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Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW review: a 4-season shelter that’s nearly perfect

Is this the most versatile 4-season tent available today? We think it might be…

✓  Top PickNordisk Telemark 2.2 LW Weight1,024 gCapacity2-person (best solo)Groundsheet8,000 mm HH The good✓  Ultralight at 1,024 g
✓  Packs to a small rugby ball
✓  Reliable 4-season performance
✓  Incredibly easy to pitch (under 4 min)
✓  Dual entrances — rare luxury
✓  Magnetic door closures
✓  8,000 mm HH groundsheet
✓  Spacious interior for its weight
The not-so-good✗  Expensive
Check price on Amazon →

At a glance

Overview

Founded in Denmark over a century ago, Nordisk has built a reputation for creating premium outdoor kit that balances ultralight design with genuine all-weather performance. Known for their technical down sleeping bags and featherweight tents, Nordisk is a brand that is serious about making life easier for adventurers who count every gram. Their approach is clear: cut weight without cutting corners. This commitment is evident in the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW tent, a four-season shelter that tips the scales at a mere 1,024 grams yet performs like a real heavyweight in terms of livability and durability.

The Telemark 2.2 LW is part of Nordisk’s range of ultralight shelters designed for fastpackers, bikepackers, and anyone who spends more time moving than pitching camp. What sets it apart is its ability to handle a genuine four-season beating while maintaining a pack size comparable to a thin down jacket. Whether you are wild camping in the Scottish Highlands, tackling the Pennine Way, or fastpacking across Snowdonia, the Telemark’s versatility makes it a compelling choice. Unlike many ultralight tents that feel cramped and fragile, it surprises with a spacious interior and a robust build. The single-pole tunnel design maximises internal space without adding weight, while the 8,000 mm hydrostatic head groundsheet ensures that even the soggiest British campsites will not leave you waking up damp.

In terms of comparable options, the Fjallraven Abisko Lite 1 (£600) is perhaps its closest rival, offering similar four-season capabilities but at a significantly higher weight (1.6 kg) and a more cramped vestibule. The Hilleberg Akto (£779.99) has long been considered a gold standard for solo tents but weighs in at 1.5 kg. Meanwhile, the Nortent Vern 1 (£565) is built to survive the harshest conditions but at 2.5 kg is more than twice the weight. The upshot is clear: while the Telemark’s price might make you wince, its weight-to-performance ratio is hard to beat.

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How we tested

To give the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW a proper workout, we took it on a series of wild camping trips across the UK. Our first stop was Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, where we faced everything from steady rain to gusts topping 30 mph. Pitched on the exposed summit of Fan y Big, the Telemark proved remarkably stable — the single-pole tunnel design deflecting wind efficiently without turning into a sail. The 8,000 mm hydrostatic head groundsheet meant that even saturated ground could not force water through.

Next, we took it to Bannau Brycheiniog in the depths of winter, with overnight lows hitting –7°C. The compact design helped trap heat efficiently, and while there was some condensation in the morning, it was manageable given the conditions. A couple of nights on Dartmoor’s Yes Tor rounded off the test, where heavy rain and swirling winds made for a challenging pitch. Here, the Telemark’s ease of setup was a lifesaver — its single-pole design meant we had it pitched in under five minutes, even as the wind tried its best to turn it into a kite.

Features and performance

Weight, pack size and interior

The weight of the Telemark is perhaps its most talked-about feature — and for good reason. When you are trekking for miles, every gram counts, and the difference between a 1 kg tent and a 2 kg tent is night and day. The single-pole tunnel design eliminates the need for multiple poles and complicated hub systems, shaving off weight while maintaining a stable structure. It packs down to the size of a small rugby ball. Despite its compact pack size, it feels spacious once pitched: there is enough headroom to sit up comfortably, which is a blessing when you are stuck waiting out a storm.

