Six Moon Designs SkyScape-Trekker Full Review

[@yearofthegarden]

wow 2000 subscribers, look at you now, I remember watching you back when and really helped me dial in my DIY gear designs based on your experiences

[@nigellack2576]

Excellent review, thank you! I've purchased the slightly heavier, but more durable,, 'scout' version, where the fly is made of polysester - £170.00 here in Scotland, from 'Ultralight Outdoor Gear'. Looking forward to hearing your other stories. Keep up the good work. 🙂

[@jricks31]

2k subscribers to 140k in 10 months. Great job brother.

[@TaylorPassofaro]

And now a year later, up to 250k...

[@marktomasko7863]

For the first time ever on an AT thruhike I am taking a free-standing tent....Big Agnes's Flycreek HV UL2 and, with stakes, comes out to 33 ounces....which is an AWEsome weight for a 2-man free-stander!!! After watching this vid and seeing the comparable weight I believe I made a very good decision. The ZPacks Plexamid will stay home this year and, although I added a pound of weight, I have mostly eliminated the condensation problem that all single-walls have AND I acquire the comfort and ease and speed of set-up of a freestanding home for 5 months. Even with this tent I am still hitting the AT this coming April with a base weight of 9.54 pounds. Should be a great summer!!!

[@MIBIncomeEncourager]

Lovely job brother......Im deciding between this ...GossamerGearTheOne and funnily enough the Vango F10 bikepacking tent .....which is excellent but does not have the same head room.......so my simply message to you is.....I love your videos....I appreciate you and your work.......you are keeping it always real.....and this is important....and your doing a great job.....

[@blackoak4978]

Seeing as I'm 6'2", it's nice to see reviews by someone who's comparable in size. Though it would take a lifestyle change for me to see a $250 single person tent as a good investment...

[@txhypnotist]

As usual. You never cease to give the best reviews and or information that I've seen "Thus Far" Been watching hiker vids since 2006.

[@pilgrim7779]

This is very similar to my Lightheart Gear Solong-6. I think I'm about four ounces heavier, but I also have a little more room and a slightly larger vestibule on one side that I can cook in. I like the camping aspect of hiking the best, so I think the tent is the most important piece of gear. It's basically my home away from home.

[@SpanishOLE]

Darwin i have follow your videos, If you didnt mand, would you mind showing the metric units when you mention weights and volume. Thanks man!!! rock the PCT!!!

[@r.w.7232]

Ugh... #nomoremetric

[@r.w.7232]

@Zerodovah Nah. Go take a nap.

[@SovietLlamaMC]

@@r.w.7232 1 meter = 1,000mm , 100cm , 1/1000km.... but 1 yard = 36 inches, 3 feet, 1/1760 miles. How is that easier?

[@r.w.7232]

@@SovietLlamaMC if it's too complicated for you, then you need to go take a nap.

[@dezeman8062]

@@r.w.7232 Classic US crybaby mindset.. "I downt wanna chwange to metwic systwem." I believe you're the one who's in need of a wittwe nap.

[@rcheas4894]

I have the Scout model in polyester with a weight of 34oz and half the price. I love it.

[@SmuggiNOLA]

I got a tarptent protrail a few years back. Very light weight, packs small and I can strap the 2 poles it needs on the underside of my frame bag. After watching this video I think this tent is a better choice for a few reasons; mainly being able to enter on both sides and the ceiling appears to be a good bit higher above upper half the body which might help it feel like less of a bivy and more of a tent. Awesome review!!

[@jamesgmac2258]

Did you ever make a follow up, post use video for this tent?

[@ct026]

Watched a few of these reviews on this tent now and I think it's the one for me. Many thanks and Merry Christmas from the U.K.

[@vincevarriale3294]

I have had this tent for about 3 years. Many things I like about this tent however the mesh is so close to the tent at the head and top that you will get condensation there. I use trekking poles, so I set it up higher to get more ventilation. This helps. Also that bathtub floor really is not much. I have the older model and I wish I had two doors, not one

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Hey Vince! From what I understand, the new model with the double vestibule does breathe much better than what the original did (that you have). As far as the Bathtub, it's not as deep as some, but for the AZT it should do the trick. A little more shelter & bathtub than just using a tarp set-up. Thanks for Watching! Ride On, Darwin

[@vincevarriale3294]

Mine has the double vesty as well. If you look up you will see the mesh right on top of the outer fabric. That is what I meant. The only difference between yours and mine is the dual entrances.

