Adding sod cloth to a pyramid shelter for winter?

Would it be feasible to use something like velcro (or some other fastener- here's where the MYOGers come in) to attach the netting OR sod cloth, since I assume they will never be used at the same time? Then you could choose which one fit the trip, attach it to the shelter, and maybe have a lower weight penalty.
This was just my first thought- I have no experience with this and whether it will work or not.

Good idea Tim! It would be optimal to be able to pick and choose which option you wanted (or leave them both at home. I did some research looking at having the two types of cloth attached with either zippers and velcro. If am getting my specs right, adding 40 foot of zipper would add 10 ounces (0.25 ounces per linear foot * 40 feet) and 3/4" velcro would add 40 ounces (1 ounce per foot * 40 feet). Looks like zippers would be the lesser of the two evils… here's the breakdown of options by weight:

Shelter + perimeter zip + bug netting = 25+10+5.5 = 40.5oz
Shelter + perimeter zip + silnylon sod cloth = 25+10+6 = 41oz
Shelter + 1/2 of perimeter + nothing else attached = 25+5 = 30

Ron Bell mentions on his MLD site that having bug netting in the winter is a pain as snow and ice form can collect on the netting. This removes this issue. Nice!

any sod cloth users? how do you use them? are they worth having on a pyramid shelter?

I have a Hex 3 and I can pretty much nail that puppy right to the ground if there is blowing snow, etc. I'm not sure skirts are necessary.

As to netting for bugs, I have two comments.
1. Make the netting removable if you will be camping in winter. Having your netting embedded in soft snow that freezes overnight is no picnic!
2. If you have bugs; then you must have warm weather. IMHO, pyramids are not suited to that weather. I'd rather have a full net tent with a fly at ready or, if preferred, a tarp and bug bivy. YMMV.

Good points Michael – Thanks

I've been wondering about the possibility of using ziploc as a means of attaching netting as a UL alternative to velcro or zips. I wonder where I might be able to buy it in rolls. I'd guess ziploc bag manufacturers 'weld' it to the top of their bags.

The idea of using ANY sort of netting as a sod cloth is farcical. It would shred the first time the snow froze. Forget it!

Cheers

No-one has suggested that on this thread as far as I can see. If both the mesh and sod cloth were going to be attached permanently, some hem loops between the two and some toggles on both sides of the fly edge would mean you could fasten up either/both. I'd prefer to have removeable netting and pitch tight to the ground in snow.

Outward Bound uses snow flaps on their pyramids for
use in snow in Alaska. It helps keep out the high winds.

The lightweight mosquito netting is a little fragile
for the hook part of velcro,it can abrade it some, tho I have made some
removable netting for mids like that. Like other ultralight
gear it takes a little bit of knowledge and extra care.

The netting I put around the mids hooks up inside the
tent when not needed. If you are shoveling snow from
the inside, it can collect in this pocket you have
formed tho.

However, wouldn't it be nice to have more than one type
of shelter anyway. Buy two. ;^)

If theres any snow on the ground you can dig your shelter out and seal the edges with the shovelled snow at the same time, I have found that the snow flaps are not that helpful, make noise, and if you do it wrong, strain the fabric to your face and then your breathing nylon. I like designs like the megalite better.

Thank all – I appreciate the feedback… It's evident that finding the right zipper is problematic, Velcro is heavy and get stuff stuck to it, permanently attached netting is a pain in winter… lots of design barriers here…

Roger, I was hoping you'd respond given your MYOG shelter has sod cloths (right?). If you look over the earlier posts I was wondering if it would be worth having silnylon sod cloths attached to the pyramid for winter use. The topic shifted a bit talking about ways to add and remove silnylon sod cloth or mesh depending upon the season and your needs…

David – you sly devil… buy two… :) good stuff – probably the most reasonable approach but, sigh, I can't afford two. Hey, in the past how did you make the netting removable? Velcro?

I've though about ways to try and protect the but netting while not in use during winter and came up with this:

The extra sod cloth inside the tent could "protect" the rolled up bug netting and keep snow/ice off the net. Cloth ties could be sewn in periodically to lash up what ever layer you want to use. This approach would require carrying both the sod cloth and the netting (increasing weight)