PSA bikepackers - Alpkit tent and bivvy sale

Don't tempt me. Always fancied a Soloist XL though somewhat discouraged by the front entry door. Imagining crawling in a d having to spin round in the tight space inside.

In any case my tent collection has already increased by one this week thanks to a second hand buy here.

I think my light but not super light and fragile one man tent with a bit of headroom itch  is scratched.

I’ve got a (not XL) Soloist @irc and it’s nowhere near as spacious as the Hubba. It’s not even practical to sit up in but better than a bivvy.

I forgot about headroom. I once got a really good deal on a Terra Nova Laser. Brand new for £150 or something stupid  like that. Used it once then sold it because I couldn't sit up inside without bending my neck.

Being 6ft3 doesn't help but yes the space in the Hubba is really good. I've added a few bigger V pegs at 16g each for loose ground and wind. Should be in it for around 25 nights in September and October.

I've gone for the soloist as a step up from the Elan or stratosphere, with not much weight penalty.

The Hubba is obviously quality step up again but it's a fair chunk of change!

I read recently that MSR were going to improve the poles on the Hubba Hubba. Does anyone know if that's happened yet?

We use an MSR carbon reflex 2 which is 900gm with a couple of extra pegs. Comfortable for 2 but we don't get much sleep if it's windy between the rustle, flap and being tapped on the head. It did keep springing back up though when a couple of other tents were completely flat in the morning.

What about the tarpstar tent option? Planning ahead for a cycle tour in 2024 with my two boys. Thinking a bit of extra space might be useful in at least one tent and I theory it sleeps 2. Which probably means 1+ a bit of extra gear.

Tarpstar needs a trekking pole or additional pole purchase, you might be better looking at the aeronaught.

Soloist arrived today. Have to say it is ridiculously easy to pitch. All erect (fnar) in under five mins and I didn't even bother with the instructions

can sit up on it fine, but a anyone over 5'10" def needs the XL version

I can sit up ok in my XL soloist and I’m 6 foot 4

The bit that works less well is the low door. My lower back hits the top of the door going in or out. Not great in the wet

But it’s well made for the price and I’ve stayed dry in 2 down pours. So I don’t regret buying it

Tempted by the Elan. Should I be? Gets very good reviews.

I'm a touch over 6' and my standard Soloist is fine for me. Only gripe is the low front door. Sleep with your head away from the door as is gives more height at the foot end.

Elan is great too.

I am very drawn to the Aeronaut for bikepacking due to its airbeam design. A friend had one for a bit and really struggled with condensation and dripping though. He found it really hard to get properly taut. Pitched in two different places with the same result. Could have been unlucky with conditions etc, but I was with him for one of those and he definitely hadn't done anything daft. Shame though - air tubes are great for small pack size!