scott.jenn1013876

I've only had the chance to use this set a few times now, but it works great. Very compact, and my MSR Pocket Rocket stove fits nicely inside for added protection and to keep the bulk down. The first time I used it, temps got down to 18 degrees, and the single wall cup just wasn't enough to keep coffee warm. Because of this, I picked up the Snow Peak Titanium Double Wall Cup 450 which fits nicely inside this solo set. No more bulk with minimal added weight. The only problem I had is that the larger pot is just barely wide enough to fit on my stove. It works, but it looks like it would fall off with the slightest bump.

I've used this tent twice. Once at Mt. Laguna in calm wind with 18 degree temps. Another time in Joshua Tree with 40-50 degree temps and very strong winds. The Vario 23 held up to the wind great at jtree. This tent was definitely moving around some, but there was minimal noise, and the walls weren't bumping into us while we slept. When we came out the next morning several of the other tents had been tossed around, ripping out stakes. One of the people had to get out in the middle of the night and hammer them back in and put rocks on top to keep them in place. This is a snug fit for 2 people, but not uncomfortably so. I'm 6', and I've shared it with campers that were 5'4 and 5'10 without problems. There really isn't much room for gear inside, but the wing that pulls out on the back side of the tent and the front vestibule would give you enough room for 2 packs and some gear. I also like the attention to detail. For example, the cords that attach the tent to the stakes have reflective material in them so you don't trip over them at night.

I love how small this bag packs up. Combined with my therma-rest prolite 3, it's a comfortable, small and lightweight setup. The first time I used this bag, it was in lower than forecasted temps of 18 degrees. I measured the temp inside my bag, and it was in the high 50's. What made it work was I kept my jacket/hat on, and I threw 2 giant handwarmers in as well. I obviously wouldn't recommend going this route, but it's my only bag and I slept fine through the night.