SlingFin SplitWing Mesh Body

Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications

The SplitWing Mesh Body is a super lightweight bug shelter that works well incorporated in your tarp shelter set-up but excels when combined with the SplitWing tarp and the SplitWing Vestibule to create a two-walled shelter that has all the benefits of a tarp, with the protection of a tent.

SlingFin says: 

This ultralight bug shelter was designed to mesh (sorry) perfectly with our SplitWing Tarp, but it works splendidly on its own or with other tarps. It stays attached to the SplitWing so it pitches dry every time and protects the user from bugs and anything else you don’t want sharing your tent with you. With straight zippers to increase durability, strong PE-coated 20D ripstop floor fabric, and spare zipper sliders with our zipper garage, the SplitWing Mesh Body is a perfect complement to the SplitWing and is designed to last through the rigors of a thru-hike and beyond.

Our Verdict

The SplitWing Mesh Body can easily be adapted and incorporated into your pre-existing tarp shelter set-up, whether it’s a flat or shaped tarp; the internal space inside the mesh body is an impressive 24.8 sq. ft, which feel spacious and liveable, with almost a meter of headroom inside the mesh body, at a push you can squeeze two in, but I would only consider this in a survival situation.  

The interior of the mesh body has three gear loops, which can be used individually, but also could be used to run a clothesline to dry and organise gear.  

The Mesh body can be used on its own if you are confident of a clear night, and sets up incredibly easy with just four pegs and your two hiking poles.

The SplitWing Mesh Body come into its own when used with the SplitWing tarp, it connects with a few clips the resulting shelter pitches both inner and outer at the same time, so you don’t run the risk of the inside of your tent getting wet, I’ve never seen a tarp/mesh combo do this, it’s really quite innovative. If you want a fully enclosed tent, the SplitWing also has an additional vestibule to protect from the elements in all directions; this all-encompassing shelter weighs just 569g, which for a double-walled shelter is incredibly light.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Can be used in conjunction with SplitWing or separately 
• Attaches to the underside of the SplitWing
• Stays attached to SplitWing for fast, dry pitching
• Extra roomy stuff sack fits all components of the SplitWing system +Includes cords for setup as a standalone bug shelter 
• Zipper garage with spare zipper sliders 
• Side pull-outs to increase internal volume 
• Internal ceiling o-rings for hanging gear or a clothesline
• Roomy for one, can accommodate two hardcore UL hikers

Specifications

• Our weight: 288g (excluding bag)
• Brands stated minimum weight: 318g
• Brands stated packaged weight: 332g
• Packed size: 5″ x 5″ x 10″ (13cm x 13cm x 25cm) (uncompressed)
• Floor dimensions: 82″ x 56″/31″ (208cm x 142cm/79cm) (head/foot)
• Floor area: 24.8sq ft (2.3sq m)
• Interior height: 37″ (94cm)
• Capacity: 1-2
• Doors: 1

Material & Construction

• Tent body fabric: 15D Nylon no-see-um mesh
• Floor fabric: 20D Nylon Ripstop PE 1800mm