i had a thread a couple of years ago on this topic but thought it would be good to post it again.

whats your solo shelter?

mines the sierra designs electron 1 (now called zolo 1). a 20.5 sq ft true solo. almost vertical walls, 92" long and very roomy inside. both packs fit under the one vestibule it has. its on the heavy side for a solo tent at slightly over 4 lbs packed weight. i only wish it had a vent in the fly but for $128 i really cant complain. love that little bugger.

First was a Sierra Designs Light Year
Second was a Integral Designs Sil Shelter
Third was a TarpTent Virga
Now it is my Hennessy Hammock UL Backpacker A-Sym
If it is a cold and wet portage clearing trip I use a Integral Designs MK1 Lite four season tent.
They all still wait on the shelf to be chosen for the next trip.

I use to use a Eureka Alpenlite and still do occasionally

I now use a warbonnet blackbird hammock with a warbonnet superfly


tony

I got a crappy little Alps Mountaineering Zepher 1. I got it when I was just getting into soloing and it has been a stud for the price I got it for. It has survived 2 weeks on Isle Royale, a week in the Colorado Rockies, and countless little trips here and there. I have had to do some repairs and the weight isn't where I want it, but it is pretty indestructible.

Been thinking about getting a new solo tent. This one: Kelty Salida 2
It weighs exactly the same as my Zepher, but it's technically a two person tent. I figure, since I am already carrying that weight, might as well have more space. And for $160, that seems reasonable.

Portagekeeper, I am REALLY curious about that tarptent. Pros? Cons?

As I am a backpacker, I have also been looking into this tent as well: Nemo Meta 2P It incorporates my hiking poles into the design, I have a lot of space (36 sq. ft) and it weighs a full pound lighter then my Zepher. Price is a bit much though.

I am really curious about what other people use for their solo tents and the pros and cons of each. Thanks.

kanoes,

I use the Hennessy Hammock UL Backpacker A-Sym with the oversize Hex Rainfly. The rain fly is large enough to sit under in my chair as well as all my gear is under cover. After choosing a couple of suitable trees I set the rain fly up and everything else just goes that. The fly can be adjusted for all types of conditions and I like that. This is probably not the best setup for real cold conditions though.

Dick

Kelty Gunnison 2.1


I like extra room in my tent. With two doors and vestibules, I can both enter/exit and keep things under cover. It also has two covered vents in the fly.

I will never be a hardcore ultra-light tripper. I like comfy.

It's packed weight is listed at 5# 9 oz..

I'm thinking that if I had a mere $500 to spend I could close on two pounds for a roomy solo shelter....

Ultra light

If you're willing to carry an extra 7oz you can save $150
Pretty darn light

Minnesotian
As a backpacker, you know that lighter options are preferred when one must carry a pack all day, and some of those options require having to stray away from the rock solid shelters that other campers normally use. Most of the TarpTents were designed to be a tent-like shelter, that borders on the weight of a tarp. One must be willing to see this, and be happy with the fact that they will be giving up some of the things that tents offer, such as free standing, dual wall, the heavier seam sealed bathtub floor etc. Once one is willing to do that, it is then easier to look at this style shelter with an open mind.
Most of us would rather see one set up in front of us, before deciding if we'd be willing to spend the money, and feel that it will actually provide us with adequate shelter in a storm. I went by the testimonies of others before making this decision and was happy about it later.
I ordered my Virga with the sewn in floor, and after seeing how the system works, I was glad that I did. When the shelter is set up taut, the sides pull up on the edges of the floor and this creates a tub shaped floor (this can be seen on the TarpTent site), that stays that way as long as you don't set something on the edge that will push it to the ground to let ground water enter on top of the floor.
You can also see that the Virga (later replaced by the Contrail) has netting all around the floor for better ventilation than a lot of tarp style shelters. Another thing to note, is that there is no zipper across the bottom, at the door. This annoyed me at first, but I later realized that it IS adequate to just tuck the extra netting under the floor as designed. A zipper at that point would eventually only cause problems once it got dirty.
I was happy with the amount of space that the Virga offered, opposed to what I was used to with my SD Lightyear, at a big weight savings.
TarpTents didn't come seam sealed (and probably still don't) so I had to seal it myself.
I don't use hiking poles, so I ordered mine with a pole that was offered.
If you like the idea of this type of shelter, then get the Contrail, with a sewn in floor and ask if they will seam seal it. I would also get the pole for the foot end that is offered. I've learned the hard way (with my Lightyear) about how important that extra ventilation is in the foot area.
Also, practice setting it up at home.

quote Banksiana: "I'm thinking that if I had a mere $500 to spend I could close on two pounds for a roomy solo shelter....


