2012 Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo

[Gerry B.]

Has anyone had experience with Ron Moak's redesigned 2012 Lunar Solo? I had an earlier version and loved the simplicity and side entry but did not like the low profile at both ends. However, he has raised the height by three inches, raised the tub and increased the length. He also made the walls steeper that may make the tent easier to set up and tension. Also, at $200, it seems like a very good deal…if the redesign truly does improve some of the issues of previous versions.

[Ken Thompson]

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=60514

Have been thinking too about this one.

[J-L]

$200
23 oz
26 square feet of floor space
8.5 square foot vestibule

Looks like a good option, not sure why it isn't mentioned more. Maybe I will have to try one. Wonder how hard it is to get a good taut pitch?

[EndoftheTrail]

John:

How hard to get a good taut pitch? Almost never a taut pitch on the first try. But after a few practices… it's fast and intuitive and actually difficult to not get a good, taut pitch! I used to own one and really liked it. All staked down, the Lunar Solo can take a lot of wind blowing from pretty much any direction. I prefer this configuration over the longish style tarptents where you need to point the toe end toward the wind.

I later switched out of the Lunar only because I crave space and got a palace with two doors and two vestibules for solo use — of course, paying a weight penalty as well. But for most UL hikers, the Lunar Solo really is plenty spacious.

[J-L]

Thanks, Ben. You may have convinced me to buy another tent!

[Casey Jones]

Ben, I'm curious what you switched to. Trying to hone in on a first shelter puchase. Lunar is on my short list.

[Ken Thompson]

@ Ben. Was yours a 2012 model?

[EndoftheTrail]

No. It was an early model — 2004. Comparing that to the current model, the Lunar is now taller and longer — excellent. The current model also boasts a top vent and bathtub floor — both of which were absent back in 2004. Ron prevented weight creep — and even shaved off an ounce — by reducing the max. width — which seems just fine with me. And the prices compare most favorably.

……………………………………………………………2012……………2004

Floor length……………………………………………..90"……………. 84"
Floor width at either end……………………………36" (?)………. 36"
Max floor width………………………………………..48"………………54"
Apex height……………………………………………..48"………………44"
Weight…..l…………………………………………….23 oz …………….24" oz
Price…………………………………………………….$200……………..$225

[Author]

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