Solo Tent at Duck Lake

Finding the perfect summer shelter has been a hassle over the years. Weight is a big issue. I don’t want something that weighs a ton. Keeping the shelter weight down is critical to keeping my pack weight down as well. With a low pack weight I can go faster, hike longer and overall enjoy the experience more. I also need the shelter to provide protection from the weather and bugs. Once my needs are met my wish list creeps in. I want to be able to stargaze at night if conditions allow and also not roast in my shelter if I stop early for an afternoon. With these wants and needs in mind I searched and came to the LightHeart Gear Solo Shelter.

Ridge Pole

The LightHeart Gear Solo Shelter is an ultralight, single person, diamond shaped shelter. The LightHeart Gear Solo utilizes two trekking poles (or separately purchased tent poles available through LightHeart Gear), a short ridge pole, and 2-10 stakes to erect. The ridgepole connects to the interior roof of the shelter and is just a PVC pipe with an open elbow connection at each end. Each end of the ridgepole accepts the tip from a trekking poles while the handle ends of the trekking poles angle out and form the middle corners on the shelter. The top and bottom corners on the shelter are formed with stakes. This configuration provides lots of space in the middle of the tent while sacrificing some space at the top and bottom of the tent.

LightHeart Gear Solo Height	LightHeart Gear Solo Length
Mesh Pocket & Trekking Pole	LightHeart Gear Solo Width

The LightHeart Gear Solo Shelter has a rainfly for added protection in foul weather. The rainfly consists of two sil-nylon flaps, one on each side of the shelter, that extend over the mesh panels when deployed. Each side of the rainfly requires three stakes to guyout. There is a zippered entrance on one side of the fly. The entrance side of the fly can be fully deployed or partially deployed to allow for partial venting. Both sides of the rainfly can be rolled up and tied to the ridge to allow for maximum ventilation. The main body of the shelter consists of four mesh sides with strips of silnylon and a bathtub floor. One of the mesh sides on the LightHeart Gear Solo has a zippered door for entry and exit.

Rainfly Fully Deployed

Partial Venting

So far I have used the LightHeart Gear Solo Shelter in the Russian Wilderness, the Marble Mountain Wilderness, Crater Lake National Park, Lassen National Park, Lava Beds National Monument, and on the PCT in both Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Klamath National Forest. In all of these locations the LightHeart Gear performed superbly. Its combination of light weight, interior roominess, quick setup and mesh panels with a quick deploying rainfly really make backpacking and camping more enjoyable for me. I also feel that the LightHeart Gear completely meets my 3-season backpacking needs. It provides protection from rain and bugs when needed but also allows me to take in the views, stargaze and feel the air when the weather permits. The Solo Shelter’s 27 oz weight doesn’t break my back and the space inside allows for me and my gear to spend the night without feeling cramped.

Shelter in Marble Mountain Wilderness

The LightHeart Gear Solo Shelter goes up really fast. Its design allows for easy setup with or without the fly. I like that the rainfly is attached to the shelter as well. It’s impossible to forget it at home and is quick and easy to deploy if dark clouds suddenly threaten the previously serene skyline which is a common occurrence in the mountains.

Trekking Pole-Ridge Pole Connection Detail

I love the mesh on this tent. When the weather is good I keep the fly rolled up and have bug protection while maintaining views of the surrounding terrain during the daylight hours. After dark it provides great star gazing opportunities and I wake up and have no condensation in the mornings.

Lava Beds National Monument

LightHeart Gear also has a few different options on this shelter. In addition to coming in a variety of colors, they make it in Cuben Fiber if desired. LightHeart Gear also has options for the Solo in a Wedge model and an Awning model. The Wedge model has the ability to convert the fly to an awning by using either a separate pole or tying it to a tree or some other object. The Awning model removes the zipper on the fly and utilizes a pole to lift the fly. This allows users to get in without letting the rain in as well maintains view even with the fly deployed. The Awning still has a storm mode for more privacy and better protection.

PCT at Paradise Lake

The LightHeart Gear Solo Shelter is a fabulous choice for lightweight backpacking. It provides me with what I absolutely need and has some things I want as well. This innovative design is something I believe every backpacker should consider when selecting a shelter. I love this shelter so much I expect to purchase the duo in the future so I can enjoy this shelter with my wife.