Hexamid is back (in name only)

Seems like buyers would just choose the Plex Solo with the floor instead, which only weighs 2.1 oz more.

The “why” is right there in the description. While neither the Plex Solo or Hexamid would be my choice, the reason for its existence makes sense to me:

“The Hexamid is made for hikers who would rather sleep under the stars. The updated design features a floorless screen perimeter which must be combined with an optional bathtub groundsheet or a bivy. This is ideal for dry environments such as the Pacific Crest Trail where most nights you can sleep under the stars with your groundsheet alone, and only sometimes need rain and bug protection”

I am personally glad the pocket tarp is bigger now they managed to cut the weight from it’s original 6.1oz to 5.5oz. Not that I would fit in the new version but darn was the older one too small and low. I wish they would sell fly only version of the Altaplex again too.

The Hexamid (9.7 oz) and GG Whisper (9.8 oz) provide the most livable bug proof space per ounce. Actually the Whisper has more headroom, but it does require an extra 1.2 oz plus pole. Hexamid is probably more wind worthy though

What I don’t like about the Whisper is how high the fly edge sits off the ground. Leaves quite a bit exposed if any rain hits.

Yeah, the Whisper always struck me more as a desert shelter than a rain country shelter.

Brad W – I bought an Altaplex tent and got rid of the floor/net to make an Altaplex tarp :-). I do use the Altaplex floor with the Altaplex tarp or Altaplex floor with Pocket tarp. I think the older Pocket tarp was longer – 107 inches while the new Plex Solo Pocket tarp is only 100 inches – though higher. I used to pitch the original Pocket tarp higher to get more head room and then use Altaplex floor to protect from rain/splash etc.

Or sometimes I will use the Altaplex tarp with their poncho tarp as bath tub floor or Solo plus groundsheet. Lots of options.

Brad W – I bought an Altaplex tent and got rid of the floor/net to make an Altaplex tarp :-). I do use the Altaplex floor with the Altaplex tarp or Altaplex floor with Pocket tarp. I think the older Pocket tarp was longer – 107 inches while the new Plex Solo Pocket tarp is only 100 inches – though higher. I used to pitch the original Pocket tarp higher to get more head room and then use Altaplex floor to protect from rain/splash etc.

Or sometimes I will use the Altaplex tarp with their poncho tarp as bath tub floor or Solo plus groundsheet. Lots of options.

That really opens up options! I like that you can raise the Altaplex tarp higher than normal for more room since it’s not burdened by the mesh/floor. I don’t have the heart to cut mine up yet..

I thought the old Hexamid/Pocket Tarp was 48″ tall but looks like I was wrong. Dimensions diagram below shows 45″. sectionhiker’s initial review says the same. I used to set my trekking pole at 47″, maybe that’s how I got the number in mind.