[@momochangames]

As for bathtub you can always jerry rig Tyvek to become an outter bathtub/groundsheet (fold it up on the sides and use duct tape or lighter weight sturdy tape so you have a Tyvek bathtub that will go around your tents bathtub; hope I explained that properly). That's what I have done. So you get extra bathtub height and protection (like a ground tarp). Hope my little idea helps you out I know it's 7 months down the road but I just stumbled upon this video.

[@charlesswank6401]

You explained that perfectly. Very clever! Thanks for the tip! I'm liking this tent and wish I'd found it back when I was shopping for a new bikepacking tent. Oh well... Settled on something good enough for until it's done.

[@vincevarriale3294]

Here is my take on what I have. You can stake out the tent not as taunt in the front and in the back and raise the poles higher than rec omended. Since there is less tension with the body, a "bathtub" will apear. This will reduce a little space inside. You will drip water entering the tent. I have enough to cook with, but that all depends on what stove you have etc. YMMV

[@ScottWorthington]

I'm laughing 😀😀 at your 2,000 subs. A year later you're at 43k. Great videos, great Q&A sessions. I'm diggin' your channel.

[@blackoak4978]

Scott Worthington that's how KZbin channels work. If it's good content it will take a while to get going, but growth tends to be exponential

[@dethbell08]

A year later and he’s at 153k

[@maximedelaby8276]

Just to add a comment about this tent. Used it in a trip in norway at summer was really rainy. This tent is overall good but be aware for really heavy rain, some water are going through ( a little ) it and come inside, for exemple for a entire night of rain got about 30 cl under my mats. It was few years ago now, maybe they did a correction. Above that it's an awesome weight/price/size tent ratio

[@chrisdejonge611]

Did you have it seamsealed?

[@matthew5684]

now that youve owned the tent for a while and im assuming used it on at least one solid trip, what are your thoughts? it looks like if its raining and you open the door rain will just go straight into the tent.

[@dovahhiker891]

Awesome review Darwin! That's an awesome tent. I love the design to get 360 degree views. Can't wait to see it in action on the Arizona trail.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks Jeremy! Can't wait to put it to the test & bring you along on my AZT adventure! Ride On, Darwin

[@Larry3043]

Great review on a very nice UL tent. That tent is new to me and I like it. Thanks man, keep up the great channel and grats on hitting over 2K subs!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for the Support & Thanks for Watching Larry! Hike On, Darwin

[@fredlevel897]

I use trekking poles so I am all for tents make ing use of them, that's less weight to carry. I new of Zpacks tents which designs I love but very expensive, the Sixmoon Design tents are very interesting I am seriously considering it for my next trek Thanks

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Darwin, thank you for sharing this fine video. I need to replace a tent which was stolen. Right now this is my choice. You take care out there, be safe and always have fun. 🤗

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Enjoyed the review. I am kind of in the market for a new tent that is at least semi freestanding but the Six Moons have caught my attention. Currently have an MSR Flylite which I am going to sell.

[@nicolelee2205]

I really appreciate this review, as I'm thinking of buy this tent online as I'm in lockdown and I can't go look at it in person. Thanks!

[@Teddy-fx6fx]

Congrats on 2000 enjoy ur vids keep up the good work

[@livinlarge1247]

Dang Darwin: still out there?. Ended up pulling my back but getting better. Love the videos man: Miss you out there!

[@graveltraveldirt]

Nice video review. That looks like a great bikepacking tent. Sleek design and highly functional

[@wenkev02]

I see you now have experienced the tarptent Notch and the Skyscape. Can you tell me in general which one you prefer? Will you be doing a comparison between the two?

[@jeriatrix4526]

I switched to the Lunar Solo. Better ventilation due to the peak vent. Just as roomy, single pole setup, very stable in wind. Check out the chap who did a 20 day crossing of the Pyrenees mts. using the Solo. It's here on YT. A real world review for a change instead of some guy in his backyard.

