The ultimate solo tent???

[frenchy_84]

But phil your top 3 criteria for choosing a tent would be 1 weight, 2 weight and 3 weight. Because let's face it, what's the point of buying a new tent if you can't tell people how much your is lighter than theirs.
And also your duomid relies on you carrying walking poles. Its amazing how light you can claim your glorified tarp is when you don't count the poles.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Not at all, Weight is not the only criteria I look at in a tent Franco. I do not purchase tents on weight alone. Two years ago I used to cart a 3.5kg tent with me on my solo hikes.

[Giddy_up]

I don't like the pole straight up in the front entrance, There's not a lot of room to get in or out there.

Hey Phil, what's that great big walking pole doing in the middle of that Duomid set up. Isn't it in the way?

"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

[ULWalkingPhil]

You can't compare this with a Contrail, This is a much large opening at the front. I have plenty of room there and if wanted I can easily setup with two poles to the sides and I can also tie a string onto top of Duomid and hang the shelter up to a sturdy branch, allowing the use of no poles. I can easily fit two people and at a pinch 3 in here. And if not needed I can do away with the inner and have other options such as no inner, Bivy or a fully meshed inner. I can pitch the DuoMid so the sides touch the ground for extreme weather and pitch up high for warm environments. It's a very versatile Shelter.

In saying all this, I still prefer my hammock setup, because I hate sleeping on the ground compared to a hammock.

I guess we just beg to disagree on some things. Everyone has there own opinions and likes. Someone wants a Solo Shelter, so I think it's good that they get to see many chooses instead of just the main two mentioned, Tarptent or Hilleberg.

[Giddy_up]

Just checking Phil, hey whilst I have you. How is your cuben tarp going, still like it?

G_U


"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

[ULWalkingPhil]

Just checking Phil, hey whilst I have you. How is your cuben tarp going, still like it?

G_U


"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

Yes, love the cuben tarp. I just returned from a 2 month expedition, Taken both the Hammock and the DuoMid with me. Mostly used the Hammock, because it's *&%$#! loads more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. I own one of those xLite pads, feels like a *&%$#! torture machine laying on that thing.

The Cuben Tarp is going strong. It's great.

[Giddy_up]

It certainly seems like hanging in the trees suits our qld weather. Do you use any under quilt.


"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

[corvus]

With all due respect IMHO one really big gust of wind would totally flatten that set up and as a personal choice I cannot stand the shape of the inner encroaching towards my face ,that is why I sold my Microlite only after a couple of outings.
But that is what you like enjoy it, we are all different
corvus

[Giddy_up]

I'm with you corvus, I like more vertical sides in my tent. Makes them more liveable, and I like the odd pole to cross over as well.


"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

[ULWalkingPhil]

It certainly seems like hanging in the trees suits our qld weather. Do you use any under quilt.


"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards"

I always found I had to use a Under Quilt on my Hammock. I hardly overnight hike during summer. Apart from Car base camping, All my hikes I do in the cooler weather. I own a Warbonnet 20F under-quilt. Withing 10 minutes it feels like your laying on a electric blanket.

I was hanging on the Six Foot Track a few weeks ago, Temps where low, Down to 0C at the blackdown range campsite, which was exposed to a 20 to 30knot westerly blowing all night right through camp, I was toasty and warm in my hammock, so it's not just QLD weather there great for. Maybe the topic poster could consider a Hammock.

[ULWalkingPhil]

With all due respect IMHO one really big gust of wind would totally flatten that set up and as a personal choice I cannot stand the shape of the inner encroaching towards my face ,that is why I sold my Microlite only after a couple of outings.
But that is what you like enjoy it, we are all different
corvus

This is one thing I was concerned about before I ordered my DuoMid with fabric touching me, I did not need to worry, as there is plenty of length to ensure none of the fabric touches you. If you move around a lot, that could be another matter, but than than would be an issue in any shelter, Lucky for me, I don't move when I sleep.

