane force.
Hydrostatic head is used as a measurement of the waterproofness of a tent – here for the outer fly sheet
Hydrostatic head is used as a measurement of the waterproofness of a tent – here for the ground sheet
This is the total weight of the tent, including poles, pegs, and packing bag.
This is the dimensions of the pack bag provided measured in cm.
As standard, the (compressible) pack contains, colour coded poles, Y-pegs, flysheet and inner-tent
There is also an optional groundsheet or ‘footprint’ which no only protects the inner-tent but also provides coverage of the vestibule area.
I’d suggest this is essential when purchasing a quality item such as the Oppland2 or indeed any tent. Should your inner-tent (the ‘groundsheet’ element of the inner-tent) be ripped by sharp stones etc. then immediately your protection is compromised needs repairing or replacing. If you’re out in the field, a fixing kit or gaffer tape would be essential to ensure the rest of the trip isn’t ruined.
Nordisk do provide a pole sleeve which is in the unlikely event you damage a pole, can be slid over the offending area; job done!
Tents are a big investment to make and certainly not something to be taken lightly; once you’re out and about, realising it doesn’t have enough space for your gear or isn’t up the job would be disastrous. The Nordisk Oppland2Si is a fantastic piece of kit and which whilst relatively expensive is mid-priced for a tent of it’s size and quality. I would liked to have seen the optional footprint included, however I have to say the last two tents I bought haven’t included a groundsheet either.
That aside I can’t praise the Oppland2 enough, I even spotted another one during my trip, being used by two touring cyclists. There’s another great endorsement if even there was one. As with all products there are a couple of minor ‘cons’, however these are outweighed by the benefits.
If you’re after one tent that would cover most eventualities, the Oppland2Si from Nordisk would be high on my list of recommendations.
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