We're really pleased to hear this kind of feedback and will pass it on to our product development team for future revisions! If you don't find time to get your bug net patched up, pop into one of the Alpkit stores and we'll patch it up for you. 👍
In order not to use an inner and groundsheet/ footprint perhaps make from paracord etc a "square" (to fit your tent design), with rabbit ears loops at the positions of the corners where the poles go to the ground and into which you can poke the poles. This would imitate the footprint ground sheet effect of not allowing the poles to splay out.
There is a contradiction between not wanting the height, but wanting the height at the entrance. I also prefer a taller entrance like the polestar, but I wanted a bike tent so went for this and just put up with the crawling! I think the price/weight/function ratio on this tent is its outstanding feature.
I really like the Snugpak Ionosphere for exactly the reason you mention of having a lower profile when wild camping. It's like half bivi and half tent with just enough room for a person and their bag. Plenty of ventilation in it too.
Having been kindly loaned a Terra Nova Laser Compact All Season tent for a few months (around £500 to buy) I went and bought an Alpkit Soloist for my own bike. I think as a starter/introduction to bikepacking for around £140 it’s a great tent that’s hard to beat , let’s face it any tent that gets you outside is a good one! ...I like to use the outer zip awning section as a “canopy” over my handlebars with the front wheel removed so I have an area to cook and peace of mind securing my bike at night. Only downer for me is in windy conditions the tent flaps a lot compared. Next time I want a side entry solo tent as I feel it’s better for cooking/prep long term . 👀🇨🇭👍
yeah £500 is crazy money. It's actually on sale right now for £99 which is a very good price, and i agree it's a very good option for people who need a decent quality pretty lightweight packable tent without spending crazy money. which is why i do like a lot of alpkits stuff, most of there stuff is in the good price to quality area.
If it’s just the door that really annoys, just find a couple of light poles and guys and prop the door up like a canopy. There’s a YT video showing this - might turn it into a near perfect tent for you. A low profile option would be the Nordisk Lofoten, but you’ll need to raid the piggy bank 🐷⛺️
Interesting review. I’ve got a Sil Hex Peak V4A. Not the tent for you I think due to the height, but very light, easy to pitch in rain, easy to get in and out, very versatile setup options; fly only, net only, both fly and net, pole or no pole using paracord to a tree. Can sleep two if required or put your bike in near you if required. This is not an add for the tent just an honest user opinion. Happy bikepacking all!
I'm using the Wild Country Zephyros 1 (£85 from Cotswold outdoor at the time I bought it) and also purchased the Laser Compact blue poleset (£50 from Terra Nova). As the poleset with the tent couldn't fit in the Topeak Midloader frame bag. It is 3cm lower, but I have had no issues wild camping with this tent!
I have the soloist and think its a pretty decent only used twice so far once on motorbike trip and once on Walking SW coastal path. I am going to use it for bikepacking. I would agree the door and entrance is crap lol. I would say its a more a bivvy bag
I can put my soloist up in the rain outer first without much problem It’s just a case of practice makes perfect This is a great wee tent I love it If it had a little bigger porch then great but as it is I love it Great videos too
I have a few tents for bikepacking including a Soloist. Love the Soloist but door is a bit annoying. Snugpak Ionosphere is great low profile but very roomy. For speedy all in one setup and low profile I like my bombproof Wild Country Coshee 1 - this tent is very under-rated. Never see many reviews. Better porch than Soloist. Goes up complete extremely fast and amazing in horrible weather. Poles clip to the outer so everything stays dry. Enjoy!😀
The door is my greatest issue with this tent. Other than that really happy. Purchased with the groundsheet and it certainly helps. Yes though to bug net sleeping, a real joy.
We have an old (no brand) geodesic 3-man for family bikepacking (not what it was designed for but we lug it about anyway). It also has a single front door and although it has a porch I know exactly what you mean about the frustrations of getting in and out of it. Bought a 2-man Decathlon trekking tent last year with 2 side doors and alu poles and this thing's so much better for getting in and out of.
Alpkit make some great tents at great prices. I use the Alpkit Jaran 2 which is a small two-person tent or a large one person. 2 entrances, with 2 small vestibules. Use it for bike packing.
Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on bivy bags, particularly hooped ones (Alpkit Elan for example). Might suit you if some of your priorities are a low profile making it ideal for stealth camping, light weight and if all you really do once in is lay down.
I used a lanshan solo tent on a 1500 mile trip from Kent to Scotland and halfway back. I've recently bought an alpkit elan for some overnight fun and, an alpkit aeronaut as, I too wanted to try out something mor low profile. I'll be testing out the aeronaut on a 500 mile trip around SE UK at Easter ( combining the Cantii Way, SD way, KAW and ND Way).
