I got my Plex Solo in late 2021 and gave it my first trial later in the spring in Northern New Mexico. My Plex Solo is Blue. My only complaint is that the bungies on the tent (stock 2mm ones) tended to stretch a lot when wet from soaking rain. I've purchased some DCF cord since that is a great replacement. Also, in windy conditions I needed a bigger stake for the one anchoring the trekking pole. I actually got a 7-inch Half round and that held even in sandy conditions. They recommend using a rock to help anchor however sometimes there's just no rock in sight. I plan to use it on the AT starting in late March. I definitely give it a thumbs up, best tent I've ever carried.
@bigriver47 Nice! I haven’t had any issues with that front stake yet, but for the peace of mind and additional holding power the larger stake would make for a good replacement. On sand, I’ve used 8” nail peg stakes with a rock to help when needed (but I’ve also used snow/sand anchors in the past too). The Plex Solo is a great choice for the AT. That trail holds a special place in my heart. Hope you have an incredible AT thru experience next year!
I bought a white version, used once from Ebay for $425. Came with 10 titanium stakes and 52" carbon pole. I'm going to install the magnetic toggles and an extra hook to run a small line at the peak inside so I can hang socks or microfiber towel to dry.
@markswishereatsstuff2500 Nice! That’s a great deal. I mostly use mine hiking, but I did purchase a pole for times when I’m on my bike or paddleboard instead. I clipped the stock toggles last year and replaced them with the magnetic toggles. They’ve been great, even in the rain. They’re fairly light with a good amount of holding power for the size. Enjoy the tent!
Awesome Melinda! My Zpacks 7' x 9' Tarp is made of the olive green and I agree. I love it! It's definitely changed since the days with some of their older tents and the Hexamid Solo. Hope you enjoy the Plex!
Get rid of the line locks and use prussic instead save more grams if needed ..Just make prussic out of the same line that's attached to tent just a hint your choice if your gram counter . No plastic to break ever ...I use this method on every thing ...
@jenniferj7588 Thanks for the tip. I’m not too concerned about the weight of the tent overall like I am with some other gear. I’ve been using a tautline hitch for guyline on my tarps and it has worked beautifully over the years. Definitely great options out there and less room for failure with parts :).
Hi Mat, nice review on the Plex Solo. How wide is that pad you were using? and Im wondering your thoughts on room for packs in the tent, I'm on the fence between the plex solo and the duplex. I prefer to store my pack in my tent.
Thanks Greg! The pad in the video is a mummy shaped 25" wide and 72" long, and 2.5" thick. I'd say it would depend on the pack and if you are using a similar shaped pad vs a rectangular pad. For my setup, I don't have any trouble fitting my packs which are generally between 24L and 40L and still have some room. If you see yourself with a similar setup or keep your pack under your feet at night, the Plex Solo would be suitable. If you see yourself using a pack larger than 40L and prefer to have it in the tent with you, the Duplex may be the better option. It will be slightly heavier, but have a more spacious floor plan.
Hey Mat! Another solid vid! Thoughts on using this with an xtherm and a 0 degree bag, ideally still being able to cross my feet? I'm only 5'9", but considering bumping up to the altaplex to have extra room for insulation.
@timbschwartz Thanks Tim! It’s been a great tent when I’m not using a tarp. I’ve actually used my Plex Solo with a regular wide Xtherm and -20*F bag in the winter with my Plex Solo and found I still had some room. Depending on the 0 degree bag, it could be a tight fit. The side tie-outs help in providing a little extra room in the head/foot areas if needed. I believe the Altaplex has a similar length to the Plex Solo, but a little more width and slightly higher peak height. At my 5’10” height, I haven’t had any trouble with the Plex Solo. It’s been nice not needing a pole jack to set the tent up too.
@@matjobin Thanks dude! Yeah its a Montbell Down Hugger - not the absolute smallest, but not particularly bulky either and I haven't had any reason to replace it for the couple of times a year that I need it. I think I'll give it a shot and try it out in the yard for a night - if I'm bumping into the walls I'll return it lol.
@@timbschwartz You got it! I hear ya. I try to use my EE quilts as often as possible and double up with them in the winter when I can. If it is absolutely needed then I go for my winter bag instead. My 900 fp bag is pretty lofty, but I haven’t had any trouble. Hope things work out for you too. Enjoy!
Wolfe, I haven't had any trouble with the line yet. It works really well with the line locs and in varying conditions. I have the 1.3 on my tarp and Hexamid too. I've had it out in up to 60mph winds (with good campsite selection and coverage) and it's been solid so far.
