Mid Shelters: Using an A Frame/ Inverted "V"

[Arthur L]

I was curious if anyone had experience with a two person mid shelter using an A frame to set up. I have watched some videos online about the Duomid and Ultamid 2 being set up this way but was seeing if it is logical to do as it might take away from stability or put too much pressure on the poles themselves, causing them to break.

I know BPWD sells extenders, anyone have any good experience?

[rmeurant]

The A-frame set-up increases the stability considerably, and I think it unlikely to ever put too much pressure on the poles. Or if pressure on the poles ever became an issue, you would be better off with the A-frame by far than a single pole.

The only drawback is that it increases the fiddle factor in set-up a little, especially if you are very fatigued; and you want to take care not to puncture the mid if the pole ends slip out of the DPTE – Dual Pole Tip Extender, from Locus Gear. Also, the poles don’t sit precisely on axis, which bugs me a little, but does not affect the usage at all – and I’ve had my Khufu in some real blustery conditions on the Japanese coastline. There is also a 3D print file for an adapter, though I think it would require extenders for the two poles as well.

I normally don’t bother attaching the mid to A-frame, just basically insert the A-frame, make sure it is sitting properly, extend the poles if needed, cinch down a little on the guy ropes if needed. Again, when dismantling, watch out for the poles slipping out of the DPTE, and possibly striking the mid fabric. It quite often happens with me, but has never caused any damage.

The increase in usable space by using the A-frame is considerable. Liberating!

 

[rmeurant]

Party Hat
Replaces DPTE for Khufu
http://hikeitlikeit.com/2015/the-party-hat/
Download and print using a 3D printer.
http://hikeitlikeit.com/wordpress_files/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/P6280173-web.jpg

 

[Bob Moulder]

I’ve used my Duomid quite a bit with the inverted V setup using some CF pole jacks, with the trekking pole handles at the peak of the tent to keep them out of mud or snow, so I prefer this to DPTE and the like.

I agree with Robert that it increases the fiddle factor a little, but IMO the benefit is enormous since you don’t have to worry with a pesky pole that seems to hinder everything done inside the mid.

And now that I “know the drill” it only takes a few extra seconds to do it…. once the perimeter is staked, simply step inside and put one pole in, offset toward the front, put the back pole in aligned with the back wall, then move the first pole to the door line, done.

[Luke F]

When using a small mid with my wife I find the V pitch very helpful. I just set up the mid with the single pole, and then once I have it right insert the second pole and extend as necessary.

On larger single pole tents I wouldn’t trust a dual pole setup so much, but the span and angles are extremely different, anything close to trekking pole height should be just fine with a V pitch.

[Steve K]

I now use the Locus Gear DPTE adapter with my MLD Duomid. The upgrade in living space is considerable, worth every ounce as far as I’m concerned.

Using two poles means that I do not have to sleep on one or another side of the pole, which allows me to sleep in the tallest part of the tent. Being in the middle of the mid means I no longer worry about backsplash, have more space to maneuver when lying down, but cuts down a little bit on usable “vestibule” space.

[Katherine .]

What I like about the DTPE vs other approaches to an inverted V is the string that runs under and connects the handles. Makes me non-concerned about knocking the poles out of place.

However I’d like to make my own version of the top part using slight longer and narrow pole extenders, so I have the option of pitching higher and so they fit the tips of my poles more snugly.

[Nick Otis]

Agree with everything that has been said. I’ve used the DPTE with our Locus Gear Hapi and it served us well. To answer your questions: I don’t find that it increases stress on the poles, and I find that it increases stability.

[Edward Jursek]

I use a DuoMid with Gossamer Gear LT4 poles with the GG pole extenders. Seems rock solid to me and pretty simple to set up.

[Author]

Posts