High Sierra Topix

I have to say, after going from tent to tent for the past seven years in search of my alpine shelter of choice, I've found a safe haven in the Lightheart Solo. Space, double wall, ample ventilation, and the tent survived a deluge in Evolution without a leak. It has the side entry I like and I can actually stand inside on the tent floor in sock feet before stepping into my shoes due to the angle of the canopy.

The ultimate foul weather shelter and keep-it-clean option is the hammock - however, I do like the Lightheart for being less than 2 lbs and weather worthy. I've gotten rid of a Tarptent Sublite Sil, Sierra Designs, etc and settled on this one. My criteria were specific and it absolutely had to be lighter than the hammock - it's one of the few that managed to do that.

Thanks for that review! The Lightheart Solo may be my next tent.

Richard,

All Skyscape models utilize a dual (trekking or optional fixed length 45" or 115 cm) pole support structure, slightly offset from the center of the tent

The Skyscape employs Hybrid Double Wall construction. Over 80% of the canopy is separated from you by a mesh wall, keeping that wet canopy at bay.

a nice 34 oz tent for $125 is a pretty darn good deal

I am also shopping for a new tent. Maybe I should look at hammocks again....

Does anyone know if the new double wall Tarptent Moment has two separate units (fly and tent) or are the two connected in such a way that you cannot separate them? I cannot tell from the photos on their website and specifications do not clearly indicate this.

Lori- is your Lightheart Solo the standard or a custom made one? What is the advantage of getting the custom made?

Yea that lightheart solo looks like a good tent but I don't want to pay extra for stuff that I don't need. Is it worth it to get the custom or the solong 6 or are they just luxuries?

WD

The Momement is a true double wall tent. Check out the instructions at Then hit specifications then set up and it shows that you can set up the either the fly or the netting separately. I'd be interested myself except I don't think 25" wide exped downmat would fit without pushing out the walls at the corners.

Mike

Thanks for the information. I guess I should have poked around on their website more. I currently use the single wall Moment and for me, it is too big if anything. I like the tent; hate the condensation - mainly because if I turn the tent inside-out to dry, it is a real pain to figure out how to get it right side out. It is shaped so that it is really hard to dry - nothing really hangs straight- numerous little tucked in areas that do not dry. Basically I have to re-set it up mid day to dry it out. Big pain. The zipper is broken so I am now trying to decide to replace or repair. I am not sure I want to put up with another year fighting the condensation either.

Also, does anyone know if any tent has mosquito netting that has bug repellant in it? My mosquito head net has the repellent -smells a bit odd but does work. Right now I can have 100 mosquitoes sitting on the tent netting ready to attack the minute I have to go out! I am a bit leery of spraying the netting with repellant - I think if it got on the sil-nylon it would do damage. I am planning on being in mosquito conditions for about a month this summer.

Moment DW looks good especially with the double wall, dual entry and
two vestibules, but my Rainbow weighs the same, has more interior room,
and costs almost $30 less.
Here is a good thread on the Lightheart: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthr ... heart-Tent" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Maverick, what advantage does the Rainbow, or even Moment, have over the Notch, which is 7 ounces lighter? I'm about to order the Notch but maybe I'm overlooking something? I think I'm ok with the smaller interior room of the Notch and I always use hiking poles anyways.

I feel hoop or dome design tents are more wind-worthy than those set up with shaper angles that are required using trekking poles. In a wind you need a really tight pitch to reduce flapping noise. The Moment does produce some interesting noise in a wind - not flapping but I still wear ear plugs at night. For a long time I though some creature were outside my tent!

Also, I often use my trekking poles after I set up.