ZPacks Hexamid Solo Plus Tent w/ Beak & Cuben Ground Sheet

[ChinMusic]

I would think that the cuben "crushes down" much smaller but maybe I'm wrong. I know that the Hexamid Solo Plus can be compressed to a ridiculously small size....

Cuban floor material is def thicker and stiffer. It def packs larger, but is a tiny bit lighter.

[GolfHiker]

I've been following Stick's great reviews/information/updates on his newly purchased ZPack Solo Plus. He's even field tested & put a new video out there today. I could not help see that there is now a good debate over the option to sew in the ground cloth vs.the mesh. Good questions about ease, weight, functionality, cost, etc. I'm close to ordering this tent, wish to do it right the first time, and wonder what the concensus is about the floor. I know Joe must have considered this, did not formally make it an option, thus I'm tempted to just go with the mesh & floating gc. What say ye? By the way, Stick's latest video brings seam sealing into question, and his suggestion is to request Joe simply "tape" the seams when making the tent. Sounds plausable. Who knew buying a new tent could be so tricky.....

[Lupe]

I opted for the sewn in heavier cuben floor. After seam sealing, including stuff sack, stakes in stuff sack, and all guylines, my Hexamid Solo Plus weights 14.9 ounces. The biggest concern to me about the floor were concerns I had read about stiffness and possibly making it harder to pack. Nonetheless, for me personally and my preferences, I wanted to go with the sewn in floor. I have found NO issues with pack-ability at all. And if anyone is going to have trouble packing something up, it would be me! I started backpacking when a nerve injury caused me to lose most of the strength in my right arm, and so a lot of normal camp chores I'm a little slow at, and stuffing things back into stuff sacks is one of those things! So when I say I have no trouble getting the tent back into the stuff sack, I really can't imagine anyone else having much trouble!

There are advantages to having a separate floor, but those advantages didn't outweigh the convenience and weight savings, and the advantages don't really apply to my style of hiking or preferences, so I'm happy with what I chose. I was really going for a big weight savings in my shelter, and that was accomplished. I love the design and speed of putting it up and taking it down and packing it. I also am not overly concerned about fragility. I backpack with a medium size dog, and just like with my Neo Air, I have found no need to be concerned with her on the floor on on my pad. I am careful with site selection as always, but otherwise and not overly paranoid about it. The thing is unreal to hold in your hand though! It's like there's nothing there!!!

Good luck making your decision...

Cheers

[STICK]

Thanks GolfHiker for the bump.

Let me add in my thoughts on the floor.

When I first ordered the tent I was unsure about it. Both about the options I could at least talk with Joe about as well as exactly how I would feel about the mesh floor with the ground sheet. Now, after a little use, and a little more thought I feel like I have made a good decision considering the options I got.

I got the 0.74 oz/sqyd cuben ground sheet, or the LITE ground sheet. I chose it over the normal 1.26 oz cuben due to lighter weight. However, despite cuben actually being a quite strong material, one thing cuben is not, is very abrasion resistant (from my readings). And being that I am using light weight cuben as a ground sheet, this gave me some reason for concern. How it does in the long run I am not sure. Only use will tell, and so far I have only 4 nights in the tent. But I can happily say that there is no sign of any damage or wear to the ground sheet at this point. Also, I am hoping that the mesh floor which is sewn into the tent will help to preserve and protect the cuben ground sheet. At this point though I am up in the air about whether the mesh floor will help to protect it or will it actually create more friction and abrasion? At least this is some very fine/soft 0.7 oz/sqyd mesh so, I am hoping it will not affect the cuben ground sheet in a negative way...Again, only use will tell.

However, what I do like about all of this is that if the cuben ground sheet does not last long, or if it begins to wear through I can simply use another ground sheet. I thought that I would have been happier with the ground sheet sewn in for 2 reasons.

1. I thought it would make the floor more stationary rather than floating, however, after some thought I think that either way would yield the same results.
2. It would cut weight. However, thanks to Lupe's post it looks like mine only weighs 0.1 oz more. Everything in mine, seam sealed with guylines and stuff sacks weigh in at 15 oz on the money.

Also, like I said, if the cuben floor does not hold up as I hope it does, removing it will not require any effort since it is not sewn into the tent. I simply unclip it, grab another ground sheet and clip it in. I will say though that if this ground sheet does not hold up well I will not spend the money for another cuben ground sheet. It is too pricey and there are lighter options that would possibly hold up just as well. I also have a Gossamer Gear Polycro ground sheet that I can use in the tent if the cuben ground sheet were to fail. I have not cut it and weighed it, but from reading others reviews of this stuff I am looking at less than 2 oz for possibly a larger size ground sheet. And these cost less than $10.

