Meet the Nortent Varde 1
The Nortent Varde 1 is a standout choice for solo backpackers looking to tackle the UK outdoors. Designed for serious wild camping, it’s built to last with robust materials and top-quality fixings that inspire confidence even in challenging conditions.
One of its key strengths is the canopy, which isn’t just for show, it genuinely provides protection from wind, rain, and sun, making it a reliable shelter across seasons. Its 4-season credentials are reinforced by four sturdy 9.6mm DAC poles, 16 Dyneema guy lines, and 20 durable pegs, giving it the structure to handle harsh weather without compromise.
The main compromises are its weight and packed size, which are larger than lighter summer tents, but this is to be expected from a fully 4-season setup. While it is a premium purchase, the Varde 1 delivers a combination of durability, protection, and thoughtful design that makes it good value for anyone serious about year-round solo camping.
The Nortent Varde 1 promises more than just shelter, it offers harmony with the elements. Designed for wild camps in exposed areas, the Varde 1 is a lightweight, highly durable tent that keeps you protected while minimising your environmental footprint.
What We Think
The Nortent Varde 1 is a standout in the world of four-season backpacking tents, combining clever engineering, durability, and spaciousness. It’s designed for serious adventurers who want a reliable shelter without compromising comfort.
Build and Materials
The VA1 is built with high-quality 30D fabric and reinforced floors rated at 10,000 mm hydrostatic head, ensuring excellent waterproofing. Its footprint uses a simple clip system that’s lighter and more convenient than traditional methods. The tent’s poles are substantial yet strong, contributing to a solid frame that handles wind and weight well. Overall, the Varde weighs around 3.25 kg with all accessories, a bit heavier than the Nortent Vern 1, but the extra mass translates to enhanced stability and space.
Setup
Pitching the Varde is intuitive. Stake it out, build from the ground up, and the freestanding structure holds firm even on challenging terrain. The design allows the tent to shed snow and rain efficiently, thanks to its steep, prow-like top, while still offering plenty of internal stability.
Space and Comfort
Where the Varde really shines is interior volume. The tent’s inner dimensions, 176 cm wide, 108 cm high, 258 cm long, offer generous room for sleeping, gear storage, or even pets. The vestibule is impressively spacious, providing shelter for cooking or storing equipment, while keeping the tent bright and airy. Multiple pockets along the walls help keep essentials organised and easily accessible. Compared to the Vern 1, the Varde is taller and more dome-shaped, offering greater vertical space and a larger sheltered area.
Ventilation and Features
Double doors with mesh panels provide excellent airflow, and additional flap vents help regulate temperature inside. The front canopy can be deployed for extra protection from wind or rain, adding versatility to the setup.
Performance
In wet conditions, the Varde keeps the interior completely dry, even in heavy rain. Wind tests show it remains stable, thanks to its robust construction and freestanding design. Its thoughtful combination of strength and comfort makes it a reliable choice for extreme weather.
Price
Priced at £614.50, the Varde is a premium option, but its thoughtful design, storm-ready build, and spacious interior make it worth the investment. Get your Varde 1 here.
Key Features of the Nortent Varde 1
The Varde 1 stands out from other solo tents because it combines strength, efficiency, and design. Here’s what makes it a must-have for serious adventurers:
1. Durable and Dependable for Exposed Campsites
Crafted with reinforced Dyneema guylines and a robust flysheet, the Varde 1 can withstand strong winds, rain, and snow. Its aerodynamic profile and multiple anchoring points ensure maximum stability in extreme conditions.
“The geometry sold me, it looks like it will be great in windy weather.”
“Definitely looks to be a fortress suitable for your weather in the British Isles.”
2. Quick and Intuitive Setup
With practice, the Varde 1 can be pitched in just 2–3 minutes, saving time and effort after a long day on the trail. Its four DAC Featherlite NSL poles are lightweight yet strong, making setup simple even in challenging weather.
“It’s a beauty of a tent. Once you’ve fastened the footprint onto the fly all of the straps can be hidden underneath the footprint to tidy it up internally. In the spares you may have noticed some long bungees with clips. They are to raise the rear of the tent on the two larger panels to vent from the bottom if you’ve managed to pitch without that side getting the brunt of the wind."
3. Purposeful, Minimalist Design
The Varde 1 features clean, purposeful lines that blend naturally into any environment, reducing its visual and physical footprint. This makes it ideal for wilderness camping where discretion and minimal impact are important.
4. Lightweight and Compact
Weighing just 2.7 kg trail weight and packing down to 40 x 19 cm, it’s easy to carry on long treks without compromising durability or space inside the tent.
5. Built for Extreme Conditions
Rated as a 4-season tent, the Varde 1 can handle snow, strong winds, and heavy rain. Its ripstop silnylon flysheet with a 3000 mm hydrostatic head and 10,000 mm floor hydrostatic head keeps you dry while maintaining breathability.
Specifications at a Glance
Brand: Nortent
Season Rating: 4-season
Capacity: 1.5 person
Flysheet: Ripstop silnylon 30D, 3000 mm hydrostatic head
Floor: 70D nylon, 10,000 mm hydrostatic head
Poles: Four 9.6 mm DAC Featherlite NSL poles (900 g)
Pegs: 20 aluminium Y-pegs (320 g)
Guylines: 8 Dyneema guylines
Height: 108 cm
Length: 258 cm
Width: 176 cm
Packed Weight: 2.95 kg (with pegs)
Trail Weight: 2.7 kg
Pack Size: 40 x 19 cm
Included in the Box: Tent, footprint, 20 aluminium Y-pegs, 8 Dyneema guylines, tent bag.
Who is the Varde 1 For?
The Nortent Varde 1 is ideal for:
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Adventurers exploring rugged mountains or remote plains
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Winter campers who need a 4-season tent
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Those seeking a lightweight yet durable shelter
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Extremely durable with Dyneema reinforcements
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Quick setup in 2–3 minutes
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Compact and lightweight for long treks
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Aerodynamic and stable in harsh conditions
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Minimalist, nature-friendly design
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Positive user feedback praising wind resistance and clever design
Cons:
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1-person capacity may be limiting for some
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Price may be higher due to high-end materials
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Requires some practice to pitch efficiently
Weight and packed size are larger than lighter summer tents, but this is to be expected from a fully 4-season setup!
Why Choose the Nortent Varde 1?
The Varde 1 isn’t just another solo tent. Its combination of Dyneema reinforcements, aerodynamic stability, and minimalist design makes it a reliable companion in extreme conditions. It’s perfect for adventurers who don’t just survive in the wild, they thrive in it.
Setup Tips for the Nortent Varde 1
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Lay out the footprint to protect the tent floor.
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Assemble the four DAC Featherlite NSL poles and insert into the flysheet sleeves.
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Secure all guylines to maximise stability in high winds.
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Peg down corners using the aluminium Y-pegs for firm anchoring.
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Adjust tension points for optimal aerodynamic performance.
With a little practice, your Varde 1 can be ready in under three minutes -perfect for harsh mountain environments.
Final Thoughts
For solo adventurers, the Nortent Varde 1 is a standout choice. Lightweight, strong, and designed for extreme conditions, it allows you to connect with nature while staying protected. Whether you’re traversing mountains, plains, or snow-covered trails, the Varde 1 ensures that your shelter is reliable, resilient, and remarkably compact.
With real users praising its geometry, wind resistance, and clever design, it’s clear the Varde 1 is a tent that inspires confidence in the harshest environments. To read the full guide to Nortent tents, click here.
Explore the full range of Nortent tents and shelters here or secure your Varde 1!
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