I'd be interested to see a review of the Alpkit Tarpstar 2. Looks to be a cracking tent for the money, although it probably doesn't fir in with your low profile requirement. Might be better looking a hooped bivvy in that regard.
that's a bit more of a hooped bivy id say, and wow that price is eye watering, stealthy as it gets through, Enjoy it. My go to for a hooped bivy is the aqua quest hooped bivy i loved that.
I've bought a nice tent from aliexpress, called Aricxi Peak 1. Very good price, good quality, reasonable weight, standalone design and quite stealthy. Can recommend this for bikepacking 👌😊👍
So basically; a great little tent! Excellent value for money, and a great pack size and lightweight; and really the only problems with this tent; are actually all caused by user error..And apart from the fact that the tent is too tall; except for when you get in and out of it; then it's not tall enough..haha! Nice one, excellent review..kind of! 😉
Not sure how tall you are but maybe try out the phoxx2 v2 by oex very low profile tent. But it is inner pitch first there is a little mod you can do to be able to put up in an outer together. Love the videos thanks for sharing
Perhaps you should check out the Sierra Designs High Side 1 3000 (green). It’s got a low profile and side entrance. Also very light and extremely small packable.
There's a lot to like about the Alpkit Soloist; however, the door design lets it down for me over the long term. If it's wet or there's a lot of condensation, then the outer door top overlaps the inner door, so any water falls straight inside the inner tent door; not ideal if you are trying to keep things dry. It has stood up to 60 mph winds and is light enough and is well priced, also, mine came with the footprint. I also use another tarp for the entrance, which helps with getting in and out.
I have this tent xl with footprint its ok im 6foot 5 so getting in / out is tight as you mentioned , but still better than wriggling about trying to slide into my hunka bivvy after long day in saddle ...
After re-watching this post; purely because I'm looking for a tent for bikepacking myself; and I keep coming back to this tent. Even despite Alpkit having zero stock..no Soloist tents available until the end of June😤!?!?! Anyway, seeing that you said you wouldn't buy this tent again..So, what will be your next tent, when this needs replacement..any thoughts!?!?
Thanks for the review! I used to have Naturehike Cloud Up which is pretty much the same tent as Alpkit, but I’m now considering Sierra Designs High Side 3000 which is not much more expensive than Alpkit, but is much more low profile, like double skin bivvy, and has side entry. I also used to own Durston X-Mid, but it was a bit cold here in Finland and required large space, although otherwise it was nice and light and could be easily packed to 4l dry bag.
lol no wonder you have issues with the door, thinking about getting this or the heavier phoxx 2 v2, not sure if this would cope with wind the way I would like it to.
So that’s a No then, on this tent? 😳. 😂😂 I use a six moon designs Luna solo. Might be worth a try. Lightweight and reasonably priced. And good in winds. Only one pole.
i wouldn't say it a no for the tent it is a great quality tent especially for the price and will be a great option for a lot of people. I really like the look of the six moons luna solo but i wouldn't really say it's reasonably priced at £239 without the pole or pegs adding them things you start getting closer to £300 i know its designed to be used with a trekking pole mainly but chuck a pole and some pegs in and it would be a bit more reasonably priced. Also im not sure id even fit in it at 6ft6 198cm. What do you reckon ?
@@KeepSmilingAdventures I got a pole from, Bearbones bikepacking. He makes them specifically for this tent. The pole folds up small so ideal for getting stored on a bike. Just use your pegs from your other tent. They you go, saved you some cash 😉😉😁
@@KeepSmilingAdventures Already done.. MSR elixer 1.. works a treat.. good colour (UK) only snag was pole length but now fit those along my top tube...I opted for a robust Tent above weight..
We're really pleased to hear this kind of feedback and will pass it on to our product development team for future revisions!
If you don't find time to get your bug net patched up, pop into one of the Alpkit stores and we'll patch it up for you. 👍
In order not to use an inner and groundsheet/ footprint perhaps make from paracord etc a "square" (to fit your tent design), with rabbit ears loops at the positions of the corners where the poles go to the ground and into which you can poke the poles. This would imitate the footprint ground sheet effect of not allowing the poles to splay out.
Why do people talk like there painting with numbers these days
There is a contradiction between not wanting the height, but wanting the height at the entrance. I also prefer a taller entrance like the polestar, but I wanted a bike tent so went for this and just put up with the crawling! I think the price/weight/function ratio on this tent is its outstanding feature.
I really like the Snugpak Ionosphere for exactly the reason you mention of having a lower profile when wild camping. It's like half bivi and half tent with just enough room for a person and their bag. Plenty of ventilation in it too.
