Microlight - latest model query

[Justin1970]

Hi folks.
I suddenly need a solo tent (have a macpac stellar for two-up hiking) and, as i am a bit of a macpac tragic, i am keen on the latest model Microlight that is down around the 1.6kg mark.
This tent will also be used by my wife for solo outings as well so i need something light but tough.
We live in sydney and most walking would be blue mountains area, far south coast (eden, merimbula, down to the vic border), some NSW/Vic high country and maybe around Barrington Tops, etc.
I have a couple of questions: i am 180cm tall so am wondering if size will be OK? (i seem to fit in Stellar lengthwise with no real drama)
is the vestibule large enough for a 65-litre pack?
and i noted in some posts here that the latest model inner 'sits' or 'sets up' slightly differently than the previous model?
Noted that at one stage macpac looked at introducing a freestanding microlight which, in some ways, would be OK, although not a deal-breaker attraction. not sure whether this will happen in the future?
any tips/hints/opinions from users of the newer microlights would be great - as would any long-term experiences from owners in general.
also looked at the MSR Hubba but the microlight has more floor space (although ever-so-slightly less vestibule area).
Thanks in advance (and apologies for the lengthy post!)
Juz

[ollster]

I have a couple of questions: i am 180cm tall so am wondering if size will be OK? (i seem to fit in Stellar lengthwise with no real drama

I'm 189-ish and found the Microlight quite obviously too small. I reckon 180cms would still be touch and go for proper "livability". The shallow angles of the tent ends make it quite short as far as usable ground space goes. (and that's coming from a fellow Macpac tragic.)

[Justin1970]

Thanks Ollster - I suspected as much as my Stellar has a fair bit of inner sag as well, which sees me just touching at each end (on top of an Exped DLX down mat).
Might have to get one set up at a store to double check as it sounds like it will be fine for my wife.
Does anybody have an opinion on the Moondance 1 v the Hubba if the Microlight doesn't cut it?
Cheers,
Juz

[ollster]

opinion on the Moondance 1

Looks VERY similar to my MSR Hubba HP, which is pretty good as far as length and height goes, but maybe just a tad skinny (although nothing to worry about). The pole design makes the Hubba pretty roomy, so the Moondance 1 should be similar.

I can't recall why I didn't get the Mont, but there must've been a reason... I think it was because I didn't want too much mesh so that I could try and stay warmer (the HP has only a few small mesh panels rather than half-mesh like a lot of one person tents).

[sthughes]

The Microlight should be long enough but sitting up wouldn't be easy, I am a tad shorter than you and I touch my head and shoulders, it is manageable if I always sit facing the door so my shoulders don't push the inner into the fly. Vestibule is fine, I have an 85 litre and while it needs to be organised there is room for it and my boots when the pack is empty. I love my Microlight but it is very cramped and therefore don't use it unless I am expecting to not have to (like walking to a hut that may be full).
I have sat in a Hubba HP & Moondance and while the floor area is smaller it feels like a much bigger tent. I can sit up any way I like and be comfy, and when I lay down the inner isn't 2 inches from my nose.
Despite the excellent quality of the Macpac I would never recommend it to anyone of normal height. Personally I'd get one of the others. The only thing from memory I didn't like so much about the Moondance over the Hubba HP is the door does't zip down from the top for extra ventilation, I think?
Having said all that I'll sell you a Microlight that hasn't been used much for $250!

[Justin1970]

Thanks folks for all the answers. Will take it all on board.
I have a week or so to decide and am keen now after hearing sthughes' comments to sit in one myself re the headroom/shoulder pointer (and the vestibule space). As i said, my wife is shorter but our usage will probably be 50/50 in regards to solo outings.
Price is a bit of an issue and i know there's a macpac sale on starting tomorrow (another reason to get out and sit in one/test one out) but i don't want to get something that i will regret later so may have a closer look at the Hubba HP. It is just so expensive but i have used a Hubba Hubba (2 person) in the past and found the all-mesh inner too breezy so the extra material in the HP may be welcome.
just as a point for future reference, how old is the one on offer?
Thanks again.
Juz

[sthughes]

how old is the one on offer?
Juz

Not sure, about 18 months I think. I didn't have it in July 2008 but I did in January 2009. Actually, when I think about it, I've only actually slept in it about 8 nights Done a few miles in the pack though!

[dclayw]

I have a Microlight circa 2003 and am pretty happy with it. Not sure how much the desigh has changed. I'm 180cm and don't touch either end of the tent, it's pretty close though. The tent has to be set up and adjusted right to minimise the sag. I have a Macpac Glissade pack (80lt I think) and this fits in the vestiuble. Can also fit boots and other odds and ends with ease.

I just spent 2 weeks in my microlight in NZ. Handled rain and wind with ease.

There is not a lot of room to sit up in the microlight and as previous poster said facing the door is better. Don't know much about the hubba or the materials used but the one I looked at recently (in Queenstown NZ) felt pretty flimsy compared to my microlight. There is quite a lot of difference in price between hubba and microlight isn't there?

[Justin1970]

(This is my third attempt at responding to the last post so if all 3 responses turn up - sorry!)

Thanks for that extra info. the price difference at the moment, with the microlight on sale, is around $200 so that's a big influence. Plus, hearing that you can fit that pack - and yourself - into it is encouraging.
as i said in the original post, my wife will probably use this particular tent more than me (she's around 165cm) but if i do need it, it is good to know i will fit.
Thanks to everybody for all the advice. Will be making my way to the Sydney macpac store in the morning, i think!
Cheers,
Juz

[corvus]

(This is my third attempt at responding to the last post so if all 3 responses turn up - sorry!)

Thanks for that extra info. the price difference at the moment, with the microlight on sale, is around $200 so that's a big influence. Plus, hearing that you can fit that pack - and yourself - into it is encouraging.
as i said in the original post, my wife will probably use this particular tent more than me (she's around 165cm) but if i do need it, it is good to know i will fit.
Thanks to everybody for all the advice. Will be making my way to the Sydney macpac store in the morning, i think!
Cheers,
Juz

I think the price for the Microlite in the sale is around $375.00 so $250.00 is a good price
corvus

[Justin1970]

G'day corvus.
I need to do my maths a bit better but that's even more incentive to grab one!
Cheers,
Juz