Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent has gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts due to its ultralight design and numerous awards since its introduction.
Combining a compact form with an easy-to-pitch structure, this tent is perfect for solo hikers looking for a reliable shelter with plenty of space for themselves and their gear.
Over the years, the Lunar Solo has undergone various design revisions and material changes, but the key characteristics that make it a go-to option for many adventurers have remained consistent.
- Full Vestibule provides protection while still maintaining good ventilation when closed. Fully open, the vestibule maximizes ventilation and view.
- High Vent removes excess moisture build up. Zipper Vestibule Closure makes opening and closing the vestibule a snap.
- Easy Tensioning Adjustment makes keeping the tent taut a trivial task that can be accomplished while still in your sleeping bag. Re-tension straps have been added to all tie out points.
- Floating Canopy allows the canopy to be set to different heights. Floating Floor reduces floor stress and helps to minimize punctures from sharp objects.
- Optimized Sleeping Area is oriented to maximize usable space, ventilation, and view. A peak height of 48 inches gives you plenty of headroom.
This one-person, single-wall, three-season tent is supported by a trekking pole, weighing in at 26 oz (737 g), and is considered an entry-level shelter for those interested in trying out a lightweight and non-traditional option.
Different user experiences, such as bikepacking and backpacking, have shown that the Lunar Solo excels in storm protection, interior space, and durability.
Offering a peak height of 48 inches, the tent is designed for comfortable living with dimensions of 90 by 48 inches, providing ample room for a single person to move around and store their gear inside.
In this article, we will explore more in-depth the features and performance of the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent, drawing from various user experiences, expert reviews, and the evolution of the tent over the years.
With a clear understanding of what makes this tent an ideal choice for solo expeditions, readers will be able to make an informed decision for their next outdoor adventure.
Key Features of Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Tent
Design and Setup
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is an ultralight, single-wall tent designed for solo backpackers and thru-hikers. It features a pyramid shape, making it a non-freestanding tent that requires only one trekking pole for setup.
This unique design provides ample headroom, with a peak height of 48 inches. Moreover, the floating floor and vestibule area accommodate both the sleeping area and gear storage, ensuring convenience for the user.
Materials and Durability
The Lunar Solo is constructed with high-quality materials, such as the 26 ounces silicone-coated silpoly fabric for its outer shell.
This robust material ensures excellent weather resistance and durability. Furthermore, the tent features a tough and raised bathtub-style floor, which protects against ground moisture and adds to the overall durability of the tent.
Livability and Comfort
When it comes to interior space, the Lunar Solo offers a generous living area, measuring 90 x 48 inches. This spacious design comfortably accommodates a single hiker alongside their gear.
Additionally, the tent offers a vestibule area for further storage and organization. With its ample headroom and roomy interior, this single-wall tent ensures a comfortable and livable experience for backpackers.
- Full Vestibule provides protection while still maintaining good ventilation when closed. Fully open, the vestibule maximizes ventilation and view.
- High Vent removes excess moisture build up. Zipper Vestibule Closure makes opening and closing the vestibule a snap.
- Easy Tensioning Adjustment makes keeping the tent taut a trivial task that can be accomplished while still in your sleeping bag. Re-tension straps have been added to all tie out points.
- Floating Canopy allows the canopy to be set to different heights. Floating Floor reduces floor stress and helps to minimize punctures from sharp objects.
- Optimized Sleeping Area is oriented to maximize usable space, ventilation, and view. A peak height of 48 inches gives you plenty of headroom.
Ventilation and Condensation Management
The Lunar Solo’s design pays special attention to airflow and ventilation. The mesh walls promote good ventilation, reducing the chances of condensation build-up.
Furthermore, the single-wall construction allows the tent to breathe better than many other single-wall tents.
With these features, the Lunar Solo demonstrates effective condensation management while providing a comfortable and dry environment for its users.
Comparison with Competitors
Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Duo is a two-person tent that offers a similar design and features as the Lunar Solo. It has a single-wall construction, but provides more interior space compared to the Solo. The Lunar Duo weighs around 41 oz, making it heavier than the Solo but still relatively lightweight for a two-person shelter.
The setup of the Lunar Duo is also trekking pole-supported like the Solo, requiring two poles for proper pitching.
One notable difference is the two large vestibules on either side of the Duo, which provide additional gear storage and room to enter and exit the shelter. In terms of price, the Lunar Duo is similar to the Solo, with both being considered affordable and appealing to backpackers on a budget.
Gossamer Gear The One
The Gossamer Gear The One is a one-person, ultralight tent that acts as a competitor to the Lunar Solo. With a weight of approximately 17.3 oz, it is significantly lighter than the Lunar Solo.