Ultra light


If you're willing to carry an extra 7oz you can save $150
Pretty darn light "

Those tents look "SWEET" for sure!

quote Banksiana: "I'm thinking that if I had a mere $500 to spend I could close on two pounds for a roomy solo shelter....


Ultra light


If you're willing to carry an extra 7oz you can save $150
Pretty darn light "

Love the weight vs. space ratio on these tents. I would however be concerned about having issues with condensation, seeing how the canopy drapes down on the sides, with no good escape up above.

First solo tent, Eureka Mountain Pass 1,
Very stable, weatherproof, 2 LARGE vestibules, but heavy (5+lbs) and with an uncovered door zipper.
Next solo shelter and current favorite is a CCS Lean1+,
Less than 4lbs with cordage and stakes, no floor and needs some pitching ingenuity.
New addition is an Alps Mystique 1.5,
Less than 4lbs good in nasty weather, small vestibules and questionable door opening.
I have combined tarp/tent in some cases,


butthead

quote PortageKeeper:
Love the weight vs. space ratio on these tents. I would however be concerned about having issues with condensation, seeing how the canopy drapes down on the sides, with no good escape up above."

I've camped for many nights in a similar (though not so light) Big Agnes tent, the Seedhouse2. Since most of my trips are in the second half of October condensation can often be an issue (in fact I bought the seedhouse to replace a tent with condensation issues). BA defeats condensation by having a large space between the fly and the tent body (though the fly comes down close to the ground, it is well away from the body, there is a large gap around the entire tent for air to circulate)- also good for big or long-lasting rains as the water is shed well away from the tent floor. The tent walls are quite steep so condensation that does form on the inside of the fly runs down the fly rather than dripping through the mesh tent body. I have not had any trouble with condensation despite many nights well into the 20's..

quote Minnesotian: "I got a crappy little Alps Mountaineering Zepher 1. I got it when I was just getting into soloing and it has been a stud for the price I got it for. It has survived 2 weeks on Isle Royale, a week in the Colorado Rockies, and countless little trips here and there. I have had to do some repairs and the weight isn't where I want it, but it is pretty indestructible.


Been thinking about getting a new solo tent. This one: Kelty Salida 2
It weighs exactly the same as my Zepher, but it's technically a two person tent. I figure, since I am already carrying that weight, might as well have more space. And for $160, that seems reasonable.


Portagekeeper, I am REALLY curious about that tarptent. Pros? Cons?


As I am a backpacker, I have also been looking into this tent as well: Nemo Meta 2P It incorporates my hiking poles into the design, I have a lot of space (36 sq. ft) and it weighs a full pound lighter then my Zepher. Price is a bit much though.


I am really curious about what other people use for their solo tents and the pros and cons of each. Thanks. "

I bought the Salida for my solo tent. It would be a very tight fit for 2 people....1.5 seems closer....but it has nice room for one. The single vestibule cuts a little weight yet allows room for a little "outdoor storage". I've set it up but have not yet camped in it.

I use a large tarp with a Black Bird under it. Lots of room and comfortable.


Big island in Louisa Lake.

Mountain Hardware Light Wedge 2. One person and one dog fit just right. I have the Light Wedge 3 and liked it so when the 2 went on sale I thought I would try it. I have only used it on one trip for 11 days.

hennessey hammock!

Hennessey Hammock with Gear Guide tarp

When I got back into Canoe Tripping I went right to the tried and true Timberline 2. Perfect for me and the pup! I'm lookin for my next tent now and thinking strongly of a Lean Shelter by CCS. I thought it was interesting the way Ken has his set up in the picture here with the sides off the ground and all. Must not have been a very buggy time of year. :) The versatility is what draws me to the Lean.