Having been kindly loaned a Terra Nova Laser Compact All Season tent for a few months (around £500 to buy) I went and bought an Alpkit Soloist for my own bike. I think as a starter/introduction to bikepacking for around £140 it’s a great tent that’s hard to beat , let’s face it any tent that gets you outside is a good one! ...I like to use the outer zip awning section as a “canopy” over my handlebars with the front wheel removed so I have an area to cook and peace of mind securing my bike at night. Only downer for me is in windy conditions the tent flaps a lot compared. Next time I want a side entry solo tent as I feel it’s better for cooking/prep long term . 👀🇨🇭👍
yeah £500 is crazy money. It's actually on sale right now for £99 which is a very good price, and i agree it's a very good option for people who need a decent quality pretty lightweight packable tent without spending crazy money. which is why i do like a lot of alpkits stuff, most of there stuff is in the good price to quality area.
If it’s just the door that really annoys, just find a couple of light poles and guys and prop the door up like a canopy. There’s a YT video showing this - might turn it into a near perfect tent for you. A low profile option would be the Nordisk Lofoten, but you’ll need to raid the piggy bank 🐷⛺️
Interesting review. I’ve got a Sil Hex Peak V4A. Not the tent for you I think due to the height, but very light, easy to pitch in rain, easy to get in and out, very versatile setup options; fly only, net only, both fly and net, pole or no pole using paracord to a tree. Can sleep two if required or put your bike in near you if required. This is not an add for the tent just an honest user opinion. Happy bikepacking all!
I'm using the Wild Country Zephyros 1 (£85 from Cotswold outdoor at the time I bought it) and also purchased the Laser Compact blue poleset (£50 from Terra Nova). As the poleset with the tent couldn't fit in the Topeak Midloader frame bag. It is 3cm lower, but I have had no issues wild camping with this tent!
Great tip.I’ve the laser 2, but the poles are to long. I’ll have a look at buying the compact blue pole set. Cheers 👍
I have the soloist and think its a pretty decent only used twice so far once on motorbike trip and once on Walking SW coastal path. I am going to use it for bikepacking. I would agree the door and entrance is crap lol. I would say its a more a bivvy bag
I can put my soloist up in the rain outer first without much problem
It’s just a case of practice makes perfect
This is a great wee tent I love it
If it had a little bigger porch then great but as it is I love it
Great videos too
I have a few tents for bikepacking including a Soloist. Love the Soloist but door is a bit annoying. Snugpak Ionosphere is great low profile but very roomy. For speedy all in one setup and low profile I like my bombproof Wild Country Coshee 1 - this tent is very under-rated. Never see many reviews. Better porch than Soloist. Goes up complete extremely fast and amazing in horrible weather. Poles clip to the outer so everything stays dry. Enjoy!😀
Hi Ben, Im considering buying the Ionoshere for bikepacking.Is it managable to pack it into the saddle bag etc and still have room? Thanks, Simon
The door is my greatest issue with this tent. Other than that really happy. Purchased with the groundsheet and it certainly helps. Yes though to bug net sleeping, a real joy.
We have an old (no brand) geodesic 3-man for family bikepacking (not what it was designed for but we lug it about anyway). It also has a single front door and although it has a porch I know exactly what you mean about the frustrations of getting in and out of it. Bought a 2-man Decathlon trekking tent last year with 2 side doors and alu poles and this thing's so much better for getting in and out of.
i think being the front entrance is made worse because how stupidly tall i am, side entrance is a must from now on i think
Alpkit make some great tents at great prices. I use the Alpkit Jaran 2 which is a small two-person tent or a large one person. 2 entrances, with 2 small vestibules. Use it for bike packing.
Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on bivy bags, particularly hooped ones (Alpkit Elan for example). Might suit you if some of your priorities are a low profile making it ideal for stealth camping, light weight and if all you really do once in is lay down.
I used a lanshan solo tent on a 1500 mile trip from Kent to Scotland and halfway back. I've recently bought an alpkit elan for some overnight fun and, an alpkit aeronaut as, I too wanted to try out something mor low profile. I'll be testing out the aeronaut on a 500 mile trip around SE UK at Easter ( combining the Cantii Way, SD way, KAW and ND Way).
Channels growing brother! I've got this tent, love It. Another great video
Thanks Mark 💪
I'd be interested to see a review of the Alpkit Tarpstar 2.
Looks to be a cracking tent for the money, although it probably doesn't fir in with your low profile requirement.
Might be better looking a hooped bivvy in that regard.
The short pole lengths are a plus when cycle-camping. Don't really matter when using a rucksack.
