An excellent choice for a wide range of uses from mountaineering to adventure motorcycling, the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT is a robust, livable, and versatile 4 season tent designed for heavy use in all conditions
Introduction
Welcome to Wanderlibre.com and our review of the versatile Hilleberg Keron 3 GT – our go-to 4 seasons tent for extended journeys in harsh conditions.
We based our evaluation of the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT on a 4-month motorcycle trip from California to Alaska. During our Alaska ride, our Keron 3 GT received heavy daily use camping in diverse conditions ranging from sunny and warm, to cold, windy, wet, and exceedingly buggy.
Below you’ll find a detailed review of the Keron 3 GT, including product photos and specs, Keron tent pitching instructions, and our thoughts on the Keron's strengths, weaknesses, best applications, accessories, and more.
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Table of Contents
Why Listen to Us?
For over 23 years, Sheri and I have shared a passion for travel which we've worked to transform into a lifestyle. It’s the basis for both our professional careers and personal lives, where we’ve taken long sabbaticals to explore the world.
Much of our travels are wildlife/outdoor focused adventures that involve extended trips (months to years at a time) traveling overland via our bicycles, motorcycles, and Land Cruiser as well as shorter overnight and multi-day trips for backpacking, kayaking, etc.
The gear-intensive nature of our travels across diverse modes means we’ve had lots of opportunities to test tents and other gear over extended periods in a wide range of conditions.
To learn more about us, click here.
Selecting the Best 4 Season Tent: Our Requirements
When selecting the best tent for motorcycle camping, we looked for a 4 season / expedition tent that struck an optimal balance between ease of use, comfort, durability, weather resistance, versatility and weight / packed size.
Here’s a summary of the criteria we used to select the best 4 season tent for our overland trip on motorcycles. We looked for a tent that was versatile enough for conditions from the Arctic Ocean to Tierra del Fuego. In other words, a tent that was strong enough to withstand Patagonia’s roaring 40’s and snow, the Yukon’s incessant mosquitos, coastal Alaska’s ceaseless rain, and everything in between.
Note: For purposes of clarity, we ended up traveling on motorcycles with the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT for the first leg of our trip, before deciding to switch to our Land Cruiser (which has a built-in pop-top roof) for South America, although I have no doubt the Keron 3 GT was the right tent had we gone the entire way on motorcycles.
Easy to Use:
Easy to quickly pitch and stow in all weather conditions, including the ability to set-up in heavy rain without getting the inner tent soaked.
Comfortable / Livable
Enough living and storage space to comfortably accommodate two adults with full riding gear, including helmets, jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and panniers.
For extended trips, we like to go up one size (3-person tent for two adults) to ensure we have plenty of room for daily living. That said, we knew we wanted a Hilleberg 3 person tent to maximize livability.
We also look for dual entrances, as well as vestibules, that are big enough to live/cook inside when weather conditions are poor.
Strong / Durable
The tent must be strong enough to withstand extreme weather and durable enough to endure the rigors of daily use over long journeys.
Weather Resistant
An exceptionally weather-resistant 4 season tent that’s capable of withstanding high winds, sandstorms, heavy rain, snow, and anything else mother nature dishes out.
Versatile
In addition, we looked for a tent that was versatile enough to cover a wide range of uses beyond motorcycle camping - including kayak, bike touring, backpacking, and overlanding / car camping.
Packable
On motorcycles we aim for light and packable, although weight / packed size is a little less important than when we travel on bicycles. The goal is a relatively light and packable tent that excels at all of our other requirements.
Hilleberg Keron 3 GT: Quick Summary & Conclusions
Introduction to Hilleberg Keron Tents
Keron tents are the flagship among Hilleberg 4 season tents. Part of the Hilleberg Black Label tent range, Keron tents are designed for heavy use in any terrain/weather.
Thanks to their tunnel design and outstanding Kerlon fabric, Hilleberg Keron tents maximize strength, comfort, and versatility, while keeping weight and packed size to a minimum.
