Silex or Eolus

[Elkdreamer]

I do not own and have not seen either shelter in person. Looking for opinions from people that have experience with one or both.

Using as a one person shelter which one would you buy? I`m 6`3" and would prefer not to touch the walls. I have experience with the Mountain Smith LT but looking for a lighter option.

Thank you for any insight you might have.

 

[Kevin_t]

For solo only Silex because it can be a better hot tent and the doors open higher . However the eolus can fit two people and is only a couple ounces more .


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[Elkdreamer]

Thanks for your reply. I`m not looking for a hot tent. Rather something for the night solo in a storm that is light weight like a tarp with more protection.

 

[ArrowForester]

Silex was my choice. I think you described it perfectly in your last sentence. Light, simple to get set up in a protective configuration. At least I hope so.....just ordered it the other day. Ha!

 

[kboatman107]

I have the eolus and love it! I’m 6’4” and fit in it fine. I think you’d be happy with either!

 

[darcytribe]

I’m 5’8” and use the silex. I don’t touch the tent walls head or foot but with the loft of my bag I feel pretty close to touching. Probably have a few inches either side. I use a six foot bag.

 

[Novy]

I have a silex. Only 5' 9" but feel like I have a lot of room.

 

[Jimbob]

For me, the eolus is the obvious choice. I solo hunt but I also have kids and friends. For two more ounces, I have a shelter that fits two people perfectly.

I really love the design and I'm super happy with the Eolus. I'll probably buy the nest in the future as well.

 

[Elkdreamer]

Thanks all for your input. I`m going to have to decide soon. Haha

 

[Jacack]

For me, the eolus is the obvious choice. I solo hunt but I also have kids and friends. For two more ounces, I have a shelter that fits two people perfectly.

I really love the design and I'm super happy with the Eolus. I'll probably buy the nest in the future as well.

Do they do a stove in the eolus?

 

[Jimbob]

Do they do a stove in the eolus?

That would be a question for the owner of the company, he was the first to reply to this thread. Kevin_t

 

[BackyardChemist]

Been looking to upgrade to my first true backpacking tent. Kinda stuck deciding between a Eolus and a Tarptent Stratospire 2. Would be using it as a single and two person shelter if the GF happens to tag along. Which sets up faster and handles condensation better?

 

[Jagger0502]

Eolus does not have a stove option. It would be too close to the walls.

i have a silex and love it. It will fit me and my gear and sets up in a matter of a minute. I believe it is longer than the Eolus because of the shape so should fit a taller person better but less area inside making it nice for one person but tight for two side by sideI would squeeze in there with my wife but would be too close for comfort with a buddy.

I did hear a rumor they are coming out with a new tent this year or next called the guardian maybe? It might be a a cross between the two for a two man option but have not heard a release date.

here is a pic of the size. I am 5’9”

 

[KyleR1985]

I have the silex and use an EE recon bivy long/wide under it. I'm 6'3, and it works for me. With the long/wide bivy I have to line it up just right so the corners don't contact the walls, but it just takes a few seconds longer to make sure I get it right. It's got more than enough room for me and any gear I'd take in the woods. You can pitch it pretty tight to the ground for storm protection, but that will obviously come at a ventilation/humidity cost. I've yet to have it in rain, but it's performed well in wind. Only drawback I can come up with so far is the ground space needed. It's a big shelter for one person from that perspective. If you're trying to cram in to really tight spaces, you might consider something smaller. But if you think you'll be spending a lot of time in it due to weather, the extra room is nice, instead of being a burrito under a small tarp or bivy.

 

[KyleR1985]

Seek Outside Silex

Thanks Kevin, I absolutely luv mine and the ease of pitching is one of the reasons why.

www.rokslide.com

On page 9 I have a picture of the silex with long/wide bivy underneath for reference. And if you go back a few pages, they have a layout dimension diagram - if you can do some simple geometry, you can sort of figure out how things will fit.

 

[Elkdreamer]

Which shelter go you think is easier/faster to set up? I`m leaning towards the Silex. Seems the less stakes could be better for running and gunning. Thanks.

 

[darcytribe]

Silex is so simple and fast to pitch, one of the reasons I love it.

 

[Roper_25]

agreed on silex, fast and simple.

 

[RockChucker30]

Which shelter go you think is easier/faster to set up? I`m leaning towards the Silex. Seems the less stakes could be better for running and gunning. Thanks.

Six stakes vs. four...doesn't really matter, as tents go both are easy.

Eolus vs Silex breaks down like this....

Silex - door opens taller. I can squat down and close the door overhead. With Eolus I have to kneel to get door closed. As I get older this will become more and more meaningful.

Eolus - can sleep two 6'5" tall guys without snuggling. Not many 18 oz tents can do that.

Silex - big one person hot tent.
Eolus - lightweight two person, huge one person.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I ordered a silex this winter and so far have just pitched it briefly in the backyard, my initial impression at 6' is I sure wouldn't mind a little more margin on foot/head clearance to the walls but I'm reserving true judgement till I take it out on a trip. The design is cool, I'm just a tad leery about my bag brushing the sides in the night with a little bit of movement/slipping and bag loft factored in. I wouldn't mind checking out the elous in person at some point, I may gravitate more towards that in the end. I was looking for a lighter/simpler alternative to my LBO/vestibule (which is huge solo and fits 2 guys/gear nicely) for solo trips.