[pct-l] SIx Moons Lunar Solo Tent

[wandering_bob at comcast.net (Bob Bankhead)]

I got a chance to look it over and lie in it at the ALDHA-West Gathering in 
October and was very favorably impressed. Ron has a great idea by using 
large 12 inch high mesh walls sewn about 12 inches in from the end of the 
shelter silnylon. No more splashing of raindrops onto the mesh and soaking 
through to reach the floor. I currently use one of Brawny's original Tacoma 
Tarps which is similar in design though without all the Lunar solo's extra 
features.

All in all, I found the Lunar Solo superior in all but one area: weight. The 
Lunar Solo is heavier. My tarptent with 4 inch high mesh sidewalls and door 
weighs 12 ounces vs 24 oz for the Lunar solo. Both weights are without 
stakes and the treking pole. The Lunar solo has a floor which my tarptent 
lacks.

Reviews of both can be found at BackpackGearTest 
http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/Six%20Moon%20Design%20Lunar%20%20Solo%2C%20Initial%20report%2C%20Mara/ 
and at Backpacking Light, although you will need a Premium Membership to 
read the entire review of each specific shelter. You can however read their 
summary article on ultra-light shelters. 
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/single_wall_tents_shelters_review_summary.html. 
The only (to me) significant negative is the design of the velcro closure 
for the beak that reportedly leaves the vestible vulnerable to wind-blown 
rain leaking inside. Might be an area for a redesign - strom flap and/or 
waterproof zipper.

Definitely a winner!

Wandering Bob Bankhead


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Hiker97@aol.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2004 2:48 AM
Subject: [pct-l] SIx Moons Lunar Solo Tent


> Anyone have an opinion of this new tent design?  Part of my investigation 
> to
> move to ultra light backpacking.  Thanks, Switchback