DUOMID ™ | 5.7 X 9.2
Often Copied, Never Surpassed
WEIGHT: 15.5 – 18 oz | 439 – 510 gm
PEAK HEIGHT: 55″ in | 140 cm
SQ FOOTAGE: 45 + sq ft | 4.1 + sq m
SLEEPS: + GEAR
The DuoMid is the ORIGINAL two-person, ultralight pyramid shelter, and though it has often been copied, it has never been surpassed! Designed to fit two people comfortably, this also works as a palace for one person and a furry friend. Available in SilPoly and .75 DCF (Dyneema® Composite Fabric A.K.A. Cuben Fiber).
The optional InnerNet turns the DuoMid into a super light, sub-2lb, two-person fully double walled tent. Or, if you are a single hiker, the Solo SOLO XL Innernet can be used to create a 1.75 lb solo all-season modular tent.
“After going through different tents over the years, I have landed with the MLD Duomid because it is massive for one person, extremely light, cheap (I have the SilNylon version), stable in all kinds of weather and last but not least: It’s simple. One trekking pole in the middle, a few ground stakes and you’re done…. Buy this tent, thank me later. It’s lighter, bigger, cheaper, easier than any other comparable tent on the market. It’s really that simple.” ULTRALIGHT & COMFORTABLE
Read our “Options” tabs to learn more about all the great options that can be added to this ultra-tough, two-person shelter!
FEATURES
• 45 + sq ft of usable floor space perfect for two people cozy or use it as the ultimate shelter for one plus a 4-legged hiker buddy.
• Large Peak Vent is held open by a flexible and removable wire. Can be fully closed to stop blown snow from entering: Fold over the wire to close the vent.
• Great for moderate snow loads and strong winds
• Long service life #8 YKK water-resistant zipper
• Interior Apex Hang Loop + Exterior Apex Tie-out loop
• Both doors roll open and secure
• 16 total tie-outs!
• Eight ground level perimeter tie-outs all with LineLocks for easy adjustment. LineLocks make winter use with buried snow anchors MUCH easier.
• Three side panel tie-outs: Reinforced center Side and Rear panel tie-outs for high wind. Use the supplied bungee cord on the tie-outs to reduce stress on the shelter. Only tighten slightly so the main bottom edge tie-outs take most of the force.
• Four main seam tie-outs loops.
• Overhead gear hang loops on all four main inside seams to clip up bivy hoods, lights or to make a clothesline.
• Some trekking poles will need the supplied 6″ pole jack to be tall enough for single pole set up.
INCLUDES
• Stuff Sack
• 40′ MLD Pro Guyline
• 1.5 oz Tube McNett Silnet Seam Sealer
• 6″ Pole Jack
DIMENSIONS:
LENGTH:110 in | 280 cm
WIDTH: 68 in | 172 cm
HEIGHT: 55 in | 140 cm (Varies with pitch height)
SQ FOOTAGE: 45 + sq ft | 4.1 + sq m
MATERIAL: SilPoly
WEIGHT: 18 oz | 510 gm
COLORS: Gray Green, Orange Citrus
MATERIAL: .75 DCF (Dyneema® Composite Fabric A.K.A. Cuben Fiber)
WEIGHT: 15.5oz | 439gm
COLORS: Green
MLD PRO SILPOLY SEAM SEALING
COST: $60
WEIGHT: 1.0 oz | 28 gm
The SilPoly version of this shelter requires seam sealing, which is why we include seam sealer with all our SilPoly and SilNylon shelters. You can seam seal this shelter yourself in about 30 minutes with the supplied seam sealer OR as an extra service we can do it for you! Watch a how to video HERE.
We use a diluted 100% Silicone Sealer on the exterior stitching above the lower hem. Factory seam sealing can add about 1 week to the order process. Seam sealing adds about 1 oz | 30 gm +/- depending on the shelter size.
Factory sealed shelters are returnable under the regular return policy, where as DYI seam sealing is not.
We STRONGLY suggest you pitch the shelter and test before a trip. Set up before a good rain or spray with a garden hose nozzle arching up in the air and down on the shelter simulating rain for at least 15min. Touch up or resealing may be needed eventually.
NOTE: DCF shelters do not need seam sealing.
INNERNET OR FLOOR
INNERNET(S): Add a pyramid shaped InnerNet to this shelter to create an ultra-light, double walled tent that is modular and strong in wind, rain, and snow. An InnerNet comes with your choice of DCF (Dyneema® Composite Fabric A.K.A. Cuben Fiber) or SilNylon 5 in | 12.7 cm tall bathtub floor with corner struts, Nanoseeum net walls, and #3 YKK zippered right side single door. MORE INFO…
DIMENSIONS: 90″ Long x 50″ Wide x 46″ Tall | 229cm x 125cm x 115cm
SILNYLON INNERNET WEIGHT: 14 oz | 414 gm
DCF INNERNET WEIGHT: 12 oz | 302 gm
*Will fit two people.
