I am trying to design an inner for my Ultamid 2 which would be primarily used during shoulder seasons, but I want it to also be functional during the winter. The challenge is how to manage air flow to control condensation during 3 season use, but also be able to reduce air flow during winter use. I accept condensation during winter as an inevitability.
Inner Concept:
1. Thin cuben floor and sides to minimize weight and keep drafts out during winter. Almost all my tripping is in the Labrador wilderness where the the ground is unforgiving, so I always use a Tyvek groundcloth. This allows me to use the thinnest cuben.
2. Noseeum mesh peaktop extending downward to at least the bottom of the ultamid fly vents. Maybe further? During 3 season use the fly (main tent) would be pitched high to allow maximum inflow of air around whole perimeter.
3. Possible lower horizontal band of noseeum on the inner to vent air inward and upward. I am wondering if I need to have these on all 4 sides, just 2 or maybe just 1. Of course the more the better, but I am thinking just 2 sides and perhaps 6" wide and about 18 up from bottom of fly. The reason I would limit it to 2 sides is because I would have flaps that could be folded down to cover the vents during extreme cold. I am wondering about using velcro or zippers but would want these flaps to be completely sealable. Four sides would push the weight too high.
I realize that the result of this is really a double wall cuben tent. My Ultamid 2 is 16oz and if I could keep the inner to a similar weight I would be happy.
If I were designing it for only 3 season use I would only extend the cuben up about 12" on the walls and leave the rest noseeum. It is considering winter conditions (-25C) that is motivating me to implement solid sides but with sealable no seeum vents at the bottom.
One final thing: I hang a Unico candle about a foot down form the peak of my mid and let it burn all night. While the heat gain is negligible, I find it does diminish condensation. My theory is the warmth energizes the existing mini air current drawing air in from the bottom and out at the top. Hence my idea of having the noseeum sections at the bottom of the inner.
I suppose on non-windy nights in winter, the vents could also be left open.
All input and criticism welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance
Derrick
