Solomid/XL condensation and a higher loft winter sleeping bag?

The walls on their tents is an issue/ complaint of mine as well. I’m not tall. I use a Duplex and sleep somewhat diagonally to increase clearances. I sold my Solplex because the clearance wasn’t great enough.  I do use a large pad either an xtherm in winter or a prolite in other seasons so 2.5″ thick I think and a pillow so that makes it worse.  I could switch to a zrest type pad to stay lower I suppose but my workaround works for me. For a few ounces more I get more (going with a Duplex) space and better clearance although it’s not a palace by any means. Hope that helps. I also looked a pyramid type tents, but from what I can tell they’re no better, just taller.

You can also prop up the guylines on the head and foot ends to boost clearance a bit. You’re probably familiar with that hack.

How tall are you?  How thick is your pad?  I would lean towards the DuoMid for a real vestibule.

I’m 184cm, current pad is a neo air – there are taller people using the Solomid XL with a similar setup, but I’d like to hear more opinions before I try it..

I have a 2014 Solomid XL, the non asym one. I am 190 cm. I have no issue with my bag touching the outer wall when using my inner. That is atop an Exped UL7LW pad using a 25 degree WM Alder bag. Condensation has not been much of an issue for me. An inner in winter is key for me.

“Will I then get a problem with condensation?”

While the design of a tent can certainly either mitigate or compound condensation, I’d recon condensation will most likely have to do with:

1. site selection (ground saturation, near a lake, exposure to the sky &/or wind)
2. night time air & soil temperature
3. air pressure
4. relative humidity
5. good ole Rain

Thanks guys, especially Ken, that doesn’t sound too bad! Which inner are you using? I’m thinking about partial solid ones as well.

I’m aware of the factors that cause condensations. What I mean is if it is specifically problematic due to the low angle of the solomid walls. Therefore the question about an inner, as it separates the walls a bit.

You’re welcome, I have a mesh inner from MLD.

How much does the mesh inner actually help with condensation?
I can imagine that the benefit is that a) you’re not touching outside walls and b) less water directly dropping on your sleeping bag.

But I assume a solid or partial solid inner would be better in terms of separation of cold/warm air?

Yes I would prefer a solid or even a half solid inner, but Ron doesn’t offer one.

@ Christopher.  You are asking about winter experience. Are you camping on snow or not. During winter when camping on snow I find under my duomid  I can stay away from the walls rather easily. If I dig down, I can create even more room. But there is always condensation which for the most part freezes. The trick in the morning is to get out without knocking the frost off the inside wall.

https://bedrockandparadox.com/2014/12/22/mld-solomid-review/

I think Dave’s assessment is spot-on.  I have had the regular Solomid for at least 6 years in various conditions.  I’m 6’2″ and use a long bag.  It’s a small shelter, but there’s a definite place in my toolbox for that.  I consider it a fairly specialist piece of gear, not my all-around shelter.  A mesh inner helps mitigate rubbing the walls but does little for condensation buildup; it just keeps you away from it.  Without the inner, a pack at my feet keeps my bag off the wall.  I wouldn’t recommend a thick mattress either; you’ll lose precious headroom/footroom.  Stick with a CCF or thinner inflatable pad.

I have not been concerned about winter condensation because in true winter temps it freezes and has never wet my bag’s shell.  Here’s an old trip report of mine with a Solomid in snow:

https://sweepingthegarden.wordpress.com/2012/04/01/ridge-camp-west-of-mt-baldy-331-412012/

Rain/humidity is the bane of this shelter.  However, in winds/cold/sub-freezing I think it’s actually very bomber (especially for the weight), so it’s perfect for “winter” in SoCA and the deserts..  However, at it’s size I wouldn’t carry it for anything in the snow where I planned to be tent-bound for too long.

I sewed my own mesh inner and plan on making a solid version for winter here:

https://sweepingthegarden.wordpress.com/2018/03/27/diy-pyramid-inner-tent/

Thanks for the input guys!

WISNER, what do you think about the Solomid XL as a way to improve the issues mentioned?
I would try it this autumn in the alps (which means there can be snow at any time, overnight).
And, what are your alternatives for the times you mentioned where you do not want to use the Solomid or even Solomid XL?

Bruce, I would also try it on the snow, yes. I read a couple of reviews where people were quite happy with the XL version in winter.

I’m sure the extra length would help but I can’t imagine it’s that drastic when looking at the geometry.  With walls so steeply sloped I imagine 6″ of length probably only translates to an inch or two of extra head/foot room at the ends.

If I’m expecting truly bad weather I’ll carry a full mid/hex (Golite Shangrila 3 in my case).  The Solomid is my “fast/light” go-to.

Unfortunately, like so much gear, I think you just have to try it and see if it suits your style.