The Keron tent series includes four models in two sizes (3 person & 4 person): Keron 3, Keron 4, Keron 3 GT, and Keron 4 GT. All models feature two doors and two vestibules for maximum comfort, storage space, and versatility.
The main difference between Keron and Keron GT models is that the Keron tent comes with two standard size vestibules while the Keron GT has one standard and one extended (GT) vestibule to increase storage/living space.
While both the Keron and Keron GT models are comfortable, the extra space offered in the GT model is ideal for gear-intensive applications, as well as trips where additional sheltered living space is required.
While this review focuses specifically on the Keron 3 GT, our conclusions are generally applicable to any model in the Keron tent lineup.
Product Specs:
Model: Keron 3 GT
Manufacturer: Hilleberg Tents
Seasons: 4 Season Tent
Design: Tunnel Tent
Category: Expedition Tent / Mountaineering / Camping / Backpacking
Sleeping Capacity: 3 Person Tent
Colors: 3 Colors Available (Green, Red, Sand)
Entrances: 2
Vestibules: 2 (1 Extended (GT Model) & 1 Standard)
Vents: 2 (1 closable vent with mesh cover per vestibule)
Pockets: 4 (Located inside inner tent)
Minimum Weight: 9 lbs / 4.1 kg
Packed Weight: 11 lbs / 5.0 kg
Packed Size: 21” Long x 8” Diameter (approx.)
*Minimum Weight: Only includes outer tent, inner tent, & poles / Packed Weight: Includes all items that come with tent
Dimensions:
Inner Tent: 86L” x 63W” x 41H” / 220cm x 160cm x 105cm (36.6 ft2 / 3.4 m2)
Vestibule 1 Area (Extended GT): 31.2 ft2 / 2.9 m2
Vestibule 2 Area (Standard): 14 ft2 / 1.3 m2
Materials / Construction:
Fabric (Outer): Kerlon 1800 (40 D High Tenacity Ripstop Nylon 66 / Tear Strength: 40 lbs / 18 kg)
Fabric (Inner): 40 Denier Ripstop Nylon
Fabric (Floor): 100 Denier Nylon
Poles: 4 x 10mm DAC Featherlite NSL (129.1” / 328 cm)
Zippers: YKK
Pegs: 22 Y-Pegs (Aluminum)
Guy Lines: 3mm Vectran & Polyester
Price: Check Price at Moosejaw.com
Hilleberg Keron 3 GT Review
In this section, we evaluate the Keron 3 GT’s performance against key criteria: ease of use, comfort/livability, durability, weather-resistance, versatility, and packability. We also provide our thoughts on best applications, value for money, and optional Hilleberg accessories.
Ease of Use
Bottom Line: The Hilleberg Keron 3 GT’s double-wall design makes setup easier and helps keep the inner tent dry in wet weather. The tent’s large pitched size requires extra space to set-up.
During our ride to Alaska, we were covering a lot of ground, which meant we were making/breaking camp most days. That said, we found the Keron 3 GT easy to set-up and stow, which made pitching / packing away the Keron 3 GT less of a chore.
Set-up is a straight-forward process: unpack the tent, put two pegs at the corners of the smaller vestibule, slide poles into pole sleeves on the outer tent, pull the opposite end like an accordion to pitch, then place two pegs at the corners of the extended vestibule. From there it’s just a matter of adding any additional pegs to suit the conditions, tension guylines, and adjust vents.
What I particularly like about the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT’s double-wall tunnel design is this: it allows you to pitch both the inner and outer tent (and footprint if you have one) all at once. This design is particularly useful in wet weather, as the inner tent stays protected from the elements, keeping the interior dry.
I also like that Hilleberg supplies a generous storage bag. You can easily pack the Keron 3 GT - no need to fold it perfectly to fit inside the bag. This is particularly useful when trying to pack up a wet tent in the rain.
Worth Noting:
One of the Keron 3 GT’s major benefits – it’s spacious size when pitched – means the tent needs some extra ground space. When pitched, the Keron 3 GT measures approximately 160L” x 70W”. During our Alaska ride, we had a handful of times - particularly in rocky/uneven areas - where it took some extra time to find a suitable place to pitch our tent.
