Lunar Solo E–alternative to center pole?

Henry Shires at Tarptent.com sells an Easton shock-corded sectional aluminum pole the same size. I have both it and the SMD CF and much prefer the aluminum version.

CF pole = $25

AL pole = $5

at TT, click on Ordfering, then Place an Order, then Extras, then Substitute Front Pole. Pick your length – 45, 48, or 54 inches.

Amber,

The Carbon Fiber pole we sale is very strong. Like the aluminum poles it is a small diameter, if a lot of downward pressure is applied it will bend. However, we've sold hundreds of these poles and never had one break.

If you setup the shelter and the poles start to bend, simply back off of the tension and you should be fine. Many cyclists do use these poles successfully for all of our shelters.

Our tests showed that the under the same load the carbon fiber pole had less bend than an aluminum pole of the same diameter.

There are several different grades of aluminum pole available with different wall thickness. This difference in thickness will affect the overall strength and weight of the pole.

Ron Moak
Six Moon Designs

I got Ron's carbon fiber pole; it was strong enough but tends to bend when you pitch the tent tight. Maybe I had it too tight? I didn't try an aluminum pole so don't know if that bends, too.

There are few places where a small flat stone or a wood chip are not available to keep the bottom from sinking into the ground. If that makes the pole too high, you can scoop a little dirt from under the rock or chip to have its top surface at ground level. I think you'd need that for any kind of tent pole unless the ground is really hard. Also, I found that the LS ventilates better if you pitch it maybe an inch higher.

There is a tie-out above the vent at the top of the tent that can be lashed to overhanging branches. (Just did it for two nights). You can also use on-site sticks to support the tent, as long as one end will fit into the grommet (recently did that for one night).
Your best bet is just to get a pole that will section into small pieces (a lot more reliable).

Something else to consider.
You could always lash two poles together, still much lighter then trekking poles. The second "pole" could be a stick or the stay from your pack .
Note the mini shock cord with that plastic blue 'stopper" , very easy to use for all sorts of impromptu fixes.
Franco

Hot dang. I feel such an outpouring of love and adventuring support. Thanks everybody for the feedback!

I'll look more into the specs of the specific poles and make my decision from there. I've got some good options (and plenty of time.) My lean is towards sticking with the original carbon fiber pole, since it's actually made with it's own tents in mind. Plus, I hear a rumor they're made in Beaverton. I'm a sucker for that local homegrown flavor.

Thanks Mary. I appreciate the pointers, especially about the ventilation. I considered the stone/wood chip thing a pretty reliable solution, but then started second guessing myself. I'm going to Ireland and started to imagine it as just a giant green floating peat bog of sponginess. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

Thanks Ron!

Your posting was pretty much what I thought but also what I was looking to hear. Gear reviews are pretty on the up-and-up, but as with anything you often only hear about it when something goes wrong or someone is unhappy.

I plan on looking first for a used tent, but I almost expect to have to get a new one since I've yet to hear from anyone dissatisfied with the Lunar Solo. Do you do pick-up arrangements for local buyers (ie me) instead of shipping? I'm just up in NE Portland.

Amber

Amber,

Yes we do have visitors by approximant only. The Mountain Shop also stocks our gear.

We’re expecting to have the Solo’s back in Stock after May 15th.

Ron

I have a lunar solar tent for sale. I bought it used last fall, slept in in one night(previous owner never used it either), never seam sealed it, just too small for me after using a double rainbow. I believe it has the enhanced floor, 2008 model I think. $150 plus shipping. Im in eastern washington. email at sandylwes@yahoo.com

My experience was that the carbon pole felt strong enough, but between the curve and the tip digging into the earth, I lost enough height that it became hard to get a good taut high pitch. Which is extra-important in this tent because you need it for good head/foot room.

The tip issue would be surmountable I'm sure, but I reverted to carrying an adjustable carbon hiking pole which also let me tailor the height to the conditions.