REI Halfdome

Picked up a Kelty Crestone 1 for $99 one year to do a Isle Royale trip. A few draw backs with that tent but it didn't fail me. Biggest thing was that it was 3 lbs. and that makes a huge difference when back packing. The tiny vestibule allowed me to have my pack and shoes under cover when it rained.

If I had the money I would look at something from Tarptent or Six Moons Designs.

Crestone 1 without rainfly=

eureka exo 1.

My solo tents by year or a close guess.

1980- Early winters gore-tex tent
1982- Eureka Timberline 2
1987- The North Face Tadpole
1993 ish- Sierra Designs Flashlight
2000-The North Face Mountain 25
2008- Exped Vella II extreme
2010- Hilleberg Atko

All good tents, most way too heavy and most overkill for canoe tripping. The Hilleberg is not only bomb proof but lightweight. Great solo tent but is not freestanding.

Copper Spur UL1. Am considering a bivy after spending the past 3 weeks in one.

quote mooseplums: "REI Halfdome "

+1 on the REI Half Dome. I use the Half Dome 4. Big but I love the room...

BA Copper Spur UL1 Solo 3 lb
Marmot Limelite II Solo with Molly the lab 5 lb




SunCatcher

A hammock of my own design. Shown here with a 3/4 under quilt ( also my design) and a 10x12 CCS tarp to keep the rain off

A Warbonnet Blackbird hammock and Kelty 12' Noah's tarp.

Dang it Kanoes... Now I need to look for a 2 person tent for solo trips instead of the 4 person one I bring now. With all of the good suggestions here this is going to be fun...

quote Sierra1: "Dang it Kanoes... Now I need to look for a 2 person tent for solo trips instead of the 4 person one I bring now. With all of the good suggestions here this is going to be fun..."

I think that kanoes is a secret lobbyist for manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers planted on this site to create wholes in all our pockets. I do.

Once Again---
if you don't have something with three walls and a bug net door with a full cover flap your "shelter" is just a over sized rain hat.

quote wetcanoedog: "Once Again---
if you don't have something with three walls and a bug net door with a full cover flap your "shelter" is just a over sized rain hat."

+1
But there's also times and places where you better have a floor, too. Cuz if you don't, your "shelter" is just a temporary deterrent to the insect life trying to get in.

BeaV, that is probably the most stated comment on tarp style shelters!
It concerned me for a bit also, but after several years of using a CCS Lean 1+ have had essentially no problem with bugs invading my sheltered space.

butthead

quote butthead: "BeaV, that is probably the most stated comment on tarp style shelters!
It concerned me for a bit also, but after several years of using a CCS Lean 1+ have had essentially no problem with bugs invading my sheltered space.


butthead"

What I wonder about them is does it get wet when it rains from the water coming under, or seeping under?

And what do you put your stuff on inside one...on the dirt?

Best shows the ground tarp I use even in the snow. Need to watch out for drainage though, I set up on higher ground than surroundings. Still bugs and critters have not been an issue!

butthead

quote butthead: " Best shows the ground tarp I use even in the snow. Need to watch out for drainage though, I set up on higher ground than surroundings. Still bugs and critters have not been an issue!


butthead"

So now the question for Ken is... Do you consider your ground cloth an innie or an outy. :) Here's hopin' Dan has a good deal for me at copia.

quote butthead: " Best shows the ground tarp I use even in the snow. Need to watch out for drainage though, I set up on higher ground than surroundings. Still bugs and critters have not been an issue!


butthead"

Not even scary, icky spiders?

quote butthead: "BeaV, that is probably the most stated comment on tarp style shelters!
It concerned me for a bit also, but after several years of using a CCS Lean 1+ have had essentially no problem with bugs invading my sheltered space.


butthead"

Butthead, I'm not concerned about a few intruders in the night...but there are times and places where I'd prefer complete security. Not so much in the BWCA except maybe in a year when the army worms are peaking. I'm thinking mosquitos in the arctic summer!

Question for you, though, can one person set up a CCA lean by themselves in a treeless area using the 2-pole system? I should say can it be done without cussing too much? :)

BeaV

I used a Eureka Zeus 2 for my first couple of solo trips. After spending 32 hours in it during a September 2004 rainstorm, I started using my Timberline 4. Trying to cut back on weight this year so will probably try the Zeus again. Since I park my tent under my large tarp, can't really attest to its water proofness but am not really in love with its poor ventilation and single wall construction.

