Im leaving Aug 10th to do a 1 week of summer camp/one week of Junior Leader Training. I bought a new tent for junior leader training. I needed a light backpacking tent just for me and my pack, so I bought a Eureka Solitaire. Was this a wise choice? Any warnings about sleeping in this tent/this type of tent? Im used to the two man A-frame tents, so this will be a change. I practied setting it up and I have waterproofed the outside with spray-on waterproofer and have done the inside of the seems with the roll on kind that came with the tent. You think i'll have any problems? Maybe im being overly concerned, but I don't usually like using something without testing it for a while first. <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> So, what is your guys thoughts?

Edit: By the way im about 6ft tall if that makes a difference.

It's much more stuffed that your regular tent. Don't expect the same room of comfort. I made the same change that you did this summer and I'm still missing the roomy loft and ability to sit upright and change comfortably. Depends on the size of your pack, it may also be hard to put everything inside. I usually carry a 30 liter pack so I'm ok. I still remember the first night in that the solo tent when I rolled over and hit the wall and when I was trying to change and couldn't stretch my arms out. But the weight and size of the packed tent is definiately an advantage, it's much cozier in cold/wet weather plus you are by yourself. Getting in and out in full rain/cold weather gear is a small issue too. But I used the tent in 30 degree weather and becasue of the small space I was really warm. Hope that helps,

Matt

It's a decent tent. You might want to think about getting a pack cover or trashbag and letting you pack stay outside. Also a small tarp can provide a good rain-fly at the top of the tent to allow for more comfortable access to your gear / cooking / changing area.

OTOH for much greater weight savings a large - 8'X10' minimum silnylon tarp and a tyvek foot print and a small bugnet for the head could replace the tent with about 1/3 the weight. Only problem is that you need to set up where there are trees to tie the tarp to - or grap some dead wood to make poles. With a little practice this sort of setup is easy and versatile. If you are in warm weather you pitch flat with all sides open. If you are in cold weather pitch pyramidal and heap snow around the edges to close out the wind. Check out Ray-Jardines tarp book.

How do you fit a tent in a 30 liter pack?

Burak

I meant backpack inside the tent when you set up since the space inside solo tents is so limited. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> But to answer your question... my solo msr tent is 15-20cm (diameter) by 50-60 cm long when folded. I can fit it in my cargo pocket if I wanted to, not even mentioning my backback.

Matt