Another reason I am happy that I did not go with a sewn in floor is because I feel like rain will easily come onto the ground sheet if sewn in. If you watch the video that I posted today you will see in the video how the water that drips off the edges of the tent will soak into the mesh and then run down. However, this will depend on how the ground sheet is sewn in too. If the ground sheet is sewn directly to the tent then this would not be a problem. But, if there is a mesh wall sewn in between the ground sheet and the tent then this could be an issue. So, if I were to sew the ground sheet in I would not want the mesh at all. On the other hand, this will highly decrease the amount of ventilation in the tent. And considering it is built of a nonbreathable material, this could also potentially be a problem. (If all that makes sense...)

As far as packing it up, this is very easy. I simply leave the floor attached inside the tent. I roll my tent rather than stuffing it. All I do is go around the tent pulling the stakes and then throwing the line on top of the tent. When all of the stakes are pulled and all of the guylines are on top of the tent I simply fold the tent in half, and then again, and then again, and then again. And by this time I simply roll it about 2 - 3 times and it is pretty as can be. It will slide into my stuff sack with lots of room to spare.

As far as seam sealing though, yes, I absolutely hate it. Last night I used the tent the first night in the rain, although it didn't rain until 6:30 this morning. After about an hour and a half I noticed 2 water droplets on the top of my sleeping bag. After some more inspection, I found a few more. So, somewhere along the back seam I must have missed a needle hole or two...I will not be applying any more seam seal to the tent. I already have 1 oz exactly in seam sealer on the tent and have no desire to add more. Also, I did not seal the seams at the corners considering their proximity to the ground sheet, and while water still does not get on my ground sheet, it does get closer than I would like. So, they will need some attention.

My plans are to buy the tape and 1 yard of the 0.34 oz/sqyd cuben from Joe and taping the seams. So, ultimately this will add more weight. If I were to order the tent again, I would go with the same configuration (mesh floor, beak and LITE ground sheet) but I would at least ask Joe if he would tape it after sewing it for me. I am not sure if he will do this, and if he did I know it would add a considerable amount of $$$ to the cost, but it would have been worth it too me. I fell that the tape would be lighter and provide less of a chance that water would leak through than seam seal. Also, it would strengthen the seams. So, now I will be ordering it and doing it myself.

Also, the reason I will have to order the tape and extra cuben is because the tape is double sided so I would have to stick one side of the tape to the extra cuben and then cut that into strips. Then it will be single sided cuben. I noticed today that Joe now has some 1" single sided tape in the store that is $2.95 for a 54" strip. This is the same tape and he has used some of the green 0.51 cuben as a backing. So, I hope to save a smidgen of weight by going with the 0.34 rather than the 0.51 cuben, as well, I want a white colored backing so it matches my tent. Plus, I will have plenty of extra so I can experiment with bonding my own cuben for some DIY dry sacks...

Anyway, I hope that this helps some. And just for kicks, here is the video:

[Lupe]

2. It would cut weight. However, thanks to Lupe's post it looks like mine only weighs 0.1 oz more. Everything in mine, seam sealed with guylines and stuff sacks weigh in at 15 oz on the money.

Just to clarify, I think you are comparing the weight of your tent (not including stakes) to the weight of my tent that does include stakes. My tent alone (seam sealed, with guy lines, and actually including 1 extra grosgrain loop, 1 heavier guy line, and 1 lineloc) weighs 12.9 ounces. My 14.9 ounce weight includes my stakes and stake stuff sack, which I think would compare with your 17.7 ounce total weight.

Thought I'd also add a comment about color choice for those contemplating their choices: I opted for the blue as I wanted something more subdued to blend in with the surroundings (but didn't want to go olive green). It has a very nice blue hue, but is still translucent enough that I could see the tree branches and stars twinkling above right through the tent. Since most of my backpacking is in Arkansas mountains where it never really gets cold enough to kill off all the creepy crawlies, this is as close to cowboy camping that I'll probably ever get!

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[ChinMusic]

Thanks for the detailed review Stick. I TOTALLY agree with you wanting this tent to have been taped by the seller. For a $500 product the end user should not have to be futzing with seam sealing......especially cuben fiber, which I understand it harder to seal. I would not got a shelter of this quality (cost) unless it where taped, but that is just me.

