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Old 10-09-13 | 02:43 PM
  #19  
Niles H.
eternalvoyage
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,256
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I've used the Moss Solus I quite a bit, and like this tent. The image in the upper right corner is pretty good. A larger, better version can be seen by clicking there.

https://www.google.com/search?q=moss...&bih=976&dpr=1

This one,

http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&bi...0&tx=133&ty=63


I really like a North Face tent I've also used quite a bit. I believe the model is the Ventilator. It is a larger, two-person tent, and it is heavier. But it is super stable in wind; and sometimes it can be nice to have the extra space that it provides, especially if one is spending a lot of time in it. On some tours I don't mind the extra weight; the trade-off is worth it. The NF Bullfrog series tents are a similar design. The Ventilator has much more mesh, which I like (the Moss Solus tents also have full mesh). It can be much more pleasant in warm weather to have the extra ventilation. It also has a pleasant desert sand coloration.

Black netting gives better visibility (through the netting) than lighter colors.

This is another, smaller model, in different colors; but it has the same basic design, pole configuration, and shape:

http://www.google.com/imgres?start=2...4&tx=105&ty=89

http://www.google.com/imgres?client=...6&tx=98&ty=103

There is something very appealing about the pole configuration, but it doesn't show up well in the above images. If you click on the small images that appear below -- where it says "Member Uploaded Images - click to enlarge" -- you can get a much better feeling for this, and for what it is like inside the tent. It's very pleasant to be in.

Image #'s 6, 8. 15, and 17 here give a better sense of it. And some of the interior shots are also good:

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/tents/p/...Tadpole-23/955

This design does have the disadvantage of not shedding snow very well. There is an area on top that allows the snow to accumulate, and I've had to periodically poke or push it (from inside) to get rid of the snow. Not a deal breaker for me, but some people don't like this. There are other designs that are better at shedding snow.

It is also fairly easy to get a good, drum-tight pitch with this tent, which I like. To me, tents are way better when good and taut.

I also have a bunch of other tents that I don't use as much. And some bivies. And some tarps. I'm currently exploring some additional tarps and tarp designs.

It can take a while to sort through it all, and one doesn't always find the final answer, if there is one. I could go with a good, versatile hammock system, for example; or with a good tent; or with a good, versatile tarp system; or with something else (an experimental system, for example; or a bivy; or simply cowboy camping). And I might choose one or the other depending on conditions, inner and outer, including my current mood and interests.

Last edited by Niles H.; 10-09-13 at 05:16 PM.
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