SMD Lunar Solo vs Tarptent Contrail

How tall are you? I'm 6'3", 235#, and have a LS. It is a thing of beauty and craftsmanship. It is NOT, however, made for someone my height. I could get used to everything but the contortions I have to go through when I sit up on a cold or damp night. It is impossible for me to enter/exit the tent without getting damp from the condensation. Just something to consider. Also, take advantage of the new search function. There have been many threads on each of these tents and several on the comparison of the two.

Tim

Not coincidently, there may be a LS for sale on the gear swap soon ;-)!

I found that there was significantly more condensation in the Lunar Solo than in Henry Shires' Tarptents, but that was between the LS with just me in it and the Tarptent Rainshadow (much bigger tent) with three people in it.

I'm not too sure about the cause. One problem is that the "skirts" of the LS stick out beyond the netting a lot farther. While this eliminates any possible splashback in heavy rain, it tends to funnel moisture evaporating from the ground into the tent. I also suspect that the peak vent in the LS could be bigger.

I'm only 5'3" and still had to go through a learning curve so as not to brush my head (whether or not covered by sleeping bag hood)
against the headwall in the Lunar Solo every time I sat up.

My Lunar Solo has already been sold. The big complaint was that it wasn't big enough for both me and my 80-lb. dog, especially when we were confined to the tent by heavy rain. If you have a dog, I strongly recommend that you get a 2-person tent.

the actual big difference among the two is the geometry. The LS is a (asymetrical) pyramid. No such concept as front/side in a pyramid. It's less sensitive to wind direction than a long shelter like the Contrail but it's also less suitable for tall people.

you can alleviate some of the headroom issue on the Lunar by taking advantage of the stock tie-out on either side. You only need one pole to pitch it so use your other pole (provided you hike w/ 2) to bring the head side up about 6". Also, this may double as structural wind resistance.

I own both tents and continue to use both depending on the trip. I have the first generation Lunar Solo and a two year old Contrail. I am 6'2" 190 lbs.

The two tarptents are amazing, and would recommend either tent to someone considering moving to a lightweight structure. They both go up quickly and the differences between tents are subtle.

The Lunar Solo I use when rain or high winds are expected, due to its full weather coverage. I prefer the side entry, that gives a view of the campsite. Their is more room inside this tent which is welcome when I spend a lot of time in the tent. The Lunar Solo could be improved by making it a four inches longer.

The Contrail gets used when little rain or wind is expected and at altitude (JMT). The Contrail gives me extra headroom for a large pillow that I need above 8,000 ft. The Contrail allows for more airflow which I like, and is less prone to condensation. The extra length is welcome as I use a 6'6" sleeping bag. This tent is harder to put up in high winds.

Michael your idea of using the second hiking pole to increase headroom with the Lunar Solo is brilliant. I must try this in the garden today. Such a simple and elegant suggestion.

nm

See this thread on the Lunar Solo:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=8262

I am very curious how the change Ron made to the floor to fly bungee works compared to the original. Anyone?

I have no experience with the Contrail but like my headroom in the middle of the tent so I can sit up without "scooting" to the front. I agree that 6' and over is tight (I am 6').

Scott,

While I have no experience with either tent I am interested in the Lunar Duo as a second tent. I own a Tarptent Squall 2 and am very happy with it.

I am woundering if the Lunar Solo center pole could be raised another 6 to 8 inches above the suggested 45 inches. It is recognized that to retain the same tent geometry, the tie-out lines would have to be lengthened but that should not be an issue.

Would not this set-up provide additional head room and interior space and hence address several of the issues being discussed here?

Would raising the tent, and hence the mesh skirt increase breathability in many conditions?

nm

James,

One could raise the pole several inches, but it distorts the geometry of the tent making it less taut and the sag actually gives you less room. I know this is hard to believe, but I've tried and it is just not as simple as raising the pole. This is in part because the bathtub floor is attached to the side of the tent via elastic bands. You have to stake this tent way, way out to get it to breath better and the virtual foot print with all the stakes becomes huge.

Scott,

Condensation is a real issue with the LS as Mary noted, but it is bomber in heavy weather at Chris mentioned.

Ron and Henry both have produced great tents. and you can't go wrong with either one. That said, I own both and I tend to use the Contrail a lot more. There are several ways to pitch the Contrail for storms and fair weather, with a pole at each end or just the front so you can adapt. The LS has one pitch which is very storm worthy. I have weathered very heavy rain and wind in the Contrail with out any problems. For hot or humid conditions the Contrail breaths a lot better. For very cold or frequent light snow the LS probably has a better shape and more protection. These two tents with stakes, lines, waterproofed seams and stuff sack each weigh 25 oz. (+ or- 0.5 oz)

Honestly, I think you could make either one work for you. I think both Henry and Ron will let you buy a tent and set it up in the backyard and check it out and if it doesn't work for you send it back for a refund. So you may consider that. Good Luck.

Happy Trails,
-Mark

Mark-

Great suggestion and I did just that. Both tents arrived last week and after waiting for a dry spell, I set them up side by side to compare. The picture is a "first pitch" and doesn't include additional guidelines (front and rear) I used later on the Contrail. They seemed to greater improve the shape and wind readiness.

