Duomid or Solomid

Solomid XL

XL +1

I say DuoMid, based on your desire for extra space for versatile year round use.

The SoloMid is pretty small. It's a good shelter in nice conditions but in the shoulder seasons and during the winter it's nice to have some vestibule space for wet gear etc. With the DuoMid you can sleep in the back half and then have the front half by the door for all your stuff. It's a great setup. I wouldn't be too worried about area requirements, as it's still smaller than most 2 person tents out there.

The SoloMid XL primarily provides more length compared to the regular SoloMid. It is a bit wider too, but you don't get near the fantastic vestibule space the DuoMid provides – maybe half. If you don't need the extra length of the XL, then you're better off putting that weight into more useable real estate beside you. The DuoMid also works better than the SoloMid XL with a single pole setup, as there is naturally enough space for a sleeper behind the pole so little or no pole angle is required. With the XL it's not as wide so you are required to angle the pole quite a bit just to fit in behind it. The SoloMid XL also doesn't fully protect your sleeping area from precip falling in the door, like the DuoMid does. Unless you're a tall guy, the DuoMid provides a much nicer living arrangement for 1oz more. If you are over 6' then the DuoMid is a bit short. I'm 5'11" and it's good.

Although I love my Solomid XL …I agree with Dan: if you don't need the extra length, then go with the extra width.

However, beyond width and length, consider what pole set up would be best for you. With the duomid, you have to deal with a center pole (which I hated) or pole extenders, which I found were not ideal in foul weather.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the Duomid; but there are other factors to consider than simply size. If center pole is not a problem, go with the Duomid for the extra width. If you want a set up without additions or center pole, then go with solomid xl. Either is top notch.

W

I'm interested in whalen's reasons for finding pole extenders not satisfactory in foul weather. I presume he is referring to the use of two poles in an inverted "V" formation. In my opinion, this ought to create a considerably stronger structure than the single center pole (presuming the bases of the two poles are connected by a tie as in the Locus Gear DPTE). The extra internal uncluttered space is also a bonus in foul weather. But in recent blustery winds (on the Kyushu coastline), I found the guylines of the two rear corners of my mid working loose, partly as a result of using the 1.4mm HMG spectra cord that was rather thin for the line locs (which I fixed with a temporary hitch) (normally that cord works well). Once that was fixed, I also found that the rear and front (long) panels were beating against the inverted poles. Unfortunately, the wind came up well after I had pitched the tent, which was then pitched square to the wind in the worst possible orientation. I was forced to brace the poles myself, until realizing it was a losing situation, and I had to move the tent in the worst of the conditions to a more sheltered site (there had been good reasons not to pitch it there in the first place, but they became superceded by the conditions). (I was too busy saving my tent and gear to take photos).

Thanks to all of you. Its really difficult for me now, as every body started to mention real differences and important thoughts on each.

Now, My question is, since duomid takes center column, Would that affect its stability in strong wind compared to V shape in XL solomid?

I want to use my trekking poles, with no extension or nothing. I am new to this, so I want to do basic stuff, until I learn more and then start refining my tools.

Also, Is there any requirement on trekking poles, or anything pretty much work?
Finally, beside stakes, When I purchase the Duomid, is it supposed to come with everything needed to be pitched?
I really apologize for flooding the forum here with my topics, but I really need your help here.

Sleep on a full size air mattress? I would still get the XL. I found the Duomid was almost too wide for one occupant. With the poles inverted there is plenty of room inside for gear, cooking, etc..

Ken,
What about the rain isuue that so many people mention here and there, like when you open the tent door, while raining, then rain will directly goes into my gears, if you use XL solo, Has that ever been an isuue for you? . .

BTW the rain gets on your gear, not your gears

on the other hand, if you had a bunch of bicycle parts, including these round metal pieces with teeth, you'de have some gears

U.S. English is difficult because its more a combination of so many other languages

Oz and British English on the other hand, is impossible. All these odd words. I just like that I can swear using British words but U.S. people don't know what you're talking about : )

What is your native language?

I found it deep enough to keep my bed dry in the 11 hour record setting rain event that was its first trip out. I do not worry about it.

You can't go wrong with any of these pyramid shelters. You just have to decide what floor space works for you. Get out some tape, string and make some mock ups. Easiest way to see what you will have to deal with with each model mentioned.

I apologize for mistakes, my native language is Arabic. By the way, this is another difficulty when I try to search for tools, as I have difficulty understanding terms, and when I try to translate, all sort of irrelevant meanings come up, so I had to figure out how to put things in the right context :)

Thanks for correction.

No need to apologize

Your English is much better than my Arabic

You are successfully communicating

English is hard. Many weird rules.
Fortunately there are people here who like to explain things to the tinniest detail. So if you are not sure about something, just ask.

Thanks to all of you, you guys helped me a lot.

I am going with Solomid XL.
My final question, is there anything I need to purchase other than stakes, i.e, Should the tarp come with all needed cords.. etc.

You will need to buy stakes. The tarp will come with all needed cord and seam sealant.

To be a bit contrarian here, I have had both the SoloMid XL and DuoMid. If over 6'2", then the SoloMid is the way to go. But if not, the DuoMid has considerably more space for minimal weight gain. If you trek in rainy climes, the DuoMid would be my choice as it affords more room to dry out wet gear, etc. Neither take up much footprint space. It isn't like the DuoMid is huge either.

"Also, Is there any requirement on trekking poles, or anything pretty much work?"

Check the max length on the poles you have. Check the length necessary for an inverted V pitch on which ever model you think is your final choice. Email Ron at MLD if you need to (I find the info for this on the MLD website confusing).

Dan Durston,
Thank you for your comments. You have improved my limited perspective.

Thanks to all of you, great comments and suggestions.

By the way, is there any video on how to seam seals the tarp?

Mazen, your comments about the little tent pads in Glacier crack me up. The 3 guys, 3 tents phenomenon is not what the NPS intended, that is for sure.

I think either of the MLD mids will do fine. They're well built, which is the most important thing. The relevant differences are more about personal preference, and since it sounds like you've yet to discover yours, best to just buy something and figure it out.

I placed my order today. XL solomid Sil yellow.

Did you get the yellow one? What do you think of it and pics would be great! ?