Hello All-


Trying to decide between the two before I go on a backpacking trip in 2 and a half weeks. I need to order today because of wait times. It's really pushing it time wise but I want to upgrade my shelter as it's where I can save the most wait the quickest. Sleeping bag would be big gains but not as much, nor do I have the time before my trip. Anywho, I have kind of narrowed it down to the Notch and the Hexamid Tent... both look really promising, but I have a few questions.

For a solo backpacker using a Hexamid in the PNW is the Beak really necessary?

Would I need to get a a bivy in conjuction w/ the Hexamid, or could I avoid that by getting the Cuben Fiber Ground cloth.



Obviously there is a large price difference between the two, and I want to insure I get what would work best for me, and is the most effective in my area.


Thanks!


Simon

Hi simon. I'm 6'1 and a hexamid twin tarp without a bivy has worked well for me through plenty of rain storms. I use a gossamer gear polycro groundsheet at about 1.5 oz and its also pretty cheap. I got the twin with the beak so I could comfortably sleep 2 in there. Its only a couple oz heavier than the solo so I figured it'd be worth it for the extra space. No regrets on theis purchase. Easily one of my favorite peices of gear & just about one of the lightest shelters you can get. If you are going primarily solo I'd get the solo + tarp now & the inner net tent later (just to cushion the blow).

edit: just realized i didnt exactly address your question. If you get the solo tarp, I think a beak is a good idea. You wouldn't need one solo for the twin or solo plus but I'd recomment it anyway because it gives you a lot more protection for little weight gain.

For some reason the bivy question around here is a little controversial so Ill just give you an opinion based on my experience. Bivies are tnot worth their weight in functionality. To protect from splashes of rain just make sure you have a bigger tarp. If your bag needs extra warmth, buy a warmer one or wear your insulating cloths to sleep. If its buggy, wear a headnet and avoid camping in bogs. Bivies tend to trap more condensation in your sleeping bag which also could be a pain to dry out in the PNW.

Edited by sgiachetti on 07/03/2012 12:49:57 MDT.

If I was getting the Hexamid Solo, I would get the beak. The weight is negligible and it rolls up, out of the way. I don't think you would need a bivy with the Hexamid tent (that is, with the mesh walls + floor, which I think you are talking about). I would, however, take a bivy if I was just getting the tarp. For either tarp or tent, I would take a polycro groundsheet, even if it just stayed in the pack during nice weather.

If I was getting the Hex Solo Plus, I would still think about the beak, but could go either way.

Being a totally satisfied TT Moment owner were i in your situation I'd opt for its brother, the even lighter pole-supported Notch.

Great vestibule for out-of-the-way pack storage plus sheltered room to cook in a storm. Then there's the excellent ventilation and fast pitch.

I have used my tt notch a few times since i got it in the wet Cascades and Olympics. I like it a lot. i had a tt moment and sold it after much happy use, because i wanted the option to go single skin in colder weather, lighter weight, and used my trekking poles. i also like the full coverage of the notch. i stopped trying to use a flat tarp in real spring and fall rain, not because i couldn't stay dry, but because i didn't want to work so hard at it.:) i have no experience with the hexamid, but where i camp, i would want the beak on the solo size.

I have little doubt that the Hexamid with beak is a great tent too, but I wanted to chime in that the Notch is a fantastic piece of tent engineering. At 6'2" I find it comfortable, with plenty of extra vestibule space for storage and great ventilation. Works great for me in swampy Florida and the mountains of North Georgia. Taking it to Wyoming in Aug, and will report more then.

I also live in the Great Pacific North West, Oregon to be exact. I think it comes down to whats more important to you, weight or money. They are both great products. I was in the same situation and went with the lower weight, twice the price. For me weight won out, I got the Hexamid Twin Tent with beak and ground sheet, the whole thing weighs 17 ounces. The weight difference between the twin and solo, only 2 ounces, was not enough when you consider that the extra room is great, never know when you need to fit 2 people in there. The beak provides extra room to store gear when there are 2 people, otherwise I can fit all my gear inside when its only me, definitely get the beak. Either way you go you will not be disappointed.

Edited by jkokbaker on 07/04/2012 08:30:50 MDT.

Here is my Notch on the snow last w/e.
I did not sleep in it because I left the poles in the car and got them the next day but spent the day fiddling with it.
Figured out that it is very important to keep the floor flat at the end otherwise the inner will touch the roof.
Not a problem that day because it was below freezing but could be at higher temps.
(but you can unclip the inner from the inside if you need extra space,floor to cook or wipe it down.
I use two side guylines attached to the same rings that hold the inner.



Franco