Golite Shangri-La 3, SMD Serenity NetTent combination

I have given this quite a bit of thought myself. Would make a great all-season setup. Only caveat is that the NetTent is not very tall, so much of the Shangri-La 3 height would be wasted. I've also considered 2 NetTents for a couple. Ultimately I've decided to sew my own 2-person rectangular netting for the Shangri-La 3 and go with the Gatewood/NetTent for solo use.

I use my MLD Bug bivvy inside a Hex 3. Works fine.

Mike,

That sounds like a tremendous idea. What do you suspend the Bug Bivi from as guessing it wouldn't work from the centre pole huh?

Hi Jim. I use a trekking pole and the pole extension. I just tie to the trekking pole at the basket using the top cord. I don't bother using the lower tie-out on the bug-bivvy.

I thought of something similar and you've convinced me. I'm guessing you use it against the infamous Scottish midgies. If it works for you up there then couldn't be a higher recommendation in my books. Vicious wee beasties! ;-)

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the suggestions and opinions.
I ended up convincing myself to get one, especially as Ron had only a few left in stock!! The Serenity Net is in Spanish customs, and I will get it next week.
Work permitting, I will take it out for a try next weekend, and let you all know how it went.

cheers,
fred

John & Mike,

I have a Hex 3 and would like to see photos of your respective Golite/bug net combos. Thanks!

I'll try and set it up this week if i get a dry spell!

Here's my first attempt with the set up. I have to say it works fine, and there may be other ways to make it better. The workmanship seems first rate.

Here's a wide shot of the net in the tarp- much lower than the height achievable in the Shangri-La, but not a problem when you're prone. It still leaves plenty of room for air circulation, gear storage and work space.

I hung the net off the trekking pole. There is a webbing strap at the top of the net which fits perfectly. There is also a glove hook to connect to some line. I might try this another time with the clothes line loops on the shelter near the top vents. This would push the net further back in the tarp giving even more vestibule.
I'll try this next time- I only thought of this when I got back home. There's really enough vestibule anyway, but this might be a snugger fit and a better use of space.

The four bungee cords at each corner of the net fit perfectly in the Shangri-La 3. I just hooked them onto the nearest stake in use for the shelter- hassle free set up- they seem designed for each other. If I push the net back further into the shelter and tie up to the clothes line loop, I'm sure I'll be able to hook the net bungee cords onto the other existing stakes. I always use all the stake out points with the shelter for maximum stability anyway.

I didn't sleep in the net, as I only had time for a day hike this weekend (too much work), but I did lie down, and it seems roomy enough for me (5'8", 140 pounds). It is pretty narrow, but wide enough at the head end (31").
I like this design better than the MLD Bug Bivy as I like to sit up and feel trapped if I can't- YMMV.
This is part of my lower mountain/ GR route kit for three season use- I wouldn't bother taking it up above 2000 meters as bugs aren't such a problem. Here in Europe the Pyrenees GR routes often go up and down and require nights in woods near water (ie: bug country). That's when I'll use this net. I probably won't need a bivy bag in the net either.
This makes the combo a 850g (30 ounce) + stakes double wall shelter with an enormous vestibule- amazing really, and to think last year my tent weighed 2.6 kilograms (92 ounces).
For my SUL kit, I also have a small homemade bug net for use under my Golite poncho tarp with a bivy, that works in the traditional way… I'm sure I'll be under that and my wife in the SMD palace when she comes along.
C'est la vie.

I hope this helps,
cheers

John,

Thanks a bunch for the time and effort to post these photographs of the Hex + Serenity combo. I am considering various options for my pyramid. If you use this on your next hike, please follow-up with your use experience. Thanks again. John