ALPKIT SOLOIST Review

[@grigorbrowning]

Hugely detailed and informative review. Many thanks! Content like this provides so much useful info before making a purchase. Invaluable service.

[@Mads76]

Cheers pal, thanks for the comments. It's a brilliant tent at an awesome price, with only a small downside which is no bother as long as you know about it. =) MADS

[@williammay6879]

Sounds like a decent option for summer season. Thanks for the review

[@Mads76]

Def 3 season tent, but, perfect for Summer! Thanks for watching dude. Stay Rad. MADS

[@cyrilhaessig27]

Great review. Interestingly Alpkit have an XL version of this tent which is 220cm inside. The width remain the same though and I believe the footprint is now an extra. Still, pretty good price point.

[@Mads76]

Ooh, not aware of a bigger version will check ee out. That will be perfect for my mate who's bloody tall and long. Great tent all the way just a few niggles but still loves it. Stay Rad! MADS

[@dominicbowyer6265]

Hi Mads, I'm really considering this tent for a wild camping session in a few weeks. I'm 6ft3. Do you mind me asking how tall you are and whether the standard size would sufficient. I've got an Oex Phoxx 1 and it's just on the snug size. Thanks in advance.

[@DJunclepaul2nd]

Im buying the ordos 2 in green the moment stock lands... But, when i went to see it in store last month i picked one off the shelf and the poles had been mis manufacutered. From reviews it seems quality can be at fault sometimes with their products. Still, the shop were very helpful and friendly. And i want to support a british company.

[@jamesoutandaboutn.i227]

Nice review. Been looking at this tent for long distance walks. IV been using the zephros 1 for my light tent but I do like the look of this for it's money.

[@ccwweeman3385]

Love mine and yes there IS room for a backpack inside with you ,thanks for great review mate 👍🏻enjoy 🔥👌.....colin.

[@michaelbowers4191]

Nice review. i've had for a year now and used to wild camp with a 50 litre bag, car camp (luxury :)) and bike pack, the short poles are great! (be carefull lifting and moving before pegging down as i damaged one of the small aluminium poles doing that although a little duck tape sorted that for the short term. I am 5'7 and can sit up in there with some headroom. I love the lightness and packability although would probably get a 2-man next time, just my preference.

[@GuilhermeCorteReal]

I liked the vibe of the video and the music. Also informative to what I needed to know! Wish you could have recommended other tents tho

[@Mads76]

Cheers dude, and good comment. I upgraded to the MSR Hubba NX 1. Hopefully I'll be getting out soon and will aim to get a review up of that. Stay Rad. MADS

[@themuddycyclist]

Interesting review, thinking of dipping my toe into bikepacking and this tent seems to fit the bill. Thanks 🙏

[@Mads76]

Hey dude! Thanks for watching. It's a great tent and perfect for bikepacking. I watched quite a few vids on this tent and was bikepackers choice in quite a few. I've since upgraded to the MSR Hubba NX1 which in packed size is a pinch bigger, but, it gives an easier entry/exit with vestibule. However, I still REALLY rate this tent. Love Alpkit gear and I'll still go back to use it. Make that jump to bikepacking bro, you'll love it. Why not get a friend on board and experience it together. All the best MADS out.

[@themuddycyclist]

@@Mads76 I'll put it on my wish' list. As for getting a friend involved, strangely my cycling buddies are dragging their feet a bit!

[@timporter8886]

Enjoyed this informative review. I was thinking of this tent; but also the Big Agnes copper spur and the terra nova Starlight 1. I think this was a good warts and all look at this tent. You highlighted some interesting points in reference to this tent, that have certainly been food for thought. You have certainly helped me with the process of making up my mind, and I thank you for that. Take care buddy 😊

[@oliverhallsworth-baines3948]

What did you end up buying?

[@timporter8886]

As this gentleman said at the beginning of this post, you cant hav enuf tents..haha! I tried the Lanshan 1 pro initially, but single walled tents in the British climate, equal condensation. Liked the Starlight 1, and had my heart set on that for a while. The big Agnes seemed so fragile, the colours too light (no gud 4stealth camping) and let in too much light. I'd heard that Terra Nova was thinking of stopping production of the Starlight, which put me off a little. Messaged Paul Messner about the Starlight (as he had one), asking for advice, and his thoughts. He was zero help, and not as friendly as his posts wud hav you believe! More research, (including this post), then had txt conversations with Bushman &Blue, re: Starlight. He was really helpful &a descent bloke, as in his posts. Also messaged Josh from, Keep smiling adventures, another descent bloke; he used the Soloist for ages (though has changed it now, after damaging it). Then conversed with Juliet Elliot, who had both the Starlight &the Soloist. She was so helpful &friendly, exactly as she is in her posts. She recommended the Soloist, and genuinely liked and used it over the Starlight (which she said was too fragile). She uses the Soloist in lots of her adventures. Got in touch with Alpkit, who at the time were out of stock (last summer), so I bought a helm1 compact, which is great, but a tad heavy. Alpkit messaged back when had some stock in &offered me one for £99. Hmmm...what cud I say!? So I am the proud owner of a Soloist. Which seems a great little tent. Not perfect, but for under a hundred quid, and 1.2kg, it's brilliant.😊 What tent(s) do you have Oliver?