Here's what Ron the owner of Mountain Laurel Designs says about Cuben: Just in-case your debating the material.
Cuben is stronger than Silnylon because the Cuben Fiber CN2K.08 ( .74oz/sq/yd) fabric is 6X stronger than Silnylon fabric and the tie-outs pull test to higher strengths. We bond and then additionally over-bond the seams. We reinforce and then double bartack through 6 or more layers of the Cuben or Silnylon at main corners.

If the wind gust is strong enough, I guess it could take down any shelter. It would need to rip the Cuben before this comes down.

[corvus]

Talking about the pole set up not the fabric strength for wind gusts but who knows eh!! also way back ever since you never ever pitch a tent under a tree
corvus

[ULWalkingPhil]

Talking about the pole set up not the fabric strength for wind gusts but who knows eh!! also way back ever since you never ever pitch a tent under a tree
corvus

If there's tree's about I'll be in my hammock.

May I refer you all to Justin Litchner and Shawn Forry using a Cuben DuoMid on there first full thru hike of the Great Hymilaya Trail in 2011.

http://www.shawnforry.com/Margin_Walker...A_Hikers_Chronicles/Photos/Pages/Great_Himalaya_Trail_2011.html#342

[sthughes]

I bought a hammock. I used it once and bought a Soulo the following week

I think it's hard to go past the Goondie as an all-rounder, good value, 3+ season tent.

[Tas01]

Hi Phillip,
A Duomid would be fine for Tasmania, but I like my Hilleberg Unna, modified weight is roughly 1.7kg
would like to see and try a duomid or solomid at some stage.

A friend has used a hammock on the Overland track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5fQFdmmzYw

cheers.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Thanks Tas01 for the YouTube link.

Hammock can be used on the Overland Track. Plenty of trees by the looks. I been told I would be crazy to take a hammock there.

You know, I've been on hikes where others have told me you can't take a hammock, to find I would have been fine with a hammock, The overland track looks to be one of those. If this is the case, I'm taking my hammock.

[stu]

Hi Phillip,
A Duomid would be fine for Tasmania, but I like my Hilleberg Unna, modified weight is roughly 1.7kg
would like to see and try a duomid or solomid at some stage.

A friend has used a hammock on the Overland track.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5fQFdmmzYw

cheers.

Nice...is that a modified inner from a different model?
I have thought about the Unna before but like many others have been put off by the lack of a vestibule. Modified like this it ticks a lot of boxes...interested to hear more...

[ninjapuppet]

Tas01, is that inner from bear paw designs?
I know John from BPD loves to use overkill beefy orange tieouts like those in your picture.

[Nuts]

Oookworks do a good job on those modified inners. Phil's tent would handle strong wind and rain. A bit flappy and probably not as well as a hoop tent in the worst wind (though the shape is sound, just ask Mawson). I see you talking about the pole on another forum Phil. Don't go too light if your planning on snow camping, a sprung walking staff is ideal.. there is an unbelievable force in keeping up to the snow weight and wind (without yielding).

[Tas01]

Hello
Yes it is a custom PyraNet 1 from bear paw designs.
I got the height altered from 44inches to 38inches and added guy out points along the ridge to match the original inner. Once it is hung from centre clip you don’t really need use the tie outs. Just setup you’re sleeping pad/sleeping bag and you’re done. No one else would do a custom one for me, terra rossa was always away somewhere (didn't reply to emails), MLD take too long and Bear Paw did it in under a week. Awesome

Those beefy orange tie outs (4mm 550 Para cord) where only used on the initial setup to determine lengths I needed for my current tie outs. I don’t usually tie it out anymore, only helps if you pitch it all at once.

A few months ago while at Mt Anne shelf camp. We was hit by rain, gusty winds and freak snow for 12 hours. The weather really wasn't much better in the morning, but the tent held up nice...too dangerous to even think about doing the summit.

