MYOG: AlpineMid (SoloMid)

Another vote for the quality of Tim's work here. the quilt he made me is flawless.

Did Thom ever get a prototype made?

I was lucky enough to get some insider information. I think some pictures will be posted in the coming weeks…I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the final product.

I contracted with BPL member Tim Marshall to sew a silnylon version of the AlpineMid. The first shelter has been completed and has gone missing in the USPS system somewhere between Tim and I. We are still hoping that it will be either delivered to me or returned to Tim. I will be posting pictures soon I hope. If the shelter remains missing I will have Tim make a new version and post pictures and updated information when completed.

I appreciate the effort Tim has made in working with me to get this first shelter completed.

i was hoping to get to the post office today and try and figure this out, but they were closed.

My wife shipped this for me and i forgot to have her get the tracking and delivery confirmation. It seems like the one time you skip it is the one time it actually was needed.

-Tim

The shelter arrived late today, at last. I will try to set up and post pictures tomorrow.

What a relief!!!!

-Tim

I will try to set up and post pictures tomorrow

At least throw it on a scale and let us know what is weighs! :) …how does it look? What is your first impression? Colour? Sorry, I'm just excited….

Thom…This no time to rest on your laurels, go outside and set it up. Get a headlamp and turn on the flash on your camera. It's just your yard, and your neighbors already know you're crazy.

i am pretty sure it was 10.5oz in the stuff sack

-Tim

Steve,
The AlpineMid color is gray 1.3 silnylon body with black 1.9 silnylon pole sleeves and tie out reinforcements.

Weight complete is 10.5 oz, (I'm very pleased with this).

First impressions are very positive. Tim did very nice work. I will reserve additional comment until having had the opportunity to set up and inspect more thoroughly.

Having completed this first shelter I have identified, with Tim's input, changes that will be incorporated in the next version. Hopefully I will be able to keep Tim interested enough to continue sewing for me.

10.5 oz using 1.3 Sil is rather impressive – make sure to throw a bag and some gear in there aswell as some shots with you in it so we can get an idea of internal space – great project guys!

Here are pictures of my silnylon AlpineMid, set up was indoors and in same location as original post. I will post outdoor setup pictures this weekend.

The AlpineMid measures 96" long x 42" wide x 42" tall and weighs 10.5oz in stuff sack. Set up as shown was using 135cm adjustable poles.

The AlpineMid staked out and ready to erect.

The AlpineMid erected with view of Door side view.

The Peak Vented End view.

View of the non door side.

View with the door open.

View of the interior looking at foot end.

View of the interior looking at head end.

View showing the peak.

The peak vent.

Thom's MYOG AlpineMid

AlpineMid in sil stuff sack.

I will be working with Tim M to produce a 2nd version that will address required modifications. I would also like work with Tim to make a future version using tyvek.

Thanks for looking.

Thom,
Be proud!

It looks very clean, stable, an spacious.

Very nice job – to both of you.

For a minimalist shelter that looks like it could fend off some fairly intense weather. Is it easy to increase length of the poles without taking the shelter down to tighten up a sagging pitch?

Either way, that is a great looking shelter.

What kind of seams were used to join the "triangles" together?

I'll be curious to see how the silnylon version does in rain. My concerns:

1. have to go outside and take poles out or mess with top attachment to adjust for sagging
2. length with sagging may put condensated fabric in your face

tyvek may work better with the small dimensions due to less stretch.

Congratulations on your excellent design, Thom, and on your craftsmanship, Tim.

For good stability in wind, headroom, a small footprint, and light weight this is a very impressive shelter. Thanks for keeping us informed of this project.

Greg / Luke,
Thanks for the comments. My pictures do not clearly show the quality of Tim's work. He did a very nice job and was very good to work with.

I will be having Tim complete a 2nd AlpineMid as soon as his schedule allows, this 2nd shelter will incorporate minor design changes that I will be making.

Leslie,

I used a combination of french and flat felled seams. However in future versions i will use all flat felled as it is easier to line everything up as french seams require you stitching off your seam line and turning the fabric inside out. I love them for ridge-lines in tarps though as i think they are a little stronger and come together faster. However a flat felled seam is much better for the mid as all the panels will meet at the peak and they need to line up perfect(well nothing has to be perfect, but you get it)

-Tim

Thom, was the black stuff sack i sent too small or did you just want a gray one?

My favorite color is black, but the gray stuff sack shown in the pictures posted was a better fit. I will provide the size for future shelters, thanks.

I appreciate you taking the time to answer sewing related questions, your workmanship is very nice. Thanks again.

Thom – any updates on this? Looks like you were off to a great start with this.

I hope to have Tim M sew version two for me soon. I will post an update and pictures when able.

Excellent, I need to start talking with Tim about a new shelter for me and leaning towards some type of solo 'mid.

Neat looking tent and design, I'm starting to feel motivated to hack myself out another shelter!

One question though, it seems to ride pretty close to the ground. Is this just a function of the way it is configured in the pictures, or does it really sit that close to the ground? My thoughts are wondering how well it is ventilated without a perimeter rise of some sort.

Again, great looking shelter!

Do you mind if I ask how much it cost? I have an idea for what I think I want in a Mid but wondering if going custom will cost heaps more?