Both tents are extremely well made and very easy to pitch. I played with several configurations of both, and honestly wanted to like the SMD tent more because my existing tents have more of a side-opening orientation, but ultimately decided to keep the Contrail. I am 6'2" and the clearance over my head and feet when sleeping in the Lunar Solo caused me concerns. I could sit up in both easily, but the Contrail just gave the feel of a much bigger tent (surprising to me). I also prefer the floor adjustments on the Contrail which cause the walls to "sit up" into a normal bathtub configuration. One thing I didn't like was the floor seam in the Contrail (no seam in the Lunar Solo), but I am confident that I can seal that.

I think this is definately one of those "you can't go wrong" decisions- either would have worked and both are terrific tents.

John, thanks for coming back with your comments.
I'm going to be testing a few solo tents side by side myself (as soon as this last 2' of snow retreats) and those two are in the mix.
I'm testing a TT Contrail, SMD lunar solo, MSR Hubba, and a Big Sky Evolution. One is going on the PCT with me and two will be lent to fellow hikers. I guess the last place finisher will be sold.
I'm a lot shorter than you at 5'4" which may well make a difference.

"I'm testing a TT Contrail, SMD lunar solo, MSR Hubba, and a Big Sky Evolution. One is going on the PCT with me and two will be lent to fellow hikers."

Must be nice to have a Fat Wallet! :)

Before anyone makes any final conclusions, be aware that Ron at SMD is coming out with a tent for taller folks at the end of Spring. See his blog for details. It will be a few oz heavier than the Contrail, so the Contrail will win the lightness award. But if you really like side entry (I'm assuming the new tent will be a side entry), you may want to hold on a little while longer… Ron says he'll have photos is a few weeks.

Yes, Ben, and it's nice to be retired, too. I get a chance to use the stuff I buy! :-)
FWIW, three of the four were bought second hand from fellow BPL members.
YOU'RE the reason I also have a Lunar Duo. And I am grateful, oh Great Enabler.

John, as Ben and others pointed out several solo tarp tents and double walls that work well for taller folks in a thread I started recently that you might find helpful. I'm 6 ft 185 lbs and looking for bomber wind handling along with good breathability.

Here's the link to the SMD Vamp that was mentioned on Ron's blog. I would really like to see photos and specs as I'm on the cusp of pulling the trigger on a solo tarp tent, and it would be nice to have the strong straight pole support and bomber weather handling of the SMD Lunar Solo but the better space, layout and breathability of the Tarptent Rainbow, which also looks very sturdy and is rated +3 seasons. Since my wife and I use a dedicated 2 person winter mountaineering tent, and don't know when the SMD Vamp will be available to check out, I'm leaning heavily toward the Tarptent Rainbow.

http://community.sixmoondesigns.com/blogs/ronmoak/archive/2009/03/24/out-with-the-old-in-with-the-new-part-1.aspx

P. P. — I am honored to be the 'reason' for your happiness! Enjoy your new toys! :)

E J,

I can say from personal experience that the TT Rainbow is a very nice shelter, and was very roomy for me at 6'2". It will be interesting to see how the headroom and weight compare to the Vamp. If the Vamp has adequate headroom and is a few oz lighter, I'll probably go with the Vamp. That is, unless the MLD DuoMid and upcoming inner nest proves to be lighter…

Seems to me that the +6' crowd now has 3 very good wind stable, roomy, side entry bug-proof shelters for under 2 lbs:

TT Rainbow
SMD Vamp (upcoming)
MLD DuoMid + inner nest (upcoming)

Actually, I tried a TT Sublite Sil and it had plenty roomy for me; I just wanted more views and a true awning. So if the tent suits your expected conditions, the Sublite could be added to the list.

Can anyone comment on the MLD DuoMid? That's one I haven't checked out yet. How does it compare with the TT Rainbow and the SMD Lunar Solo?

Ron, if you are out there, I just wrote you today, could you (pretty please) post specs and photos of the Vamp?

Can anyone comment on SMD gray versus green for morning light penetration and heat buildup for when you're taking a later rest morning? Is there a big difference between SMD's gray versus green?

Also, how does SMD's gray compare with Tarptent's gray for light penetration/heat buildup? I'd think they'd be about the same.

A bright blue tent I used to have would heat up like mad with direct morning sunlight. Probably not an issue with light gray, but could be an issue with SMD green.

Grey is a better all season stealth color IMO. I agree, I doubt the color matters much as regards light. With the door open the LS gets a lot of light. But consider the Gatewood Cape – Serenity Net Tent combo. It's even lighter. I love it.

Best thing for keeping out morning sun would be the TT Sublite.

How do you use the Gatewood Cape and Wild Oasis in combo? Does one fit over the other so it can be set up as a double wall tent???

The Gatewood and Wild Oasis seem to have a lot of space – how are they are for head clearance sitting up?

Since the Gatewood has no bug netting, how do you keep bugs out and minimize rain splashing while maintaining good ventilation? Do you use a head bug net and keep the edges of the Gatewood fairly close to the ground to minimize splashing? Does this provide enough ventilation?

Like any tarp without a bathtub floor, I imagine you have to choose your site very carefully to deal with water from heavy rains (though you should choose your site well with any shelter).