REI Chrysalis UL Solo Tent - 2012 Special Buy

Comments about REI Chrysalis UL Solo Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

Purchased this last summer as a spare tent. Decided to take it on 2 day backpack to a local Peak. The 1st night the tent pole, where it connects to the hub broke. The narrow end of the pole that fits into the hub was poorly machined and broke in half. We had to make an odd 3 poled tent that made for a very sleepless 2nd night when sleeping on a very windy peak. Was hoping for better.

Comments about REI Chrysalis UL Solo Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

Do almost all my hiking/overnights in Oregon and have to have a tent that's truly waterproof, and that the bathtub style comes up high enough.
I always end up buying REI tents because they are in between lightweight and ultralight.
I've read some pretty bad reviews on other tents with leaking, too low denier nylon requiring footprints (which adds to weight)and poles breaking!
This tent rocks, have used a few times already. Spacious, 100% waterproof, and the floor fabric is sturdier enough to not need footprint unless you're on jagged rocks. With more nylon than mesh on the upper, it's quite a bit warmer too. Only bad part about this feature is you'll get more condensation in high humid areas. Might need a little bigger vent, or a 2nd one.

Comments about REI Chrysalis UL Solo Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

I'm 6'3'' and I fit. Barely, on one side of the tent. The left side is a little longer than the right side and when I lay a little left of center I fit. Fortunately I am not claustrophobic so the close sides and roof of such a small tent do not bother me.
I've used this tent for overnighters and some 3 and 4 day trips. One trip was severely windy for over 2 days. The tent and rain fly shook violently but held up. I did replace the side guylines that can be run through an extra guyout point so that the original and the extra each had their own lines. Maybe this helped.
This tent is surprisingly warm. It seems to have less mesh material in the walls/roof than many other tents. Its not as drafty and seems to retain heat better. Yet I haven't had condensation problems but I'm camping in very low humidity areas. With the rainfly sealed, a good inflatable sleeping pad and a wool watch cap I've been OK in a 55deg sleeping bag on a 45deg night. In the summer with the rainfly tied open the extra ventilation from the mesh in the door keeps things comfortable.
I've not had rain on any of my trips.
The only thing I dislike is the asymmetrical layout but its only a minor annoyance. Just be careful that your footprint and poles are oriented correctly before you start connecting everything up.
The packed size and weight of the tent are awesome. I like to hike into campsites and balance traveling light with comfort, this tent seems to strike an excellent balance.

Comments about REI Chrysalis UL Solo Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

For light weight, small pack, this is a great tent.
Only draw back is asymmetrical floor shape makes it functionally smaller than stated dimensions.
That aside, it fits my purpose, having a tent for day hikes that could become overniters.
For longer planned hikes I will stick with my Marmot limelight 2p

Comments about REI Chrysalis UL Solo Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

This is a great in between tent, between Ultra lightweight minimalist, and lightweight. It held me 5'11" male and most my stuff inside. Sets up in 2 minutes and is easy to setup.
I've read other reviews on other tents that skimp on too much and have problems with sturdiness, leaking, and the poles breaking!
Was no leaking from the rain and in the mountains in Oregon, that's the #1 most important thing in a tent.

Comments about REI Chrysalis UL Solo Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

I have used this tent for several years on a number of wilderness area backpacking trips in the Southeast. It is very well constructed, lightweight easy to set up, and takes up little space in a backpack. The vestibule is adequate for backpack storage or sheltered cooking. I'm 5'10", 180 lbs, and it just big enough for me. Anyone much over 6' tall or who needs lots of elbow room might find the tent's space a little tight. I've never had a problem with condensation, even after a night of rain. The steep slope from front to back forces you to sleep with your head at the door and requires some minor acrobatics entering and exiting, which my only (minor) gripe about the tent. Overall, I have been very happy with this tent.

Comments about REI Chrysalis UL Solo Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

I used this tent for about 1 year for light backpacking and car camping but had to return it because a problem developed with the rain fly. There is a window on the rain fly and the seams came apart and could not be easily repaired. This tent is very unusual to set up for the first few times, because the ends are not symmetrical. However, after you get the hang of it, it's a snap.

Comments about REI Chrysalis UL Solo Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

I bought more than one year and used often in conditions of heavy rain and strong winds without any damage or infiltration. Constructed with materials of good quality, sturdy, reliable and large enough for use with 1 person. The only downside is the current price, much higher than it was last year.

Comments about REI Chrysalis UL Solo Tent - 2012 Special Buy:

It's billed as a solo tent, but there's enough room for a dog as well. Two slim people could even fit, if they didn't mind being shoulder to shoulder. I've only woke up with condensation once, and it had been raining all night long. Lightweight, easy to pitch, and it actually keeps the rain out. What more could you ask for in a tent?