[@oliverhallsworth-baines3948]

@@timporter8886 I am currently tentless! But, I ordered the Ordos 2 yesterday and it should be arriving soon. Few hundred grams heavier than the Soloist and more expensive but I felt that more space would be better as I'm going to use it for trekking as well. I feel if I was doing an ultra race I'd get a bivvy. Fingers crossed everything is going to go well!

[@killywoo1]

Good review lots of info to make an informed choice, cheers👍🏼

[@AndyBandtheWorld]

Awesome review video bro! Good to see you reppin' BBs too :) P.s. We're well overdue a catchup!

[@Mads76]

That we are

[@tobywan12]

6:22 was waiting for him to get stung by the nettles :)

[@Mads76]

Hahaha. Lucky escape. (Although I did check)

[@tobywan12]

@@Mads76 Close one huh? Looks like a good tent. I was looking fo something lighter weight for bike packing but its the height that's putting me off this one...

[@get_outdoors]

Very informative, thank you

[@Mads76]

Thanks buddy =)

[@outdoorsurvival7730]

Great review

[@Mads76]

Thanks buddy

[@Captain-mp4ne]

Hi,thanks for the review,I have just bought the soloist for bikepacking, I really like the dry bag option you suggested,it makes it pack tiny. Can you please tell me the size of the Exped dry bag you use in the film,they are supposed to be colour sized but that doesn’t always seem the case when googling them🤔👍.

[@vvs3796]

i have helm 1 compact. thinking about ordos 2 or vango helium 2 as lighter options..

[@stevepotter3326]

Hi Thanks for the video I'm off on a bikepacking trip with this tent I like the idea of putting the outer and inner in a smaller bag What size exped bag did you use? Many thanks- really good video to help me pitch the tent!

[@geraintjones75]

Am I right in looking at the set up, there's 10 pegs, but 11 needed for the pitch, as per your vid @ 5.02 mins.. as there is clearly another peg for the back of the tent point?

[@littlenicky31]

I know what i want from a tent but maybe my list is unrealistic as i have only found one that fits the bill but the price is a little high with import fees. I want a tent thats light (under 1.5kg), 2 person as i dont like feeling confined in a coffin and i like my gear inside, it doesnt have grommets and poles as im mostly alone and i hate them popping out and going round in a circle, i want an outer up first as im in scotland alot and i dont want my inner getting soaked . I want it well priced and finally an inoffensive colour as you could see my last tent from space (not good for wilding it). It seems the dan durston xmid 2p is the only one thats even close to what im hoping to get. But the 3f ul pisa which is nicknamed the lanshan 1.5 with an inner and outer looks intriguing but you cant get it anywhere in the black.

[@Mads76]

Argh, choosing tents is a mare (but also fun). I loved this Alpkit tent but just didn't quite hit the mark. You def couldn't see it from space haha, but, storing your gear inside with you was toight. I'll have to check out the tent you mention as always looking for something new and different. Totally get your shopping list of wants and needs. Think we all want the same. Good luck hunting one down! MADS

[@littlenicky31]

@@Mads76 oh yes definately fun i dont want to come off all first world problems , but us hikers do get passionate about our gear. I love tweaking my kit list to get good weight/quality/essential ratio. check out the xmid 2p its on amazon being shipped to uk by drop it seems a winner if not a teeny bit spicey on the price.

[@cyrilhaessig27]

@@littlenicky31 Got my eyes on the Xmid. Been out of stock for a while on Drop though.

[@trytheoutdoors]

Great review but it persuaded me its not the tent for me tho. I am looking for a BUDGET super lightweight one / two man 4 season tent. I also want some space I can my kit in. Any ideas???