FLOORS: Keep you, and your gear, cleaner and dryer in camp with a waterproof pyramid shelter floor! Your choice of SilNylon or DCF (Dyneema® Composite Fabric A.K.A. Cuben Fiber) bathtub floor with 5 in | 10 cm walls and corner struts keep the floor upright and tight. MORE INFO…
DIMENSIONS: 90″ L x 50″ W x 5″ H | 229 L x 127 W x 13 H
SILNYLON FLOOR WEIGHT: 8 oz | 227 gm
DCF FLOOR WEIGHT: 5.5 oz | 156 gm
CF POLE
COST: $42
WEIGHT: 3.2 oz | 108 gm
LENGTH: 55 in | 139.7 cm
STYLE: 4-Section
FOLDED LENGTH: 16 in | 41 cm
Don’t hike with trekking poles? No worries, get an UL Carbon Fiber Pole in exactly the right length for this Mid. Our Pyramid Tent Poles are made from 0.5″ | 13 mm unidirectional cello carbon wrapped carbon fiber tube, with fabric weave carbon fiber ferrules – it’s a mouthful to say, but it means they’re super bomber and light! MORE INFO…
TITANIUM STAKES
COST: $28
Add FOUR 6″ Titanium Skewer Stakes and FOUR Easton 9″ Aluminium Stakes to your purchase.
MLD 2.7 MM PRO REFLECTO GUYLINE
COST: $6
WEIGHT: 2.9 oz | 82 gm
This product includes 40′ of our regular, non-reflective Pro Guyline in your choice of Yellow or OD Green. You can upgrade this to 40′ of 2.7 MM Reflecto Pro Guyline which has properly spaced reflective markers that are bright enough to see, without making your shelter look like that obnoxious house on your block with the out-of-control Christmas lights.
ZIP CARE: ZIPPER LUBE & CLEANER
COST: $10
We HIGHLY recommend Zip Care™ Liquid Zipper Cleaner & Lubricant be purchased with all our zippered gear.
TIPS
• Most of the time you will want to pitch the corners tight to the ground. The middle long side edge tie-outs can then be staked out to give good ventilation along the edge.
• To use the DuoMid for Solo use, angle the pole off center a few inches for more room, or for tall users over 6’1″ and up to 6’4″ to sleep at a slight diagonal.
• To use the DuoMid for Duo Use, place the pole in the center
• For “Special” Duo Use – Both hikers can connect their poles together to make two long poles and place the poles to form a wide inverted V in the Shelter (Use our Dual Pole Connector + Jack!!) OR you can find two long poles and use them on the outside of the shelter to tie up to the Exterior Apex Loop.
• ONLY zip the zipper up OR down when the bottom buckle is fastened to relieve stress on the zipper. Clean and Lube the Zipper as needed.
• Most users will want to pitch it a few inches off the ground for ventilation and even more space.
• Extra Ventilation Trick: Pitch the front and/or back a bit loose, then use the middle tie-out on a 3’line to pull the front or back sides out a bit forming a large eyebrow shaped edge to let more air underneath.
TREKKING POLE USE:
• One full-length trek pole set at 54 – 56 in | 140-145 cm pole will fit if DuoMid is pitched tight to the ground.
• Higher pitches require using the included 6″ Pole Jack, or a rock.
• Or, you can or use a piece of guyline to connect two trekking poles together.
• It is okay to angle the pole toward the front for more solo space behind the pole.
• CAUTION: Some of the lightest carbon fiber trek poles use the compact Leki-style flex tips which are a smaller diameter than most trekking pole standard tips. The small tips do not fit the pole extender tightly and can cause enough torque to break the pole tips! Using the 6″ Pole Jack with those poles vertically should be OK, but angling them or using a 12″ extender may break the pole tips!
Each of our SilPoly and SilNylon shelters comes with one tube of McNett Sil-Net Seam Sealer. It is STRONGLY recommended you use this supplied seam sealer to seal and strengthen the seams of your shelter.**DCF (Dyneema® Composite Fabric A.K.A. Cuben Fiber) Shelters do not need seam sealed.**
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Pitch and inspect your shelter for any issues. Once it is seam sealed, it is non-returnable except for significant defects.
2. Use the supplied SilNet Sealer and ONLY the SilNet Sealer. (If you want to dilute it or use some other silicone sealant it should work OK and is common (research this yourself online) but, you are on your own- results may vary and are not covered by warranty! If you go this route, it is assumed you know 100% what you are doing and have done it before!!!)
3. Pitch the shelter tightly. Temperatures should be above 60 F and humidity below 80%. You may do this indoors. You may also do one seam at a time indoors if the seam is stretched slightly. Pinning one seam from each end on the floor between two heavy objects works OK.