The interior is a masterclass in efficient design. The floor plan is just wide enough to fit two sleeping mats side by side, though it is at its best as a roomy solo shelter. The extendable vestibule adds versatility — in its smallest configuration it is perfect for stashing boots and a small pack, but by sacrificing a bit of inner tent space you can extend it to fit larger packs or cook in comfort. The dual-door setup helps alleviate any vestibule tightness by providing two access options. No more awkwardly climbing over a tent mate for a midnight bathroom run.

Weather protection and wind

The 8,000 mm hydrostatic head groundsheet is a standout feature. Many ultralight tents cut corners on waterproofing to keep weight down, but Nordisk has wisely opted for a more robust groundsheet. In our testing, the tent held up to some truly grim British conditions — from boggy Dartmoor hillsides to the rain-soaked summits of the Brecon Beacons — and not a drop of water made it through. The silicone-coated ripstop nylon flysheet sheds water effortlessly, with raindrops beading and rolling off rather than soaking in — crucial when you are packing up in a hurry. Crucially, the flysheet does not go all the way to the ground, in order to maximise airflow while still keeping you protected.

Considering its weight, the Telemark’s wind resistance is remarkable. In gusts of up to 30 mph on Dartmoor, the tent remained stable with just the main guy lines pegged out. The multiple guy-out points offer the flexibility to pitch for anything from mild conditions to full-on storms, and the single-pole design flexes just enough to absorb gusts. Just avoid exposed mountain summits in the very worst of it.

“As close to a do-it-all tent as we’ve ever tested. It could feasibly replace both a summer and winter tent in your collection.”

Smart details and caveats

Ventilation is often the Achilles’ heel of ultralight tents, and the Telemark is no exception. With just one vent, airflow can feel limited on warmer nights. The raised flysheet does help, but cracking both doors open to create a cross-breeze leaves you exposed to rain. On the door closures, however, small magnets snap the doors shut with satisfying precision, keeping the fly tight and rain out — a feature we would love to see on other tents. One last thing: the ‘awning mode’, which lets you remove the corner poles to form a prop for the door. Honest take — it is more hassle than it is worth. A walking pole does the job far better, and we think Nordisk missed the mark with this one in an otherwise brilliant shelter.

The 20D ripstop nylon used for the fly and floor is reassuringly tough despite its ultralight credentials. In our testing, it shrugged off branches, rocks and the occasional misstep with hiking poles. While not quite as bombproof as the Hilleberg Akto or the Nortent Vern 1, it is more than adequate for UK conditions. Pitching and packing are another highlight: the single-pole design is practically foolproof, and the integrated stuff sack sewn into the tent eliminates the classic ‘where’s the stuff sack?’ panic when the wind picks up.

Our verdictNot just an ultralight tent — a tent that redefines what ultralight can mean.The Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW is light enough for fastpacking and bikepacking, tough enough for genuine four-season use, and packed with thoughtful features that make life on the trail easier. Yes, it is expensive. But when you consider that it could feasibly replace both a summer and winter tent in your collection, the price starts to make a lot more sense. For anyone serious about spending time outdoors, this is as close to a do-it-all tent as we have ever tested.Buy the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW on Amazon →

FAQs

How does the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW perform in the summer?The raised flysheet and dual doors help with ventilation, but the single vent means it can get warm on still nights. Cracking both doors creates a cross-breeze, but leaves you exposed to rain.

How does the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW perform in the winter?Exceptionally well. The robust flysheet and 8,000 mm groundsheet handle snow and rain with ease, and the compact design traps heat efficiently. We used it in temperatures down to –7°C without issue.

How does the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW perform in the wind?Its tunnel design and multiple guy-out points offer stability in most conditions. In gusts up to 30 mph on Dartmoor it remained stable with just the main guy lines pegged. Pitching sensibly is key.

How easy is it to pitch the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW?Very easy. The single-pole design makes setup practically foolproof — under four minutes with a bit of practice, even in poor weather. The integrated stuff sack eliminates any packing faff.

Is the Nordisk Telemark 2.2 LW worth the money?If you value low weight and high performance, absolutely. It is one of the most versatile four-season tents available — and could feasibly replace both a summer and winter tent in your collection, making the price much easier to justify.