See the video below to view set up instructions:
Comfort / Livability
Bottom Line: The Hilleberg Keron 3 GT is a comfortable tent with a versatile layout that offers plenty of living and storage space.
On extended journeys, our tent is our home away from home. That said, comfort and livability are important. It can be the difference between happy and homesick. Comfort and livability are two of the Keron’s strong points.
Much of the Keron 3 GT’s comfort comes down to its double-wall tunnel design and two spacious vestibules. For two adults traveling with full riding gear and luggage, the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT offers plenty of space.
Vestibules:
As an adventure motorcycle tent as well as dog sledding, mountaineering, polar expeditions or other adventures where extra gear storage / living space is required, the Keron 3 GT is ideal; its vestibules offering lots of versatile space.
After a long day of riding, we'd arrive at camp, quickly pitch the tent, stow riding gear and luggage in the standard vestibule, and, if the weather was inclement or buggy, use the extended vestibule for lounging, cooking, etc.
The extended vestibule on the Keron 3 GT is spacious and versatile. In standard configuration, we have enough room to relax in our Helinox camp chairs, cook dinner, etc.
Plus, if we needed more room, say to host a couple of friends, we can simply detach and push back the Keron GT’s inner tent to expand our living space.
We appreciated the versatile living setup during foul weather, including the time we spent nearly a week waiting out relentless rain in Seward, Alaska. This was one of many tests which confirmed the Keron’s Black Label Kerlon 1800 fabric is well suited for use in wet environments that demand a highly waterproof tent.
Adding to the Keron 3 GT’s versatility are vestibule air vents with mesh screens and a large mesh zippered door in the extended vestibule. These features, combined with outer tent walls that extend to the ground, are effective at keeping mosquitos and other flying critters out, while still allowing for airflow, even during inclement weather.
Inner Tent:
The Hilleberg Keron’s tunnel design helps maximize living space in the inner tent, which has vertical doors at each end and near-vertical sidewalls. For two adults, the Keron 3’s inner tent feels spacious, even on nights when we store our riding gear inside our inner tent (vs. the vestibules).
Other features adding to the Keron GT’s livability include two entrances (one at each end), a built-in clothesline, four storage pockets, and yellow inner tent fabric to brighten the interior.
Strength / Durability
Bottom line: The Hilleberg Keron 3 GT is an exceptionally strong and durable 4 season tent, which translates into increased longevity and less chance of failure. Both are important considerations when on a long journey or traveling beyond-the-beaten-path, where proper repairs can be hard to source.
As noted above, the Hilleberg Keron tent series is part of the Hilleberg Black Label tent range. Black Label tents are built to handle extremes.
We tend to be hard on tents. On our Alaska ride, we pitched and stowed the Keron 3 GT tent frequently while camping in inclement weather - which included high winds and frequent rains - often putting it away dirty and wet. Still, as you can see via the post-trip photos of our Keron 3 GT, it held up very well and shows no real signs of wear.
Everything about the Hilleberg Keron tent’s design is robust from its fabric and poles to its zippers and adjustment hardware. Here’s a quick look at the construction features that contribute to the Keron’s exceptional strength and durability.
Fabric
The outer tent is constructed of strong and lightweight Kerlon 1800 fabric. Coated on both sides with a total of three layers of 100% silicone (vs. less expensive polyurethane used in many backpacking tents) , Kerlon 1800 is highly UV and hydrolysis resistant, and features an exceptional tear strength of 40 lbs.
The inner tent is made of lightweight and breathable 40 denier ripstop nylon, which is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to help shed moisture.
Plus for added durability, the tent floor is constructed using durable triple polyurethane coated 100 denier nylon for maximum puncture and abrasion resistance.
Note: Given the Keron 3’s durable floor material, we don’t believe the optional Hilleberg footprint is necessary or worth the extra expense, weight, and packed size.
Poles
Keron tents use premium 10mm DAC NSL poles to maximize strength and minimize weight and all four poles on the Keron 3 GT are the same length to facilitate set-up.
Plus, for extreme situations, the Keron 3 GT’s pole sleeves are designed to accommodate a second set of poles for even greater strength.