Carinthia Micro Tent Plus, is a little bit heavy and tight, special for the pocket but it's one of my dreams 😁
that's a bit more of a hooped bivy id say, and wow that price is eye watering, stealthy as it gets through, Enjoy it. My go to for a hooped bivy is the aqua quest hooped bivy i loved that.
I've bought a nice tent from aliexpress, called Aricxi Peak 1. Very good price, good quality, reasonable weight, standalone design and quite stealthy. Can recommend this for bikepacking 👌😊👍
So basically; a great little tent! Excellent value for money, and a great pack size and lightweight; and really the only problems with this tent; are actually all caused by user error..And apart from the fact that the tent is too tall; except for when you get in and out of it; then it's not tall enough..haha! Nice one, excellent review..kind of! 😉
Not sure how tall you are but maybe try out the phoxx2 v2 by oex very low profile tent. But it is inner pitch first there is a little mod you can do to be able to put up in an outer together. Love the videos thanks for sharing
Perhaps you should check out the Sierra Designs High Side 1 3000 (green). It’s got a low profile and side entrance. Also very light and extremely small packable.
There's a lot to like about the Alpkit Soloist; however, the door design lets it down for me over the long term. If it's wet or there's a lot of condensation, then the outer door top overlaps the inner door, so any water falls straight inside the inner tent door; not ideal if you are trying to keep things dry. It has stood up to 60 mph winds and is light enough and is well priced, also, mine came with the footprint. I also use another tarp for the entrance, which helps with getting in and out.
Never ever had any condensation in this tent
Worst rainy night in langstrath …. No problems
I like the size, but I really dislike front entry doors... side doors for the win! Thanks!
yeep side doors are so much better
I have this tent xl with footprint its ok im 6foot 5 so getting in / out is tight as you mentioned , but still better than wriggling about trying to slide into my hunka bivvy after long day in saddle ...
Update that inner doorway, and I would love it again
After re-watching this post; purely because I'm looking for a tent for bikepacking myself; and I keep coming back to this tent.
Even despite Alpkit having zero stock..no Soloist tents available until the end of June😤!?!?!
Anyway, seeing that you said you wouldn't buy this tent again..So, what will be your next tent, when this needs replacement..any thoughts!?!?
Great review. Have you got a new tent yet? What did you go for?
Zpack Tents are light and durable.
Thanks for the review! I used to have Naturehike Cloud Up which is pretty much the same tent as Alpkit, but I’m now considering Sierra Designs High Side 3000 which is not much more expensive than Alpkit, but is much more low profile, like double skin bivvy, and has side entry. I also used to own Durston X-Mid, but it was a bit cold here in Finland and required large space, although otherwise it was nice and light and could be easily packed to 4l dry bag.
I don't like the blade design, if the wind changes direction during the night that thing will flatten.
Terra nova photon 1 or 2 - both under £400 both under 900g
The Lanshan tents get good reviews.
Outstanding review, may I ask how tall are you?
im 6ft 6 just under 2m
lol no wonder you have issues with the door, thinking about getting this or the heavier phoxx 2 v2, not sure if this would cope with wind the way I would like it to.
So that’s a No then, on this tent? 😳. 😂😂
I use a six moon designs Luna solo. Might be worth a try. Lightweight and reasonably priced. And good in winds. Only one pole.
i wouldn't say it a no for the tent it is a great quality tent especially for the price and will be a great option for a lot of people.
I really like the look of the six moons luna solo but i wouldn't really say it's reasonably priced at £239 without the pole or pegs adding them things you start getting closer to £300 i know its designed to be used with a trekking pole mainly but chuck a pole and some pegs in and it would be a bit more reasonably priced.
Also im not sure id even fit in it at 6ft6 198cm. What do you reckon ?
@@KeepSmilingAdventures I got a pole from, Bearbones bikepacking. He makes them specifically for this tent. The pole folds up small so ideal for getting stored on a bike. Just use your pegs from your other tent. They you go, saved you some cash 😉😉😁
Same as the Nature Hikie Cloud Up (1 or 2) tent thats cheaper
Aren't the Nature Hike tents a little heavier than the Soloist!?
What is the folded length of the poles?
About 40cm and 5-6cm circumference
Let mine go... just not up to what was needed... bit of a upgraded bivi..
Got anything in mind that you are going to replace it with ?
@@KeepSmilingAdventures Already done.. MSR elixer 1.. works a treat.. good colour (UK) only snag was pole length but now fit those along my top tube...I opted for a robust Tent above weight..
How much does the tent weigh? Are you ae to advise the packed dimensions?
weight is c 1200gm for the regukar size. It says that on the Alpkit website