Solo Tent?

mdauben

mdauben

Joined
Oct 24, 2005
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I've been using a tarp and bivy sack the last few years (when I can actually get away for an overnight trip!) and they have served me pretty well. I've been thinking, though, about getting a lightweight, 1-man tent instead. I have always had good luck with Eureka products, so I was considering the Eureka Solo Solitaire:

418KJ3XK66L._SL500_AA280_.jpg


Anyone have any experience with this one? If not, anyone have any recomendations for a good tent to consider? I don't mind spending a bit more money than the Solutaire, but I'm not really in the market for a $500 bomb-proof Everest expidition tested super tent, just something to keep the rain and bugs off in the SE USA. :p

TIA!
 
For a bit more money you might consider the Eureka Spitfire Aluminum poles vs fiberglass,and some other nice features. Looks to have better ventilation as well.
 
I've read a lot of excellent reviews for the Big Anes seehous tents (SL-1 or SL-2). One of the advantages of this one is that the fly can be set up on the poles independent of the tent. Thus, you can go ultra-ultra light by circumventing the tent body and carrying along an AMK large heat sheet as ground cloth when bugs are not an issue. I didn't look up your Eureka, but the Big Agnes are in the low $200 range.

They are made primarily of silnylon which is ultra light weight and yields the stunning 1.3 kg full weight. However, the cost of this is in robustness. Several folks have highly recommended additional carry of a good ground cloth in order to preserve the floor which doesn't suffer friction overly well.

Good luck with your tent hunting!
 
Big Agnes offers a footprint for it but its a bit overpriced, mine was $50, but it offers a perfect fit. Either way be sure to use some sort of ground tarp to save the bottom of your tent.
 
I have a Eureka Backcountry I. So far it has proven to be a good tent. Very waterproof, decent room for a solo tent. It is also free standing, which is a big plus for me. I almost bought the Solitaire, but I just don't like tents that have requirements to be setup. It does not have a vestibule though, however, I am 6'3" and am able to put my pack at the end of the tent and still lay down with no problems.


Good luck with your purchase.

Billyp
 
Big Agnes SL1 works great for me. I am very happy with mine. Of course there are also hammocks. Then I have some suggestions there also. :D

KR
 
I've got a Eureka solitaire that i've had for years. It handles the rain pretty well and I like the fact that you can roll up the built in fly on clear nights. I wish it were a touch bigger, but I'm 6'7" and imagine it'd be pretty comfy for a more average sized guy.

At least when I bought mine, they had a version with aluminum poles available you might want to look for (I think they called it the solitaire gossamer).
 
I use the Taptent. www.tarptent.com Mine is an older solo model but it has a floor and bug netting. It has held up well in high wind and even a 4" surprise snow load.

DancesWithKnives
 
I use a Kelty Crestone 1 I got on sale, but I must say I'm impressed with the Big Agnes Seedhouse after looking at the tent on the Big Agnes website.
 
How tall/large are you?

If you are under 6' and would like to be able to sit up in your tent, you should consider the Hubba Hubba or the Black Diamond OneShot (I have the latter and it's great, except that I'm 6' and I "rub" the top of the tent just a little. :D )
 
Thanks to everyone for the repies and suggestions!

Exotica said:
I use the Big Agnes Seedhouse Super Light (SL) 2 Tent and its been great, they offer a solo tent too so i'm sure its just as good.
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Quit a lot more expensive than the Solataire, but it does offer more headroon for around the same weight.

billyp said:
I have a Eureka Backcountry I. So far it has proven to be a good tent. Very waterproof, decent room for a solo tent.
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Only a little more than the Solitaire, but around 50% heavier. As my knees get older find myself appreciating the ultralight backpacking movement more and more, so I'd like to find a tent around 2.5 pounds if I can.

AF said:
LL Bean Microlight is highly regarded.
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Hmmm... good price, not too heavy, I may have to take a closer look at this one.

DWK2 said:
I use the Taptent. www.tarptent.com Mine is an older solo model but it has a floor and bug netting.
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Now that is interesting! I rather like the Rainbow model. It lacks the net "skylight" many of the others have, but that big side doorway looks a lot easier to get in and out of than the tight little end door on a lot of the other more bivy-like tents I have been looking at.

ttrainbow2.jpg


It has held up well in high wind and even a 4" surprise snow load.
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Good to know, although I don't think I have seen 4 inches of snow, total, in the last six years here in Alabama. :p

Daniel Koster said:
If you are under 6' and would like to be able to sit up in your tent, you should consider the Hubba Hubba or the Black Diamond OneShot
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Well, the Hubba Hubba is about twice the weight and three times the cost of the Solitaire, so its not really in contention. The OneShot is quite a bit more expensive than the Solataire, too, but like the Seedhouse it does offer more space for almost the same weight.
 
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Okay, this was an accidental resurrection, but.... GO TENTS! :o
 
Not sure if you are an ultra lighter or not, but a two person tent gives you a lot more room and is much more comfortable for a few bucks and a few ounces. Lots of good two person tents out there, not so much so on the one person ones since form and function play a much greater role in the smaller size.
 
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