Hardware
The Keron 3 GT features heavy-duty YKK zippers, extra robust aluminum pegs, and strong metal ladder lock buckles on pole and peg tensioners.
Other Features
The Keron 3 GT includes several other features to enhance durability including reinforced pole sleeve ends, a stow pocket inside the extended vestibule door to stow the mesh door panel and zips out of snow and dirt, and a webbing line below the door frame to remove tension from doorway zips.
Weather Resistance
Bottom Line: Able to withstand the rigors of polar expeditions, the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT is a 4 season tent designed for all-season use in the harshest conditions.
Put simply, the Keron 3 GT offers excellent weather protection. We chose the Keron 3 GT because we wanted a tent that we could use anywhere in any season. During our summer in Alaska, we failed to challenge the Keron 3 GT’s limits.
I like that Keron tents are overengineered for most situations. Overengineered offers piece-of-mind when planning adventures to places like Patagonia, where the roaring 40's can howl non-stop.
In foul weather, there’s much to like about the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT. Here’s a summary of some of key features that contribute to the Keron 3 GT’s excellent weather resistance:
- As noted above, the Keron 3 GT’s double-wall design allows the inner and outer tents to pitch simultaneously, which helps keep the inner tent dry when setting up in heavy rain.
- If you pitch the Keron 3 GT with the standard vestibule facing into the wind, its tunnel design sheds high winds like a hot knife through butter.
- The Keron’s outer tent extends to the ground, which is very effective at keeping weather and flying bugs out.
- The Keron GT’s large extended vestibule and easily detachable inner tent create more space, resulting in an adaptable area with plenty of room for living/cooking.
- The Keron GT has two entry doors which mean there’s always an entry out of the wind / driving rain.
- For truly extreme conditions, Keron tent pole sleeves are designed to take an extra set of poles to increase the outer tent’s strength further.
- The door on the Keron GT’s extended vestibule can be closed from the ground up to keep snow accumulation out, while still allowing the top to stay open for extra ventilation.
Weight / Packed Size
Bottom Line: We feel the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT’s excellent weight to space/strength ratio makes it well suited to demanding mobile adventures where ultralight & fast is less important than ultra-strong, ultra-livable, and ultra-weather resistant.
With a packed size of 21” x 8” and a minimum weight of 9 lbs (poles, guy lines, inner tent, outer tent), the Keron 3 GT is impressively light and packable for a spacious 3-person double-wall tent that’s extremely durable, livable, and weather resistant.
While not ultralight, we feel the Keron 3 GT is packable enough for a wide range of applications ranging from cycle touring to dog sledding. It proved the perfect balance of weight, packed size, livability, weather resistance, and durability for extended on motorcycles.
Want to go lighter? The Keron 3 GT’s versatile design makes it easy to shed a couple of pounds by removing the inner tent for greater portability.
Plus, as noted above, the Keron’s inner tent floor is made of durable 100 denier nylon, which, in our opinion, is durable enough to forgo the extra weight/bulk of Hilleberg’s optional footprint.
Versatility
Bottom Line: Versatility is one of the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT’s primary strengths, transforming quickly from a 3-person tent to a group shelter/cook tent, or trimming weight / packed size for trips where you need to move light and fast.
I love the Keron 3 GT’s versatility. Because the inner tent effectively hangs inside the outer tent, it’s easy to partially or fully remove the inner tent to increase living space.
Need some extra living space? Simply detach the connecting straps over the inner tent’s entry door and push the inner tent back.
Need some more room? Disconnect the inner tent’s middle connecting straps and push back further.
Need more? Remove the inner tent entirely.
When you’re ready to go to sleep, just reconnect the inner tent. Simple.
This flexibility makes the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT highly versatile. With the inner tent removed, the Keron 3 GT makes an excellent cook tent/group hangout space, particularly when camped in snow, where the floor can be dug out to create even more space.
As noted above, removing the inner tent also cuts weight / packed size for backpacking, cycling trips, and other adventures where light and fast are essential.
