Often, I have to go back and forth between tent threads and the product pages from the tentmaker, in order to get a picture. For example, there were at least two references to magnetic zippers above, although the website specs YKK #3 WP zips, inner and outer. The door tie-outs are held by magnets. I think this sort of thing results from posts by folks who have not used the tent. So, it would be helpful if posters would first advise whether they have used the tent. But I would love to see real magnetic zippers if they are lighter and perform better. Certainly they could be easily cleaned – no coil or teeth to collect dirt and abrade. And no, I have not used any of the Li tents – I’m in Mitt’s 40%.
Also, I noticed Rex Sanders’ recent BPL article about first buying a smaller pack, and adjusting preferences to fit gear into it. It’s a bit like what long distance hikers have been doing for years, dumping a lot of non-essential gear as they go. At any rate, I can see how the consistently wider tent, the Aeon Li, would be more comfy if stuck in the tent on a stormy day; but the Aeon is also single wall, and you can be sure there will be a lot of condensation during a lengthy storm. And brushing self, clothing and sleepwear against condensation cuts way down on greater space. Not to mention that it is difficult to get a feel for interior space until you’ve actually spent some time in the tent. Pictures and diagrams just don’t cut it in that department. Confession: I’ve never spent a whole day inside a tent in a storm. Just get up and get going, the exception being endless lightning, which ruined one trip in the Southern San Juans and another in the Uintas. Sometimes you just want to get the heck out.
I think one issue here may be that Henry is a bit too wedded to the PitchLock devices, and has said as much in articles. I read everything he writes I can find; but sorry, don’t remember and catalog each and every article. My 2nd or 3rd Tarptent was the original Moment, and the first mod was to make all the struts removable so they could be carried in the pole bag, and in turn nestled in the rolled up sleeping pad bag. As I recall, they were around 18″ long – they had to be to create enough space at the head and foot ends – but 18″ is too long for a pole bag. Why not make them longer, but in two sections, to create larger areas around the head and feet. When sticking your feet into one end of a tent, it should not be like getting into a sleeping bag, especially with that first single wall Moment that created plenty of condensation, when the goal is to create warm feet, not wet feet. Ditto for your head. Although nothing can match having an old dog fill up a bathtub floor with pee, because I was too dumb to take her with me on all pee breaks. Another reason I take small, but regular towels, not the ‘pack’ towels.
With the above comments in mind, I think around two pounds is essential for a fully functional solo tent, whatever it is made of. And no need to go hunting to see how small a space can be found to pitch in. If you’re going to be prepared for stormy, windy weather, it is worth the few minutes it takes to find enough pitching space for stabilizing guylines in all directions in case they are needed. We’ve seen the pictures of tents pitched on precipices, exposed to the worst weather. If you’re crazy enough to do that, best have space for some good gyylines if you don’t want to be blown off the mountain wrapped in a tent.