This is primarily due to the use of lighter fabric materials and a minimalist design. The One also utilizes a single trekking pole for support, making it easy and fast to pitch.
The One’s interior dimensions are similar to the Lunar Solo, but with slightly less living space and vestibule area. However, it still offers a comfortable shelter for a single hiker and their gear. The most notable difference lies in the price, as The One carries a higher price tag compared to the Lunar Solo. This makes the Lunar Solo a more budget-friendly option for backpackers seeking an ultralight shelter.
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo stands as a competitive option for solo backpackers due to its affordability, living space, and relative ease of setup.
While the Lunar Duo offers more space for two-person adventures and Gossamer Gear The One provides a lighter option, the Lunar Solo strikes a balance of price, weight, and performance for those seeking a reliable single-person shelter.
Performance in Various Conditions
Rainy Weather
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo performs well in rainy conditions, thanks to its durable design and well-placed seams. The single-walled tent is made of silnylon, which offers excellent protection from rain. The tarp section of the tent provides good coverage, and its design allows water to run off easily.
To ensure stability during wet conditions, it’s essential to use strong stakes and properly tension the guylines. However, like many single-wall tents, some users might experience internal condensation under prolonged or heavy rain, which can be managed by ventilating the tent properly.
High Wind
The Lunar Solo is designed to handle high winds quite effectively. The pyramid shape of the tent makes it wind-worthy and allows it to shed wind efficiently.
The tent’s hexagon-shaped floor is designed for increased stability, while the loosely connected mesh walls help reduce the wind profile. Properly positioning the tent with the trekking pole and guylines will also contribute to better performance in high winds.
Despite being made of silnylon, the Lunar Solo can withstand high wind forces like many Dyneema tents. However, it’s crucial to take into account wind direction during setup and use the right stakes for optimal stability.
- Full Vestibule provides protection while still maintaining good ventilation when closed. Fully open, the vestibule maximizes ventilation and view. High Vent removes excess moisture build up. Zipper Vestibule Closure makes opening and closing the vestibule a snap.
- Easy Tensioning Adjustment makes keeping the tent taut a trivial task that can be accomplished while still in your sleeping bag. Re-tension straps have been added to all tie out points.
- Floating Canopy allows the canopy to be set to different heights. Floating Floor reduces floor stress and helps to minimize punctures from sharp objects.
- Optimized Sleeping Area is oriented to maximize usable space, ventilation, and view. A peak height of 48 inches gives you plenty of headroom.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty – Six Moon Designs products are warranted to the original purchaser against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product.
Cold Weather
While the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is not specifically designed for cold weather, it can provide reasonable performance during chilly conditions on a thru-hike or in moderate cold temperatures. The tent’s silnylon material can help retain some warmth, and the enclosed design offers protection from cold drafts.
However, it is not as insulated as some other tents built for colder climates. For colder conditions, it’s essential to have a suitable sleeping system, such as a high-quality sleeping pad and sleeping bag.
Additionally, the tent’s design is spacious enough to accommodate hikers and their gear, making it suitable for those who might bring a dog or extra equipment on the Appalachian Trail or other long-distance hikes.
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Ease of Use and Adaptability
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is a versatile and user-friendly ultralight backpacking tent, ideal for various backpacking trips and weather conditions.
With several key features contributing to its ease of use and adaptability, it has become a popular choice among backpackers.
Setup and Takedown
Setting up the Lunar Solo is fairly straightforward, requiring only a single trekking pole to erect the shelter. The tent is not freestanding, so proper staking and guylines are essential for stability in bad weather.
Nevertheless, once the basic principles are mastered, the process should be quick and easy for most backpackers.
Seam sealing is recommended for optimal performance in wet conditions, but once the seam sealed, it becomes a sturdy shelter capable of withstanding harsh weather. Takedown is similarly effortless, making this tent a particularly convenient option for camp.
Storage Space and Options
The Lunar Solo offers ample storage space for gear, particularly in its vestibule area. The side door leads to a front vestibule, which can accommodate a backpack, shoes, and even provide a sheltered area for cooking during rainy weather.
With a hexagon-shaped floor, floor dimensions of 25.3 square feet, and a peak height of 48 inches, there is sufficient room inside the tent for a comfortable night’s sleep and gear storage.
Modifications
This tent is designed with various modifications in mind to accommodate different needs and preferences. For example, hikers can choose between a standard hiking pole or a specialized carbon pole provided by Six Moon Designs, with a weight difference of 740 g.
