SMD Skyscape Trekker- your experience in winds

I pitched as instructed with the head end into the wind but it took 35 mph winds constantly for 5-6 hours in Point Reyes on an open bluff. It was solid. Re-tightened guy lines and raised angle of interior poles once and was amazed at how well it held afterward. More stable and quiet than a tarp for sure. Very much like a four season temt with only 5 staked points.

That sounds pretty promising Brian, thanks. What kind of stakes are you using? Did you have to readjust because of the silnylon relaxing?

I had a Skyscape X out in really heavy winds and it did well. I didn't measure the wind velocity, but it was heavier than I usually experience (it was on a high pass). The key was to angle it into the wind. When I initially set it up, I ignored the wind and set it up based on the slight angle on the ground (to get my head on the uphill side). That didn't work (the tent was ready to become a sail). I rotated it and it worked out just fine. It wasn't peaceful (very few tents in heavy winds are) but I could tell that the tent was going to be fine. My poles are strong and so were the stakes (which I had loaded down with additional rocks).

Ross, I've tried twice to purchase the X but the production runs were out. Unfortunate because I'm really intrigued by it, particularly the durability. I settled on the trekker because I needed a shelter and needed it now. Did phase 2 of downsizing my kit. Feeling good about the comments here on wind capability. Trail star is in my sights for winter. Good thing is I work on a ship so waiting time is not a problem, but when I need, well, I need it now lol. Did you perform any reinforcements in wear areas like John Abela did? How often have you used the X and is it wearing well? Using a ground cloth?

I use a ground cloth, but I didn't make any reinforcements. I haven't had a chance to use the tent much. I only got out a couple times this year and both of those were short (two night) trips. It just happened that one of those was very windy. Hopefully I'll get a chance to use it more next year (I generally don't backpack in the fall). I like using a ground cloth not only because it protects the bottom of the tent, but helps me figure out exactly where I'll lay out the tent. If there is a bit of a slope, it makes it much easier to see (I can also pick out the little pine cones or rocks that I may have missed). I use a polycro sheet from Gossamer Gear. It doesn't weigh much.

Hello,

Just saw this post, figured I would jump in on it.

judging by design, it fairs well in moderate winds. What is your experience? Do you find the manufacturer's supplied crossbar to be capable or have you replaced it with a modified pex pipe? Any broken poles from unexpected gusts?

I have used a Skyscape Trekker in around 20 mph winds. I have used a Skyscape X in around 35-38 mph winds. Both of them performed very well. One time I intentionally setup the SX with the door facing directly into the oncoming wind – around 30mph that night – to see how it would handle side facing wind and it did not suffer any addition negative effects on stability. It did result in a bit more wind entering into the shelter, but I typically feel that is a good thing – I depend on my sleeping bag to keep me warm.

On the Skyscape Trekker that I used I used both the original crossbar as well as a modified once made from pvc. I honestly felt that the pvc was the worse option. It is cumbersome when trying to pack it into your backpack.

I have not had any poles broken – that includes the top cross poles, dedicated carbon fiber support poles, nor hiking poles.

As Brian said above, this is a great shelter that provides a fully enclosed shelter at an amazing weight. For the most parts I have stopped using tarps, because of just a few ounces more the SMD SX gives me full-on protection.

The stakes that SMD sells, their "l-shaped" ones, are some of the most rock solid stakes I have encountered. A bit (gram or two) heavier than others out there, but I have yet to break one or bend it to a point of non-usability, and I have intentionally tried to do so. Highly recommend them.

Did you perform any reinforcements in wear areas like John Abela did? How often have you used the X and is it wearing well? Using a ground cloth?

I suppose I should make a note that the reason I added patches to the inside floor of mine is because I am primary a long distance hiker and consider it preventative maintenance. If I were only use the SMD SX for a couple dozen nights a year I would not have done so. If I mus-represented this issue within my review of the shelter, I very much do apologize. The way it comes from SMD is that there is a double layer of CF where your poles rest at on the floor. For the vast majority of hikers this should be fine. For long distance hikers, it is almost always my opinion that preventive maintenance performed before you hit the trail at the start of the season is a good thing. Something may never need it, but than again, better to have and not need than to need and not have, eh ;)

Regarding a ground cloth, I have always used one IIRC. Might have been a night or two I have not, but pretty sure I always have. In the end, 0.74 cuben fiber is typically good enough, but for an extra 50-odd grams, I am willing to carry and use a Gossamer Gear ground cloth to help add another waterproof layer between myself and the ground, as well as protect the floor of a rather expensive shelter. Ross nailed this very issue in his comment above.

Ross: I like using a ground cloth… because… if there is a bit of a slope, it makes it much easier to see

Now that one Ross, I am going to have to give a try too. I can honestly say I have never thrown down my ground cloth to help me get an idea of if it is level or not. Going to take mine outside tomorrow and give that a go around my backyard!! Could be a really sweet freaking tip!!

I have used all Ti hook stakes and a mix of hooks and Easton 6" nano. I think that these were shepherds hooks, and it was solid ground. They were likely hammered in and not going anywhere anyway. As to tensioning, not much stretch at all with the silnylon, but it was dry. I think that my need to retention was due in part to poorly positioned inside poles. I too have used CF poles, trekking poles, and te SMD spreader bar with no issues.