For out west, where it is much drier I like this setup. I like the idea of being able to use my groundsheet similar to a Packa during the day. For the AT I am liking my choice of the Lightheart Cuben Solo. The LCS is a few ounces more but already comes taped and has more options for views.

[STICK]

Lupe, good point...I missed that your weight included the stakes. Nice pictures by the way. So, what do you think about the tent overall?

ChinMusic, I found the Hexamid harder to seal but that was due to the color of the tent. With the white it was very hard for me to tell just exactly where the seam seal had landed. I took my time and went slow, but obviously there are a couple of spots that need more attention.

At this point, I would think really hard about getting any other tent that needed seam sealing on my end, and to be honest, would probably move on. Like I said, I am not sure if Joe would have done this, or how much more he would charge, but it would have been worth it for me. I am very happy with the tent. Honestly, I love it. Great design, great room and oh so light. But, I will admit I would love it more had it been bonded... oh well...this only proves that there is no "perfect" tent, but there are some that come very close...

As for the Lightheart tent, it would have better views. I can vouch for that based on the views that my Trekker provided. But, I find the Hexamid to offer some pretty nice views too, especially with the white colored canopy.

[GolfHiker]

Thanks again Stick for the outstanding review, and for addressing the most recent thougths about the floor. I think Lupe is satisfied with his choice, but I have not heard anything definitive about air flow, condensation, etc., should you elect to go without the mesh floor. As you pointed out, it does not make sense to have mesh on the side walls without a bathtub floor, and with cuben floor you won't have the bathtub, ergo, you would not want mesh on the walls, ergo again, what about ventilation. As for the seam sealing, I guess there are only two choices... seal that bad boy yourself or pay Joe to tape it. Personally, I'm always baffled about why someone would design, build a quality tent for the outdoors, then expect someone to need to apply a product to make it work properly... duh. Having said, that I have always sealed up my gear as a precaution or out of lack of faith. Again, thanks so much for all of your input on this tent!

[Singletrack]

For out west, where it is much drier I like this setup. I like the idea of being able to use my groundsheet similar to a Packa during the day. For the AT I am liking my choice of the Lightheart Cuben Solo. The LCS is a few ounces more but already comes taped and has more options for views.

Yes, the LCS has a high bathtub floor, a double walled tent, and no seam sealing. I am not sold, that the beak is low enough on the Hexamid, to prevent blowing rain, coming from thunderstorms, like we have here in Georgia. Especially in March and April, during tornado season. I have had bug netting to become saturated, and everything gets wet.

[Lupe]

I didn't understand the questions about ventilation and condensation so I went and read Stick's comments. Hopefully these pics will help clarify.



More here: http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2663841530052267607ECosyQ


There really is no difference in mesh or ventilation whether you have the ground sheet added on top of a mesh floor, or sewn in. The only difference is if the ground sheet is sewn in, you do not have a double layer floor, with mesh and cuben layers on the ground. The ground sheet still operates the exact same way though: namely you can clip it to the perimeter with the included bungie and mitten hooks and tighten for a full bathtub effect, or you can unclip it or loosen it so that it lies more flat for more room, all depending on the conditions you are facing. My tent still has the same full mesh perimeter. The mesh extends down and is sewn to the ground sheet at the BASE of the ground sheet - not the top. The only mesh I'm missing is the mesh that would have been under the ground sheet anyway, so no difference in ventilation.

Depending on the weather conditions, as a single wall tent, there CAN be condensation issues, but I don't see how the sewn in floor vs. separate floor will make a difference in that regard, or in regard to ventilation. I had condensation from time to time in my Lightheart Solo too, which is more of a double wall tent. That is in part because of the nature of weather where I hike, places where I sometimes choose to camp, as well as fact that it's me plus a warm dog in the tent. But with the Hexamid, I find it easy to mop off any internal condensation with my little shamwow towel, shake the rest off, and I'm good to go. On my sil-nylon tent, I've had to pack up a soaked, much heavier tent...which is the case after a night of rain, even if there's no condensation.

