Stay at home

[cbpowell]

Being banned from the UK thanks to covid, I’m going through my walking kit. I did the WHW last year and loved it, but definitely could shave off some weight. I’m looking for a shelter setup with some specific requirements: don’t let me get eaten by midges, don’t get me wet in a storm (are tarps scotland proof?), and ideally, I’d like to be able to completely remove the fly on a nice night. I’m researching bivvy/tarp combos, and am really into the MLD solomid with the mesh liner. I’m 5’7 and prefer to hike alone. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[rgf101]

Tarps are doable, but I don't use mine unless I'm sure of decent weather and no midges, which is obviously a narrow window. In the right conditions, they're fantastic.

But for adaptability, you want a lightweight tent. I have the Laser Comp 2. Bad weather, I tuck myself inside. Good weather, I sleep outside it and scamper inside if it starts to rain. Open and pin back all the doors and you're virtually sleeping outside anyway. You could leave the inner at home, but I never do.

If I was buying again, I'd probably look at the Chinese stuff that gets mentioned on here - NatureHike is one brand - and get a lightweight tent which uses hiking poles to pitch.

[WalkWithWallace]

Can't go wrong with a Solomid to be honest, I've got the Trailstar which I use in months where there's no midges.

The SMD Lunar Solo/Lanshan Pro 1/Pretent Soloist are all similar tents, but don't have a removable bugnet, but you can tie both doors back on the flysheet and have one side of the bugnet open for those non midge nights.

[Mal Grey]

Can't go wrong with a Solomid to be honest, I've got the Trailstar which I use in months where there's no midges.

The SMD Lunar Solo/Lanshan Pro 1/Pretent Soloist are all similar tents, but don't have a removable bugnet, but you can tie both doors back on the flysheet and have one side of the bugnet open for those non midge nights.

I have the Six Moon Design Lunar Solo, though I've not really had a chance to use it for long enough yet. With the porch open but the mesh closed, you do feel like you're sleeping out properly to some extent. I wrote about my initial thoughts here after a few overnights in it: https://www.wildernessisastateofmind.co.uk/six-moon-design-lunar-solo-tent

I love camping just under a tarp, but wouldn't in Scotland in summer just because of the midges. Its also nice to have a proper groundsheet.

[Giant Stoneater]

Can't go wrong with a Solomid to be honest, I've got the Trailstar which I use in months where there's no midges.

The SMD Lunar Solo/Lanshan Pro 1/Pretent Soloist are all similar tents, but don't have a removable bugnet, but you can tie both doors back on the flysheet and have one side of the bugnet open for those non midge nights.

I have the Six Moon Design Lunar Solo, though I've not really had a chance to use it for long enough yet. With the porch open but the mesh closed, you do feel like you're sleeping out properly to some extent. I wrote about my initial thoughts here after a few overnights in it: https://www.wildernessisastateofmind.co.uk/six-moon-design-lunar-solo-tent

I love camping just under a tarp, but wouldn't in Scotland in summer just because of the midges. Its also nice to have a proper groundsheet.

Midges are not the only thing to avoid,removed the inner a few times from my Hilleberg and woke up with slugs on my sleeping bag and a mouse or a vole on my face,that felt weird.

[Marty_JG]

If I had the money I'd go Z-Packs.

If I didn't have the money I'd go Lanshan.