Over the past two years, I have used the Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL in a wide range of environments around the world. Testing grounds have included Bolivia’s Altiplano and Cordillera Real, multiple trips in Tasmania’s rugged Southwest Wilderness, Wyoming’s Wind River Range, and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Here are my impressions of the shelter:
MLD SoloMid XL at dusk | Colorado Trail, September, 2015.
Specs (as per Mountain Laurel Designs Website)
Price: $440
Weight: 13.5 oz (Note: This is the weight of the current SoloMid XL. My model is a few years old, and weighs in at just under 12 oz).
Size:
- 9.2′ x 4’5″ / 2.85 m x 1.37 m (Note: My older version is 2 inches shorter at 9′ even)
- 40 + sq ft | 3.7 sq m
Material:
- 0.75 Cuben Fiber (Note: MLD also offer a 0.5 cuben version, which saves about an ounce and a half. However, in my opinion, the negligible weight saving is not worth the sacrifice in durability. Go with the 0.75 cuben or the very affordable silynylon version ($265)).
Options:
- Innernet: I also own the SoloMid Silnylon Innernet (10 oz / 283 gr) which I’ve used on a bunch of overnight hikes, but have yet to take on a multi-week trip. It would be a good sanity saving option for places like Scotland, Alaska and New Zealand during bug season. Otherwise, I prefer the significant weight saving of a simple polycro or tyvek groundsheet (1.5 oz). Alternatively, if I’m hiking in an environment which is quite exposed, windy, cold and/or the possibility exists to do a lot of cowboy camping, I will often combine the SoloMid XL with a lightweight bivy (7 oz – MLD Superlight or Katabatic Bristlecone).
MLD SoloMid XL | Arthur Range Traverse, Tasmania, 2015.
Design
I like the small footprint of the Solomid XL, and have found the setup to be easy and fast, (less than a minute); a real boon when hiking in inclement conditions. Other points of note:
- Top Peak Vent: I always keep this open. But I’m not really sure it makes that much difference in regards to minimizing condensation. Speaking of which……
- Condensation – Like all single wall shelters, condensation can be an issue with the SoloMid XL in certain environments. This can be mitigated to varying degrees by savvy campsite selection and leaving some space under the sides of the tent for increased ventilation (see Pitching below). In three season conditions when rain is unlikely, I’ll often leave the doors either partially, half or fully open. This can be done either by rolling up the sides and/or guying out the corner of one of the doors.
- Head Room – I’m 6’1″ and can sit up with head room to spare, though if I’m coming from a lying down position, my head does touch the sides of the shelter on the way up. This particularly holds true if I am using an inflatable mat such as the Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite or XTherm.
(L to R) Yama Mountain Gear Cirriform Tarp and MLD SoloMid XL on the Cordillera Real Traverse | Bolivia, August, 2017.
- Overhead gear hang loops: Very handy for extra headspace when you are using a bivy.
- Dimensions: I’ve found the SoloMid XL to be an ideal size for both me and my gear. However, despite the “XL” at the end of the name, the SoloMid XL is not a big shelter. Indeed, personally speaking, I wouldn’t want to go any smaller (i.e. the regular sized version). On that note, I can’t agree with MLD’s claim about the regular SoloMid being big enough “for you and all your gear…..even if you’re ‘6’5″.” Sure it would all fit, but for taller folks, it would be a little on the tight side. Unless you are shorter than 5’9″, I would recommend going with the XL over the Regular size. It’s only 1 oz heavier and costs $10 more.
(Note: As mentioned in the Specs section, the new Solomid XL is 9’2″, as opposed to my older model which is 9′ even. This is a good move by MLD, and in my opinion, the extra space/length is worth the slight weight increase).
MLD SoloMid XL | Sajama National Park, Bolivia, 2017 (Note: Trip report still to come)
Pitching
In most conditions, I’ll set it up with short 6 in /15 cm adjustable guylines on the corners and side tie-out points. If high winds are on the cards, I’ll batten down the hatches, and peg the corners directly to the ground.
One or Two Pole setup?: The majority of the time I’ll use the one trekking pole setup referenced on the MLD website. However, when hiking in extreme conditions, I’ve found that the two pole inverted V configuration provides notably more stability in high winds. This was definitely the case during my recent 400 mile (643 km) route across Bolivia’s Altiplano, and despite not usually being a “trekking pole hiker”, I was glad I made the decision to take a couple of poles along, instead of the usual one.
