1-person pyramid

You already know this but sharing my perceptions…

If packing size is a priority then silnylon/silpoly is probably the best choice. As an apples to apples comparison, I have Yama’s Cirriform Min in silpoly and DCF. The prior is so much easier and more compact to pack.

Thanks!  I’m not any closer to making my mind up!

I looked on the Yama site and they list the same pack size (7″ x 5.5″ x 2.5″ / 18cm x 14cm x 6cm) for both the DCF and SilPoly Cirriform.  Perhaps they supply the same standard sized stuffsac with both versions, and the SilPoly one will compress more…

The Solomid XL cab be staked directly to the ground in cold windy conditions whereas the Mid 1 basically can’t, at least not ideally with its floating floor. Also if you staked the Mid 1 directly to the ground in cold conditions the netting could freeze and that’s a miserable scenario. And of course in colder temps the bug netting isn’t needed and therefore just a bathtub floor (or bivy) can work with the Solomid XL.

Silnylon handles snow far better than DCF and I think way too big a deal is made about DCF’s larger packing volume…as if 2 liters more size in a 60L pack is so bad. But if I knew I wasn’t going to be in cold weather I’d go for the Mid 1 for sure with its integrated floor and lighter weight.

Thanks, Monte.

I probably wouldn’t use it in icy conditions, but here in Scotland the threats of strong winds, heavy rain and low temperatures are never far away.  I sometimes stay on a particular cliff-top campsite which is exposed.  I’m a bit concerned about strong draughts blowing through the tent, but thought the Mid-1 might be better in that regard than something like a Zpacks, which seems to have a much higher cut.

Bulk is often an issue for me when carrying stuff on a bike, but these shelters are fairly small, so there might not be too much difference between a DCF and SilPoly one.  With the SoloMid, it looks like once you start adding the inner net, substatial pegs, and a pole, then you’re not far off the weight and pack size of some 1-person tents.  For example, a Hilleberg Enan isn’t particularly light these days, and reviews aren’t always positive, but it looks to be a fairly decent choice for a cycle touring tent.  Not having used or seen one, I’m not sure if there’s a compelling case to be made for a SoloMid XL in comparison.  The Mid-1 is obviously a fair bit lighter, and self-contained, but perhaps not as protective.

The Solomid XL is proven to be so superior in strong winds though, just like other quality pyramids, such as Locust Gear for example. Of course the Solomid XL is also available in the 2 oz lighter .75 spruce green DCF, which I find infinitely more attractive than the .55 DCF from HMG. You also get much less water retention with Dyneema.

I take it the Terra Nova Laser Compact 1 or 2 (for bikepacking) doesn’t interest you. Weighs 892 g w/o pegs for new 2023 version. Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t you avoid duties buying TN products? However, when you look at the exorbitant prices of TN I suppose it would be a wash anyway. Yet the tunnel design of the Compact has a good reputation for windy conditions. The 2P version would probably be worth the weight penalty for the extra space.

I agree with Matthew that silnylon would pack up smaller.  Do you want to cook inside the vestibule created by the door of the mid, if so I would go with the mid with the larger usuable vestibule.

You refer to the inner tent in reference to managing drafts, but do you need insect (midge) protection?  You can control drafts and insects with a breathable water resistant bivy that has a mosquito net window for your head dispensing all together with the inner tent and getting a lot more usable space in the mid.  if you really want comfort, perhaps you should look at a storm worthy, double-walled tent like the Slingfin Portal 1 or Portal 2 which pack very compactly.

Thanks!

I will need insect protection – Scottish midgies can be quite ferocious!  I’ve used a bivy bag in the past, and enjoyed sleeping out under the stars, but sometimes it was totally grim, and it’s made me realise I’d probably want some inner tent protection year round.  I would also want to cook in the vestibule – not just boiling water, but making things like pasta dishes and stews etc.

It sounds like the SoloMid XL might be a wiser choice than the Mid-1.  I’ve seen it might be possible to install  a 3F UL inner with mainly solid walls.  Would you go for the DCF version rather than the SilPoly?

I’ve considered some lightweight double-walled tents, including the Terra Nova Laser Compacts, but haven’t had a chance to see one pitched.  I always thought that style of tent was prone to flapping about in strong winds, which put me off them.  Terra Nova do the Laser Compact All Season version which might be stronger, but it’s 1.7kg (3.75lbs).  You’re right, I wouldn’t have to pay additional import duty, and the VAT is already included on tents sold in the UK.  It’s usually possible to get a 20% or even 30% discount off Terra Novas, but they seem to have hiked their retail prices recently, bringing them more in line with ever-increasing-price Hillebergs.

David.

I hike in Scotland.

I’d definitely go for the double wall option over single wall hybrid.

Have you considered other brands?  Tarptent and Durston both offer suitable models which give better use of space than a single pole mid, and are not much different in weight than a Solomid XL plus inner.

On this year’s TGO Challenge, whilst at occasional gatherings of hikers, I noticed the most numerous choice was the Tarptent Notch.

I’ve used one for years, and find it pretty good in wind n rain.  ( Have owned an older Solomid XL previously and preferred the Notch).

I can see where a 2 trekking pole tent would provide more usable space per footprint area but I’m skeptical about the 2 pole being as stout as a single apex pyramid in gale force (or storm force) winds. If someone’s observations shows that to be the case, especially a seasoned backpacker like Mole, I wouldn’t diminish the findings. I’d have to see it proven in a wind tunnel however. There are scientists/physicists here who are far better versed than me and I’d love to hear from them. The Solomid XL is a little bit taller so maybe that plays into the equation.

