SMD skyscape scout vs. go lite shangri la 1

I can't make a direct comparison btwn those two tents but I can comment based on my experience. I didn't like the A-frame front entrance design of the Golite Sangri-La 1 when I tried it out. I much prefer a side entrance and am much happier with The One by Gossamer Gear. The ease of getting this old body into a side-entry tent sold me on a side entry design as soon as I first tried it out. Thirty years ago I had no problem crawling into a front entrance A-frame style tent but those days have long passed me by.

I've had both and sold them both. If I had rebuy one of these, I'd go with the Golite SL-1. I didn't have the net tent, just the fly. In the bug free season, you can leave the net tent and use the fly. It only weighs about 16 or 17 oz. The Skyscape is a great tent. The only problem I had was the foot end was constantly touching my feet. I'm not a big guy only 5'11" and this was a problem with me on a Neoair. The SL-1 will hold up to some pretty extreme winds. One time my friend forgot to take his tent and all we had was the SL-1. We pitched it high and had just enough room for the 2 of us. Golite makes pretty good stuff. With all of that said, why not try a SMD Wild Oasis. With a tyvek ground sheet, its a bug free setup for less than a pound. There was one on GearSwap earlier this week for $100.

While I also prefer a side entry, the problem of the sleeping bag brushing up against the tent wall is best avoided. I guess the go lite would be the better option.

thanks

I have the scout and I love it. I am 6'0 200 and do not have issues touching my feet or head on the tent. I use the two guy outs and the head and foot to give me some extra room. I think I bought mine on BPL for $100 seam sealed and IMO, it can't be beat at that price. I also have a Lightheart Gear Solo, but actually prefer the Scout in most areas, except the obvious weight savings.

Good luck either way.

Jason

And can't comment on the Golite. I just purchased a scout. It took two minutes to pitch taught, did not need retensioning, an help up nicely in 35 mph-plus winds for hours. Honestly. On that trip, the wind had us all on our tents as much as a rainstorm would have. I also like the heavy, non-silnylon material. I was primarily just testing out solo designs when I bought it. It met my budget and over performed so much that I am presently on the list for a cuben X Skyscape. To me, it's a zero sacrifice from a true double wall tent. I had no condensation issues, as the only portion that is pure single wall is a 20" wide strip from Apex to floor over the center. In nice whether, you can roll up 1, 2, 3, or four o the panels for 360 degree views. I wish you could pay extra for a second door or even access of any sort to the right side "vestibule.". But I picked it over the golite. It came in under it's advertised weight. I put it in a silnylon stuff sack and got 33 oz. total before seam sealing. I've since ordered the 45" carbon poles. I will use them when I get my X model and may use my hiking poles o try the "Porch" option. Great bang for the buck.