Altaplex use during the winter?

[Rob P]

Hello all,

I’m deadset on having my first winter multi-day hike in probably a decade or so this coming holiday season.  I’m quite the noob at winter camping with exactly 1 night under my belt, using a friend’s second hand gear and many years passing since.

I’ve found my favorite 3 season shelter in the Altaplex, I was wondering if anyone had any experience using this in the winter or had an opinion about this?  For reference, I wouldn’t be anywhere terribly exposed.  My buddy and I are figuring somewhere in the Angeles National Forest, and maybe a second round somewhere in the Sierras.

I do see a lot of talk of the mids performing quite well in inclement weather… I was wondering what the difference between, say a solomid and an altaplex a bit lowered to not expose so much of the bathtub would be exactly in wind-shedding and snow shedding capabilities.

[Bob Moulder]

Somewhat analogous, I have a Duplex and a Duomid and IMO the Duomid is the choice for winter because it can be pitched right down to the snow and still have adequate head and shoulder space, especially when pitched with the poles in the inverted V configuration. I have no experience with the Solomid but I personally wouldn’t want any less headroom than that provided by the Duomid, and I am only 5’9″ in height. If you got the Altaplex because you’re tall, this is something to consider as you contemplate the Solomid purchase.

I have camped in temperatures as low as 7°F in the Duplex in a fairly windy and exposed location. All I can say is when it’s that cold you want something that can be buttoned up and pinned down tight to eliminate all wind. I had the Duplex pitched low but drafts were still a problem.

 

[Rob P]

Thanks for the reply, Bob.  I should have said “Duomid”… At 6′, I got the Altaplex, more for the steep walls and wider girth to increase livable/gear space.

Point taken about winter wind!

[Erica R]

I own a Hexamid Twin, and find it quite a cold shelter compared to a double wall tent. Even the Copper Spur, with its mesh inner roof is way warmer.

Early this spring I was camping in about 39 F weather in the Hexamid. I found that if I folded the Storm Beak and staked it next to the door, the tent was considerably warmer.

The Duomid should be fine for the Angeles Forest, but I’d prefer a double wall tent for use in the Sierras in winter.  Still, there are lots of things you can do to make winter camping more fun. Holding onto a hot water bottle is great, I have also used a hot water bottle in my sleeping bag. I used to hang a candle lantern in the tent (but not burn it all night), and that warms it right up. You will need a great pad.

Erica

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