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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: dank86 on 23:05:24, 05/06/19

Title: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: dank86 on 23:05:24, 05/06/19
Ive had this tent a few weeks now and i'm very impressed. Its Alpkits new one person tent, has a decent amount of space and I can sit up in it!
Its light weight at 1.2kg and very reasonably priced, in different setups it is lighter, from memory around 800g was the lightest. In a few weeks im going to put it through its paces in the alps. Currently on pre order but starting shipping over the next few days.


https://youtu.be/oX2wd1dp2FE
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: vizzavona on 06:40:46, 06/06/19
Looks good for a dry European climate.....maybe less useful in the North here where we have a couple of weeks of very wet weather.
For obvious reasons would never have a tent that had not a 'first pitch' flysheet system.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:51:31, 06/06/19
I share your preference for fly first, vizzavona, but a lot of people do manage perfectly well with inner pitch tents here in the UK.


However, inner first is not a deal breaker for me, there are other factors that I value more, such as strength, ease of pitching, good ventilation control (especially a double mesh/solid inner door). And price, of course. In fact my latest object of desire is a 4 season inner first one man tent - Nordisk Svalbard, and the Soloist also attracts my attention for summer use.


I think that the Soloist can be pitched fly first if you have the footprint, by the way.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:53:19, 06/06/19
Thanks for the update, Dan. I'll be interested to hear how you get on in the Alps.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: fernman on 09:05:02, 06/06/19
Interesting tent!
Light weight. Good price. It's a more natural-looking green colour than most green tents. Good internal height, but 100cm width seems a bit narrow to me, while I personally would not like to go back to using a tent with an end door.
I didn't see floor plan and dimension diagrams on the site, did I miss them? And it would be good if they explained more about how you "strip it down" to save 400g weight.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: dank86 on 15:10:16, 06/06/19
Looks good for a dry European climate.....maybe less useful in the North here where we have a couple of weeks of very wet weather.
For obvious reasons would never have a tent that had not a 'first pitch' flysheet system.


Its held up well in sunny wales (I had it up with the rain) it should cope admirably with however much water hits it. Ive used inner and outer pitch first tents and not had any issues pitching in the rain. There is a way to pitch this one outer first if you use the optional footprint.


It would be good if they explained more about how you "strip it down" to save 400g weight.


You didnt miss the floor plan there isnt one that I know of, as for the weight saving its either using the inner only which comes in at 806g ish or outer and footprint which is about 967g. If we get another year like last year with clear weather then ill be using inner only for a bit myself
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: Owen on 17:34:05, 06/06/19
As a solo tent it doesn't look that bad to me. A bit short of staching space when you've got lots of wet kit but that wouldn't be a deal breaker. I don't see why it wouldn't be ok for "the north" even with the rain we're having just now.


How much?
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: dank86 on 17:37:09, 06/06/19
Owen its £119 without the footprint or £125 with the footprint. The footprint is available separately for £20
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: Owen on 18:26:40, 06/06/19
Very reasonable.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: richardh1905 on 19:08:07, 06/06/19
It really is a bit of a steal at that price. No wonder they are out of stock.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: dank86 on 19:13:45, 06/06/19
richardh1905 its not had a full general release yet, I only know of about 3 other people whos got one. I ordered mine about 2 months ago and I was told June 10th for the release, but yea its really good value!
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: vghikers on 19:33:15, 06/06/19
Quote
I didn't see floor plan and dimension diagrams on the site, did I miss them?
Yes - the schematic is one of the "More Images" set of pictures on the Full Description tab.

Exceptional value admittedly, but a 20D floor  :o No wonder they recommend a footprint (which adds to the weight of course - why not just have a decent groundsheet in the first place?).
Much like our Big Agnes tents that have 20D floors as supplied to achieve very low headline weight figures. Thinking of some of our really rough pitches over the years, we want a floor that gives complete confidence.

Quote
I personally would not like to go back to using a tent with an end door
Agreed, side doors are much better for us too.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: richardh1905 on 22:20:48, 06/06/19

I instinctively would prefer a tougher groundsheet, but this would probably weigh as much as the thin groundsheet + footprint.


And, to be fair, the footprint does allow more flexibility: fly only or fly first pitching.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: jimbob on 22:49:03, 06/06/19
And, to be fair, the footprint does allow more flexibility: fly only or fly first pitching.
Yes that is what attracted me to this system there are a few permutations which make it suitable for different situations/weather forecasts.

