Solomid XL or Duomid?

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Will you ever be using a nest?

Sorry, a ‘nest’?

I am a 6 foot 2 inches tall side sleeper who turns a lot and sleep on top of the original NeoAir pad.  When pitched correctly, there is enough room inside. Recently I have used the inverted V pole method to create a bit more room.  If you are camping on snow and after building a snow platform, dig out a sleeping bench, the Duomid becomes a palace for one.

I have never used a Solomid XL but I recall from the reviews you gain length and a bit less weight but lose some of the vestibule space.  There are many threads comparing the two on Reddit and BPL, here for example: https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/93551/

In terms of footprint, I think you mean the footprint of the actual floor space. If you are expecting a lot of wind or a snow shower, you do need a bit of space to properly guy out a DuoMid or Solomid. I often run at least one guyline from the apex.

An inner-net for bug protection (and slightly increased weather protection too), like these.

They change the interior dimensions a lot, so if you aren’t planning on using one it’s not an issue.

@philip-ak, thanks. No, no nest. This is mainly my winter setup. The biggest thing I’d add is my bivy if I needed an extra 5 deg.

@btolley, great observation. I’ll hv to think about that one.  I think I can reinforce the tent as needed or find a sheltered site.  If the sleeping area of the solomid is basically the same (unless you’re with someone) as the duo then I’m interested in the solo. Vestibule space isn’t a big deal to me. The smokies usually have cables to hang your pack. I just want to make sure with my 4” pad my feet and head have clearance in the solomid, even if it’s staked all the way to the ground.

I think Andrew Skurka had a blog post addressing your concerns.

https://andrewskurka.com/backpacking-shelters-big-tall-sprawwwl/

@ Cal. Ask MLD about your concerns. They are very responsive. I mentioned the vestible because you indicated snow camping as one of the use cases.

With a pyramid, since the snow is also your floor, you can more easily cook in the vestibule. And when it is snowing, I want everything stored inside my shelter. Even when we build a serious snow kitchen and carve out shelves and cubbies, I usually bring all by gear back and pack it up in the shelter.

For winter camping, I think a few extra grams is so minimal relatively speaking id go with the bigger and more comfortable shelter.

I don’t do snow camping, but I use a Tipik Pioulou which is maybe in between the solomid and solomid xl (longer than the solomid but not taller). Without an inner it’s plenty big enough, but I wouldn’t want to have the requisite gear for winter, be cooking and hanging out in it for long winter nights. It’d work but it’d be tedious.

Also I notice most winter campers using mids are using duomid sized or bigger.

You might also consider the Dan durston xmid. It has a similar footprint to the duomid but has way more volume, and steeper walls for shedding snow.

the Sierra designs high route is also interesting and has a very small footprint. It does have vertical sides however, so wind could be a problem.

I have used the standard MLD Solomid for many years and in most conditions. I’m 6’2″, 225#. It works well enough for me but I like small footprints and don’t mind small shelters/living spaces.

Pyramid Duplus from Oware: 7′ 3″ X  8′ 8″  and  5′ 6″ high.

An absolute palace for 6’2″ me.