Plex Solo vs. Plex Solo Classic: Which Ultralight Tent Fits You?
By Zpacks | Level Up Your Next Adventure | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Plex Solo Classic and Hexamid tents on weight, features, and setup. Find out which ultralight shelter suits your hiking style and conditions.
Quick Answer
Choose the Plex Solo Classic if you want the lightest full-featured one-person tent with a floor and full bug protection. Choose the Hexamid if you prioritize minimal weight and don't mind a floorless design that requires a separate groundsheet or bivy.
Weight vs. Comfort: The Core Trade-off
The Plex Solo Classic is marketed as the lightest full-featured one-person tent in the world, offering a floor and complete protection. The Hexamid, on the other hand, is a floorless shelter designed for hikers who prefer sleeping under the stars and are willing to combine it with a bathtub groundsheet or bivy for added protection.
If you prioritize a complete, ready-to-pitch shelter with a floor, the Plex Solo Classic delivers that in a package that's still incredibly light. If you're counting every ounce and are comfortable with a modular setup, the Hexamid's floorless design can save weight but requires extra parts and planning.
Setup and Versatility
Both tents pitch with a single trekking pole or tent pole, making them quick to set up. The Plex Solo Classic uses a single 52-inch (132 cm) pole, while the Hexamid's design is similarly straightforward.
The Hexamid's floorless perimeter means you can use it with just a groundsheet on dry nights, or add a bivy for more protection. This flexibility is great for dry environments like the Pacific Crest Trail, but it means you need to carry the right accessories for wetter conditions.
How to Choose: Trade-offs at a Glance
- If you want the lightest full-featured tent: Go with the Plex Solo Classic. It offers a floor, bug protection, and a complete shelter in one package, with the lightest weight in its class. Weigh the Plex Solo Classic against your current shelter to see the actual savings.
- If you're a gram-counter who loves sleeping under the stars: Consider the Hexamid. Its floorless design allows you to use just a groundsheet on dry nights, saving weight, but you'll need to add a bivy or groundsheet for wetter conditions. Check the weather forecast for your trail and decide if you're comfortable with the modular setup.
- If you want simplicity and all-in-one protection: Choose the Plex Solo Classic. It pitches easily with a single trekking pole and requires no extra accessories for full protection. Look at your packing list to see if you already carry a bivy or groundsheet that could work with a floorless tent.
Product Facts
- Plex Solo Classic Tent: The Plex Solo Classic is described as the lightest full-featured one-person tent in the world, designed for weight-conscious hikers who don't want to sacrifice performance or comfort. You get a complete, floor-protected shelter that's still extremely light, making it a great choice for thru-hikers who want comfort without the extra weight.
Plex Solo Classic Tent - Hexamid Tent: The Hexamid is a floorless screen perimeter tent that must be combined with an optional bathtub groundsheet or a bivy, ideal for dry environments like the Pacific Crest Trail. This modular approach lets you save weight by using just a groundsheet on clear nights, but you need to plan for wetter conditions by adding a bivy or groundsheet.
Hexamid Tent
Who Should Buy Which Tent?
Best for
- Ultralight hikers who want a full-featured tent with a floor and bug protection without added weight.
- Thru-hikers on long trails who value comfort and simplicity in a single shelter.
Not for
- Hikers who prefer a floorless shelter to save weight and don't mind carrying a separate groundsheet or bivy.
- Those who frequently camp in wet or buggy conditions where a full floor and integrated protection are essential.
