New Six Moon Designs Shelters….

Thanks for the heads up. I just called to find out a few things.

So, the Cuban model is 16oz and costs 450.00 and if you don't use trekking poles, then it cost 60.00 for two carbon fiber poles and they weigh 1.8 oz each I think the guy said. So, 510.00 for a 19-20 oz Cuban tent. Interesting……..

I forgot to add the stakes weight, I guess that would put it over 20 oz. right?

6 Moons do not include stakes. I guess only Tarptent includes the weight of the minimal number of stakes in their postd weights.

For those that are new to lightweight backpacking, the introductory price of the PU coated one is excellent!

Yeah, that is a pretty good price, for the base model.

Thanks for the post. I've been looking at the Lunar Solo for a while, but the Scout might be the right choice. "…$125 and weighing 34 ounces…" for the polyester version, it's on the opposite end of the spectrum, has some advantages:

(OBTW: If my assumptions are incorrect, need to hear why.)

– Drop 4+ shelter lbs for roughly $125.

– The Front Porch option removes my desire to carry a tarp for a lean-to. I envision misty, wet, cool fall days in the woods, a low fire out front, and just going nowhere.

– This style an polyester fabric is said to be better in snow. My only experience is with my 6 lb Alps Mountaineering polyester fabric tent – it shed a foot of snow with almost no distortion.

– Easier setup and cheaper than a modified pyramid with the open front. (now where is that recent thread?)

Ron Moak – if you are watching :)

It appears that the hang tag .pdf may have some errors in it for the Scout. On page three of the seam sealing instructions it discusses the Haven tarp and silicone based seam sealer. I am guessing that this is an error.

My question is whether or not the seams on the PU coated Scout are factory taped? It would seem to me like this would be a very limited cost, but is a big selling point with us lazy consumers.

We will be offering an optional lower priced Aluminum pole as an alternative to the carbon fiber pole. It'll be significantly cheaper but heavier.

Ron

Its good to see SMD constantly rethinking and updating their product line.

Holy crap! If you thought the Skyscape Scout's price was cheap at $125, its up on the SMD website for $90.

Travis I just noticed the intro prices as well! The 24 oz version is also on sale.

Marc,

The simple answer to your question about whether the Scout is seam taped, is yes it is and no it isn't. We do try our best to confuse.

Keep in mind that the Skyscape is a Hybrid Double Wall tent. As such the perimeter netting is sewn into the center canopy panel.

Seam tape is applied to the underside junction of two panels of fabric on the urethane layer. In this case there's a third layer of mesh also sewn in to the seam. Because of this you can not seal the seam with tape.

The outer seams of the vestibule are seam taped.

Ron

Perfect, thanks for the explanation Ron!

Ron does the Trekker Proch zip on?

Bender,

No the porch does not zip on. I did consider it. A zipper porch would require two additional zippers and a lot more complexity.

The porch attaches with a small buckle in the back, a few strips of velcro in the front, a few little d-loops and a couple of glove hooks. In all it's pretty simple, but effective.

Whenever possible, I like to keep things simple and light.

Ron

>I like to keep things simple and light.

The name of the game with lightweight backpacking!

I notice the apex of the tent is a bit off center. I like that (a lot). How close is it to the "head" end. It looks like there is 103 inches inside the tent, so knowing how far it is from the end (on the inside) would give me an idea of how much room there would be above my head while sleeping. Thanks.

Awesome design. Flexibility and a variety of options to choose from.

I'd be curious how popular the scout ends up being in the end. I know a few people that are candidates.

Ross,

There is a 60/40 differential between the front and rear of the tent. It's enough to raise the front without dropping the rear too much or creating too long an unsupported section of material.

It's also the ratio that creates the most visual appeal.

Ron

Hey Ron,

Is there a two person version in the works?
I could see a two person Scout being popular with Boy Scouts and less committed backpackers.

Of course I'm sure silnylon and Cuben will also be popular.

Excellent! Thanks Ron, that sounds good. I just ordered a Cuben one. I can't wait until July.

Steven,

A while back I sat down at my CAD station and tried to work the numbers and angles on a two person version. Nothing I came up with proved appealing. From this designers perspective, any two person tent where both occupents can't sit up at the same time is going to be PITA for someone.

I've been there, done that and don't want to go back.

Unless I can find a workable solution to that problem, there won't be a 2 person Skyscape.

That doesn't mean I won't look to offer a lower price two person tent. It depends upon how well the Scout does.

Ron

Ok I need confessions. Who has ordered a Skyscape and what toppings did you get :)

Guilty Party: Bender
Version: Trekker
Options: just shipping

If the poles are inexpensive for the Scout I can see it being a huge hit with those new to UL. Even with cheap poles and stakes the Scout will be half the price and just as light the MSR Carbon Reflex 1.

Neat design, nice to see it in multiple versions. Question: would I have to add two more poles or sticks and the optional porch in order to use the vestibule for wet gear storage and cooking?

Ryan yes it takes 2 extra poles or sticks to setup the porch. SMD has a photo with 2 sticks being used. If you have trekking poles and the optional poles you are set when sticks cant be found.

I think all these new tents from SMD are great, but I have to admit I love my Gatewood Cape and Serenity tent. I'd love to see a cuben tent that goes with the new Serenity net. It doesn't have to double as a rain ponch/cape. I really like the design of the Gatewood Cape just as a tent. Excellent coverage and easier entrance than a lot of this genre of tent. A non poncho Cuben version would take a lot of ounces off the Gatewood Cape/Serenity Net combo.