REI Chrysalis for when I am planning to stay on the move and Taj 3 for base camping.

quote mobass: "I used a Eureka Zeus 2 for my first couple of solo trips. After spending 32 hours in it during a September 2004 rainstorm, I started using my Timberline 4. Trying to cut back on weight this year so will probably try the Zeus again. Since I park my tent under my large tarp, can't really attest to its water proofness but am not really in love with its poor ventilation and single wall construction."

i couldnt stay in the tent during a rain storm. i need to be outside no matter how extreme it is. id rather have the raingear on and be outside...even in snow.

quote BeaV: "

quote butthead: "BeaV, that is probably the most stated comment on tarp style shelters!
It concerned me for a bit also, but after several years of using a CCS Lean 1+ have had essentially no problem with bugs invading my sheltered space.



butthead"

Butthead, I'm not concerned about a few intruders in the night...but there are times and places where I'd prefer complete security. Not so much in the BWCA except maybe in a year when the army worms are peaking. I'm thinking mosquitos in the arctic summer!


Question for you, though, can one person set up a CCA lean by themselves in a treeless area using the 2-pole system? I should say can it be done without cussing too much? :)


BeaV"

Can be done if you are patient enough. I have never taken poles but have made due in some situations with brush available.


butthead

Opps..i missed the point of the question,write it off to a mild case of the flu or something that has me wandering around the house in my bathrobe all day..so anyway it's a Hilleberg Akto.all i do is sleep in it the Baker is for everything else.that keeps my sleeping area clean and dry.before the Akto it was a Eureka Rising Sun and i used it in the same way with a Eureka Baker Tent.a Eureka Timberline that i had a "back door" added with vestibules at each end served before that.the back vestibule was for gear storage and the front one was for cooking in bad weather,no other tarp or shelter then.it was too cramped and got wet inside and of course the food smell seemed like a bad idea.on the first two trips i slept under the canoe with a small tarp,bad idea.it was ok for Scouts when you were out with a troop and small enough to fit under but for a grown guy it left a lot to be desired.
the weight of the Akto and shelter is less than the Timberline.

beaV and others...i put down one of those heavy Survival Blankets with a small hole cut into it for the stove.the bug net door and sod cloths around the bottom seal it from bugs and most of the rain.i say most because a couple times in heavy all day storms where the shelter is set up over a rocky slab i have had water run under the "mud flaps" but it then runs under the survival blanket and everything stays dry.i have thought about a floor but that would add to the weight and bulk plus it would become a spill and general dirt collector.the other factor is that with the sides closing you in and just a view out the big door sitting on ground makes up for being inside.no joke,having the duff and rocks and sometimes a small pine tree inside makes up for being inside when you want to be outside--if you know what i mean.

I use the Warbonnet Blackbird hammock. I'll list the pros and cons to using hammocks.

The cons:

- Cannot sleep on stomach.
- Limited arm positions. Cannot flop them out to the side.
- Not as roomy as a small (1-2 man) solo tent.
- A little more difficult to get into a sleeping bag.

The pros:

- Never have to worry about rocks or level ground.
- Never worry about rain getting things wet.
- very fast setup and less bulk and weight than a tent. (no poles)
- no air pad to deal with. I slip a 1/4 inch closed cell foam in a sleeve underneath me for insulation.

I was a tent guy until 2009. The biggest problem was the ground and getting comfortable. I bought a larger and thicker air pad and it helped but it was just too much bulk to carry along with my tent. Once I figured out the correct way to lay in and hang my hammock it was heaven to sleep in.

quote Minnesotian: "I got a crappy little Alps Mountaineering Zepher 1. I got it when I was just getting into soloing and it has been a stud for the price I got it for. It has survived 2 weeks on Isle Royale, a week in the Colorado Rockies, and countless little trips here and there. I have had to do some repairs and the weight isn't where I want it, but it is pretty indestructible. "

I have a Alps Mountaineering Zepher 1 as well. I like it. It does look like it is not designed all that well, but I have never had it fail. I have never a a single drop of water leak in and I don't use a ground sheet, neither in or out. I also find it very roomy; plenty of room for me, my clothes, book, light and other night-time items.

I'm not in the market for a new one until this one wears out, and I think I've had it for 5 years.