[@scottiebumich]

Yes but having all the doors rolled-up gives it a much more open feeling that you can't get in the lunar solo. I think the best is the Deschutes tarp plus the serenity tent as it weighs less together

[@williammiller7759]

Sick ass tent Darwin. I am looking forward to seeing your PCT setup. My new hammock should be in next week, I will post a video of my whole setup.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks Sauce! This isn't the tent I'll be rocking on the PCT next year, but it will do great for the AZT. When I return from the AZT in mid November, it will be balls to the wall with PCT Prep Vids! Got a new video coming up in the next 2 weeks of my full gear set-up for the AZT, so make sure you check that out to brother-man! Hike On, Darwin

[@Bikepacking]

i like it .. i have tarp tent which is great ...same weight but your tent cheaper,. i would buy the cuben design but out of stock

[@aorakis5795]

Hi there, strongly looking for this kind of small and light tent. (also looking on the nemo hornet 1 and the DD hammocks tarptent

[@livinlarge1247]

Darwin I feel like I got a message on some adventures but it got burried on here: what have you been working on? I have been setting up alot of bikepack stuff, building another bike maybe Ride the Divide style but who knows where it goes. Yes I would like to get over to Europe if that is where you went. Been looking at Austria area. Found an old painting of the mountains & want to find where it was painted...lol...burried treasure & a pot of gold...always a search. The journey friend. The journey.

[@ChuckNoctis]

Is the Trekker the best tent if you compare it to the Lunar solo? It's double walled, it opens on both sides, more options for ventilation. I can't really see why I shouldn't get the Trekker instead of the Lunar solo. What is your thoughts on it?

[@ethanlanglot9006]

2,000 to 242,000 in 3 years. Thats impressive good work.

[@scribblybear]

Plenty of head room for sitting up is a great thing for when you get rained out for a day or a few hours

[@astrogypsy]

That banjo break during tent setup makes me wonder what that fiddle tat is all about. Play us a tune D.

[@jaligoeshiking]

I have Skyscape trekker but it only has one door while in your video I notice it has two, does the newer version has two doors? (zippers on each side the inner mesh)

[@paulbancroft2812]

I know this is a real old video but can you talk to me about why you moved on from this tent?

[@jedsmith4988]

Would like to know as well. I own the original version. Used 10+ years. Lot of nights in WY in September. Held through some big storms and some hail and snow. Sag in the single wall is a pain if you can't guy it out. Looking into an X-Mid 1 or Tarpent Dipole 1. Full DW. About same weight. But, the Trekker has great internal volume. Especially at center. The others are narrow.

[@chaotictastes]

If I'm too cheap to buy the tent poles or the walking sticks, is it possible to just cut up two sticks at the campsite and just use them instead?

[@spud156]

If you can find two relatively straight sticks of at least 45", yeah, you could do that. Or you could make your own out of a couple old fishing rods, or arrows with a couple ferrules ... Six Moon has a polyester version of this tent called the scout that is about 10 oz heavier for quite a bit less money too.

[@seahpo6737]

chaotictastes The Scout version sells for just $125, and is (I think but not sure) 34 ounces, leaving you more than enough to buy either the optional poles or some trekking poles.

[@blackoak4978]

I got trekking poles included with a cheap(less than $50CAD) set of Outbound snowshoes at Canadian Tire. If you like getting out all year 'round it should be worth checking out some dual purpose gear like that

[@IronFreee]

You have as much condensation with double walls, the difference is: you are supposed to be protected from it by the inner wall. (condensation will form on the outer wall and drop down outside of the living space). But this one can be ventilate...

[@Chris66able]

😅 😂 🤣

[@IronFreee]

@@Chris66able What's so funny?

[@Chris66able]

@@IronFreee Your reply is nonsense.

[@IronFreee]

@@Chris66able Why? You sound like the generic internet idiot with no argument...

[@revbombtoast]

Hey Darwin, any thoughts on the longevity of this tent? (I know this is an old video, so I'm not sure if you're monitoring comments on this.) I just took it out for the 3rd night, and it failed: the stitching on the support bar came out.

[@arthurrsaker8893]

That's an urgent heads-up to all trekker/scout owners to check their tents for developing seam failures in that area. From the numbers produced and successfully used over the years it does not suggest a design flaw, but more likely an extremely rare quality control issue. However, no harm checking for the possibility of a similar defect in mine is how I'm seeing it.

