Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker 2019 Part 2 of 5 | Setup & Pitch Options | Tuba Solo the Hiker

[@robertwicks3782]

Great tutorial, clear and comprehensive. I like this shelter and you've pretty much covered any questions I had. Nice work!

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Thank you Robert!

[@archangel9845]

Great video. I’m a bigger dude 6’5”. Definitely sold me on this tent

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Glad I could help. Happy adventuring!

[@HuckOutdoors]

You'll love this tent. It is fast becoming my favorite tent.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Its crazy man. I used the Altaplex on that last adventure and it was great don't get me wrong. But I was absolutely missing my Trekker. I don't know what it is about this style/shape but man I'm loving it.

[@nigellack2576]

Superb, thorough review. Very helpful too, as I'm about to goin on a 2 night wild camp in Perthshie Scotland, to try mine out.. Keep up the good wor, snd look forward to other videos.

[@glennray1901]

Nice setup video. I own a Skyscape-X which is the cuben fiber version (discontinued) which weighs only 17 oz. Used it on the JMT in 2018. Total pack weight with carbon fiber poles, stakes, extra rock anchor ropes, and Tyvek ground cloth is 28 oz.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Thank you Glenn for the kind words. Oh man..I would be so stoked if they came out with the Skyscape X again. I would flip!..LOL!

[@john_kelley]

That’s a pretty sweet tent. Nailed the review, Steve!

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Thank you John!

[@robertfrost5161]

Thanks very good vidio. It helped me make up my mind for a lighter set up.

[@michaelbrohl1625]

Looks like a cool shelter but I would have liked to see some vents up top at the peak.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Indeed. A vent like the Light Heart Gear Spitfire would have been great!

[@cathyboyde2838]

Great video! I've got a Skyscape Scout on the way, but I think the set up would be the same. This will be my first non-freestanding tent, so this was super helpful.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Hello Cathy! Thank you for the kind words and super happy that I was able to help! Enjoy the heck out of that Skyscape Scout!

[@thomasmorgan9557]

Hi Cathy. I just ordered the Scout. Are you still enjoying it? Any issues you've encountered?

[@jessicabartomioli8765]

I got this tent for my 2020 A.T. thru hike with my dog. I'm so excited 😁 great review

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Thank you Jessica!

[@mjh1201]

Curious, how did your thruhike turn out? Did you end up completing it at some point or did the pandemic call it off completely?

[@jessicabartomioli8765]

@mjh so many things happened! Life (and the world) took a hard left and I ended up buying a van and traveling the south west for a couple years. I ended up selling that tent and now I use a tarp and bivy bc its easier tbh haha.

[@SoloBackpacker]

Love your tutorials. Very thorough! Thanks Steve.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Thank you William!

[@hike2bhuman110]

Great video Steve, 2 of 5 wow can't wait to see what's in next video, great idea with the line lock3. The 4th on San G gotta be awesome.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Thank you Donny. Yeah man I'm super stoked. Can't wait for San G!

[@paulespinoza7172]

My aluminum poles that came with my Skyscape Trecker Scout are real tight, I need to cut them down a 1/2 inch to release some tension. Great video Steve.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Hmm...thats interesting that the poles are a bit too long. I know for a fact that SMD was having some trouble with their poles a little while back. I returned two of them due to getting the wrong size (too small by like a 1/4").

[@MeetMeOutside]

Two questions, have you used it in a heavy rain ? I’m curious about splash back up under the fly. Cheers ! I guess that’s one question !

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Hey buddy. No not yet, only in very light rain. I actually would not suggest this tent if you are expecting a lot of rain. It has a bit of a fatal flaw with the doors when its raining. But for Southern Cali and the amount of rain we get its not that detrimental. But on the east coast? Too much rain, Fogetaboutit! LOL!

[@MeetMeOutside]

Tuba Solo the Hiker Cool, thanks !

[@janklucinec7320]

Hi there! I was thinking about the Lanshan 1 PRO. Thanks to your tutorial and introductions this SMD became a N1 option to me. The prices are almost identical for SMD and LANSHAN. (However poor warranty for Lanshan). I've hit the subscribe button already and can't wait for more videos with new reviews, tutorials etc. Big up from Europe!

[@dalefreeman3607]

Hi Steven. I am enjoying the channel, particularly the SMD content. I am planning for some bikepacking this year and am attracted to the Lunar Solo, but intrigued by the Trekker. The one concern that I have regarding the Trekker is the crossbar. I understand that it is not removable, so I am wondering about its length. Also, how do the two compare as to how small they compress? Thanks!

