Which Mid: Locus Gear or MLD/HMG?

For those kind of winds I would go with HMG as they are very well reinforced.  In fact at 60mph I would question using a shelter with that large of side panels anyways.

I don’t have experience with Locus Gear mids and hear good things, but those kind of conditions would be extreme and I would want as strong of a mid as possible. I do have experience using HMG (Ultamid 4), Golite (SL5, SL2, SL3), and MLD (Solomid XL Cuben) mids.

Dan Durston here actually went the opposite way – he started with MLD then went with Locus Gear.  I am so impressed with Yuki’s stuff that I would not at all hesitate to think it is just as storm worthy as any other mid from the other top contenders.

I am super impressed with MLD – my personal favorite mid, but the only reason I didn’t go with LG is because I already have the inner nets for MLD and the sizes are JUST OFF ENOUGH to make them not terribly compatible.

Here’s my LG Khufu vs MLD DuoMid discussion:

http://intocascadia.com/2015/02/17/review-locus-gear-khufu-sil/

That post is Khufu vs DuoMid, but a lot of the points (materials, construction methods etc.) can be generalized to other mids by these makers.

I have used a (pre-2016) silnylon MLD Solomid and a cuben Locus Gear Khufu in the exact same locations as you (Scotland, Norway, Swiss Alps, above threeline) and can say they’re equally strong when it comes to wind resistance.

They’re both superior craftmanship, but I prefer the Khufu since you only need one 130 cm pole to pitch it. And it’s has a larger interior space. I didn’t seam the seals and I haven’t seen a drop of rain enter my shelter.
The Duomid might be a better idea if you’re a real tall guy, though.

I’ve read somewhere that HMG mids are based on Locus Gear. Not sure if that’s entirely true, but it means something.

I think it comes down to sizing, all mids will be more or less equal when it comes to wind resistance.
A Trailstar (also very popular in Europe) is probably the best idea if you’re worried about heavy winds. See how it barely moves? http://youtu.be/Er9VWmCmbgg

A Trailstar (also very popular in Europe) is probably the best idea if you’re worried about heavy winds.

For wind, the Trailstar is incredible. Needs a larger footprint and not as easy to get in and out of. I have been in some really strong winds, gusts over 60 mph and the shelter walls barely move.

Needs a larger footprint and not as easy to get in and out of.

The exact reason why I didn’t go with a Trailstar. I like the enclosed feeling of a mid.
In Europe it’s perfectly possible to end up on a public (paid) campground, next to tons of campers and massive family tents.
A shelter with an open door is just weird there. :)

Thanks for all the replies so far, good to hear the LG’s are just as strong! I’ve been using a Trailstar (sil) for the past 3 years and it’s great indeed in heavy winds. But now my girlfriend wants to come along so I’m looking for something a bit more comfy to get in and out of, she’s not a very experienced hiker ;-)

The only alternative to a mid would be a TarpTent Scarp2 (but heavy and not that roomy) or an SS2 (but I’m not keen on dual poles, they’re a hassle to set up in wind). And the Hillebergs are just way too heavy.

Dan, your article is exactly what got me worried a bit about the LG’s.

just testing…  an earlier post vanished

As an owner of a LG mid (CTF3 Hapi 2-person mid), I have nothing but good things to say about them.  I haven’t been in “60MPH” winds with it, but I know the owner, Jotaro, has been in those type of conditions.  It’d be worth asking him.

HMG mids are known to be the most robust due to the construction philosophy and overall burliness, but there’s definitely a weight and cost penalty there.  Studies have shown (Study that shows) that people usually vastly overstate wind speeds (ex: 15MPH winds are reported as ’25-35MPH’), but if you’ll really be experiencing 60MPH winds, I’d go with the HMG Ultamid 2 (smaller surface area than Ultamid 4), long stakes, and a strong hiking staff or trekking poles.  Perhaps a LG Khufu or Hapi, which are both smaller than the Ultamid 2, would be comparable due to less total force on the panels, guys, stakes.

Helpful comment, Drew! I had already calculated that the windward side of the Ultamid 4 has 55% more surface area than the Ultamid 2… And the Ultamid 2 has 47% more than a Hapi.

Of course you’re right about overestimating wind speeds. I’m not saying my estimates are 100% correct but I use the Beaufort guidelines and they’re quite accurate when compared to weather station recordings.

Keenly watching this thread as i am torn between these models as well.I have been leaning to the KHufu but at 6′ it might not be the best for size as i do not want to touch the walls.

Keenly watching this thread as i am torn between these models as well.I have been leaning to the KHufu but at 6′ it might not be the best for size as i do not want to touch the walls.

I wouldn’t go for a Khufu, then. I’m 5’8″ and it suits me fine.

I have heard of Locus Gear making them longer upon request.

Thanks for the info regarding LG making one longer.Was hoping to buy off gear swap as the CDN dollar is well not so great.

I was just looking at the Locus Gear site and I noticed the Menkaura.  I haven’t heard too much about this shelter, but it looks as if it’s close to the length and width of the Khafra, but at the lower height of the Khufu…kind of wide and low.  Anyone know if this shelter might be worthy of consideration by the O.P?

Edit:  Just noticed it’s only on the website in Sil…I don’t know if this means he can’t make one in cuben or not.

I have a Khufu in silnylon with the full mesh inner and it’s a fantastic shelter. I haven’t go to use it much but I like it a lot.

We have a HMG Ultamid 4 and have been pretty happy with it. It is huge for the size and weight that it is. It is king on nice to have this much space in deep winter with all the gear, puffy clothes, etc, and still room to cook. We have had our out in a couple good snow storms this winter and it held up just great. This things is remarkable tough for its light weight. Highly recommend it, or the Ultamid 2.

Have you considered a BT2 by Seek Outside?  Ben Brochu has a video of his on a windy ridge. The conical shape ought to shed wind better.

@Rob P: the Menkaura is getting heavyish with inner and has little head room with those sloping walls. Good for wind resistance though!

@Overshot: good to hear your positive experiences with the Ultamid 4, thanks!

@ Luke Schmidt: thanks for the tip, but no vent is a deal breaker for me.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=HBJUETY9rKc

I’ve just ordered an Ultamid 4. Thanks for all your input, your replies and suggestions have been very helpful!