GoLite Shangri-La 1 Shelter 1-Person - 2010 BCS

This is an awesome minimalist shelter. At just over a pound, very compact, waterproof, and versatile. I don't think I could be more satisfied. On my most recent trip with this shelter, I had to set up in the dark. The first set up takes a while to get it right, but once you get the hang of it it's easy. I was being hounded by mosquitoes and was tired but was still able to set up the fly and the nest in about 4 minutes. It is very roomy for a solo shelter. If I didn't already have a 2 person tent, I would be getting the Shangri-La 2 as well!

This is a big 1 man "tent". I have no problem fitting in a full size pack and my 70lb dog along with me. At first I thought they sent me the 2 man version, the floor space is about the same size as the BD Firstlight 2-Person, but the Shangri-La 1 is much lighter, (even with the nest) more versatile, and more waterproof. I love the concept of being able to use it with the nest or by itself (with the nest it still only weighs 2 lbs 3oz).

My favorite setup is one pole in front with a guyline attached to a tree in back, this gives more room and it's easier to get it more taught this way, I also have 2 small key chain carabeeners that I use to attach the nest to the shelter. Set up is usually easy and only takes 10 min, although getting the nest attached properly was difficult at first.

The biggest downside to this tent is that it can be difficult to set up in windy conditions with soft soil and gravel. Because the tent stakes actually prop up the tent, extra care is needed to make sure none of the stakes pop out. My last trip to Moab there was sustained 40 mph winds and the ground was soft sand and gravel so I had to stack rocks on my stakes to ensure the tent didn't fold on me

Bottom line is if you already use trecking poles while backpacking and you can set up a tent properly, why would you go and get a smaller, heavier, less versatile traditional tent?