Great review man thanks. Swapping the guy lines to the 1.3 mm saved a whole Oz? I ordered the 1.3 line for my Altaplex more to get rid of the reflectics, but definitely be stoked to drop an Oz off
Thanks Mick. Yeah I was psyched to see the difference on my scale. I wasn't expecting much of a difference but I have been happy with the 1.3 on my tarp so I figured I would change it with the tent. I might do the same with the Hexamid. How are you liking the Altaplex?
@@matjobin well I haven't actually used it yet so can't really say, but I think it'll be good. Used the Duplex for a couple years so I'm thinking it will do the trick. I do have a palante Joey on the way, and am a bit nervous of how it will fit. Does the plex solo pack down ok in your Joey?
@@michael133 Nice! Enjoy the tent! I have one of the updated Joey's on the way too. Looks great with the Ultra mesh pockets and longer sternum strap. I'm excited for that. Depending on the rest of your gear, it shouldn't be much trouble fitting the tent. The Plex Solo fits nicely in my Joey pack (skip toward the last few mins of the video and I show the tent getting packed into the Joey).
@@matjobin base weight is pretty dialed in just over 6 pounds. Guess I'm more worried about room for a few days worth of food. Ile definitely give your video a look again. Thanks for sharing Matt always appreciate your stuff!
@@michael133 That sounds like it would work for the Joey. I'm somewhere between 4.5 - 6.5 lbs for solo hikes, depending on the trip. With food, I'm able to get a couple of days out of it. For longer food or water carries I went with a Ultra V2 from Pa'lante that I'm pretty excited about. I don't have a lot of mileage with it yet though. Thanks for the questions and viewing. I appreciate it and am happy you find it helpful.
Hey Matt, great review of a great tent. We currently use a Zpacks Triplex for our bikepacking trips. Big enough for my wife and me. I also used it during my solo east coast ride from FL to CT. Even though its really big for one person its only 20oz and packs down well. I couldn't justify the cost of a new 1 person Zpacks. Love you videos! Take care, Steve from Winsted.
Mine is on the way at the moment. Replacing my current Pocket Tarp config. On the assumption most people are right handed it always baffles me that the majority of people who use/show Zpacks single pole setups lay down as if they're left handed? By that I mean if you're right handed your head end should be on left of front (when looking out) so that when/if you need to roll over and have a hand free to put a brew on etc it will be your right and free as you will be rolling on left side. If you lay with head to right of front (when looking out) you will be rolled over on your right arm.
AdamOutdoors Nice! You shouldn't find it to be too different from the Pocket Tarp, aside from the added bug protection =). I never really put much thought into the way I lay down in my tent. Though my direction may change if I am forced to setup on some uneven ground even when my campsite selection is strong. I'm actually left handed so subconsciously it's worked out the way you explained. Enjoy the Plex Solo!
@@matjobin I used to have the Hexamid Solo Plus years ago but sold it to pay a bill. Few years layer went to buy it again hyt they didn't sell it any more. Closest was the pocket tarp but ended up not liking it as its a lot smaller. I wanted AIO solution this years as seperate groundsheet and net is a faff but Plexamid has the silly carbon rod system and Altaplex is just too tall and long. The new Plex Solo is much better and seems like many have been waiting for it. Ahh you're left handed so makes sense for you to be laid that way. I do see many right handed lay that way though which honestly makes no sense to me but to each his own I guess.
@@Adam_Outdoors Sorry to hear that. They seem to come and go at times. I have a Hexamid Solo which has been a great tent. I actually have a comparison video up on the channel between that tent, the Plex Solo and SMD Lunar Solo that can be viewed here if interested: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7eH8k58yCZE.html The strut system in the Plexamid could be nice for some but it's not for me. I don't spend much time in camp and am on trail more when I am solo so the added space isn't something I need often. The added bulk and reduced simplicity influenced my decision too. The Plex Solo is a nice blend of the Hexamid and Altaplex. I'm happy to see that many hikers requests have been answered. It's simple, packable and spacious enough. I've been very happy with it so far.
It is a fantastic tent Crow! Mine has been out in a lot of varying conditions this year and has performed beautifully in all of it. Definitely one of the lightest tents out there now. I was sad to see the Hexamid tent no longer offered. That's been a favorite of mine. Maybe it will make its way back into the lineup in the future.
@50medude I haven’t had any trouble with mine yet. It’s been very durable and has held up to moderate snow, wind and heavy rain. It’s become one of my favorite tents.
Hi, and how about a comparison between the zacks Plexiglasköfferchen solo and the gossamer gear 1 dcf? Which tent would you prefer, I’m interested in the inner space …
Lena That is a tough call. Both tents are excellent! I can't speak for long term use with the Plex Solo yet though, my mileage is still less than the GG DCF One. I prefer the Plex Solo vs the DCF One because of its simplicity. It only requires one trekking pole and I also prefer a DCF floor vs a sil-nylon one. The Plex Solo has a little more floor space and ventilation around the perimeter of the entire floor. The DCF One has a lot more room to move around inside, option for a clothesline and a massive vent along the back wall with additional vents at the head and foot ends of the tent. If you are looking for more room to move, the DCF One has more due to the two trekking pole setup.