I do think I may try to get into one of their shops to have a look, probably on my next trip up "home".

Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:30:15, 07/06/19
Is the tent a Chinese 'knock off' like Naturehike tents for example? I only ask because of the 20d, all of Naturehike's are made from this size of material.

Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:41:14, 07/06/19
I just had a look at it on the Alpkit site, is it a 'knock off' of the tent that Richard1905 is looking at? I couldn't consider myselfit because I only favour side entrances, it's my age you know! Not so flexible anymore, I need a 'roll in, roll out' door!
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: alan de enfield on 11:43:35, 07/06/19
Is the tent a Chinese 'knock off' like Naturehike tents for example? I only ask because of the 20d, all of Naturehike's are made from this size of material.



My MSR Hubba Hubba Chinese copy has a floor thicker than the MSR Original.


Comparisons :

                                                                       MSR                            Chinese Copy
Tent Sleeping area ‘footprint’          1270mm x 2130mm                1350mm x 2100mm
‘Porch’ size (2-off)                             760mm                                    700mm
Height                                                 1000mm                                  1000mm
Fly Sheet                                             20D 1200mm HH                   20D 2000mm HH
Floor / Groundsheet                          30D 3000mm HH                   40D 4000mm HH
Weight                                                 1.77kg                                     1.80kg
Pack size                                             460m x 150mm                    470mm x 190mm

Price                                                      £379*                                     £75**
 
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:48:58, 07/06/19
That looks good, I'll have a look, the MSR design is the nearest that I know to my present Marmot tent.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: dank86 on 11:49:35, 07/06/19
Nature hike is a knock off brand, sure they can keeps costs lower because they have no R&D. Yes it's the same style but then that would be like saying all 2 pole dome tents are a knock off.
The likes of nature hike can say something is 40d but it might not be, where if known brands lied that could ruin them, with nature hike you'd shrug and move on.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: alan de enfield on 12:00:09, 07/06/19
Nature hike is a knock off brand, sure they can keeps costs lower because they have no R&D. Yes it's the same style but then that would be like saying all 2 pole dome tents are a knock off.
The likes of nature hike can say something is 40d but it might not be, where if known brands lied that could ruin them, with nature hike you'd shrug and move on.



My Hubba Hubba copy is actually a 'Wolf Wise' brand.


At 1/5th of the price its worth the 'risk' and when it turns out (with a few simple modifications) to be perfectly functional its a good buy.


They have exemplary customer service.
When I received the tent (next day delivery) I tried erecting it biut one of the pole 'nipple-ends' would not fit thru the 'eye' in the Footprint, or the eye in the tent-tab'.
I contacted (by email) Wolfwise and they told me "very sorry, we will send you a replacement by overnight express"


Next morning and a parcel arrived - I thought "that's a bit big for a pole-end nipple' and when I opened it up it was a complete replacement tent - COMPLETE - poles, tent, footprint, flysheet, guy lines , everything.


I contacted them and asked how they wanted the 1st one returning and they said "keep it for the inconvenience we have caused you".


I located some pole-end nipples on ebay (I think about £2 for 5) so now have 2 fully functioning tents for 1/5th of the price of 1x MSR.


Me, Happy ?
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: dank86 on 12:04:46, 07/06/19
Not heard of that brand but brilliant service from them! Sounds like they want to keep their customers happy.

Try doing the with nature hike or 3f ul though, at least with alpkit you know you've got the 3year warranty if something does go wrong.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: gunwharfman on 12:07:12, 07/06/19
Yes, me too, given a choice between a £300 'well made' tent and a £75 'not so well made tent' of the same design I'd go for the £75 one every time!More beer money to play with!

I also use a Bivi sometimes, with an Alkit Tarp. I've just seen an 'L' shaped Naturehike pyramid tent, help up by a hiking pole, looks just the sort of thing that would work better with my Tarp, but unfortunately, it costs £120!
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: dank86 on 12:11:25, 07/06/19
Yep £300 is step but if you need to replace the tent 4 times ....

