For those times when I can't hammock, I need an alternative shelter. My thoughts are for winter desert camping, or summer sub alpine camping. I've researched a few from reading here and I'm considering; HS Moment, GG The One, HS Contrail. These all have their pros and cons, but I was hoping to get some insight from those that have experience with them. I am very open to other options, as long as they are light, storm worthy and not over 300.00. I'd even consider a tarp, but have to have a bug net.
I don't plan to camp in temps lower than 25*. I'm not into extreme weather camping, but forecasts can change when you're out for a week. I have a Marmot Helium 15* down bag, and I'm considering a POE Ether 6 2/3 (based on reviews and price), neither of which is uber light, so it would be nice to go light on the shelter, yet have something storm worthy. Please feel free to advise.

I would pick the GG The One out of those three if it were me, though the only one I have used is the Contrail. The Moment looks like a nice design as well, but it is quite a bit heavier than the One.

Z-Packs' Hexamid sounds perfect for you. Either with the screen or without and add a bug bivy or meteor bivy.

I'd look at the www.alpinlitegear.com Terraform MD. More weather worthy than the other choices. You can also add an inner.

TT comments..
The Moment is very fast and easy to set up. Particularly nice if you like side entry.
If you are over 6' and on top of a thick mat you may end up having too much condensation because your face would be relatively close to the fly.
For that you can get the liner but it ads weight (about 4 oz)

The Contrail is longer and you have the apex right above your head.
A problem some have found with that is stability in high winds.
With the 2011 version you can ask for the extra rear strut. Using that and the front guyline (optional extra...) as well as tying down the sides and dropping the back makes it a lot more stable than most think...
This is what it looks like :


I highly recommend using trekking pole/s with the Contrail but it will work with the Easton 3 section pole you can get from TT too.
Franco
franco@tarptent.com

Have you looked at Shire's new 2010 model TT SubLite Sil? I am having a tough time deciding between this and the Moment...

Edited by Stick on 03/01/2011 22:46:01 MST.

Let me make the decision for you. The Sublite Sil is sold out for 2011. Revisions forthcoming.

I owned a Contrail for 3 years and liked it but it did have wind stability issues so I sold it.

Now I have a Moment and feel it's the best solo tent design out there. VERY stable in high winds, sets up fast, can be rotated for wind quickly by removing only one end stake and it's well ventilated. Plus it has a vestibule for pack storage and careful cooking (at the same time).

There are slightly lighter solo tents than the Moment but none as nice to use, IMHO.

If you are tall, you may want to reconsider the Moment. I had unmanageable condensation with it - some of which is likely due to how close the fabric was to my face when laying down.

When I first used my GG The One I thought I had found the perfect shelter......until the wind kicked up. Then it was hard to keep it taught and the flapping spinnaker drove me crazy. Lots of dust inside too but that could be true with any tarptent. Other than that it's a great piece of kit.

And in all fairness, my One was first generation. I understand the design has been tweaked a bit and it now has a bathtub floor which may partially rectify the dust problem.

The Moment works well for a good all around single wall three season tent. I have enjoyed mine. Condensation can be an issue but try and use the vents accordingly. I will probably add the liner for really humid conditions. The convenience of a fast setup, nice vestibule, and decent weather resistance are why I continue to use it. There are lighter options but they may have more setup fuss.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Moment is long and skinny when packed up, about 4x3x20" packed due to the end struts. That may or may not be an issue. It can't just be stuffed into a compression sack like some shelters. That is probably the only big thing I do not like about it.

The Moment Vents are much too small. I hope they are increased in size for V.2.

I have and like both the TT Sublite and MDL Solomid. Both have held up to the winds I have experienced. If I could have only one tent it would be the Sublite Sil. I pretty much use everything I carry inside the tent except for stove and shoes.

I like The One from Gossamer Gear. 17.2oz with seam seal and quite roomy when you're stuck in it. I am 5'10 and have no issues but some other height gifted people have reported problems.

My one issue is the learning curve for The One. It took a lot longer than other setups to learn how to get it taunt, but once I figured it out it holds up well. I would also make sure you get a 2009 or higher model. It is even easier to setup then the 2008 and older models.

I was afraid of that, but hadn't checked back in a while.

Edited by Stick on 03/02/2011 09:31:20 MST.