The 6’1″ dilemma – Hexamid Long vs. Solo-Plus vs. Shaped Tarp

I'm 6'3" and have been happy with my hexamid solo. Not a palace but certainly spacious enough for me and my pack.

Hi David,

I'm 6'3", sleep on a 1-1.5 mattress, and my sleeping bag wouldn't be considered high loft. I recently purchased the Hexamid Twin and I fit in it fine length wise with room to spare.

I'm 6'3 and I fit just right in my hex solo. I've considered a solo-plus and it would be nice to have a little more real estate but the hex isn't my 'camping' shelter it's my 'hiking'/'sleeping' shelter

I prob wouldn't recommend the long.. I think that's for 6'4/6.5'+

Hah buncha 6'3 guys beat me to it. Damn slow typing on iPad…

6'4", Hexamid Solo+ fits fine!

I use a solo plus with a regular NeoAir XLite, I'm 6'1". I think it's plenty spacious.

This 6' bag might offer some perspective.

I am 6 ft 5 and I tried the solo, solo plus and the long. what I found is that I could make the plus work but the foot of my bag/quilt would rub the inside of the shelter, especially in the wind. I was concerned with condensation at the time so I ended up getting the long. this thing is a castle with tons of room, I also came from a generation 1 moment and the really notice how much more head room I have, when stretched out. The other thing that I have noticed is that there has not been any condensation inside the shelter. I hope this helps either way you can not go wrong

I'm 6'2" and a use hexamid duo. It works great and still is very light. Needs two supports but it doesn't flap in the sever wind like a solo might. Good luck!

The hexamid long is the best, I love the room.

I'm not as tall as you are, but I have a Gatewood Cape too, and I have found it is roomier and able to deal with foot/head room easier if you pitch it higher than the instructions say.
The normal recommended pole length is 45". I use the 49" pole, and use a little longer tie-outs to let it pitch a bit higher. That increases the useful space and gives taller clearance at foot and head too.
It's very nice that way, and there is still plenty of protection. And in the summer, having a little more ventilation room at the edges doesn't hurt either.

Just a suggestion, if you might want to try it for keeping the GC.

Thanks for the responses. My main concern would be when the rain dictates somewhat of a close pitch to the ground. With the Gatewood and other shelters a 6'6" bag, plus a inflatable pad just don't give you enough clearance in the footbox to where you end up with a soaked bag like Jeff mentions above.

I am not 6'3+ like a lot of you, but I just wanted to say thanks for all the comments from you taller guys. I get asked this question a *lot* and have never really known what to say.

I guess the issue of the sleeping bag sticking out is really the big issue here. I tend to recall that my 6'6 Montbell UL SuperSpiral had this problem with a Hexamid Solo. It was a number of years ago so no idea if that is still a problem. So you'all with a HexSolo are saying that you can get a 6'6 sleeping bag inside of the Hexamid Solo without the bag getting wet from rain on a windy night? (yes, I know, that is what DRW is for)

John,

Best profile picture ever.

I'm using a USGI patrol bag for the time being until I can save up enough money to buy the UL Super Spiral Long. It is a very long bag but does not have the same loft as the Mont Bell. It was raining last weekend (no wind) and I never was concerned about getting my sleeping bag wet. My twin was pitched several inches off the ground. Since I was solo it wouldn't have been difficult for me to move away from the spray even though my Twin was pitched high (the shelter was off the ground I say no to drugs).