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BlackMagic
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For me, a solo tent still has to be light; under three pounds. I have an older sierra Flash Magic single wall (not free standing) that I like, and a Marmot EOS 1, very happy with this one as well. Now I use either a 8'x10' Siltarp (14 oz.) if the weather looks like I'll need the size, or 5'x8' Siltarp (7 oz.) with the Marmot screen,/floor (16.7 oz.). I just tie is off to stones or tree trunks, whatever is close. This has worked out very well, and if it's not bug season, I just leave the tent screen at home. Either way, it's a very light, small package.
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Kiporby
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Just ordered this tent for my solo trips. Great price! I'm a bigger guy, so I got the "2 person" model.
LL Bean Microlight
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hapstap
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I am just starting my search for a solo tent also, but man, there sure are alot of choices out there. Everyone talks of their favorite, any bad ones to stay away from?
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gutmon
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Amok- be aware that the Microlight is a true backpacking tent (ie- very tight quarters in order to reduce weight). I have a friend that has one and we slept in it together during a backpacking trip (well, I slept in it and he laid there and listened to me snore less than a foot away from his ear all night). It is not free-standing and the one he had did not seem to have adequate ventilation. I don't think there are any tents listed here that are real dogs, but I do encourage people to think about how their tent is going to be used. If you are not going to do any backpacking, you may want to look at getting one that will provide a little more room with the tradeoff of weighing a little more if only going to be used for canoe trips. One thing about a tent from Beans- if you don't like it at any time you will be able to return it.
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Amok
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I'm liking the look/specs on that Microlight. I may have to pick one up once my Eureka tent dies (hopefully that will be quite a few years down the road.) I still have an old Sierra Designs tent that I picked up at K-mart for $20, believe it or not, that is 5' x 6' which is at least 15 years old that is still waterproof and has not succumbed to any tearing. Just sunfade. I don't think they make it anymore, probably a "k-mart special" for kids. haha.
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Kiporby
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Gutmon, That is exactly why I purchased the 2 man tent for my solo trips. I like the extra room when set up and the compactness and lightness of the Microlight when packed. I think I'll really like it. We'll see.
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kjw
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Last 3 years I used the MSR Hubba. I liked it so well I just bought the MSR Hubba Hubba (2 man version) too.
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HowardSprague
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Nice tent Koda. I don't own any of their products - yet - but have always been impressed by what I've seen of Sierra Designs, be it tents or sleeping bags or whatever. I know you're not a big vestibule guy, but that gives good versatility to use it or not use it.
Nothing to do with the tent thread, but....at the end of Webelos for my then-stepson, we presented the den leader ( who had put in tons of time and effort to see that the kids had great outdoor experiences, for the whole five year period) with a Sierra Designs sleeping bag, autographed by all the boys in the den. He seemed to like it.
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kanoes
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tents are about the most personal gear choice there is. this thread proves it.
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Dbldppr1250
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I use that Kelty Teton 2 also, and I really like the extra space. It's very easy to set up and I've used it many times.
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Koda
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I'll be using the Sierra Designs Zeta 2 this year. Pretty easy setup, with a vestibule that can be propped open.
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mwd1976
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Kiporby,
Be sure to post a review of that Microlight once you hae a chance to play with it a bit.
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Amok
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I agree.
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TomT
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quote kanoes: "tom? ever weigh the whole package? hammock, straps, tarp, tieout rope, etc...."
I have the double layer 1.7 fabric (the most durable for big dudes like me) hammock with straps and it's 40 ounces. Also use their Superfly tarp (w/doors) made out of sil nylon and don't know what it weighs but it's extremely light. Warbonnet Blackbird
I put both hammock and tarp in a compression sack and it gets to the size of one of those small toy footballs. About 10"X6".
Hammocking is not for everyone but I like it because there's no soreness when I wake up and it's a much easier setup/takedown than a tent. I can sleep through the night too. In a tent I would always be waking up because I was uncomfortable.
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mc2mens
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I could never sleep in a hammock - can't sleep on my back.
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kevheads
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I also used a North Face Tephra 22 for my solo tent.Definitely a 2 man tent thats perfect for one person. Got mine at a steal on SteepandCheap.
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Koda
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What do you do on rainy days? Hunker under the tarp? Travel?
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TomT
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quote mc2mens: "I could never sleep in a hammock - can't sleep on my back."
With newer hammocks you lay pretty straight on a diagonal and are able to lay on your side. Only laying on your stomach would be uncomfortable.
At Canoecopia there is usually a company that has their hammocks set up and you can lay in them. Give it a try if you go.
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kanoes
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somewhat related.
im a tent guy.
no matter how bad the weather is (rain, sleet, snow), im sitting under the tarp, not in the tent.
i just gotta be outside.
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Mort
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I agree. I just find a tent to be too confining.
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kanoes
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mmmmmm....gear.
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HowardSprague
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I bet you'll be happy with that tent. LL Bean has good service and stands behind their stuff. I have a couple of their tents and am very satisfied with them.
