Long time lurker, first time poster.
I’m narrowing down a modular solo shelter system for 4 season use here in the PNW. BC coast specifically. Uses include multi day hikes along the ocean, West Coast Trail for example, summer and winter alpine traverses in the Coast mountains, and hut to hut running trips. The big use will be in West Coast days of endless rain and during the winter as a “roof” over a dug out sleeping pit.
I currently use a MLD Superlite Bivy large and 8’x10’ tarp, but am looking for a more enclosed, livable, tarp shelter for extended stormy conditions and winter ski touring.
The crux is that I’m 6”4’ and using a 6”6’ sleeping bag and Xtherma Max large pad from fall to spring. This limits my shelter choice significantly due to the sloping foot and head walls of most tarp shelters contacting my bag and bivy.
I’m looking at the following tarps as they should offer enough length to accommodate me and most of the features that I want. I’ve looked over the many photos from Solomid XL and Duomid users regarding clearance one the side walls, but I’m still getting mixed results to if its possible to fit.
Possibilities:
Sierra Designs High Route FL:
$300
Minimum Weight: 2 lbs 5 oz / 1.05 kg (Tarp and Inner)
Fly only 21.4 oz
Fly is 48” x 108” x 48” W x L x H
Nest is 30” x 90” x 43”
Pros:
– Steep walls and long length should provide ample room to sleep without touching the walls.
– Lots of usable headroom.
– Ability to “pitch” doors during periods of sustained rain for increased ventilation and views
– Cross ventilation control
– No poles in the shelter’s living space
Cons:
– Weight, even just for the tarp
– Wind resistance is compromised by 2 vertical walls.
– Colour is not “stealthily”.
– Smaller footprint to dig out a winter shelter underneath.
MLD Solomid XL
$265
17oz Silnylon
54” x 112” x 54” W x L x H
Pros:
– Low weight and pack size
– Ease of pitch
– Wind resistance
– I want a classic mid, lets be honest
Cons:
– Sloping walls might still contact sleeping bag? Reviews seemed to be mixed for tall folks
– Rain enters shelter when the doors are open
– Reduced ventilation in humid conditions
– Pole in the shelters living space
Duomid 5.5 x 9 (2017)
$265
18oz Silnylon
66” x 110” x 56” W x L x H
Pros:
– More interior livable space over the Solomid XL
– Low weight and pack size.
– Ease of pitch.
– Wind resistance
– More space to dig down for shelter in winter.
Cons:
– Larger foot print, harder to fit in small camp spots
– Sloping walls still a possible issue?
– Rain enters shelter when doors open.
– Reduced ventilation in humid conditions
– Pole in the shelters living space
A shelter I may be missing?
Thoughts? I’m thinking if can I fit inside the Solomid XL and Duomid without touching the walls, does the High Route offer that much more usable, livable space to offset the increased weight and reduced storm worthiness?
