Gear review: BACH PioPio Solo Tent

Publication date: 26 Aug 2024

CampingGearTents

When it comes to long-distance hiking, the right tent can significantly impact your overall experience. I know first-hand that a good tent can make or break your trail. After spending some time with the BACH PioPio Solo tent, I’ve had the opportunity to review its functionality, durability, and overall performance. This solo tent is designed for lightweight hikers who want to have a lot of space inside their tent.

In this review, I’ll share my experiences testing the BACH PioPio Solo tent which I used on the Madeira Crossing, thru-hiking the island over 6 days facing all kinds of weather, mostly wind and rain. Trust me, after 6 days on Madeira, I know how the tent holds up. To provide a balanced view, I’ll outline the pros and cons I observed. By the end, you should have a good understanding of whether this tent suits your needs.

Editor

Elmar Teegelbeckers

Passionate hiker Elmar spends months of his time on the trail. He’s usually on the lookout for hidden gems in one of his favourite countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland and Japan. He founded hiking-trails.com in need for a community and detailed information about the trails. Before this, he worked for the Alpine asscociation in the Netherlands[ (NKBV) but lost his heart to the trails.

Not long ago, Elmar published the book (in Dutch) Hiking Trails – best long-distance trails in Europe. With this book, website and socials, he hopes to inspire and shape an inclusive community for hikers all over world. No matter your speed, experience or level, you can get out there to enjoy the trails and connect with the heartwarming hiking community. Life is so much better outside and he hopes to inspire hikers to take their first, or next, step on the trail.

You can reach Elmar at info@hiking-trails.com.

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Testing the BACH PioPio Solo

BACH Equipment is a well-regarded name in outdoor gear, known for producing high-quality backpacks and lately other outdoor gear such as sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and lightweight tents. The PioPio Solo tent is targeted at solo hikers to provide a balance between weight and comfort. As someone who prefers minimalist gear that doesn’t compromise on essential features, I was curious to see how this tent would perform in harsh conditions.

My testing of the BACH PioPio Solo tent included several trips with different weather conditions, including rain, wind, and chilly nights. One of the first things I noticed was how well the tent handled wet and windy weather. The 20d ripstop nylon fabric 6.6 did an excellent job of keeping the inner tent dry during heavy rainstorms all night. The seams are taped, which added to the tent’s waterproof capabilities.

Wind resistance was another area where the PioPio Solo performed well. The tent maintained its structure in strong winds, thanks to its sturdy pole system and low-profile design which looks more like a bivy tent. I think that’s one of the best features of this tent. While most tents are more round and overall higher making it easier to get caught by the wind, the wind rushes over the Piopio Solo because of its design. Setting up the tent was straightforward and took only a few minutes, which I’m always happy about when you arrive at your campsite after a long day.

Inside the tent, there was enough space for me and my gear. The vestibule area provided additional storage. In this tent, you can also sit up straight. The ventilation was effective, with strategically placed vents and mesh panels that minimized condensation.

About BACH Equipment

BACH Equipment has been around since the 1970s, starting as a small company focused on making durable backpacks. Over the years, they expanded their product line to include tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and duffels. Their reputation is built on producing high-quality, durable products that withstand tough outdoor conditions.

The brand’s philosophy revolves around creating outdoor essentials products that meet the real needs of outdoor enthusiasts. BACH Equipment emphasizes customer feedback to ensure their products are up to the mark. This approach has helped them maintain a strong presence in the outdoor gear market.

BACH Equipment’s design principles are influenced by simplicity and functionality. Their products often feature clean lines and practical features that enhance usability. This minimalist approach resonates with many people who prefer gear that performs reliably without unnecessary frills.

Sustainability is important to BACH Equipment. They focus on responsible sourcing of materials, ethical manufacturing practices, and initiatives to extend the lifespan of their products by producing outdoor gear that lasts. The Bach 5 golden sustainability rules are inspirational for this.

About the BACH PioPio Solo

The BACH PioPio Solo tent is designed for solo campers who need a lightweight and compact shelter. At just over 1 kg, it’s ideal for backpackers and hikers who need to keep their pack weight down. It’s a 1-pole, 3-season, solo tunnel tent made from ripstop nylon, which is durable and resistant to tears and damage. The tent provides effective waterproofing, which I found to be reliable in wet and windy conditions.

The tent features a single-pole structure that simplifies setup while maintaining stability. Inside, there’s enough space for one person and their gear, with a floor area that accommodates a sleeping pad comfortably. The vestibule adds extra storage space, which is useful for keeping gear organized and out of the way.

Ventilation is well-managed with vents and mesh panels that promote airflow and reduce condensation. This is a crucial feature, especially on longer trips where dampness inside the tent can become an issue. The buckles make it way easier to set up the tent in no time and it comes with a compact package to roll up your tent and pack it easily in your backpack, keeping your gear organized.

Specifications

BACH PioPio Solo
Weight	1.1 kg
Dimensions (packed)	44 x 13 cm
Material	20D high tenacity ripstop 6.6 Nylon with silicone coating on both sides
Inner tent material	15D air permeable ripstop Nylon 15D knitted mesh
Floor material	20D ripstop Nylon with TPU laminate
Pole material	8,7mm anodized 7001 aluminum
Number of poles	1
Ventilation	Mesh panels and vents
Vestibule	Yes
Setup time	Approximately 5 minutes
Price	€500

pro's

Lightweight: easy to carry with a perfect package, making it ideal for backpacking and fitting in your backpack.

Design: great design making it wind-resistant and spacious.

Quick setup: simple and fast to assemble, especially the straps and buckles to adjust the tent.

Good ventilation: effective at minimizing condensation.

con's

Lightweight: it’s not an ultralight tent, comfort comes with more weight.

Costs: more expensive than some other solo tents.

Conclusion

The BACH PioPio Solo tent is a solid choice for solo adventurers looking for a lightweight, reliable, and easy-to-use tent and shelter. The overall design of the PioPio Solo prioritizes ease of use, from the quick-setup pole system to the thoughtful placement and usage of zippers and storage pockets. Its waterproofing and wind resistance make it a dependable choice for various weather conditions. It’s not the lightest tent on the market, comfort comes with more weight. Overall, my experience with the PioPio Solo tent has been positive, and it’s a piece of gear I’d recommend for solo camping trips.

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Gear review: BACH PioPio Solo Tent

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