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PortageKeeper
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I have a Tarptent Virga
http://www.tarptent.com/tt1.html
It's very similar in weight, style and dimensions to the Contrail. I bought it with the sewn in floor, and wouldn't consider going without that. I've only used it a couple of times, in better weather, but I wouldn't be too afraid of having it on a rainy trip. The floor is suspended from the walls so, though it isn't a bathtub style, the water can't get in. At 1.5 lbs, it gets my vote.
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Rich Mahogony
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I'm looking at a few very different options; Tarptent Contrail, Go Lite Shangri-la, Big Agnes Seedhouse, tarp and bug net. Experiences with any of these would be great, I especially would like to hear about the Seedhouse.
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Cedarboy
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If some of your options are tarp type shelters then why not add a CCS Lean Plus Shelter to the list.
CB
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kanoes
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a true, one person solo tent?
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plaid wool
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I think that you have been given lot's of good ideas to investigate. I have a 2 man Coleman Inyo that has worked great for my 8 year old son and I, but 2 adults would have to be very cozy. I like that it has 2 side doors w/vestibules. Some tents of this style require you to enter from the end. The Inyo is no longer made but the Alps that Bannock has would be a nice replacement plus it's free standing.
Good Luck,
PW
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ooraminna
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I'm also considering a solo tent for my first solo trip. We have used the REI half dome 4 for the last few years (2 people and 2 dogs), it weighs packed 7.5 pounds. Any new tent would have to be considerably lighter to justify the purchase. The LLBean tent looks good (and would save about 3 pounds) but is it free-standing? Of course it's a personal choice but saving 1 lbs is just not worth $200 to me.
I seems funny though to be soloing in a 4 person tent but in the end it's a matter of weight/volume I guess. I do need a bit extra space for my dog (border collie) ...
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Bannock
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I know nothing about hammocks but people that have them seem to really like them. A concern I have is using a hammock in a burn area where there are no suitable trees. I was in one last year. The few standing trees could barely support a tarp. I'm sure they wouldn't support a hammock .... but then again I know nothing of them.
I also own a Big Agnes Sunnyside II. It is no longer made but it is a fairly typical two-man, two-door, two-vesibule, free-standing tent. I like it. I bring it up because of its "fast-packing" feature. Fast-packing is when you use only the footprint and fly, that is, you don't use the tent body. Ultralight folks use it. Since Rich brought up tarp tents and the BA Seedhouse, I thought he may be interested.
Personally I don't like fast-packing -- no bug protection in the warmer months, and not warm enough in the colder months.
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whiteh20
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I have been using a Exped Sirrus Extreme or Exped Vela Extreme as a solo tent and I really like both of them. I used a hammock this summer and liked it as well. The Sirrus is larger and plenty big enough for two. THe Vela is a little tight for two but has two very large vestibules. Both very high quality tents but they weigh 6 pounds each and are not free standing.   
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HowardSprague
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quote ooraminna: "I'm also considering a solo tent for my first solo trip. We have used the REI half dome 4 for the last few years (2 people and 2 dogs), it weighs packed 7.5 pounds. Any new tent would have to be considerably lighter to justify the purchase. The LLBean tent looks good (and would save about 3 pounds) but is it free-standing? Of course it's a personal choice but saving 1 lbs is just not worth $200 to me.
..."
That'[s not LL Bean's only tent - this one is free-standing Mountain Light Tent 2 and under 6 lbs with two doors and vestibules. Although whether 2 lbs is worth it in your case,...what you have going is already a nice tent.
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Old Scout
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I like a little bigger tent to use as a solo tent. The REI Quarter Dome 2 has a good space to weight ratio and you can get your packs into the tent also.
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gutmon
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My choice for the last three years, been very happy with it...
Kelty Teton 2  
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charby
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I've been considering a North Face Tadpole as a solo tent for me.
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sloughman
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I'm trying this, this next season Mesa2
Does anyone else have this one?
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Banksiana
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I've used the Seedhouse 2 for three years- a decent solo tent, sturdy and roomy for the weight. The Seedhouse 2 light will save you another pound or so. This tent has held up very well in terrible weather, big winds, big rains and snow. Dry, sturdy and free of any condensation issues (quite a few nights from 18-30 degrees). Really quick and easy to set up. Can't imagine sleeping two in it.
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mntentman
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The Sierra Designs XT Lightning line is good stuff. I use the 2 as a solo, extremely roomy at 30SF. The 1 model is just under 20SF, but I'll gladly take the extra pound of weight for the extra 10SF.
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andym
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We have a tarptent hogback and love it. I think Henry does a great job designing tents. But I don't have experience with the Contrail. I love the hogback enough that I would suggest you also consider the Tarptent Moment and Scarp 1 (or 2 for tons of room).
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Amok
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What happened to the Taj3, Kanoes?
My vote goes for the oversizeing of a tent also. I like using my Eureka Pinnacle pass 2XTA as a solo.
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Waldo2
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backbackergeartest.org has user reviews of some of the models you list. Also check out the solo tents at Six Moon Designs.
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Benutzer
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Two tents you may want to consider: Black Diamond Firstlight or the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo.