Pole Size?: If using one pole, I’ve found a 140 cm model slightly offset at maximum extension does the trick. However, if you are employing the two pole set up, you will want to carry the 0.4 oz, six-inch pole jacks as well (included with the shelter).
MLD SoloMid XL at sunset on the Altiplano Route (Note: Trip report still to come) | Bolivia, September, 2017.
Performance
Thumbs up. Since early 2015, I have taken the SoloMid XL into some challenging environments (e.g. West Coast and Arthur Range in Tasmania; Fall trip in Wyoming’s Wind River Range; Bolivia’s Altiplano and Cordillera Real) and have consistently found it to shed high wind and heavy rain very effectively.
In regards to snow loading, as with any Pyramid tent, snow will eventually accumulate on the perimeter of the shelter, thereby decreasing the amount of space around the ends where your face and feet are situated. If it becomes an issue, there is nothing for it but to give it a periodic taptap when necessary.
Yours truly and the SoloMid XL on the Wind River High Route, WY | Late September 2016 (photo courtesy of Greg “Malto” Gressel).
Durability
After more than two years of usage, the 0.75 cuben material is still in great shape. The one thing I would note is the zipper, which on my most recent hike on the Altiplano in Bolivia, was periodically getting stuck. I attribute this to a combination of the sandstorms I was regularly encountering (i.e. dirt and grit caught between the zipper’s teeth), as well as the cumulative stress on the materials from many nights out in the boonies. Upon returning home I gave it a clean and applied some zipper care lube, which seems like it did the trick.
Value for Money
Anything made of cuben fiber is not going to be cheap. That said, compared to other cuben shelters on the market, the $440 MLD SoloMid XL (0.75 cuben) is relatively affordable. It is well constructed, sports quality materials, is made in the US, and most importantly, does what it is supposed to out in the field. I would say that it represents good value for money. However, if the price tag still seems a bit steep, consider opting for the $265 silnylon version, which is only 3.5 oz heavier than the cuben version.
MLD SoloMid XL on the Ausangate Circuit | Peru, August, 2017.
Conclusion
The Mountain Laurel Designs SoloMid XL is an excellent option for minimalist hikers that enjoy venturing into challenging environments. The materials, design, and workmanship are all top-notch, and it holds up like a champ when the elements are raging. Indeed, in regards to storm worthiness-to-weight ratio, I don’t think there are many shelters to match it. I expect I’ll continue to use it for the foreseeable future, however, I’ll probably upsize to the more spacious MLD DuoMid for future winter excursions.
Disclosure: I was given the MLD SoloMid XL free of charge. I was under no obligation to write a review of the product, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Planning a trip to Swedish Lapland next summer. It’s highly likely that I’ll get a lot of bugs as well as high winds.
Does the two pole set-up work in combination with the inner net?
Yes, it can work with either a one or two pole setup.
Hi Cam,
Thanks for the helpful review. I’ve been using a zpacks duplex, but feel like it’s a little shaky for really severe weather, especially winter use, and it seems it’s not really made to stake it directly to the ground, because I’ve found it ends up being too small when I’ve tried. I wonder if you have experience with the duplex or opinions about it’s use in those conditions?
I’m considering going for a solomid xl or duomid for more extreme 3 season and winter conditions. It would also be nice to get to leave an extra pole at home. So, my second question is why would you go for the duomid for winter use vs the solomid xl? It’s only .5 oz more and the same price so it’s tempting.
Also, do you think the larger footprint on the duomid would make finding a spot significantly more of an issue, especially out East? Thanks again for all of your help! I just did three days on the long trail in NY in conditions I would have never ventured out in in the past, and had a blast!
Hi Adam,
In regards to the Zpacks Duplex I can’t say. I’ve never used one, nor seen one up close in extreme weather.
As for possibly opting for the Duomid for future winter trips, it mostly comes down to more space. For a negligible weight penalty, I think it would be good to have a bit more room for the extra gear you have to bring in those conditions. I think you’d mostly be fine in regards to finding places to pitch it in the eastern states. The larger Trailstar might be another matter.
Glad you had a great time on the Long Trail!
Cheers,
Cam
Thanks for all your help!
Cheers!!
Hi Cam,
Great review and I love your site (very informative). I recently got the SoloMid XL and will be thru-hiking the PCT this year. Where I usually hike I can use ground stakes to set up the Solomid, however I understand that on the PCT, guying out to rocks is usually required. My question is: How long do you find that the corner guylines should be to have sufficient length to tie out to rocks? Thanks so much!
