I got the staff at my local shop to set up the new Sierra Designs Solomente AST and the thing was very cool. First of all pretty darn light at 3lbs 9oz packaged and 3lbs 1oz min for a 4 season shelter. Set up is so easy, probably as fast as the BD and ID tents. I like the fact that the tent poles are on the outside of this single wall so no condensation can form on the inside. When guyed out there is plenty of space inside and length was good even for me (5 11) and very sturdy because of the Jake’s Corner at the rear. If wind were to hit the front or rear the tent would handle it well. I think when guyed out side deflection will be minimal is most conditions. Head room was good at 39 but only at the first half of the tent. There was enough room on both sides of me to store gear. The vestibule is small but gets the job done. I would most likely just leave the boots out there. There is a vent in the vestibule door and the tent door is all fabric which is great for winter but I kind of wish it was mesh for venting and views. There are also 4 adjustable vents, 2 at the peak and 2 at the foot of the tent.
I think this tent is very well thought out and will be a very storm worthy shelter in prolonged rain and winter conditions. Looks like a good alternative to the now dicontinued ID eVENT shelters. The only thing up in the air is just how breathable is the DriZone fabric, according to the site:
An exceptional waterproof/breathable fabric at a great value. Waterproofness of 18,000 mm (Test JIS-L1092). Breathability 28,000g/sq meter/24 hrs (Test JIS-1099- Test Method B-1). Breathable fabric allows moisture to escape while keeping Mother Nature’s moisture out. Construction consists of 40D Nylon, 2 layer laminate. Meets CPAI-84 requirements. It weighs 2.8 oz/sq meter. Already an award wining fabric on our DriZone sleeping bag series.
The breathability is at event levels I think. Hmmm I wonder it this is a form of Toray’s Entrant. I will e-mail SD to ask a few questions.
What do you people think of this tent for 4 season hiking in BC.
