Solomid XL vs Deschutes Tarp
top ten:best ultralight pyramid backpacking tarps
When paring your pack weight down to the absolute essentials without sacrificing full storm protection, shaped pyramid tarps represent the pinnacle of ultralight efficiency. Mountain Laurel Designs' Solomid XL and Six Moon Designs' Deschutes Tarp stand as two of the most respected solo shelters on the trail, yet they serve distinctly different backcountry philosophies. The MLD Solomid XL is an uncompromising, bombproof mountain sanctuary built with overbuilt reinforcements designed to withstand alpine gale-force winds, prolonged torrential rains, and early winter snow loads. In contrast, the SMD Deschutes delivers an accessible, ultra-streamlined silhouette that emphasizes maximum internal volume per ounce at an approachable price point favored by long-distance thru-hikers on predictable seasonal corridors. Choosing between them hinges on whether your priorities tilt toward the extreme weather margins of four-season alpine exploration or the featherlight, cost-effective minimalism demanded across a 2,000-mile summer thru-hike. We break down the build specs, weather resistance, and livability of both legendary shelters.
Spec-by-Spec
| Spec | Solomid XL | Deschutes Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 16.5 oz (Silpoly) / 13.5 oz (DCF) | 13.0 oz (Silpoly) |
| Capacity/Size | 1 Person + Gear (L 110" x W 54" x H 50") | 1 Person (L 105" x W 80" x H 49") |
| Materials | 20D Pro Silpoly or 0.75 DCF; #5 YKK water-resistant zip | 20D Silicone Coated Polyester (Silpoly); #3 YKK zip |
| Price Tier | Premium ($315 - $535) | Budget-to-Mid ($200) |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Best Use | 4-season alpine ridges, high wind, tall backpackers | 3-season fast-and-light thru-hiking |
| Portability | Packs down to roughly 1.5 liters | Packs down to roughly 1.2 liters |
| Durability | Exceptional; heavily bar-tacked, multi-layer apex reinforcement | Moderate; optimized for weight savings over severe exposure |
| Feature Highlights | True rectangular pyramid, mechanical apex vent, offset pole setup | Hexagonal pyramid design, large vestibule, full 360-degree coverage |
Solomid XL
Best for: Tall alpine backpackers and bad-weather trekkers demanding maximum structural integrity in exposed backcountry conditions.
Pros
- Virtually stormproof four-sided pyramid geometry sheds high winds and snow loads effortlessly
- Generous interior length comfortably accommodates hikers well over 6'2" with thick sleeping pads
- High-end construction quality with reinforced apex, heavy-duty zippers, and robust tie-outs
- Versatile pitching options including dual-pole A-frame setups for unobstructed interior space
Cons
- Significantly higher price tag, especially when opting for Dyneema Composite Fabric
- Heavier base pack weight compared to minimalist single-wall shaped tarps
Deschutes Tarp
Best for: Ounce-counting 3-season thru-hikers seeking full weather coverage and great interior volume on a realistic gear budget.
Pros
- Outstanding space-to-weight ratio delivering 44 square feet of coverage at only 13 ounces
- Substantially lower barrier to entry with a sub-$200 retail price tag
- Expansive front vestibule provides ample covered space for cooking and dirty gear storage
- Easy, quick single-pole setup with a forgiving perimeter pitch
Cons
- Lighter-gauge hardware and zippers require careful handling in harsh conditions
- Hexagonal footprint can flap in shifting, high-velocity alpine crosswinds compared to true mid designs
The Verdict
Overall, the Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid XL takes the victory as the superior high-performance pyramid shelter. Its impeccable craftsmanship, structural stability under heavy wind loads, and extra-long footprint make it a genuine four-season capable tool that will endure thousands of hard mountain miles. The Solomid XL is the shelter you want when exposed above treeline during an unexpected mountain squall. However, the Six Moon Designs Deschutes remains an unbeatable value proposition for weight-conscious hikers. For typical three-season adventures across established trails like the PCT or AT, the Deschutes gives you expansive interior coverage and dependable rain protection for half the price and several ounces less weight. Buy the Solomid XL if you regularly push into volatile alpine environments or measure well over six feet tall; choose the Deschutes Tarp if you want the absolute most ultralight floor area possible on a sensible thru-hiking budget.
See where both rank in the full list: the complete Top 10 →