Peak Vents on Pyramids

Hi, Ryan –

It's not cuben, but silnylon, since it is my first MYOG shelter and I have a lot of silnylon from Walmart on hand. But here's the link:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=104473&skip_to_post=884561#884561

Feel free to reply or PM with any more questions –
dk

I could post closer pictures if you need detail of anything…it's set up on my neighbors' back lawn right now, having just been seam sealed (I don't have a lawn, and they're on vacation till tomorrow).

"I am a bit perplexed by this debate."

Don't be. Read Roger's comment. That is the best way.

But I think big factors would be size of mid and steepness of walls. In something small like a duomid or something with shallow angles like a SMD Deschutes I'd imagine the vent would be more important than in something like an Oware which has steep walls and is much larger.

Edit: From my correspondence with David at Oware prior to my purchase of a mid, when asked about seam sealing he responded with the following:

I do not seal these, Most people do not, the steepness of pitch of my mids precludes most dripping from condensation or leaks.

Pitch next to valley lakes on clear summer evenings and you'll get condensation by morning, vents or not.

Camp high, stay dry.

Another "Yes" for vents. Warm air from our bodies/breathing goes straight to the top, thats physics (warm air is less dense than cold air). If at the top there is no vent, warm air will cloud there making contact with colder walls of the tent and producing the condensation.

If at the top there is a vent, some of this warm air will escape out and consequently less condensation will be produced. If at the top there is a vent AND at the bottom there is a gap, the draught will be stronger (chimney effect) taking even more warm air out before it has the chance to cool down against the tent. Leading to further reduction of condensation.

Every little helps. In addition, vents are good as stray bugs will fly to the top and out (following warm air), less buzzing at night!