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Hi Dale. I currently have both tents and I can take a picture and post a link to your comment once I get home. I can tell you right off the bat that both have the same basic size when packed up in their respective stuff sacks. Really the difference between the two really comes down to what you value most. With the Lunar Solo you get more overall floor space but less head and shoulder "sitting up" space. With the Trekker you get less floor space (overall, but still enough to have your gear in with you) but you get a greater feeling of openess when sitting up in the Trekker. If you anticipate needing to make meals in the vestibule often then I would say the Lunar Solo is better suited for your needs as it has a bigger and better ventilated vestibule than the Trekker. For me the Trekker ticks more boxes than the Lunar Solo, and with that said I still love the Lunar Solo as well. I guess the answer is just buy both. LOL! (I know that's not helpful) But yeah, the cross bar is not big enough to make a difference and to be honest, I've been keeping the Trekker in one of those SMD pack pods. The cross bar fits just fine in there and those are pretty small overall and are designed to fit into packs in a clean and flat way. I think you'll hit a home run no matter which one you decide to go with.

[@dalefreeman3607]

@@TubaSolotheHiker Thanks for the overview Steven. For bikepacking/bike touring in the midwest I guess that I am leaning toward the Lunar Solo as the one pole solution. At 5’6”, I am hoping that it will not be too cramped for head room and will look to guying out the head end where possible. At 200 lbs, I appreciate your perspectives as a larger hiker. Thanks for the channel.

[@philip771]

This is a great review, thank you for taking the time. Can I ask how you get the bathtub to stand up so well please, particularly with the mesh panel at the foot end? I just had the Scout delivered today and am 6ft tall, but was struggling for space above my feet. I'm wondering if I pulled it all too tight.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Hello. The most important thing with the pitch is as follows: 1. the cross bar on top. that needs to be straight. To do that you'll have to either adjust your trekking poles or adjust your pre-sized poles by bringing them in-and-out until the cross bar is straight. If I had to choose between the two, I would use trekking poles as it allows me to dictate the correct height based on how level the ground is beneath the tent. 2. You have to make sure that the guy outs on the doors are not extended too far. If the door guy outs are extended too far it will tug on the the tent and essentially pull the perimeter downward. You want them just long enough to follow the imaginary line that is created by the door. (hope that made sense) 3. If you want to increase the bathtub floor, you can bring your trekking pole inward at the bottom by about an inch or two and then increase the height. That effectively will bring the entire tent up and provide more of a bathtub floor. You may have to adjust your guy lines a bit to make this happen. Hope that helps, and if you have any other questions, do not hesitate to ask. Take care!

[@philip771]

@@TubaSolotheHiker that is a brilliant reply. Thank you for taking the time to do that. I actually figured it out - I'm using trekking poles but one pole wasn't quite tight against the sides and I just needed to pull the floor towards the middle a bit more. Then the floor between the pole and the foot end was too tight, pulling the foot end downwards. It takes practice, clearly, but is such a great tent. Worth playing about with to get it right, unlike the Lanshans in my own opinion, but that's just me. Anyway, thanks again for the detailed response - great tip there about the bathtub height. Have fun camping mate and look after yourself!

[@danabauer8914]

Steve, Really enjoy your comprehensive review of the Skyscape Trekker. I have a Lunar Solo but wonder if there would be advantages to acquiring a ST? Thanks!

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Hello Dana, both are excellent options. I've tested both the ST and LS in high elevation & windy and low elevation and complete coverage. Both are very very good options. The only negative (and I use that term loosely) is that the ST is a bit breezier than I expected. Even with both doors closed it can capture a fair amount of breeze. Which is good for keeping the shelter dry but you're sleep system needs to be on point as you will feel every draft coming through. But yeah, both are highly (bold and underlined) recommended.

[@scottiebumich]

@@TubaSolotheHiker what about the dechutes + serenity tent set up? Seems the skyscape is better than lunar duo unless you camp in colder weather and want larger footprint?

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

@@scottiebumich Hey Scott. The only negative to the Dechutes + Serenity net is the width of the serenity net tent. If you look at the Serenity net tent as just a sleep chamber then its probably just fine. You can move it out of the way or don't put it up until you are ready to sleep. But if you are looking to have the Serenity be your living space you may find it a bit cramped. As far as the Lunar Duo; just know that thing is behemoth. Its absolutely great as far as space but it is not a small tent by any means. As far as the Skyscape in this video compared to the newer one that I have, I almost feel like the bright green version is a bit more spacious than the dark green version. I really need to do a video on both to see, but I just get this feeling like the newer one has a little bit different cut to it. I could very well be imagining it all but I fell like the foot end of the older version is taller. I don't know. But honestly you can't go wrong with the Skyscape. Its been such a good shelter for me and has absolutely blown me away at how well it functions. Highly recommended.

[@scottiebumich]

@@TubaSolotheHiker Thanks, I ended up going with the new Skyscape. I already have a 2 person Haven Tarp/Net tent combo so can use just the net tent if I want it. The skyscape large netting looks great when fully folded up. Cannot wait to test it out!