[@Mads76]

Hey dude, yeah not best for 4 season usage, and if you're wanting a bit more space. Budget-wise I always hear really good things around the Naturehike tents. Suggest you research them and see what the masses says. Alternatively, Alpkit do other tents that may suit, but, will come with more weight and price. I bought my 3 season MSR Hubba NX 1 after a lot of research. I'm hoping it will do me for this forthcoming season... we'll see. Good luck on your hunt (it's always fun), and thanks for watching. MADS

[@adrianjames2130]

Great review. One question mate. I’m a solid 6 ft bloke. Is their room for the backpack inside the tent ? Cheers

[@Mads76]

In short yes, but beware you'll need to work with it when moving about. So be prepared to move it to suit your comfort. I tend to leave at foot end. And then would push to one side of legs when sleeping (I'm 5f11). At the end of the day it's kinda what we get with lightweight tents I guess haha. It's a great tent and I've enjoyed using it loads! Good luck dude

[@flintyoutdoors2201]

Hi I’m 6ft and have plenty of room with pack in tent

[@andrewlockhart4781]

What size dry bag is that? It fits quite nicely.

[@Mads76]

Hey dude, it's an Exped Drybag size XS

[@benduckels1559]

Hi Mads. Great review. Iv just ordered one. What size dry bag have you used for the outer and inner. Cheers👍👍

[@Mads76]

Hey Ben, thanks for watching. That dry bag is the Exped XS dry bag. It's a comfortable fit and massively reduces it's size. Stay Rad! MADS

[@benduckels1559]

Cheers dude. Stay safe too

[@hpaine8112]

Thanks for the information. What size is the dry bag you’re using?

[@Mads76]

Hey dude, it's an Exped dry bag XS! It's a snug fit but worth it. Stay Rad. MADS

[@hpaine8112]

Thanks for the prompt response. Keep up the great content.

[@bimazivanovic4784]

How is condensation in this tent?

[@jamesbush5558]

What size stuff sack is that?

[@Mads76]

Hey dude, I think it's in the thread somewhere in comments - Exped XS dry bag

[@Stampistuta]

I would class this as a fair weather tent. If you’re expecting heavy rain or medium wind you shouldn’t be taking this tent.

[@agnieszkagabriela4182]

What tent would you recommend for heavy rain or wind weather?

[@Stampistuta]

@@agnieszkagabriela4182 That really depends what on your budget. I use The Soloist for fair weather and I have a Hilleberg Soulo for bad weather but that’s overkill for most peoples needs.

[@get_outdoors]

Hi, is it possible to retract the inner in foul weather to allow cooking inside?

[@Mads76]

I reckon you probably could, but, will be fiddly owing to how the grommets of the poles work. And also the way the inner clips on. I would imagine you may need to exit first to do this, which defeats doing it in the wet! Next dry day, I may try this to see if its possible!

[@matthewfrostmedia3286]

Great review, best I've seen for the Soloist. I'm assuming you've had this tent for a while, as I've been trying to get one but Alpkit don't have stock as yet. Been looking for the ideal 1man tent for my bike packing I have the OEX Phoxx V1.2 but it is like a coffin !! Wet weather I dont think awake I could spend more than 10mins in it, as all you can do is lie down in it. I have a Naturehike Cloud-Up3 which has much more space, but is also nearly 3kg. I will be getting the soloist as soon as there is more stock and will test it out, but for a 2-3 day bike packing trip I think it will be ideal. Thanks again for the great review

[@Mads76]

@@matthewfrostmedia3286 yeah buddy, had since start of the year. It's ideal for bike packing. I've still gotta try and see if I can retract the inner like Tony asked! Take care dude. MADS76

[@Crimdog]

Do you know the length of the poles packed? Trying to figure out if it'll fit in my bag. Thanks!

[@Mads76]

I'll check them tomorrow when home buddy and will let you know! 😉

[@Mads76]

Had a quick 2 mins to check before leaving and measured them for you. Approx 39cm. But comfortable 40cm for a bit of wiggle room. Took a photo if required

[@Crimdog]

@@Mads76 Thanks a ton! I was trying to figure out if they'd fit in my side bags on a motorcycle. Looks like it will. Really appreciate it!

[@Mads76]

@@Crimdog happy adventuring! Stay Rad. MADS

[@outdooradventure4590]

I’ve got the same tent and love it, the way I get round the exposed entrance is by using my walking poles and propping the door open and making an awning type of thing 👍🤙 Also what size dry sack are you using to stuff the tent in mate? 👍🤙

[@Mads76]

Hey dude, good lil work around using your poles. Love this tent, but have since moved on to MSR Hubba NX 1. That drybag is an Exped Drybag size XS. Happy adventures. Stay Rad. MADS

[@outdooradventure4590]

@@Mads76 nice one mads 🤙 think I will get a dry bag and give it a go, I’m looking for a 4 season tent, think I will have a look at the MSR, I’m following you on Instagram, there’s a couple of pics on there with the door propped out 👍🤙

[@Lestat1795]

Light and cheap 👍 But tight like a coffin and no room for a backpack?! Pretty useless for backpacking or bikepacking. You need a bit of room to place your bags at night!