Rick, So far so good. I've had it out in up to 40 mph winds so far and also a winter storm. The tent handled the wind without any trouble (though good campsite selection contributes to this too). It's also shed snow easily in a storm that dropped snow at a rate of 2" per hour overnight on another trip. For the cold, it has felt warmer than other single wall tents I own, but that's due in part to the smaller profile and design. I was able to sleep comfortably in it at 7 degrees F using my Katabatic Palisade, sleeping bag liner, base layers and my EE Torrid Apex jacket (results will vary per hiker, I sleep warm). Overall I have been impressed at the moment and look forward to testing it in varying conditions more this year.
Mingkun, I'm 5'10". I think 6'1" might be pushing it with this tent. I feel 6' would be the max height for comfort without hitting the walls inside. The Altaplex or Duplex XL might be better options above 6 ft.
I loved this Mat! Thank you!! I’m enjoying mine so much and taking it out in the AT next weekend. Thank you for all your helpful information this past week!
This was a great review! Thanks, Mat! I'm looking to upgrade my old tent and I'm debating between a 1P and 2P.. I am always solo. I'm leaning toward the 1P (I usually swing from the trees, so I'm used to limited elbow room) but I love 2 doors for air flow. Decisions, decisions, decisions...
Thanks! I've been digging the tent so far and actually am just getting back from using it for a few days where we experienced a strong winter storm overnight. The tent has been solid. I prefer a solo tent or tarp if I am solo. The two doors definitely provide a lot of airflow, but one person tents have become better with airflow over the last few years. I also like the smaller footprint, reduced bulk, reduced weight and lower cost. The two person has it's benefits too though. A lot of options out there. Hope you find one that checks all the boxes for you.
Thanks for the review. Very helpful. Great features and looks like it could hold up to some high winds. Is there a fly inner, couldn’t see it at the back. Thanks again Atb, Michael
Thanks for watching Michael. I haven't had it out in strong winds yet so I can't tell you how it handles in those conditions. I will be doing a follow up once I get mileage in with the tent though. The tie outs should help quite a bit. I've had my Hexamid Solo out in 35-40 mph wind gusts without any trouble, though that tent has a slightly lower profile. The canopy of the tent is all one piece and connected to the mesh and floor of the tent. There's no separate inner.
And thanks for the inner info, was concerned about bugs getting in especially in the Scottish highlands so good to know there’s no gaps or entry points when in the tent
@@williammay6879 No worries. Those midges are a different beast, though I've had great experiences out in Scotland. Yeah this tent shouldn't have any trouble out there and is completely sealed. I haven't had any trouble with the full mesh floor of the Hexamid either, but it can be tough getting pass all that mesh for some. The Plex Solo checks a lot of boxes for me. Looking forward to getting it out in it more this year!
@roadrunnerhikes I haven't had any issues with the seam tape. Everything remains waterproof and secure. The tent has been great so far and has become one of my favorite tents due to its simplicity, livable space and lightweight. Though I also only have 33 nights in it at the time of this reply. I've been using my Zpacks tarp a lot more this year! Here's an update on the Plex Solo and some other gear I've been using if interested (you'll find timestamps in the video description, Plex Solo will be around the 8:09 mark): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--ee_5GuVlWM.html
Sarah, It's more like a smaller version of the popular Altaplex, but it's also similar to the original Hexamid tent: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7eH8k58yCZE.html The Plexamid will offer more volume in the headroom due to the carbon struts, but if they are removed it ends up with an awkward amount of excess fabric that prevents a proper pyramid pitch.
@@matjobin is it worth ditching the Plex? It's tough to pack for obvious reasons and that's would be why I'm leaning towards trying the other one but the plex has served me well and is also whisper light
@@sarahsundstrom1425 I would consider it, but ultimately the decision would be up to you of course. If the packability and simplicity of the Plex Solo vs the Plexamid were things that appealed to me and I had the financial means then I might get it. My Plex Solo is pretty light too at around 12.6 oz on my scale after switching out the stock guy line that came with the tent. The Plexamid is still a great tent and if you've had a great experience with it, it could also be just as worth it to keep it and use the finances toward other gear or backpacking trips/thru-hike.
@@sarahsundstrom1425 I haven't used the Xmid 1 too much but it is well designed. I just prefer a one trekking pole tent and typically use one these days if I am not using a tarp.