That's why the alpkit is I think better £125 with the customer care of the £300
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: gunwharfman on 12:29:19, 07/06/19
I just had a quick look online. The OutdoorEssentials site wants £120 for the Outer tent only, whilst another company is offering it for just over £50. OutdoorEssentials, taking a bit of a liberty?
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: dank86 on 12:34:31, 07/06/19
I just had a quick look online. The OutdoorEssentials site wants £120 for the Outer tent only


I think it does come with the inner just had a quick look, but I have seen several nature hike tents for sale outer only and then inner is optional extra (then seam sealing on top)
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: alan de enfield on 13:12:55, 07/06/19

I think it does come with the inner just had a quick look, but I have seen several nature hike tents for sale outer only and then inner is optional extra (then seam sealing on top)



You must have been very unlucky in the purchase of your NatureHike tent, it certainly seems to have coloured your thinking. Which one did you buy ?


In addition to the 'MSR Wolfwise' I also have had a variety of NatureHike tents ( as my tastes / requirements have changed, so has my tent).


All of them have been very well made and ALL have had tape sealing as 'standard'.


My gripe with all of these tents is the quality / length of the supplied pegs, but its no 'biggy' to replace them with better alternatives.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: Butchersboy on 13:32:21, 07/06/19
Is the tent a Chinese 'knock off' like Naturehike tents for example? I only ask because of the 20d, all of Naturehike's are made from this size of material.
Yes it can be had on AliExpress for £80.
The 20D floor put me off personally.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: dank86 on 13:43:49, 07/06/19
Never had a nature hike tent but was looking at them, and heard so many stories about them I decided to pay a fraction more and go with a known reputable company in case there were any issues
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: Butchersboy on 13:49:05, 07/06/19
Never had a nature hike tent but was looking at them, and heard so many stories about them I decided to pay a fraction more and go with a known reputable company in case there were any issues
I agree, Alpkit will be very good with any problems.
Will be interesting to hear how you get on with it with longterm use
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: dank86 on 13:50:56, 07/06/19
Butchersboy, 24 days until I go to the Alps that'll give it a good testing 👍
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: richardh1905 on 20:46:25, 07/06/19
I just had a look at it on the Alpkit site, is it a 'knock off' of the tent that Richard1905 is looking at? I couldn't consider myselfit because I only favour side entrances, it's my age you know! Not so flexible anymore, I need a 'roll in, roll out' door!



Actually, gwm; the Alpkit Soloist is not like any of the other tents that I have been looking at. The Terra Nova Southern Cross and the Wechsel Exogen have an additional pole perpendicular to the main pole that runs along the length of the tent. The Nordisk Svalbard is a different animal altogether - a 2 hoop tunnel tent.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: gunwharfman on 10:41:53, 08/06/19
You are right, I obviously didn't look closely enough, I was just influenced by the entrance, the flat slope made them look looked very similar to me.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: richardh1905 on 12:59:47, 08/06/19
So many designs nowadays. Sometimes I think tent designers come up with a different pole configuration just to make their tents look different.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: AmBodach on 11:35:59, 26/02/20
I've found a problem with this tent and having returned one for replacement, found the same problem again and will now ask for my money back - unfortunate as that is a gift token and there is nothing else I want at the moment.

The vent on the front of the flysheet is quite large and is held open by a 'spar' held in place with a piece of velcro.  It's not this that is the problem.  If you look at the photos of this tent on the Alpkit website, you will see that the vent is a perfect circular section, and looks smart.  It is the stiffening round the edge of the vent that is the problem; it is meant to be moldable such that it will take any shape, a bit like many jacket hoods, but unfortunately packing the tent distorts the stiffening and it won't re-shape.  The first one I got was such that rain would have collected and gone down my neck on leaving the tent.  The second isn't so bad but it just looks horrrible, so it's going back too.

This is a shame as the tent is good; the pole system seems remarkably sturdy.  Somewhere along the line Alpkit are going to have to sort this problem out because a sample ot two does indicate that this stiffening is the wrong type for the product or perhaps the vent is unneccessarily large.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: SteamyTea on 12:28:43, 26/02/20
Have you tried warming the area up to soften it. Then mould it into the position you want.

Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: AmBodach on 16:31:47, 26/02/20
Alpkit were initailly quite insistant that this vent cover had the same sort of stiffening that a jacket hood has and that it was fully maleable back into shape.  This is clearly not the case, and they are wrong to say so.  I have tried very gentle heat and I have tried molding it over a shape (suitably supported large flower pot!!) for an extended period both without success. 