Anyway, I really love this tent. I didn't find the seam sealing such a big deal, but then I was also just really gleeful because I was physically able to do it at this time whereas a year ago I didn't have enough strength and coordination in my arm to do something like seam seal a tent!. I love the views (so does my dog), I love the space - it's so roomy, I love watching twinkling stars WHILE I'M IN THE TENT! Really it's more room and has much more head room than my LHS tent. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my LHS tent too, and if I could get it at 12.9 ounces, I would. But even in cuben it was going to weigh more, plus because of my nerve injury, I can only hike with a single trekking pole anyway, so I had to carry an extra pole for my LHS. So the Hexamid is perfect for a one-arm hiker! The only thing I like much more on my LHS is it's way easier to get in and out of because you can clip the fly by the door back and literally just sit down into the tent and stand up out of the tent. With the Hexamid you do have to stoop and kind of crawl in and out. But again, when you are looking at a 12.9 ounce shelter, that seems a pretty small penalty to pay, and one I don't mind for the other advantages (namely the room and the weight savings).

It might not be the right tent for everyone, or for all conditions or purposes. It fits for where and how I hike and how I use my gear, so I'm very pleased with it; all others' opinions may vary!

[ChinMusic]

If I were to get the ZHSP I would NOT have the cuben floor sown it. I would want the ground sheet to double as my poncho/packcover (think Packa).

[GolfHiker]

thanks Lupe. thanks Chin. this is getting interesting!

[STICK]

Lupe, I did not realize that he had sewn the ground sheet in at the bottom. I had assumed he had sewn it in from the top to keep as few seams on the bottom of the ground sheet as possible. That's what I get for assuming though huh...

I agree with everything you said too...I love the cuben over sil because it dries off so easily, at least when compared to silnylon. I also agree about the sweet views the tent offers. Despite this being a single wall shelter, it does indeed offer great views...including the twinkling (& blurry) stars... I would imagine that the blue creates a nice hue on the inside of the tent too...

Hey Chin Music, not sure if you know it or not but he does sell a Poncho/ground sheet. It is the same size as the Solo Plus ground sheet.

[ChinMusic]

Hey Chin Music, not sure if you know it or not but he does sell a Poncho/ground sheet. It is the same size as the Solo Plus ground sheet.

Yeah, I knew that. I actually thought that was what we were talking about. I see no reason to get a ground sheet that couldn't double as a packa. For a PCT thru that poncho/ground sheet would be perfect for cowboy camping. For the very few times you need a full shelter it moves right inside. It's a triple bonus that it becomes your rain gear and pack cover as well.

For the AT I still think I would want a dedicated tent, rain jacket/skirt, and pack cover. Rain is much more an issue back (that's for you Garlic) east.

[STICK]

Yeah I didn't notice the poncho/ground sheet until after I had already got mine in...otherwise I would have went with it instead. I think that that would be the only other cuben "ground sheet" I would buy... I like to use a pack liner and a pack cover, but if I had this poncho I would probably leave the pack cover behind and save 1.2 oz...

[Singletrack]

With the Curben Fiber Ground Cloth, Poncho, you will not have enough arm coverage, for a cold rain. Otherwise, it would be nice for Summer.

[ChinMusic]

With the Cuben Fiber Ground Cloth, Poncho, you will not have enough arm coverage, for a cold rain. Otherwise, it would be nice for Summer.

Like I said, I would want a dedicated rain jacket for the AT. For the PCT it would be great. I do find myself pulling up my sleeves often with my regular rain jacket while hiking. I actually prefer my arms getting wet.

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[STICK]

For me on the AT, it would depend on the conditions. Warm weather, the poncho would be all that was needed. Cold weather I would carry a rain jacket.

[Singletrack]

When I Thru Hiked, I used Frogg Toggs. Now I have a Packa, and will not leave home without it. Cold rains can occur in June. Not unusual for temps to drop down in the 40's at higher elevations, especially in the Smokies, all the way up to Mt. Rogers, Va.

[Pages]

i just got my solo tent, sleeping bag, and groundsheet from joe and am very satisfied.

i think NOT having the ground sheet sewn in is a very good option. i'm not worried about the floor netting, and this way, if i decide to stay in a shelter, i have the ground sheet already free to use as is.

the tent does take a bit of practice to get proper ventilation and a fairly tight pitch. it is roomy enough for me and my stuff. i wouldn't want to try putting someone else in there unless i absolutely had to.

the sleep bags are now green instead of blue and my 20 is so light it's hard to believe it will keep me warm enough but i have faith in joe and his expertise.

also got a couple of cuben dry bags.

i've had the multi-pouch for about 2 months now and it has become an integral part of my pack and carry.

Heading out to springer the end of march. i guess time will tell on the gear but i feel pretty confident with it.

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