The Solo Shelter immediately grabbed my attention as a tent alternative for solo hikers and campers.
With a packed weight of 4 lbs 14 oz (4 lbs 7 oz trail weight) the Solo Shelter is heavy. For perspective, the (significantly less-spacious) Black Diamond Bipod Bivy Bag ($270) weighs in at a scant 1 pound 13 oz. Even many two-person backpacking tents weigh less.
Asked about the weight, Cohen said the company decided to build a bomber shelter first and will be releasing an ultra-light version soon. I plan to test this shelter to answer one significant question: Why would I chose this bivy for the same weight and size as a backpacking tent?
Beyond the weight, the Solo Shelter seems to be a well thought out structure, assembling quickly and easily.
The bivy section of the shelter that encapsulates most of the user (other than their head) has a waterproof polyester floor and waterproof/breathable Toray rip-stop nylon top. It has plenty of room to accommodate a sleeping pad and bag, and it zips open on one side for ventilation on warm nights.
The tent portion of the shelter, which encloses the user’s head, is quite unique. Once prepared, the shelter can be laid on the ground to give the user a wide-open view of the sky and great outdoors.
At the first sign of bad weather, the 28.4 sq. ft. tent rotates up and clips into place, covering the user and offering plenty of space to store a backpack, shoes and other gear.
The “tent” has lots of mesh for breathability and a removable rainfly that can be attached in the “staged” position for quick deployment.
Tech details reveal quality components: YKK Zippers, DAC Poles, and Toray fabric also add to the price but should be reliable and long-lasting.