If you wanted to just carry the Fly/poles and just bivvy inside, weight would around 1500g. Two people and gear will fit easy, my brother and I can confirm that. It’s a great setup for two people in that configuration (750g per person).

These are rough weights
Fly 890g
Custom Inner 220g..original one is something like 650g
12 pegs inc bag 154g
2 poles + pole repair 467g
tent stuff sack 5.7g
1736g...original weight was 2196g (96g heavier than hilleberg website)

I think my setup is on the money without using ultralight tents/tarps. My gear/food/water for 3day Mt Anne was 9.5kg..very managable
Did the overland track (6days) with 11kg..I thought that was ok..some more chocolate would have been nice..ha-ha
Remember this is not BASE WEIGHT, a term Americans like to say they use and boast about...Im not Sub 10pounds.. but im pretty damn close without using a tarp or duomid.

If i chose to use a bivvy/duomid/solomid my base weight would be 8pounds..

cheers, Phil K

[ULWalkingPhil]

Oookworks do a good job on those modified inners. Phil's tent would handle strong wind and rain. A bit flappy and probably not as well as a hoop tent in the worst wind (though the shape is sound, just ask Mawson). I see you talking about the pole on another forum Phil. Don't go too light if your planning on snow camping, a sprung walking staff is ideal.. there is an unbelievable force in keeping up to the snow weight and wind (without yielding).

After some careful considerations, I decided to stick with my Leki Summit Poles, as you say, they are strong and there is some considerable force on the pole when setup on the DuoMid Shelter.
The Leki Summit poles are strong, I believe one of the strongest poles they make at the moment, and there light weight.

[ricadam]

Hello
Yes it is a custom PyraNet 1 from bear paw designs.
I got the height altered from 44inches to 38inches and added guy out points along the ridge to match the original inner. Once it is hung from centre clip you don’t really need use the tie outs. Just setup you’re sleeping pad/sleeping bag and you’re done. No one else would do a custom one for me, terra rossa was always away somewhere (didn't reply to emails), MLD take too long and Bear Paw did it in under a week. Awesome

Those beefy orange tie outs (4mm 550 Para cord) where only used on the initial setup to determine lengths I needed for my current tie outs. I don’t usually tie it out anymore, only helps if you pitch it all at once.

A few months ago while at Mt Anne shelf camp. We was hit by rain, gusty winds and freak snow for 12 hours. The weather really wasn't much better in the morning, but the tent held up nice...too dangerous to even think about doing the summit.

If you wanted to just carry the Fly/poles and just bivvy inside, weight would around 1500g. Two people and gear will fit easy, my brother and I can confirm that. It’s a great setup for two people in that configuration (750g per person).

These are rough weights
Fly 890g
Custom Inner 220g..original one is something like 650g
12 pegs inc bag 154g
2 poles + pole repair 467g
tent stuff sack 5.7g
1736g...original weight was 2196g (96g heavier than hilleberg website)

I think my setup is on the money without using ultralight tents/tarps. My gear/food/water for 3day Mt Anne was 9.5kg..very managable
Did the overland track (6days) with 11kg..I thought that was ok..some more chocolate would have been nice..ha-ha
Remember this is not BASE WEIGHT, a term Americans like to say they use and boast about...Im not Sub 10pounds.. but im pretty damn close without using a tarp or duomid.

If i chose to use a bivvy/duomid/solomid my base weight would be 8pounds..

cheers, Phil K

Hey Phil, What is that mat you are using in the last pic? it looks like something I need as the usual self inflating ones are too thin and the larger ones are too heavy.

[Strider]

Hey Phil, What is that mat you are using in the last pic? it looks like something I need as the usual self inflating ones are too thin and the larger ones are too heavy.

Exped SynMat UL

[roysta]

My Hilleberg Soulo without the inner and with the footprint weighs in at exactly 2kgs.
I know that's heavy for many people, but for me it a pretty solid unit.
Next weekend I only need a 3 season tent so I'm taking the One Planet Gunyah 1V with footprint and no inner.
That weighs 980g.