[@adammackenzie]

Watching in 2020 , great vids !

[@outdoorsywannabe1888]

Hi Darwin. Perfect video. I am looking to buy it.

[@stuartsteele9984]

Why not make a loop at the tent peak for hanging it from above. My DIY Dyneema floorless tents include a 100 or 200 test strength loop at the peak for hanging my tents by eight different methods in the field or my carbon fiber arrow shaft and carbon fiber fishing rod extension supports the tents providing set-up flexibility.

[@cameronhirtle7316]

Do you have a video of the Lunar Solo? Love all the tutorials man great content.

[@charlesmarsh279]

How do you think it would handle the AT?

[@ivoliYT]

Is this one "Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Backpacking Tent" similar to the one you reviewed?

[@blackburd]

It looks like I would get cold with the bottom open all the way around? I don't like being cold. What are some good alternatives to this tent that are cheaper, have a larger tub floor, and might not give me a steady breeze when I don't want it?

[@armourbl]

Darwin, I'm also 6' 1". I'd like to get this tent, but it looked like your head was well into the tapered headend of the tent and feet still approaching the foot. I have a rectangle shaped Exped Synmat 9, the long and wide version. Am I going to have trouble fitting my mat inside this tent?

[@wanttogo1958]

Darwin, I enjoy all of your videos. You have an awesome channel. How did the Skyscape Trekker perform for you? There are a lot of features about this tent I really like. Lyle

[@jimmyblake2306]

Great video! Answered all of my questions

[@toeneu]

it would be great if you can show your measurement in metrics as well :) good job on the videos 👍

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Great review. This helped me a lot in making my decision. Thank you!

[@tassiavibes5719]

hey Darwin, Ill be doing the TMB. Do you think this tent can handle the cold alps ? Thanks.

[@Kickasaurus13]

Hey darwin, now that you got a chance to use this, would you recommend it for pct, still deciding on a tent and this is one of the tent im considering? Any help would be appreciated.

[@neemancallender9092]

0.15 Smaller than the Tent you normally use Which tent is that? I could not find the review of it

[@TomSmith-hu9eh]

Darwin, you're an awesome dude.

[@lukelozano4662]

On the SMD website there are two available sizes for the PolyCro footprint, small and large. Which size did you use for this tent, and would you recommend that size? I am looking into buying this tent. Would you recommend it? I want a Duplex but I need to work a lot more hours and save a lot more money for that... Are there any other good ultralight tents (freestanding or not) that would maybe be $350 or below? Thanks, Luke

[@sergeig685]

Nemo Hornet 2P or 1P

[@23Sheldog]

What did you ever end up doing with this tent?

[@shupingyin8082]

hi Darwin, do you have problem with condensation? I'm considering buying one.

[@3_up_moon]

Have you ever made an episode about bikes for bikepacking?

[@michellemaes-martens62]

Hey Darwin, I love your channel! I've gotten so much information from it, thanks! Any suggestions on which hiking poles to use for set up? Newbie here 🤗

[@tassiavibes5719]

What would u recommend for lightweight tent but less than 300 bucks thanks

[@tedhailwood7024]

Is there anything that does come with the tent??

[@chinseng3056]

you are good and always positive

[@samanthaskinner5768]

Would you recommend this for the AT?

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

I like the SMD shelters. I have the Luna Solo and I like it a lot. Many complain about the single wall construction and the condensation.... but that's not my question. What is the deal with "privacy"? If you are accustomed to cowboy camping then a "net tent" might work just fine adding a tarp if the weather turns. I suppose if you have to change you might want some privacy but then really?

[@WorldSurvivalist]

Cool tent

[@mathewramadan4504]

Maybe I'm just a tight ass but there is no way I could afford a tent that expensive. Nice piece of gear but I think I'll stick to my tarp and hammock set up. Cheers for the review anyway mate :)

[@johnnygunz2300]

Mathew Ramadan agreed... Hennessy hammock, with upgraded silnylon tarp. Warm weather I use hammock/tarp. Cold weather I ditch the hammock, grab a ground sheet and use just the tarp. Less than 200 bucks I got all four seasons covered, and can setup on any terrain.