If you look at the picture of the Solist on their website, the tent that is show is clearly straight off the production line as it is beautifully smooth, and the vent cover is a nice section of a circle - pack that into a bag and send it throught the post and neither of those is retained. I can live without the beautifully smooth but the distorted vent cover just looks awful. To have had two tents in which that cover is badly distorted after packing shows that there is a problem somewhere.


I could try greater warmth, but I am not getting any guidance from Alpkit that that is going to help and the headache is what is that going to do to the DWR, and if too much heat the tent material itself.


My feeling is that the designer saw this door wide vent cover as a nice visual effect and also an easier build in that it is sown into the 2 front corner seams of the flysheet.  The downside is that because it is  ~500mm long it has to be supported by stiffening over that whole length, and as that is not maleable, it is prone to taking a set when the tent is packed and rolled up.  The irony is that the actual vent itself is only 150mm wide so has no need for this lengthy cover.


It does have to be said that this is purely visual and if you are prepared to live with it, then go for this tent.  Unfortunately I am retired Quality Manager so such acceptance is not in my bag.   
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: richardh1905 on 17:14:09, 26/02/20
Thank you for the feedback, Am Bodach. I was steering away from the Soloist in any case, but good to know of problems like this.

ps - welcome to the forum :)
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: jimbob on 19:10:07, 26/02/20
Hopefully Dank86 could give us his views on this given he has one and has used it.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: AmBodach on 12:18:56, 27/02/20
Thank you for the feedback, Am Bodach. I was steering away from the Soloist in any case, but good to know of problems like this.

ps - welcome to the forum :)


Hi Richard - thanks for your greetings. 


It was interesting reading through the posts on this thread, and it is perhaps unfortunate that I have found this flaw with the Soloist and Alpkit don't seem to know how to address it.


What I did pick up on is that there are a number of other inexpensive tents out there -  and inexpensive and 2 season is where I am at - but also the comment that perhaps side entry is better on this size of tent.  Now into my late 70's such is attractive as going into the Soloist head first and then trying to turn round was a bit of a struggle.


What other tents are you considering and what seasons?


Rob
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: jimbob on 10:19:39, 08/03/20
I pm'd two people, who have not only reviewed the soloist on YT but can clearly be seen using it in subsequent videos, re the vent problem.

Dan who is a member of this forum said that he has not had any problems with the vent,

The other user said yep it deforms but nothing that is inconvenient in any way as it is simply put back into the shape you want it to be. When he gets home and if it is badly deformed he just places it under a bit of weight t(large books) to get it perfect for next time.

In other words no worse than the hood shapers you get on many coat hood's nowadays.

So the soloist is going back to the top of my list, and as with all other tents of this nature, feet first entry in exactly the same way as into a zip less bivi.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:10:43, 08/03/20
What other tents are you considering and what seasons?

Rob


Hi Rob - I'm after a one person 4 season tent. Nordisk Svalbard SI is top of my list, but I'm probably going to wait until autumn. By 4 season I mean something that can stand up to a winter gale in the British mountains, not something to pitch on South Col! There's been a bit of chat about this tent on the forum lately, and a couple of members have bought one from wiggle for £190. Front entry tunnel rather than side, though. I have also considered the Terra Nova Southern Cross 1, but at £400+ the price puts me off, to say the least!


I currently use a cheapo 2 man tunnel tent for 3 season wild camping, a Stormshield UltraLite purchased from Millets for the princely sum of £59.99. Not a bad tent but let down by poor quality aluminium poles, which broke. Ordered Chinese replacements off ebay - they seem to do the job, but I wouldn't trust it in a gale - and it weighs 2.2kg.
Title: Re: Alpkit Soloist
Post by: AmBodach on 19:07:46, 08/03/20
Thanks Richard
When I think it all through, my intention is to use this tent only a limited number of times this year to complete my round of the Munros.  In general this will be when the weather is reasonable and I can't get a companion - added to that I can mostly use a bike to get to a base so absolute strength and lack of weight aren't real criteria, and I might even have something in the attic that will do.
The Soloist appealed partly because I'd been given an Aplkit token for Xmas.  I suspect that I am not that desperate that I have to live with what I consider a faulty design and having to address it each time the tent is used.