Chris
Hey Chris,
Thanks for the kind words. In regards to the PCT, I’ve hiked it twice and I can only think of one time when I wasn’t able to use stakes to set up my shelter. That said, I do tend to cowboy camp quite a lot. As for guyline length, as I mention in the article I tend to keep the corner ones short. However, I always carry some extra guyline for scenarios such as the one you describe (lengths will vary according to the situation).
Cheers,
Cam
Cam, do you think the Solomid XL would be a good choice over a free standing shelter for a solo JMT thru hike? Many thanks ofr your thoughts…
Yes. It will be lighter, take up less space in your pack, and it holds up well in a storm.
Hey Cam, which kind of stake do you like to use with the Solomid?
I’ll generally use MSR Groundhogs (regular) for the corners, and a combo of mini groundhogs and shepherd hooks for the other guy-out points.
Hi Cam,
I am considering walking the Scottish watershed next May. I was thinking the Notch Li Tarptent would be a good tent for the job, small foot print, partially solid inner made from Dyneema. Have you ever tested this tent.
Current tent is Big Agnus copper spur UL 2, which I have used for two crossings of Scotland (each 200 Miles plus) and the West Highland Way, but does tend to get a damp floor in wet conditions and may be a bit frail for a longer higher trip. Its a nice large tent but there would be an advantage having the smaller footprint of the Notch Li
Thoughts and comments much appreciated.
Hi Neil,
Sorry about the delqyed reply, I just returned from vacation.
In regards to your question, I’ve never used the Notch Li. That said, it might be worth checking out Alex Roddie’s (TGO Magazine) take on the shelter from his various UK trips in recent years: https://www.alexroddie.com/?s=tarptent+notch
Cheers,
Cam
would you still recommend the solomid in 2020? I’ve looked into the current lineup of single wall shelters like the aeon li and plexamid but their bulkiness and difficult packing as well as their reliance on special hardware are a turn off to me. they both also seem like difficult pitches. I’m seeking a shelter that has the simplest pitch that can be done within moments of a storm/in the dark and a shelter than can withstand the worst of storms I’d encounter 3 season hiking. it seems like a pyramid is the way to go, but I’d like your current opinion on the solomid (or your opinion of the cricket which is a solomid xl without the zipper)
thanks swami!
For what you are looking for (i.e. quick pitch, holds up well in a storm), I think the SoloMid represents a good option. For a negligible weight penalty, I’d definitely opt for the XL over the standard size.
Hello, have you try the mld cricket? would you recommend it?
I’ve never used the Cricket.
I see that you’re enjoying the aeon li these days which is constructed of 0.51oz dcf. would you still suggests the 0.74oz dcf on the solomid or has your experience with the thinner material on the aeon li changed your opinion? application would be 3 season mountain west us/canada. thanks!
I like the Aeon Li a lot, but if given the choice for the SoloMid, I’d still opt for the thicker material. That said, for the exclusively three-season conditions you describe, either option would likely be fine.
Hi Cam,
Long story short, chasing a lightweight 4 season option for Tassie. Toying with combining the Solomid XL with the bug bivvy 2. Would you consider this to be a reasonable option..? I want to shed weight and go for simple set up with robustness in wind, rain and potential snow…
Cheers
Hi Chas,
Sorry about the delayed reply; I’ve been out in the field the past couple of months.
Regarding your question, depending on the conditions your proposed system could work. That said, for a smallish weight penalty, I’d be inclined to go with the MLD InnerNet over the Bug Bivy for the extra space it provides during extended stretches of sketchy weather (not uncommon in Tassie at any time of year).
Cheers,
Cam
Hi Cam,
Great site, very inspiring!
Quick questions about about DCF vs. Silnylon for shelter material. I have a Duomid in Silnylon and was considering a change to DCF. Whilst I understand a lot of the advantages/ disadvantages of DCF, I wasn’t able to find clear (back to back) comparison with regards to condensation performance between the two materials. Have you notice any difference in shelter condensation between DCF and silnylon in your experience?
Thanks,
Hi Oliver,
Thanks for the kind words.
Both materials are relatively thin and neither is breathable, so all things being equal regarding design, pitch, and environment, I suspect the difference is negligible at best. Personally, I’ve never noticed that one material is noticeably more susceptible to condensation than the other.
Cheers,
Cam
Thanks for the reply Cam, appreciate it.
Oliver