by Wendy Lafond

Created on: November 06, 2008   Last Updated: November 11, 2008

When going on a backpacking adventure there are a few very important factors to consider. One is shelter and protection from the elements. Another is the weight of the supplies and the pack you will be carrying on your back. With all the new, ultra-light gear available it is hard to decide on the equipment that is right for you and your particular journey. This review of Six Moon Designs Wild Oasis ultra-light shelter and related equipment is designed to help you with your decision.

The Wild Oasis Ultra-light backpacking shelter by Six Moon Designs is the lightest shelter available today. Weighing in at only 13 ounces and folding down to a mere 6" x 5"pack it can literally get lost in your backpack, but it doesn't scrimp on size when it is set-up. This three season shelter is similar to a tarp in that it allows for low-height set-up in bad weather or higher center height for added ventilation when the weather is good.

With 35 square feet of space, and the convenience of being adjustable in height for different weather conditions, it is the perfect one-man shelter for the experienced, long distance backwoods hiker as well as being easy enough for the amateur weekend walker.

The Oasis has a zippered entry which adds to the ease of getting in and out and a No-See-Um skirt to keep out those pesky bugs whom always seem intent on sharing shelters with campers. The skirts liberal width adds to the shelters flexibility for multiple height set-up and is taper cut to ensure it stays put and doesn't roll out to become a rain catcher.

Most shelters in this class have such limited space that it is easy to have a bit of claustrophobia which does nothing to aid a restful night's sleep. Not so with the Wild Oasis. When setting up there is also the option to eliminate the center pole (which is not included with the shelter as a walking pole is recommended for reduction of weight) and suspend the center from a rope attached to a limb or other such outcropping.

This Six Moons Designs shelter is built from 30 Denier Silicone Nylon. It is vented to allow moisture to escape to help minimize condensation, but they also recommend sealing the seams with SilNet 100 percent silicone seam sealer to maximize effectiveness.

As the Oasis is a floorless shelter Six Moon offers the Lunar Solo Footprint, made from hard surface Tyvek, to help with protection from ground debris as well as protection from the ground moisture. Weighing in at 4.5 ounces it will add much more comfort than weight to hiking adventure.

The Oasis is shipped without stakes, so it is necessary to either locate anchors at the campsite or, if you desire to bring your own to minimize set-up time, Six Moon offers 6 inch Easton stakes. Made of 7075 E9 Aircraft aluminum, these stakes weigh in at .3 ounces each making them as light as titanium stakes, but with much more holding power. There are 6 tie-down points on the Oasis shelter.

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