Additionally, there are multiple stake and guy-out points that allow users to adjust the tent’s sidewalls, vestibule space, and interior room according to their preferences. The Lunar Solo is available in two colors: dark green and gray. These options make it a suitable choice for a wide range of backpackers and three-season use.
By catering to the needs of backpackers, the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo demonstrates a valuable combination of ease of use, storage space, and adaptability.
Its straightforward setup and takedown process, ample gear storage, and customizable features make it an attractive option for those seeking a lightweight, single-wall tent for their hiking and camping adventures.
Other Considerations
Budget and Quality
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is an ultralight backpacking tent that has received positive reviews for its quality and affordability.
With a weight of 26 ounces and an MSRP of $230, it is considered an entry-level shelter for budget-conscious backpackers who want to try a lightweight, non-traditional shelter option.
The Lunar Solo offers durability and a seam-sealed construction that can withstand various weather conditions.
Use for Bikepacking and Hiking
As a versatile tent, the Lunar Solo is suitable for both bikepacking and hiking adventures. It has received compliments for its bikepacking capabilities and has been tested on thousands of backpacking and bikepacking miles.
The tent’s size and weight make it ideal for fitting into panniers, while its easy-to-pitch design adds convenience for those undertaking a multi-day excursion.
Available Colors and Aesthetics
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo has a simple and minimalist aesthetic, making it a desirable option for those who prioritize function over flashy designs.
Although not much information is available on the variety of colors offered, the tent’s purpose-driven design focuses on providing users with excellent usable interior space, making it a functional and practical choice for hikers and bikepackers alike.
- Full Vestibule provides protection while still maintaining good ventilation when closed. Fully open, the vestibule maximizes ventilation and view.
- High Vent removes excess moisture build up. Zipper Vestibule Closure makes opening and closing the vestibule a snap.
- Easy Tensioning Adjustment makes keeping the tent taut a trivial task that can be accomplished while still in your sleeping bag. Re-tension straps have been added to all tie out points.
- Floating Canopy allows the canopy to be set to different heights. Floating Floor reduces floor stress and helps to minimize punctures from sharp objects.
- Optimized Sleeping Area is oriented to maximize usable space, ventilation, and view. A peak height of 48 inches gives you plenty of headroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How durable is it?
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is made with high-quality materials, designed to endure various weather conditions. Its canopy is crafted from 20D silpoly, while the floor is made from 40D silpoly, providing resistance against wear and tear. The 20D UL noseeum netting ensures excellent protection from insects and enhances its overall durability.
What’s the weight?
Weighing in at 26 oz (737g), the Lunar Solo is an ideal choice for those looking for a lightweight and portable tent option. This lightweight design makes it easier to carry during hikes, backpacking trips, or bikepacking adventures.
How is ventilation?
The Lunar Solo tent features a large vent on the top, providing excellent ventilation and promoting air circulation inside the tent. This helps keep condensation at bay, especially in humid or damp environments. The use of noseeum netting also promotes airflow while keeping insects and bugs out of your shelter.
Seam sealing needed?
Seam sealing is necessary for the Lunar Solo tent to ensure its water resistance. Six Moon Designs does not factory seam seal their tents, which means it’s the responsibility of the user to apply the seam sealant. This process is fairly straightforward and can be completed with a silicone waterproof seam sealant of your choice.
Is it spacious?
The Lunar Solo offers a generous amount of living space, with 48″ of peak height, and an inner tent dimension of 90″ x 48″. This makes it comfortable and spacious enough for a single hiker and their gear. The canopy dimensions are 105″ x 79″, providing ample room for a cozy shelter.
What’s the setup like?
The Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo is easy to pitch, requiring only a single trekking pole or an optional tent pole for support. Once you have staked out the corners and erected the pole at the peak, the process is simple and quick. With a little practice, the Lunar Solo can be set up in just a few minutes, making it a convenient option for those on the go.
- Full Vestibule provides protection while still maintaining good ventilation when closed. Fully open, the vestibule maximizes ventilation and view. High Vent removes excess moisture build up. Zipper Vestibule Closure makes opening and closing the vestibule a snap.
- Easy Tensioning Adjustment makes keeping the tent taut a trivial task that can be accomplished while still in your sleeping bag. Re-tension straps have been added to all tie out points.
- Floating Canopy allows the canopy to be set to different heights. Floating Floor reduces floor stress and helps to minimize punctures from sharp objects.
- Optimized Sleeping Area is oriented to maximize usable space, ventilation, and view. A peak height of 48 inches gives you plenty of headroom.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty – Six Moon Designs products are warranted to the original purchaser against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the lifetime of the product.
