I would like some help in choosing a new shelter. I do mostly solo hiking in remote areas in the high Sierras during the Spring and late fall. Camping above tree line is done frequently. I also do some winter coastal camping where heavy rain is common. I own several ultralight tents including the Six Moons Lunar Solo and a Tarptent Cloudburst. I am looking for a shoulder season tent that can deal with snow and has room to cook inside and move about more freely then the Lunar Solo. (Actually, I am going to sell the Cloudurst) To meet these challenges safely, I am considering the Hex 3 and Oware Alphamid. Oware pyramid also looks tempting, its weight lies between the alphamid and the Hex, it also has bigger panels to be battered by high winds then the Hex. Ti Goat Vertex also looks great, light and the most aerodynamic, but its $125.00 more then i can buy a Hex for. I read a review that mentioned how much condensaton collects in the Alphamid in winter conditions and am thinking that the Hex would be drier and spill wind better, although 8 ounces heavier. It would also be more comfortable for 2 or even 3 although 90% of the time it would be just little old me.

Why not a Black Diamond Mega-Light? I really like to deal with cottage industries and think David Oware's quality is outstanding. The Hex is in its own little niche and no one else makes that design.

Any commentary on these high quality options for a mostly solo hiker would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Larry

Edited by winefood on 12/11/2006 20:42:37 MST.

I have a Hex 2 (discontinued) that I have been using for winter and summer camping for a few years. The Hex is a palace for a solo hiker, and it will stand up to heavy wind, rain, and snow. It can be a sauna in the summer if you pitch it too close to the ground... Its only real disadvantage is its weight. Mine weighs 2 lbs even with the included stakes, which I consider heavier than optimal for solo trips.

Because I like the pyramid design but wanted to save some weight, I recently purchased an Etowah Meadows tarp. It's smaller and lighter, and looks like it would also stand up to a decent amount of abuse. I haven't yet used it in the field, but it's passed the backyard test for wind and rain.

I don't have any experience with the Oware Alphamid, but I've never heard anything bad about Oware's products.

Larry, I'd like to read that review discussing condensation. Have a link?

Hi,
It wasn't an actual review of the Alphamid, but the Shocking Blue sleeping bag, however the Alphamid was mentioned several times. I asked Carol about it and she said that the Alphmid is a gret shelter and I also noticed that she went on to mention it as one of her 2006 staff picks. I am very interested in it, but a concerned about condensation. It also has less points to seal the bottom from bugs then a Hex or Ti Goa, but then the plus is you also need less stakes.

Anyone familiar with this tarp please give your input.

Larry

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Sleeping%20Bags/Valandre%20Shocking%20Blue/Carol%20Crooker/Field%20Report/

There is a thread at this forum under "Winter Hiking" on the Alphamid. I would think that the condensation problem of wetting your gear in both tents could easily be avoided, ie., brushing up against wet sides, especially if you are alone and able to stand up. I have seen the Golite Hex for three. Three would be a very tight fit, but alone, this tent is indeed a palace. You can stay a good distance from the sides. Some use a towel or small sponge to wipe down condensation from the sides. Remember, too, any side facing the sun will dry up condensation, so if you have a good morning leave your shelter up as long as possible. My hunch, ie. not based on personal experience with pyramid shelters, is that condenstion is going to form regardless of which one you choose. Air flow is just a bit more difficult to produce with the only vent being at the very top, as opposed to being on both ends. On a cloudy or foggy winter's day without wind and on snowpack, condensation is going to be hard to avoid in any tent. Oware does cosider condensation in thier FAQ section.

Edited by rambler on 12/13/2006 10:15:15 MST.

Hi Frank,

Thanks for the info. I typed in "winter hiking" into the search forum but didn't find it. Is it in the heading or body of the text?

Thanks - Larry

it is in the "winter hiking" section
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/4818/index.html

Hi Larry,
I have used the Hex as my primary winter tent for a few years now with few problems. Condensation does form and is usually not a problem, rolls straight down its steep walls. It is huge as a solo shelter and have crammed 3 people in at one time, pretty cozy. Have also used in 35-50 mph winds on an exposed summit with a taunt pitch and survived the night without loosing a stake. Photo was taken morning after a night of high winds on Mt Lafayette in NH. Stayed warm in Hex at night by making hot cocoa drinks & melting snow for water, temps were well below -10F standing, tent performed well beyond my expectations.
Good luck
Jim

Edited by florigen on 12/13/2006 19:48:06 MST.

I have used Oware's 10 x 10 Pyramid Tarp for snow camping for at least five years now. It has been a real joy to use. The Pyramid Tarp has stood up to all sorts of storming conditions without any problems. Check out the pictures (www.owareusa.com). The Hex is great for 2 people while the Pyramid accomodates 4 easily. I like the extra space, you can dig a sit down kitchen and eating area and still have room for two people to sleep in it. The Alphamid is half of the Pryramid. The condensation has not been a problem for me, it rolls down its walls like the Hex.