SMD lunar solo vs. durston xmid 1/2 for 1person + dog

I’m adding to all the 1p vs. 2p tent discussions, but I’m not finding a great answer for my situation. I’m 5’5 and want a tent that’s light enough for solo trips, but has enough space for my dog (45 lb cattle dog mix) to occasionally join me. I like the double wall but am really tempted by the weight savings of the SMD.

Im considering:

SMD lunar solo

Durston xmid 1

Durston xmid 2

Couple points: -I saw one comment from Dan Durston that he thought a dog would fit in a xmid 1 if you were shorter than 5’6. Has anyone done this?

-I saw some vids of the SMD lunar solo and the wall on the triangle looks to angle pretty sharply. Does it actually have enough room for a dog? Or even gear?

Other considerations - I’m in Texas, mostly camping here or in Oklahoma/Arkansas, but I have a trip planned to the superior trail this summer. Also I can’t put my dog in the vestibule - she is a super Velcro cuddler and is not to be trusted when left to her own devices.

I also was eyeing the Tarptent stratospire - it seems heavy for a 1p tent, but I like that it can fit two sleeping pads if you need it to.

in BackpackingDogsby a_maker

81%

1mo

sharpshinned

1mo

Xmid 2 would definitely have enough room. I don’t really think the Xmid 1 would work for me with a dog, but people tolerate different levels of squish.

FlannelRunner

1mo

I don't have an Xmid 1 but love my Xmid2 with my Velcro cuddler dog. I'm a little taller than you and my dog is 40 lbs. Personally I think it's light enough that I would have no desire to downsize further.

sharpshinned

1mo

Same-ish. I got an Xmid 1 when I was going through some shit and hoping to take some solo trips to compensate, but realistically the 2 is a great compromise tent: one person/one dog, two people, not too heavy for a comfy one person setup.

FlannelRunner

1mo

ha - yes i bet a lot of us have gotten into solo hiking/camping for ~ interesting ~ reasons!!

foxman1010

1mo

I recently picked up an SMD Owyhee from their warehouse sale and it's phenomenal, especially for the price ($165 instead of $300). Perfect amount of space for my German Shepard mix and I. Sorry I don't have any experience with the others but if you are thinking SMD then I can say that their gear is excellent quality.

a_maker

1mo

Thanks! I'm looking at the Owyhee now and it looks like a good option too!

I'm trying to figure out the design - is the bug net just a skirt connection the walls to the bathtub? has your dog every stepped on it?

MtTurtle

1mo

I have an xmid 1 and a 48+ corgi lab mix that i take backpacking and . he sleeps in the vestibule. one night it got down to the high 20s. i left the inner door open and he slept next to me. I don't have any issues.

HotChocolateMama

1mo

I'm 6'2 and own both a SMD lunar solo and an xmid 1. I take up the entire width of the xmid and almost the entire length. I have maybe 6 inches to spare on 1 end. If your dog is comfy sleeping at your feet I think it'll be ok, but there won't be any room left.

The Lunar solo's interior is huge and could easily fit both of you and gear if you're ok with touching the inside of the fly. The Lunar solo's interior footprint is about the same size as the xmid interior+1 vestibule footprint.

I switched from the lunar solo to the xmid because I hit my head and feet when I was sleeping in the lunar solo and there is really only 1 spot you can sit up in, but I'm much taller

Obvious_Marsupial423

1mo

Are you me?! I’m 5’6 and also backpack with a 45lb cattle dog. I’ve got a Lunar Solo and it’s plenty of space for me, the dog beside me (in that funky pop out section) and both our gear at my feet.

Lots of space in the vestibule as well, but I never really need it

a_maker

1mo

lol, I ended up getting a Xmid 2 - I found one used and couldn’t beat the price. But good to know about the lunar solo size wise - the single-wall/one-pole design was making me nervous about touching the walls being an issue. Maybe the next tent :)

a_maker

1mo

Thanks all!