These are two that I've been strongly considering after seeing them used and hearing the recommendations. Both are very lightweight (2-3#) and have reasonable room inside (~27 sqft). You can sit up in them and they can be quickly and easily set up in a very small clear area. The Lunar Solo seems more breathable, but the Firstlight is free standing. I see that the Firstlight isn't 100% waterproof for multi-day downpours, but I carry a tarp as well and can provide the additional protection that way if need be. The Lunar requires a trekking pole (or a stick) for setup.
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buz
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Above tents are good choices, figure out if you want a true backpacking tent. If so, tarptent contrail or moment, or six moons designs has some nice ones as well. If you want true two wall tents, there are some good ones above. Size and weight are what should drive you to a good choice. If you buy a true backpack tent, you are ready to go backpacking. Otherwise, if you buy a heavier tent, it may not be as fun backpacking.
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mwd1976
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I use a Seedhouse 3 as my solo tent. For canoe camping, I don't know if I see the need for a true solo tent. I think from a Seedhouse 3 to a Seedhouse 1 you save about 2 lbs. I like having the extra space when I'm solo and a multiple person tent gives me more flexibility to use it with groups.
That said, I do like the seedhouse. Not much headroom and it only has one door on the end (not an issue solo). It's very well built as all Big Agnes stuff is. It's easy to pitch. The only complaint I have of it is the there is a curved pole for the rainfly you have to push through a sleeve and it can be a bit of a pain, but isn't really that big of deal. I'd have no issue recommending that tent to anyone.
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rogerson
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This is the solo tent that I use.
Columbia Bivy
The one shown is the 2 person version of the solo. Very light and roomy. Enough room for me and all of my gear without a vestibule. You can't stand inside but is watertight (so far 3 years in) and sets up like a champ. Only thing I don't like about it is the no standing thing and its not free standing. Other than that though it is perfect.
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moosedrool
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i use the seedhouse sl1 for my solo tent. packs small and very light weight. can't sit up in it but that's the price you pay for easier portaging.
over all i like it a lot and it does have a reasonable vestibule.
I did a ton of research looking for reviews, packable size, and overall weight and found the seedhouse sl1 to pack the smallest, was nearly the lightest, and had the best reviews. this was last year.
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9th Bearded Infantry
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I have a North Face Tadpole and it's a good solo tent. Basically bombproof. Beware though, I'm 6 foot and wouldn't recommend it to anyone taller. I'll be using it winter camping in a few weeks so we'll see how she holds up. However, if you're looking to use it backpacking, there are much lighter options out there. I'll be backpacking with mine next year but only because I've purchased enough gear and can't justify $200 for another tent (I have 3 crammed in a closet in my 1 bedroom apartment) just to save 3.5 pounds. I'll suck it up and lug the Tadpole.
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kanoes
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im going to give this one a shot this season.
e1
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mwd1976
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I happended to stumble across this tent from LL Bean which looks great for the price. There are no reviews on the solo version, but the two person got good reviews.
microlght solo
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andym
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In terms of one- versus two-wall tents, the Tarptent Scarp 1, 2, and Hogback are similar to the Seedhouse and many other tents that have an interior mesh tent. The weight savings comes from giving up on being freestanding. So, it is a different approach to saving weight than going to a complete single wall tent.
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PineKnot
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I'd go nuts in a true 1 person tent. Like having extra room to stretch out in during extended rains or being windbound.
Like mntentman, I'm partial to Sierra Designs and have used them for several years. A 3-person Comet, 3-person Gamma, and a 2 person Electron. Also have a North Face Rock 22. All are roomy, lightweight, excellent ventilation, minimal footprints, and have withstood very strong winds and rains without a problem. Got them all in the mid-$100s during on-line clearance sales.
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HowardSprague
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I have a North Face Tephra 22, which is similar to the North Face Rock 22 but with an end opening instead of the side. Very satisfied with it. I find it to be a perfect solo size and consider the "2 man" rating to be "can take a second person if something happened and you really needed to". I don't think they make the Tephra but still make the Rock.
I think a true solo tent is fine if there's a decent enough vestibule. The Cabelas XPG comes to mind as a nice light and super fast to set up solo.
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Beemer01
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I'm a Hennessey Hammock guy. Best solution I've found for solo sleeping.
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TomT
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Like Beemer, I use a hammock. You might want to check this option out. Smaller, lighter, and extremely comfortable. I use a Warbonnet Blackbird model.
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kanoes
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tom? ever weigh the whole package? hammock, straps, tarp, tieout rope, etc....
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mc2mens
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I have used a Northface Bullfrog for 16 years and love it. It's a 2-person tent and is as claustrophobic as I can handle.
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Bannock
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I use a true solo tent. Curently I have a ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 1.0 1. It is freestanding and has good room for me. Prior to it I used an Eureka Spitfire. It was not freestanding. Both tents are big enough to hold my book, flashlight, clothes, and have places for my glasses. Both have small vestibules big enough for my shoes and socks.
I like them because they are cozy, very lightweightt, and are small enough to fit in spaces that other tents could not.
The Zephyr
The Spitfire
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