MLD Duomid XL and SMD Gatewood Cape

[dirtbag]

https://youtu.be/q3Egu9TRGV0?si=-s_7gHGq3EnFMHBK

I pitched my MLD Duomid Xl next to SMD Gatewood Cape in my yard last week to have them weather tested for a few days/nights of heavy and consistent rainfall with strong 20+ mph winds. They both held up perfect and kept 100% dry underneath.  I have used the Gatewood Cape on multiple trips and nights in all weather conditions including snow/ice over the last 3 or 4 years. I have never used the Duomid  XL  other then pitching it in my yard on many nights  in all sorts of weather including nasty winds and some snow conditions. It has always held up fine with no issues.. using my trekking poles or the MLD carbon fiber pole.  I prefer my flat tarps and bivies on most of my trips,  and for winter conditions where I will encounter lots of snow/ice/wind and below freezing temperatures I use my freestanding tent,  so unfortunately the Duomid does not get used much. I actually sold it, as I did with my Gatewood Cape,  and then had sellers remorse and missed both shelters so much that I brought them back.  There will be a few occasions where I will want to use these shelters especially this time of year in the NE. Very cold days/nights with strong winds and possibly rain or light snow. The Doumid Xl is rather large and will be a perfect shelter in those conditions for 2 people,  where the Gatewood Cape would suffice for going solo. I decided to post this short video for anyone interested in either shelter so you can see the size difference and comparison in real time pitched side by side.  There is something special about 1 pole mids that I really like. Simplicity and light weight, ease of setup and wind endurance to name a few. The Gatewood Cape packs down ridiculously small where the Duomid is a bit larger,  obviously that is expected as they are 2 different size shelters. Gatewood Cape is Sil Nylon and Duomid is Silpoly.  As with my tarps, I prefer the Silpoly over DCF because it just packs so much smaller and saves space over a few ounces in my pack.  So there they are.. in my yard if you are interested in either one. It’s nothing really in depth, just my low budget, dirtbag short video showing them off.

 

[Kevin Babione]

I used my Gatewood Cape my last couple of trips where I slept on the ground, but haven’t touched it since I switched to hammocks.  I always loved the versatility of the Cape’s design…Pitch it low in really nasty weather and high if you needed more ventilation.  When in “Cape Mode” I had a simple bungee cord around my waist to keep it from flapping and to allow me to see my feet.  Thanks for posting!

[Dustin V]

Did you have to tighten the Gatewood after the rain? Kind of surprised you didn’t use the side tie-outs. I usually do, but maybe I don’t need to.

Do you have an interior net for the Duomid?

[dirtbag]

I did adjust the tension 1 time.. but barely  needed, on the Gatewood Cape. I would use those side tie outs if I was sleeping in it and it was that windy. Though I have used it camping in some strong winds in the past and I did not use tie out.. you can see it getting blown about in one or 2 of my videos I posted on you tube a few years back.. “This is Harriman” and “Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape with Serenity Innernet”.

I have no interior net for Duomid.  I had one when I Had the Solomid but I sold it. The SMD Serenity net i happen to like.. but I prefer my bug bivy or regular bivy.. This time of year with cold temperatures and windy days, there is no need for a bug net or any sort of inner net tent. I would just use my bivy for added warmth and protection.

[dirtbag]

https://youtu.be/yE-JucNigJw?si=2Q6imvwGXC97rlWN

If you go to minutes 25:35  of that video, you can see it handle some light wind and gusts. This was very calm compared to overnight conditions.

[Kevin Babione]

Since I was carrying two trekking poles anyway, I used to use one tie-out to give me a little more headroom…

[dirtbag]

Exactly Kevin!

Perfect set up!

[Dustin V]

I usually do the same as Kevin to compensate for the head end of my bivy clipped inside. I like having a little wind break around my head. A few times, I’ve just had shock cord from the tie-out to the back corner stake, which actually works okay.

I guess I knew the GWC was good in wind, but seeing your video shows what it can really take. It’s hard to tell how hard the wind is blowing from inside because the sound of the blowing through the trees overnight is deceptive.

[dirtbag]

Looks promising.  I am leaving the Gatewood Cape pitched for this on Thursday  and Friday.

[Kevin Babione]

@dirtbag – You crack me up sometimes…Only you could look at lousy weather and be excited about it!  It’s fun to see!  I get it and REALLY appreciate you doing this kind of stuff so that others don’t have to.

[Author]

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