4. We use the SilNet straight from the tube. Do not make a big hole in the sealer tube – start small so that you can control flow. Multiple small application is a lot better than one big smear.
5. Main Seams: Place a small bead on the seam along the stitching. Work on a 3’- 4’ section at a time. Use a finger to press the sealer into the stitching and the small valley at the edge of the seam where it is rolled under.
ALLOW AT LEAST 24 HOURS TO FULLY DRY.
NOTE: You only need to seal the OUTSIDE of the shelter. You do not need to seal the bottom perimeter roller edge stitching. It is OK to add a small bead on the leading edge of the triangle tie-outs reinforcement stitching, but it is not required.
SPECIAL AREAS: Add a little sealer to any tie-out stitching on the middle of a panel (Mids, Cricket, and SuperTarps). Seal the zipper storm flap stitching and tie-outs on the Mids. Seal the stitching and apex tie-outs areas on the Mids, Crickets, and TrailStars.
IMPORTANT: Do no go back and forth over the wet seam too much – after a minute or three it will get gummy and look bad; it is better to wait for 8 hrs and then add some over any area you missed.
Watch a how to video HERE.
A four-sided pyramid tent is one of the easiest shelters to set up! After a few test pitches, most users can set it in in under 2 min on a normal day, and under 1 min when properly motivated!
PREPARATION:
Cut four 18 in | 46 cm guylines. Tie a 2 in | 5 cm stake loop on one end. Thread the free end of the guyline into the corner LineLocks on the shelter, then up through the rear LineLock slot/hole, over the bar and down through the front LineLock slot/hole. Tie an overhand knot with a 1 in | 2.5 cm tail to prevent the line from pulling out of the LineLock.
FIRST SET UP:
1. Adjust the corner guylines to be short – no more than 2 in | 5 cm of slack from the LineLock.
2: Stake out the rear corners to the ground. The rear wall baseline between the corners should be medium tight, with no slack.
3: Stake out the front corners. The side baseline of the shelter should be tight. Watch the angle formed by the rear and side walls of the shelter at the rear corners and position the front corners so that the rear corners form 90-degree angles. The goal is to have a perfectly square/rectangle floor base. As viewed from overhead the corners and corner guylines form a perfect X shape right out to the stakes.
4: Unzip the front door leaving the bottom buckle snapped.
5: Reach or step in and insert the center pole – adjust it’s height to make the shelter tight.
6: Now you can cut and add any other mid-panel or mid-baseline guylines as needed. The lengths needed will be obvious.
NOTE: Use a small bungee loop on any center panel tie-outs to limit wind force on that tie-outs. DO NOT stake out a center side panel tie-outs too much – it should only move the wall a couple of inches out at most! DO NOT pull it so far it changes the shape of the mid-wall.
That’s It!!! The shelter should be tight and square. You can slightly tighten each corner LineLock if needed.
Almost all setup problems occur when the shelter floor is not square, with all corner angles as close to 90-degrees as possible, or slack is left in the corner guylines.
NOTE: See the setup info for attaching the InnerNets on the InnerNet product page.
Your first setup is a good time to seam seal your shelter IF you have purchased a SilNylon version and did not have it factory seam sealed. Use the SilNet supplied to seal the main seams, center panels tie-outs, door zipper stitching, and the apex stitching. Use only a SMALL amount and do not go back over an area after 5 min. You can use your finger to push the sealer into the seams. If you miss a spot, wait until it is dry and then re-coat as necessary. See ‘Seam Sealing’ tab for instructions.
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Christian Denniston –
The ultimate lightweight shelter. I have been using the MLD Duomid since around 2012. I started with a silnylon Duomid and after being so impressed with the shelter I upgraded to the Cuben Fiber model. The Duomid provides more versatility, simplicity, and comfort than any other shelter on the market. I own both the solo-inner and duo-inner and often vary my setup. When there are no bugs I forgo the inner net and simply use the Duomid tarp which provides a massive amount of space completely protected from the elements. During solo use in summer I take the solo-inner which provides a comfortable sleeping area protected from insects. The solo-inner also creates a massive vestibule where I can store my gear out of the elements and cook my meals. When hiking with a partner I take the duo-inner and the Duomid becomes a shelter very similar to a traditional double walled backpacking tent at under 2lbs! You see, buying the Duomid is essentailly buying a tarp, a solo tent, and a 2 person tent all in one. It can adapt to meet the demands of any adventure. I can’t praise the Duomid enough, and this review only scratches the surface of how great it really is.
Ben Kilbourne –
I used a brown sil nylon Duomid for a season in the High Uintas where I worked as a Wilderness Ranger. It was awesome. I used it with the Solomid Inner which provided plenty of vestibule space for muddy boots and wet clothes. I waited out many rainstorms in it and never felt like I needed more space.