I haven’t trekked in the Highlands so I don’t know what you guys face. I take it the sustained winds can be pretty unrelenting but I doubt the max winds are what I sometimes deal with in the Central States. Thunderstorms can often contain 60 mph plus winds that virtually guarantee shipwreck in an inferior tent. On longer trips where weather predictions are too far out to gauge, I pack my Solomid (discontinued) which is too small for most backpackers, however I also bring along a 5 oz tarp to fashion over the entrance to alleviate the Solomid’s smaller size. The 48″ height and OD green color makes it very stealthy, and what’s more the low-profile pyramid is as bomber as a trekking pole tent can get (IMO). When storms approach I take down the extra tarp and batten down the hatches. With all guy outs utilized the tent hardly moves in even the most ferocious winds. I’ve been is some scary storms but all has held so far. Now how the larger Solomid XL performs by comparison I don’t know.

The silpoly SoloMid XL is heavier

Just +1 Monte’s observation that the silpoly is only 2 oz heavier and cheaper.  That’s a candy bar but the silpoly is more packable.

I could see the DCF version if wanting to shed every last oz, but it’s going to be made up in a bigger pack (though last I remember the MLD Exodus wasn’t that much heavier than the Profit … YMMV).

I have been very happy with my Solomid and inner combo. It’s versatile. I’ve used the Solomid in everything from snow camping to wind to heavy rainstorms in the Sierra and it hasn’t let me down. I gladly trade the weight over DCF for the worry-free nature and smaller pack size of sil. The inherent stretch of sil allows drum-tight pitches. I have yet to see a DCF shelter in person/in the field, on uneven ground in imperfect conditions, able to achieve as tight of a pitch as sil. And then there’s cost…

Another point for the Solomid, IMHO, is MLD itself. Ron Bell is a participating member of this community and makes his gear in the US.

+1 to “The inherent stretch of sil allows drum-tight pitches.”

Thanks again, everyone.  It sounds like I probably can’t go too far wrong with a SilPoly SoloMid XL.  However, I’ll also consider some of the others mentioned, such as the double-wallled Notch.

I’m gonna Chime in here with my thoughts.  First and foremost,  I am a firm believer in tarp camping. I used to own the MLD Solomid XL.. But found it too small for me if I had to spend long hours in there during stormy weather, which was the only reason I grabbed one. Trips where I knew it would be VERY VERY windy, stormy and heavy downpours of rain where my flat tarp and bivy may not be the most comfortable place to ride out multiple days/nights of wicked storms.  So next I grabbed a Duomid XL Silpoly. It is sweet. The size is what I want if needed to be in there for hours and other then sleeping. The Silpoly is great, it packs up small (to dcf). I have not needed to use it yet, but I have pitched it in my yard to storm test it and seam seal it. Heaving been pitched in the yard for a week, of flooding heavy rains, strong winds with gusts 50-55 mph ( the trees were bending sideways ), humid days, cool nights and even a hot sunny day in there.. Well I can say I did not have to tighten it all all.. It stayed taught as can be. It also did not budge at all in the wind or gusts, I was actually amazed how still it stood for hours of wind, pouring rain and violent gusts! I am sold that the duomid XL would definitely be my choice of shelters to take knowing I would / could be tent bound for multiple hours ( other then overnight sleeping ) in nasty storms of wind and rain. I say wind and rain and NOT snow because for winter blizzards I am confident and comfortable in my Back Diamond Hilight 3p tent.  So some pictures of the forecast on 2 days out there and of a street 1 block away from my house .. The Duomid XL didn’t even flinch..

Evidently those 2 numbskulls did not get the memo (DO NOT DRIVE YOUR VEHICLES THROUGH FLOODED ROADWAYS )

@dirtbag – is that pitch with trekking poles and pole jacks? or did you opt for a dedicated pole?

I completely agree with you WRT bad weather and shelter size – to borrow an old expression from the muscle car era – there is no substitute for cubic inches when it comes to sustained heavy rain.

@David..  thats with 2 trekking poles.  I do have the dedicated carbon pole but the 2 trekking poles actually get it up a tad higher, which i appreciate!  Using the MLD pole connector..

“The inherent stretch of sil allows drum-tight pitches. I have yet to see a DCF shelter in person/in the field, on uneven ground in imperfect conditions, able to achieve as tight of a pitch as sil. ”

Just to belabor the obvious: Craig is stating how Sil better adjusts to uneven ground in terms of making a taught all around pitch than DCF. And that’s true, in my experience. And we almost always pitch on uneven ground. I do however find that sil does stretch out, especially in rain, more than DCF. That’s never been an issue with me over several hundred nights out in sil tents.

so as the song says, “there’s good points; there’s bad points. it all works out–still I’m a little freaked out–find myself a campsite, find a campsite to pitch in.”

@dirtbag – it looks a really nice taut pitch.  I suppose that even though the Duomid XL is the same length as the Solomid XL there’ll be more room for taller sleepers to avoid the walls by sleeping at an angle.  The net inner is also listed as a 2-person one.

@DavidN.. yes that is taut! Stayed like that too!  I was kind of surprised after all those days and weather patterns. Yes its same length.. but wider and taller. Its just BIG and gives me plenty of room to live in when needed. Sit up, move around, kneeling,  stretching out, cooking.. I can actually live in there during a storm and be safe and comfortable.  But it is big.. big footprint so probably harder to find spots to pitch it.. I am assuming and expecting.  I am ok with that knowing the trade off of livability and comfort and security.

FWIW – I never regret going up a bit in shelter size. I would get the DuoMid, looks like it adds 2oz and $5 for the sil model while gaining extra floor space that is always appreciated on a stormy night.