4 Season Ultra Light Extreme Weather Shelter System

<p style=”text-align: center;”>”So I’m thinking the I-tent, with a cuben fiber vestibule, and no ground sheet…(possible carbon fiber poles, unless I am advised against this)</p>
does any one think that sounds like a bad idea?”

Mark, spending a sh!t ton of money on a custom vestibule for an I-tent seems like letting the tail wag the dog a little.

And just to be clear: you are under 6ft, right? The I tent is very cramped if your over 6ft.

Before spending a lot of money tweaking the I-tent, I’d seriously recommend spending the next season or two gaining some experience, and learning what you like and don’t like about different tent styles. Then after a season or two, take the one you like the most and tweak that. It’s entirely possible you may simply not like the I-tent at the end of the day. If anything, use the money you were going to spend on a vestibule, and take a specialized course or two on winter backpacking, or something like that.

The LIGHTEST thing one can bring on a trip, is relevant experience and know-how.  I’m simply AMAZED that folks get out on the trail, and don’t know how to tie their $10 titanium tent stake to their $500 16 ounce tent, because they don’t know a single knot.

The single wall wedge tents are very specific tools for a very specific purpose. I got my Eldorado back in the 90’s when I was out west and had easy access to the Sierra’s. Nowadays, in the Mid-Atlantic, I use it in cold/wet/snow conditions, where I know I have very limited space to pitch, and where I might only be able to plant a few stakes in.  If it ain’t those conditions, I’ll use a different tool. Being that as it may, I’ll only use it once or twice a year now, if even that.

There’s not much that can’t be improved to some extent. A  great example is rainwear. I’ve read from so many here, that a truly comfortable and cool system that keeps you dry at the same time was impossible–nay a fool’s errand.

Well, then I design a system that I’ve found is more comfortable and cool than anything else I’ve ever tried, while weighing like a total of about 5 oz and being highly adaptable. How and why?  By thinking and designing outside the box, questioning assumptions and preconceptions, and not letting other people’s limited belief systems and perception limit me.  

No progress, no change happens without a combo of the above.  

BPWD nightmare

Another

Video

I too have read good reports and bad… however it seems there have been more and more bad reports the last few years.

As always, up to you to consider sources and proceed accordingly.

edit: Ok you found ’em!

“Yo matt if you could stop patronizing me that would be cool bro.”

Mark, please know that I offered you my opinion, based on my experiences over the years. While it was my “intention” to speak from a place of sincerity, I now understand that I came off as patronizing to you. I could have “owned” more of my opinion than I actually did.

I apologize for that. Not my intention, whatsoever.

Cheers,

Matt

No worries, Friend. I thank you for speaking your truth.

(So… now is it time for a Star Trek face palm? I got mine a thread or two ago…) ;>D

BPL is full of know-it-all’s, and I suspect we’ve all learned a hellava lot from eachother – perhaps even Roger!

We all love the outdoors, wish to be out there all the time, come from different perspectives and experiences, and we simply love to dish out our know-it-all-ness in our own unique ways.

But as far as I’m concerned, many BPL’ers attempt to gain official curmudgeon status simply by the way their wisdom is administered. So, I personally try to give & take all the words with a heart-felt smile.

M

;>D

Compared to the alternatives weighing 6-10 pounds, instead carry a second Ultamid 4 as a backup just in case of storm failure or terminal hail. 3 pounds ish! Many dollars.

It would really be much much lighter, but hail damage is so rarely encountered, and probably falls within BPL’s “don’t pack your fears” mantra, even when gearing up for higher latitudes and elevations. Your aiming for WA (east or west of cascades) and NC winters could be fine with an Ultamid or two.

Stoves are mostly for drying gear and social warmth/attitude around evening and provide zero lasting heat while sleeping

Stoves are mostly for drying gear and social warmth/attitude around evening
? ? ? ? ?
I use mine for cooking dinner. I use warm clothing for warmth. Then I go to sleep.

Cheers

‘Hot Tent’ stoves, Roger.  See thread above…

Also, if the OP seriously proposes that kovea tent (rogers analysis is spot on) and yet doubts the tons of published adventures done with a Ultamid, I’m out…..