Eureka Solitar VS the Tarp

“I'm leaning towards the Eureka Solitar because when you combine the Tarp with a Bug Bivy and Treking polls, the cost and weight is greater and the convienence is less.

The Solitar weighs only 2 lbs and 8 oz.. and it costs anywear from $65 to $90.

Anyone else have one to mension?”

“Kelty Dart, Walrus Micro Swift 2000? (both also under 3 lbs and around $80)

Sierra Designs Lite Year CD 2000, same weight, a foot taller (sitting room?) and about $119...?”

“Well looking at the Kelty Dart, that one seems like a better deal. More Space and slightly less weight.
It has a good size vestible and a lot of ventalation flaps.”

“You can get a sil tarp from Campmor for $65 and add a huge misquito net for about $25 and they weigh in at about 20 oz.”

“Dang it! Hit the wrong button. I had a Solitaire and didn?t care for it. I think Rad swears by his though. I like more room than it could offer and it was stifling in the rain. I just love a nice big tarp.”

“i have the gossamer. it has aluminum poles, instead. i love it. just as long as you don't mind the confined space.”

“My only concern with the tarp and bug bivy idea is that the weight is only about 1/2 a pound lighter than the solo tents. Also I don't want to carry hiking poles, and finding the right size stick in a storm does not sound fun. I guess if I used hiking poles the tarp and bug bivy combo would work fine. Lets see

2 hiking poles = 2 lbs
1 tarp = 10-20oz
1 bug bivy = 8 oz
1 ground cloth = 6 oz
Total 3 lbs 8 oz - 4lbs 2 oz

1 Solitar Tent & tarp = 3lbs TOTAL”

“A tarp is not generally dependant upon trekking poles but if that's how you have to set one up, the tent is clearly your best choice. Let us know how it works out for you.”

“You can get an Exponent Inyo 2 at Globalmart for about $64. Weighs under 4 lbs. 2 doors and 2 small vestibules. You can sit up in it. I've used mine twice with no problems. Used to be the "cobra".”

“I don't think you should add the weight of the poles in the equation. I assume that you use them for walking and would take them anyway. At least that's what I do.

SIL Shelter 14ozs. Tyvek Ground Cloth (Optional) 6 ozs. Bug Bivy 8 ozs. I usually just take one of those bug nets you put over a hat.

Anyway that adds up to 28 ozs. Looks like less than 2 lbs to me.”

“I have a Eureka Gossamer too.
Nice tent but confining, and It's not my favorite in wet weather.

If you are leaning towards the solitare get a gossamer instead. Same tent but like Rad said it has aluminum poles. The fiberglass poles that come with the solitare are notorious for breaking. I don't know a single person who owns one that the poles lasted very long.”