Modify Lunar Solo??

[dirtbag]

This may seem stupid or impractical and I  am definitely NOT a MYOG person.. but I am considering a hack job to a new version of Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent. I have it and i recently used it and I actually love it. However.. I would love the exact same tent (style,  size, set up and material) but without the attached bug net and floor. So I am considering buying another one and removing the attached netting and floor.

So, me being me, I was thinking of buying another one and using a razor blade to cut as close to the silpoly tent as possible to remove the bug net and floor. Im not worried about it looking shabby.. I am wondering though if it would effect the integrity of the actual tent itself.

Its a long shot.. but anyone have any thoughts or better idea?

 

[Monte Masterson]

The Lunar Solo and the Deschutes Tarp are nearly the same dimensions. The Lunar Solo is basically a slightly wider on the ends Deschutes with a floor and netting. SMD has markdowns on the Deschutes every so often. You might also like the Deschutes plus. Lunar Solo is $230 and the Deschutes is $185. The Deschutes can be found on Gearswap fairly often. You might put out a WTB on GS.

Lunar SoloDeschutesTarp (with a too small Serenity Net underneath)

 

[Michael B]

I second buying a Deschutes – or try a Gatewood if you are looking for a little lighter/narrower/versatile. Length is the same, but the height is 3″ shorter, width is a quite bit narrower (66″ vs 80″) which may or may not work for you. But it is a piece of gear which might fit better in your quiver, since it can double as a poncho; it is a little more versatile, and less of just a duplicate piece of gear. But you may not like or ever use ponchos, so there is that.

 

[Monte Masterson]

I owned a Lunar Solo years ago and I loved it except for its giant footprint. I had a hard time finding spots wide enough to pitch it. I still say the Lunar Solo is the best 1P tent for the money though.

[dirtbag]

All different materials. And Deschutes only in grey.  I love the dark green silpoly material of Lunar Solo.

I may have to go with green gatewood cape..  but still contemplating butchering a lunar solo..

Thanks for responses!

[dirtbag]

[Kevin Babione]

@Dirtbag – I’m happy to ship you a Gatewood Cape to try if you’d like.  It’s grey so I know you’ll return it ;)

I haven’t used it since I started hammocking, but throw it in my pack when I’m doing longer dayhikes as my “just in case” shelter.  You’re welcome to keep it for a couple of months.  PM me your address and I’ll ship it out this week.

[dirtbag]

Lol.. all good Kevin. I wont like it if its grey!!! Haaaaa.

I already have it in my cart ready to buy it.. just contemplating that or another Lunar Solo… im gonna pitch my lunar solo this weekend and see what I think about my idea. Then I will order another one, or the gatewood cape.. this weekend.

Thanks for the offer. AGAIN. lol.

Ps.. my Garmin Instinct Solar watch comes tomorrow..

[Michael B]

There you go – no reason to waste $ or butcher a tent!

[Monte Masterson]

Yea I dig what you’re saying about green tents. That’t the only color I go with nowadays. The Gatewood Cape is 15d silnylon you know. Needless to say it’s also way smaller than the Lunar Solo. I hear that some ultralighters are sewing perimeter netting around Gatewoods and not even using them as a capes. That makes sense. I hate wearing them as rain protection, but many people don’t mind.

[dirtbag]

Yeah, dont plan on using it as a cape.. just shelter. And yes, 15d silnylon.. i see that too.

Is that better then the silpoly material of lunar solo?  I am liking that silpoly very much.

[Monte Masterson]

I had one of the older 30d Gatewoods many years ago and I was able to get a decent pitch out of it. Then awhile back I bought one of the newer 15d Gatewoods to match up with an MLD solo innernet (didn’t fit) and I just did not like the way it pitched. I set it up out in the yard one day and then sold it on Gearswap. It seemed flimsy. Just my perspective though.

The silpoy vs silnylon debate rages on. Both have strength and weaknesses, but I’m in the nylon camp myself.

 

[HkNewman]

If intent on slicing and dicing one, Six Moons usually has a sale if you can’t find one on Gear Swap, etc..  May put out a WTB at a discount especially if the mesh was irreparably damaged.

Thought about it myself except with the grey (Silpoly) version.    One big pyramid tarp without worry if the inner is nice and level.

[HkNewman]

..add that I wouldn’t think about cutting if taking the mesh/floor out affected the structural integrity but from the top, it seems to just hang there.  I’d probably more worry about leaving a little material as not to make “pinholes”in the fly inadvertently while still leaving it somewhat finished looking.

The floor “floats” but not sure if any tension is required from the very bottom of the fly to the “inner body“.  May want to try it out to see if there’s tension; kind of doubt it’s a factor though.

[dirtbag]

Agree with everything you said. I will pitch mine this weekend in my yard and see what can be done. If it can be done. Definitely thinking i would have to cut it like you said, leaving a small piece hanging.  That’s what I meant when I said.. looking shabby, lol.

It would be an awesome shelter for cold winter months.. when no bug net or floor is needed!!

 

[dirtbag]

Pulled the trigger on the forest green Gatewood Cape and the dark colored Serenity net. I will check it out and maybe bring it on my next trip to see what I think. Being as its still COLD and snow here, I may just use the Gatewood and not bother carrying the serenity.  Shall see… Thanks for the replies.

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