🌟 Product Review: Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 Person Tent For Trike Touring – Lightweight, Waterproof, Surprisingly Spacious 🌟
🌿 When preparing for long-distance recumbent trike tours, choosing the right tent is more than just a gear decision – it’s about comfort, safety, and the joy of being at home anywhere. While saving up for the Hilleberg Soulo Black Edition, I needed a temporary yet reliable solution. That’s when I came across the Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 Person Tent – a waterproof, ultralight backpacking tent under $100.
What followed was an unfiltered, real-world experience: a test night at Bivakzone Galgenhof in Eeklo, just 26 km from Gent. Here’s the full story – complete with midnight departures, stubborn zippers, unexpected comfort, and a touch of triker humor.
✅ The First Encounter: Setup in the Wild
Originally planning to leave by 17:00h, I only managed to hit the road after 22:00. With my headlamp strapped on, I cycled through the darkness to the nearest bivakzone. Upon arrival, not recognizing the area, I unknowingly pitched the tent next to Bivakzone Galgenhof… right in the middle of a hiking path. Classic first-timer move.
I had watched all the YouTube videos. “5 minutes, effortless setup!” they promised. Reality? 10 minutes, some effort, and my two famously uncoordinated left hands (which my friends claim should wear socks). Yet despite the darkness and being a complete beginner, I managed. Yes, it really is that easy to set up.
🔧 Performance Under Pressure
As I lay inside, I expected to get wet when the rain started around midnight. But to my surprise? Not a single drop inside. No leaks. No dripping seams. Just the soothing drum of rain on the flysheet.
The wind wasn’t wild, but it was persistent. Still, the tent remained stable and firm, never shaking or flapping. A real testament to its design, especially considering the low weight.
🌍 Living Space: The Unexpected Luxury
This tent is made for one person. But wow – it felt generous. I brought all my Ortlieb panniers inside, and there was still room to sit upright (I’m 172 cm). No claustrophobia. No cramped limbs. I even thought: “Could I invite someone over for some romance?” The answer: Yes – with cozy compromise.
I used my Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT MAX mat inside – luxurious, warm, and easygoing. Dinner and breakfast in the tent? Smooth. The inner mesh made ventilation great, and I could even hook my LED headlamp to the ceiling, flooding the space with warm light. It felt more like a cocoon than a shelter.
🔎 Practical Insights: The Good and the Slightly Tricky
Let’s keep it real. While this tent impressed me on many fronts, it’s not without its quirks:
- Zippers: The entrance zipper was a little temperamental. It doesn’t always respond immediately – which can be a serious issue when nature calls at 3:00 AM. Pro tip: Keep a sharp knife within reach in case of emergency. Just in case.
- Material Feel: While it’s not premium like a Hilleberg, it’s certainly far better than I expected for $100.
- Not for Extreme Weather: I wouldn’t recommend it for the Highlands of Scotland, Irish coasts, or Pyrenean storms. But for Belgian nights with moderate rain and wind? Absolutely reliable.
🌝 Morning After: Easy Pack-Up and Fresh Start
Packing up the tent in the morning was a breeze. Everything inside remained dry. The gear was easy to repack, and the tent slipped right back into its bag without a fight. It left me feeling refreshed, light, and energized for the ride home. That’s the kind of start you want when you’re cycling (s)mile after (s)mile.
🤔 Why I Bought It – And Why I’d Buy It Again
Truth be told, I was saving up for the Hilleberg Soulo Black Edition, a-tier tent I’d still love to own. But I needed something now. The Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 was my bridge. And what a solid bridge it turned out to be.
Here’s what makes it a keeper:
👉 Easy to mount 👉 Easy to dismount
👉 Lots of space inside
👉 Tall enough to sit inside (172 cm)
👉 Remains dry in the rain
👉 Stands firm in the wind
👉 Lightweight (great for trikers!)
👉 Packs down small
👉 Affordable on any budget
👉 Unexpected potential for two, if you’re into cozy challenges 😉
🛫 Who This Tent Is Perfect For
- Long-distance recumbent trikers looking for compact, reliable shelter
- Cyclists and backpackers who need lightweight gear that just works
- Campers wanting value without sacrificing comfort
- Anyone saving for a premium tent but needing something that holds up in the meantime
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 waterproof?
Yes. Tested in overnight Belgian rain – bone dry inside by morning.
❓ Is it easy to set up alone in the dark?
Yes – even with two left hands and a headlamp, it took me just 10 minutes.
❓ Does it feel cramped?
Not at all. I fit my entire luggage inside and still had room to sit comfortably.
📅 Long-Term Touring Strategy
While this tent won’t be my forever solution, it’s become a reliable companion for short-term and medium-length tours. It’s a reminder that you don’t always need top-dollar gear to get started. With the right mindset and the right setup, you can start chasing sunrises today, even if your dream tent is still a few paychecks away.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 surprised me. It earned its place on my trike, not just as a placeholder, but as a trusted shelter for real journeys. It’s easy, affordable, and performs well enough to give confidence even on the first try.
If you’re planning your own multi-(s)mile adventures, and you want gear that won’t break the bank while delivering serious value – this tent might be your new travel buddy.
Ready to check it out? Here’s the one I bought: Naturehike Cloud-Up 1 Person Tent on Amazon
Stay dry, ride far, and make every camp night an adventure.