Z Packs Hexamid Solplex Tent

[Scott Jones]

Extremely light weight one person tent that weighs less than a pound. Now I know it might work at Nature's Campground at Homosassa Springs or over at Hernando Beach but will it stand up to the weather of the Pacific Northwest? Being relatively new has anyone tested one of these out? I am anxious to hear some feedback because I am very tempted to make a purchase. It seems to good to be true. How wind resistant is it?

[JCH]

Check out John Abela's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HikeLighter.

He has written quite a bit about the Solplex and even has a video during a decent storm.

[USA Duane Hall]

John tested one out, if he can make it do where he lives, the PNW otta be fine.
I've only pitched mine once, letting the newness wear off I guess before I actually use it I guess.
Duane

@John/Duane, thanks for the mentions.

@Scott, most of my posts on my facebook page are buried at this point so here are the main ones worth looking at – they are all public and you will not need a facebook account to view them:

https://www.facebook.com/HikeLighter/photos/pcb.230436867080144/230435557080275/?type=1&theater – a number of photos with comments attached to each photo)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=230354170421747 – my very first thoughts right after setting up the shelter.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=230464887077342&set=vb.180971708693327&type=2&theater – a video that Joe seemed to really like

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=230462847077546 – a short walk-around video

https://www.facebook.com/HikeLighter/photos/a.228129597310871.1073741835.180971708693327/230567373733760/?type=1 – photo showing the true 8 inch bathtub wall

And lastly, this long post in which I compare the Hexamid Solo and the SolPlex: https://www.facebook.com/HikeLighter/photos/a.188450694612095.6907.180971708693327/236830503107447/?type=1

The shelter in all of these posts are of Joe's personal shelter which he sent me to review. I have since returned it and purchased a SolPlex with 0.74 cf canopy (I wanted darker fabric) which they handed to me at the PCT Kickoff a few weeks back.

will it stand up to the weather of the Pacific Northwest

Yes. It can handle the wind and the rain and should be able to handle any 3 season snow conditions. Could it handle PNW 4 season snow conditions? Don't know. I am thinking it should be able too, but I'm not sure at this point. But it absolutely can handle any summer to 3 season conditions.

Being relatively new has anyone tested one of these out?

I have and a few others are getting some miles onto them. A few on the PCT and AT this year. One or two on the TGO at this moment. Like all new shelters it is going to take a season or two for this shelter to really start getting some indepth reviews posted about it.

It seems to good to be true

How so?

How wind resistant is it?

This begs (forces???) me to ask the question… why would you NOT want wind ventilation in a single wall shelter?

Your sleeping bag is designed to keep you warm – your shelter is designed to keep you dry.

Single wall shelters and hybrid shelters NEED ventilation to deal with condensation – espcially down here in the Redwoods of NorCal and up in the PNW. Why would you want a single wall shelter that does not ventilate as much as possible.

I do not understand this whole "I don't want wind getting in my shelter" mentality of american hikers these days. If you are going out with a ultralight/superultralight single wall shelter, wind (aka: ventilation) is IMPORTANT and not something to try to fend off. If you don't want wind in your shelter, buy a heavy double wall shelter where condensation is less of an issue. But a heavy double wall shelter and a lighter weight sleeping bag is still going to be heavier than a single wall shelter that lets a lot of air through and a sleeping bag that does what it is suppose to do, even if it is heavier. Goose down is *always* the best weight-to-return means of staying warm.

So, to answer your question… the SolPlex ventilates wind… a lot of it. Perhaps not even enough for those of us along the coast. I wish it had more ventilation. Besides, with the inset inner you will be able to keep your doors open 95%+ of the time, even if it is raining — and THAT is a GOOD THING!!!

[Larry Swearingen]

I just got back from hiking for 13 days in Southern New Mexico Boot heel up the
Gila river to Snow Lake.
We had several pretty windy nights down in the desert with I'd say up to 30-35 mph.
Both tents held up well. Nothing out of the norm. Just make sure to put something
heavy on top of the stakes to hold them in place in the sandy soil.
One night with rain. No problems and no leaks. Just the pitter patter (loud) of'the rain.
BTW I chose the Solplex over the Solo Plus because of the higher door opening
makes it easier for old bones to enter and exit. :>)
Larry

[Richard Cullip]

Thanks for the reviews. My new Solplex tent just showed up on my door step today. It is replacing my GG The One tent that has seen some miles and was always too noisy in a heavy wind. Can't wait to get out and give it a try.

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