MLD Poncho/Tarp or SMD Gatewood Cape??

I recently purchased the MLD Poncho Tarp and I went through the same decision that you are making.

For me, I chose the MLD Poncho/Tarp because I am 5'6".

My reading/research came up with that the Gatewood Cape is a great poncho and shelter, but that it is long and that it is best for people 6 ft tall or taller.

Between the two, I would think that the Gatewood Cape would give you more protection from the elements used as either a Poncho or a Shelter.

As you pointed out too, the Gatewood Cape would eliminate or reduce the need for a bivy.

This year I am transitioning to a MLD Poncho Tarp and MLD Soul Side Zip Bivy with the eVent top for extra weather protection.

Hope that this helps and good luck to you in your research.

-Tony

I have been looking at this stuff for the past few years myself and have tried out many of them. Being 6'5" I can say, just forget about it because they are all too short and none of them are going to work for you. All you can do with them is put them out flat at an angle and not even mess around with the ends to keep any rain, mist, wind or anything else out. Well except for the Cascade Backpacker II from Campmor but that is 17 oz.

My suggestion to you is buy to sew your own out of 1.3 silnylon with loops and a hood. That will probably cost $50 or less if you use 2nds and should weigh about 10 oz.

As with just about any tarp you are going to need a bivy. I made mine out of bug netting for the top, 1.9 silnylon for the bottom and sides, and 1.3 silnylon for bands across the top and bottom. Weighs about 10 ounces also and costs $50 or less.

Hey Brett, got some pics of your gear?

thanks
Jeff

Sorry, I don't own a camera.

Brett, did you try the Gatewood Cape?? Because it's enclosed, it seems it would not have the same issues as a regular tarp in regards to being too short…

Thanks, Jeremy

Jeremy,
Call/email Ron Bell at MLD and ask about custom sizing. It may cost a bit more, but if it will fit your needs it's worth a shot. If you give him the measurements, he'll tell you if there's any restrictions based on design or fabric limitations. If it's ok, he'll give you a price. I just put in an order for a custom sized quilt and he was very helpful in the process.
I can't speak for SMD, but if you're considering one of their items in a custom size, the worst they can say is no. Give them a call.
Chris

I am 6'3" and was considering the Gatewood Cape as well, but I found some reports that it was too short for tall people. Do some more research on that, I guess. I have ordered a long cuben poncho tarp from MLD that I think will solve that problem and will be half the weight.

I have looked at the Gatewood Cape a lot of times, as it appears to be a very efficient design. However, I have some reservations. Can someone with experience with a Gatewood speak to these?

1. It appears that the easy and wind/storm proof way to pitch it would be with the edges right on the ground. Is easy to stabilize with some space beneath the lower edge (i.e. off the ground with guylines and a higher pole setup)?

2. If pitched low/on-ground as assumed above, does it have condensation issues? The Gatewood appears to be silnylon, akin to a single walled non-breathable tent.

3. If pitched high and with creative use of the hood as a vent, can any condensation issues be mitigated somewhat?

If these concerns are legitimate, perhaps we need an eVENT Gatewood option? Unfortunately there would be a several ounce weight penalty.

Here at BPL, Will Reitveld has provided a detailed review of the Gatewood Cape after putting it to use under stormy conditions. It appears his review contains information relevant to most if not all of the questions you pose, in particular the Gatewood's potential for condensation.

It would be nice, though, to hear more recent experiences by others since Will's review was written some time ago.

If you haven't read Will's review yet, it can be found at:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/six_moon_designs_gatewood_cape_review.html

JRS

I find it difficult to understand why would anyone want to use a delicate material like cuben as a poncho. One scrape and its gone.

If you want to mulituse why not a bivanorak -MYO or modify a event bivy. Keep that cuben tarp safely inside your pack.

Last time I checked SMD does not do custom sizing.

I'll take a stab at Jason's questions. As background I've used the cape about 30 nights now all in the sierra's with temperatures from the high 20s to the low 40s.

1) Is it easy to pitch the cape with a gap around all sides?

Yes. I've attached aircore nano guylines and tensioners at each of the tie out points. I pitch the cape low then release some line at each of the points and raise the pole to take up the tension. This can get an inch or two around of gap around the cape easily.

2) When pitched low how is condensation? It is prone to condensation but I don't think any more than others. The entry side is always several inches above ground even in the lowest pitch so it's never truly tight to the ground. The one night I had significant condensation others using a black diamond epic tent and a sierra designs double wall tent both reported significant condensation as well. Sometimes there's nothing to be done but wipe the walls. That being said opening the hood helps a lot but does increase draft and create a rain hole.

3) What's the best way to minimize condensation. I generally pitch low as I'm more concerned with getting soaked by a late night rain storm than I am about condensation. I leave the hood partially open. With this only the one time mentioned above did I get drips. The walls are often a little damp so I do try to avoid contact with my bag.

The other issue is the silnylon. In extended rain I have gotten a little misting through the fabric. Not enough to get anything wet, but enough to notice.

Excellent info Nia, thanks. I'll also take a look at Will's review. I tend to forget to go look at reviews on this site as often as I should – most are very helpful.

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