[stry]

My Hilleberg Soulo without the inner and with the footprint weighs in at exactly 2kgs.
I know that's heavy for many people, but for me it a pretty solid unit.
Next weekend I only need a 3 season tent so I'm taking the One Planet Gunyah 1V with footprint and no inner.
That weighs 980g.

How do you go condensate wise without the inner ?

[roysta]

Stry, to be frank I haven't tried it without the inner, so that would be interesting to check.
With the inner it's not too bad, you get some condensation, but I've struck much worse.

[waggy]

Since you asked for people's opinion on the One Planet Goondie (amongst others), I thought I'd better point you to this topic (originally posted by myself) in case you haven't seen it already: http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=8031

It includes a comprehensive review as well as a few experiences from various people. The executive summary is that I reckon its a great solo tent and if it was destroyed or stolen tomorrow, I would definitely buy the same tent again. However, as with any other tent, it is not perfect - e.g., integral pitch would be a nice, but not necessary, addition.

its taken me a whiles to get back onto this site, but your info is comprehensive and much appreciated. I agree with your view on one planet build quality and will probably go with the goodie in the 30 weight.
thanks again

[ninjapuppet]

Just came back from a week up in Mt Rolleston (arthurs pass NZ) in my mountain hardwear Direkt 2
Really surprised how it shined so well in its intend comfort zone. 80-100kph winds and up to 50mm of rain on some days!
Its been tested by Alpinist Ueli Steck on 8000m mountains so I dont have any doubt as to its wind handling.


When I camped in the valleys up in the snowys last year, i noticed condensation like any single skin tent.
However the alpine slopes is where its most at home. once the winds picked up, the tent didnt budge and the wind carried all the condensation away. it is clear the fabric breaths, as it was completely dry in the morning, while the poles had condensation droplets all over.

Unlike the black diamond nanoshield tents (firstlight) this one is completely waterproof!
unlike my Brooks Range tents, condensation isnt a major problem
Unlike my bibler iTent, this one weighs half as much.

its a cramped 2 man, but so far this is my pick for going solo. I'm finding that I'm taking this tent more and more on every trip I go on.
obviously every tent has its downsides, and here we dont have a vestibule. I can live with that.

[Franco]

Since you are familiar with the I tent as well as the Propel, how does the Direkt 2 compare in usable space ?
(estimated max occupant height ...)
Setting it up ?

[ninjapuppet]

the Direkt 2 feels about the same size as an iTent. Specs indicate it is 2.4m square vs iTent 2.5m square, and that the iTent is slightly wider but sleeping solo you dont really notice it.
As a solo tent however, I would prefer the hilleberg soulo than the iTent since they're the same weights.
I sold the soulo and much prefer the Direkt 2 since I found condensation was just as much a problem in the soulo as the direkt 2 and both can handle anything Aust/NZ can dish out....
.... except the direkt 2 is half the weight of the soulo

The Brooks Propel is wider (122cm) but feels more cramped and smaller. Set up is a bit more fiddly than the direkt 2. The propel is still the best tent for ski-mountaineering since its the lightest and its base attachments can accomodate skis and still an awesome tent for 2-3 night endeavours.
I did buy a 3m avalanche pole to replace the ridge pole for backcountry ski trips, 3 metres is the sweet spot for length, however I forgot that my pole was Carbon Fibre... (it cant bend)
so i'm going to have to replace it for an aluminium pole. If you decide to get an avalanche pole for your propel tent, make sure its not carbon.

Just a note on those duomids/pyramids. Ive owned a few and can attest to their wind performance ONCE ITS SETUP. However while setting them up, they can be fiddly if high winds are already present. You are also relying on absolute strength in the pegs. If you're on snow and its raining hard, the snow will melt away a fair bit so you may have to re check your pegs regularly.

Tas01's Unna/Pyranet setup there looks really neat, but costs are really starting to add up there if buying new.