Note: By adding Hilleberg’s extra pole sleeves (see accessories below), it’s also possible to pitch the inner tent by itself, adding further to the Keron 3 GT’s versatility.
Best Applications
Bottom Line: The Hilleberg Keron 3 GT is ideal for a wide range of applications including bike touring, motorcycle travel, mountaineering / polar expeditions, dog sledding, and overlanding / car camping.
As noted above, the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT is a great choice for a wide range of adventures.
In our view, the most significant limitation is the space required for set-up. That said, it wouldn’t be my first choice for adventures like kayaking the Inside Passage and alpine climbing, where it can be hard to find enough space to pitch such a large tent.
Also, the Keron 3 GT isn’t ultralight. If you want to go fast and light and don’t need the Keron 3 GT’s extra space, weather resistance, and durability, a three-season ultralight tent like the Hilleberg Anjan 3GT is worth considering. For bikepacking, we've enjoyed using the incredibly lightweight, although less durable, Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3.
Customer Support
Bottom Line: Hilleberg gets a gold star for customer service!
I think it’s worth noting the service we received. On our way back to California from Alaska, we dropped by Hilleberg USA’s offices in Seattle. Despite short notice, we were greeted warmly by Petra Hilleberg and her team. They took a generous amount of time to conduct an impromptu inspection/service, give us maintenance tips, and put together a comprehensive repair kit — all at no cost.
Interesting Factoid: I asked Hilleberg’s repair specialist about some of the most common reasons for tent repairs. They get quite a few tents from customers in Alaska that have been ripped open by bears!
Available Colors
Keron tents come in three colors: Red, green, and sand. We opted for green to keep a low profile when wild camping. Red makes a good choice if you want to stand out – i.e. makes it easier to find camp when snow camping. Sand is great for staying under the radar in desert / arid landscapes.
Value for Money
Bottom Line: For the money, you get an exceptionally durable, livable, and versatile tent that’s type-built for extended journeys to the ends of the earth.
At the time of writing, the Hilleberg Keron GT retails for $1,310, which is an investment. That said, for your money, you get a hard-wearing, highly livable, and versatile tent that’s capable of going to the ends of the earth. In our view, it’s an investment in safety and comfort that should last for years of heavy use.
Accessories
Keron 3 GT Footprint:
Protect tent floor from abrasion, keep ground moisture out of the vestibule. Covers full area of outer tent. Can pitch simultaneously with rest of tent.
Weight 1 lb 10 oz / 740 grams.
Note: We opted to forgo the footprint as the Keron 3 GT’s inner tent floor is made of durable 100 denier nylon. After three months of heavy use, our tent shows no sign of wear along the inner tent floor, which makes us feel the footprint is an unnecessary addition that will add to the tent’s weight / packed size.
Check Price
Hilleberg Snow & Sand Pegs
6 pegs w/ XP carrying bag. 50g / 1.8 oz 31 cm x 3 cm / 12.2” x 1.2” Include integrated line and hook for flexibility to bury sideways in snow or sand
Check Price
Pole Holders for Inner Tent:
Extra pole holders to allow pitching inner tent by itself. 6 Required. Come in pack of 4.
Check Price
Conclusions
The Hilleberg Keron 3 GT is an extremely versatile tent that strikes the right balance between livability, strength/durability, weather resistance, and portability. Hands down, it’s our choice for a wide range of adventures, including extended motorcycle trips.
Strong enough to withstand extreme weather and durable enough for long journeys, the Keron 3 GT’s abundant storage/living space make it is particularly well suited to gear-intensive adventures in inclement conditions.
Capable of withstanding pretty much anything you might throw at it, the Hilleberg Keron 3 GT is an excellent choice for a wide range of adventures from weekend car camping to polar expeditions.
If you want to lighten your load, consider removing the Keron 3 GT’s inner tent, upgrading to lighter pegs, or spreading the load across multiple people.
Also, remember that the Keron 3 GT’s tunnel design requires a relatively large space to set-up, which makes the Keron 3 GT a less attractive choice for trips where pitching options are limited (i.e. kayaking inside passage, alpine climbing, etc.).
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