[@scottiebumich]

@@TubaSolotheHiker Our tent set up: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZrVcmBsp9GMkM0

[@laurenslentfert1219]

Thanks for your thorough review! Do you have any idea how long the part of the bathtubfloor is from the front until where the trekkking poles are? I'm asking as I am 6'5'' and I was wondering whether it would be long enough for me.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Hello. Hmmm...I personally think it would work especially if you are thin. But you may have to go sideways a bit into one of the corners; that way you get the maximum amount of length.

[@Hector_Outdoors]

You sold me on it!!

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Thank you Hector!

[@kidaria1333]

I am searching for a lighter tent and SMD Skyscape is really one of my favorites. It is excellent shown in your video what a little space mircale it is. Thanks for your symphatic presentation :) Have you already use the tent and can you say something about condensation when the tent is fully closed?

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Hello there. I can tell you that the tent is certainly a breezy tent, so your sleep system needs to be on point. Even the slightest breeze will make its way in. As far as condensation goes it’s going to happen but only when you are camped near water, setup on grass, the night is super duper cold, or there is continuous rain without any wind. But in all honesty it’s one of the best shelters I’ve ever used. And if you get even the slightest breeze it will help with any condensation. I’ve used this tent at 9K’ and staked with rocks at 11.5K’. It’s has performed flawlessly. I can’t imagine you would be disappointed with purchasing one.

[@4tressed]

@@TubaSolotheHiker how does this tent compare to Tarptent Notch in your opinion, which one do you like more for prolonged hikes in a bad weather? My concern is not the weather protection itself, I'm pretty sure neither of these will let elements in, but rather the "livability" of Notch, especially in case you'll be forced to spent several days inside. But maybe there are some points to consider from weather protection point too?

[@MeetMeOutside]

Hey man ! Hope your well ! I love my Luna Solo , but have had my eyes on this for a while, if you could choose only one tent, Luna Solo or this tent, which one would you pick ? Ha ! Thanks, great review brother !

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Hey Man. Good to hear from you. Hope you are staying safe. Hmmm..that is a tough one indeed. I tend to value head and shoulder space when I sit up so for me the Trekker is perfect and I would pick it every time. But if you value floor space and are going to have to deal with rain often, then my opinion is that the Lunar Solo is the better option. Also if you do any high elevation stuff and you know you wont have a rock wall or some kind of wind break than the Lunar Solo but I've also had the Trekker at 11,500ft with high winds, staked fully with rocks and it was amazing stable. Really it blew me away how good it was. Yeah man I love my Lunar Solo but for me I think the Trekker takes it probably every time, unless I know I'm going to have a lot of rain.

[@MeetMeOutside]

Tuba Solo the Hiker Awesome, great feedback ! I really appreciate it man ! And I do hope you and your family are well, crazy times for sure !

[@Hector_Outdoors]

There is always Room for improvements and modifications

[@TMNT3388]

Another great set up vid. Do you have an engineering background?

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

LOL!..thank you. I wish I was that smart.

[@briangreen1971]

hi Steve, i just wondering what are your thoughts compared of this tent vs. luna solo, i know its a hybrid wall so less condensation, but more netting maybe more fragile has i' ve read, but I bought the luna solo and haven't got a chance to take on the trail, but just have set it up in the yard a few times like you, to me just by lying in the solo because of the shape i seem to be more lying more up against the side of the door, to somewhat maximize my sleeping space, so i wouldn't be right up against the other side( i guess technically that would be the back wall, that comes down on a angle , so to me because of the shape of the skyscape maybe it has more movable or better use of interior space?... if that makes sense?,would appreciate your thoughts, thanks!, great videos!

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Hey Brian. If you don't plan on getting a lot of rain, I personally thing the Trekker is much better option. I tend to value sitting up space so for me the Trekker wins out big time. That's not to say the lunar solo is worthless. Its just that I've come to really really really love the trekker. But yeah if you end up in a gigantic rain storm don't plan on getting out of the tent without letting in a bunch of water. That's probably the only fatal flaw of this design. But if you are in a place where rain isn't a big issue, than this tent is absolutely a winner.

[@mad_dentisthd7421]

Thanks for the tips man!

[@kingkong_1959]

how it do in snow?

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Hello there. Sorry. Never had it in snow. I would imagine though if you can deal with getting the lines buried correctly so that the tent stands up stout and if you can find a way to mitigate spin drift (if present) then it should do fine. But a word of caution, this tent is very much a 3-season tent. It will not do as well as a dedicated 4-season or winter tent at that. I would think that if you have even a light breeze you will feel every bit of that cold air if your sleep system is not on point for the outside conditions. Hope that helps.

[@Charlieg01]

Good video

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Thank you Charlie!

[@conracewhatever5224]

Ok