[@samgreene7961]

Johnny Gunz you need trees for a hammock-so not really any terrain.

[@johnnygunz2300]

Sam Greene no trees = use just tarp (albiet with a trek pole or stick). Winter time I leave the hammock at home / in my truck.

[@shupingyin8082]

Do you gave condensation problem?

[@taylordakoda67]

@@samgreene7961 agreed good luck setting up in a desert or plains

[@noahgauthier5772]

121k subscribers now man

[@jeffheath2426]

I am 6'6 do you think I would fit in this tent?

[@g8ortron]

I'll chime in - I've got a Skyscape Trekker. I'm 6'4" and it feels a little tight lengthwise. My feet tend to brush up against the top of the tent at the very end. Overall, the tent works for me, but I wish there was just a little more room lengthwise. I've played around with using longer stakes at the foot to elevate the end of the tent, and there's a guy out point towards the foot too that gives it a little more lift when you stake it out, but the netting connecting the tarp to the bathtub floor stays the same height obviously, which pulls the tarp back down when you put your feet down there, so there's only so much you can do. I've got a Six Moon Lunar Duo which is AMAZING for tall people, but they didn't quite manage the same roominess with the Skyscape. If I think condensation is going to be an issue on a trip, I bring a garbage bag and put it over the foot of my sleeping bag. I've heard the Lunar Solo is better for tall people. It's 6 oz heavier than the Skyscape.

[@jasonholly7346]

It's between their lunar solo and a warbonnet Superfly right now..

[@TheOgieone]

Fantastic review!!

[@malcolmwickham8993]

I can't believe I ate the whole thing!

[@georgiamatthews2904]

Who's Snuggles?

[@HikeLighter]

Oh man, you just made me start missing my SMD Skyscape X.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thought about the X, but just couldn't pull the trigger on it. I think when I go all Cuben, I'm going with a Z-Packs Altaplex. The Trekker is a really great model tho! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@guisspino2347]

Is the ground sheet necessary ?

[@samgreene7961]

Mike G helps with puncture and tear on tent floor.

[@busheybushdawg]

I just cut a piece of tyvek or "house wrap" I got from a construction site - works a treat

[@blackoak4978]

I use a table cover from the Dollar Store for my tent. Probably heavier, but it's damn durable and literally pocket change

[@finnblu3002]

follow up review ???

[@debsmith7050]

💙

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

Hahaha, you’re a little north of 2000 subscribers now.

[@k.s.naturalist6852]

Your Arizona trails videos are very good.. however are you an advertiser for this sixmoondesigns company? Why not find a practical tent with a better price than $565.00?? I am sure there is a lot of lite tents between $100.00 $300.00 that is more practical for your viewers.

[@sthom3903]

The tent he's reviewing is only $235. He only mentioned that it comes available in an extremely ultra-light material for the higher price in case you're somebody who cares about that.

[@LuckyTown77]

Darwin doesn't get involved here...done evolving.

[@pedrogonzalez2923]

Oooo

[@auroberg7651]

2001

[@drewlucero3916]

👀🌲👍👍

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I couldn't have said it better myself! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@testbed5290]

Do grams as well the you cater to the rest of the world

[@BobFeiring]

god forbid you learn basic math. hahaha joking :)

[@MrZimmaframe]

cooben? u mean "cube n"

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I've heard it pronounced both ways. Great stuff Regardless! Thanks for Watching! Hike On, Darwin

[@Rick_Schott]

It's actually "muhn-eee"

[@35ABSTRACT]

MrZimma frame: Cube n?? You mean "cube in".

[@blackoak4978]

Well, being derived from the ship that originally used it for sailcloth America³(cubed), it makes sense to say it Cube-en

[@theSEGAtwistisover9k]

shit thats an expensive piece of fabric!

[@drakedoragon3026]

Lol... what!!! You have to order it seam sealed? And it’s extra? Oh and you have buy stakes? Fuck that.. who doesn’t want a dry tent... and this is a $225 tent. Rip off. This goes to show how some people must have to much disposable income. Whenever I go into an REI it all makes sense. Look around at the customers.

[@redriver6541]

Non seam sealed? No thanks.

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

Would you recommend this tent for hiking the AT?