Bob Salcedo –
It’s just too easy to not use! I’ve had my Duo Mid for about 6 seasons. I got the bug netting along the lower perimeter and I believe that it works quite well. Mosquitoes like me and the netting helps immensely. My backpacking trips tend to be only 2 or 3 night affairs and the tarp with a Tyvek piece for the floor has served me well and it’s just over a pound! The best part is that, with the feather weight aspect, I can bring it along fishing and day hikes in case of weather. Many times I’ve hiked a number of miles along a river only to have rainstorms try to wash me away but, with this tent I can quickly get it set up from underneath whilst being shielded from the rain. Now I’m not saying perfectly dry but, when you’ve cheated the weather and are drinking hot tea in your tent, stream side,waiting out the rain to have great fishing in between squalls, it’s pretty cool. I can’t report any leaks because I check the seams before I leave and reapply seam sealer as necessary. I just wish I could use it more often.
Jackie young (verified owner) –
Truly in a different league then most other backpacking tents and shelters. It actually does set up in under a minute, is very lightweight and durable, and can survive buckets of rain and ridiculous amounts of wind. I’m using it in the Olympic mountains of Washington state, and have not been babying it. The duomid has exceeded my expectations.
Farwalker –
The trails have been brutal this year (2018) weather wise but my Duomid has kept me safe and dry inside. What I love during stormy times is that you can pack up completely while under the tent as there is plenty of room, emerge into the storm and get the Duomid down and packed with minimal fuss, muss and mess. While others dealt with inadequate, leaking and collapsing tents, my Duomid, which by the way is in it’s 4th year of long trail abuse, has never failed.
William Hooks (verified owner) –
I chose the MLD’s as my first SUL shelters for these reasons.
– They are 4 season shelters usable in moderate snow conditions, especially being able to excavate beneath them due to floorless option.
-I favor the modularity of the MLD Duomids, being able to match with solo or duo inners when I desire-and leaving them when I don’t.
-It’s important to me to have covered interior space which is free of a floor when conditions are ‘adverse’ [my favorite..], so that I can deal with equipment while being out of the elements without puncturing or otherwise damaging floor material even when using a solo inner.
Ronald Gene Fox –
Have used the Duomid on two hikes, Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. Guadalupe hike involved a storm that blew in during the night. Stayed dry and was very pleased at the way the shelter shed the wind.
Jackie young (verified owner) –
Truly an amazing tent. I’ve had the duomid for about a year now and it has never let me down. Quick to setup (with a little practice) and essentially bombproof. I’ve used it on alpine trips to Mt.Olympus, hikes across the Olympic national park, and in 2 days I’ll be taking it on a month long trek through Scotland. I’ve never seam sealed it (I probably should) but it’s so bomber that no rain has gotten in regardless. The only complaint I have is the shipping time and customer service, but it’s a small company so I’m not surprised. To surmise, it’s a great, all around tent that’s super lightweight and provides excellent shelter. But it takes up a lot of space despite its low weight, and shipping takes literally months (for me anyway).
Keith (verified owner) –
The first night I used this tent, we were camped along the GDT just under Tornado Saddle at about 7,500 feet. I woke up in a cloud, in a thunderstorm with rain pouring down and small pebble-sized hail. It was a baptism by fire, and the tent just seemed to shrug it off like it was nothing. Even without an inner, I stayed warm and bone dry. I would recommend this tent to anyone. Packable, light, spacious and bombproof.
No regrets.
Tom Bierman (verified owner) –
I’ve now completed 2 winter (snow) backpacking weekend trips with the Duomid and love it. It has withstood some serious winds with deadman snow anchors and has worked perfectly. I’m a weekend warrior in Colorado, but like having as little weight on my back as possible. The Duomid has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Kurt Roth (verified owner) –
Great tent. I have the duo inner and it is roomy. I suggest using the dual pole setup. Used it this weekend in the savage gulf and had several downpours at night and it performed perfectly.
James R (verified owner) –
Brilliant shelter. Simple to set up. Well made. Weight is impressive. Holds up against the elements well. Have been able to sleep 2 + gear and dog.
John –
I have had a duomid for about 15 years. I love it. I am 6’3” 190 lbs. and have gone on many trips with a friend that is 6’5”. We both fit. This shelter is well made, efficient, and just large enough for two. Mine has never leaked.
Brian C –
Simple is good. Words the CFO of a large company told me as a late 20’s guy back in the 90’s. It’s always resonated with me and that’s what the Duomid is all about. It just works. I’m on my 3rd one which has been with me for at least 10 years. All have been silnylon and none ever failed me. The brown one was my first, but it was so cozy and dark I’d oversleep in it so I sold it. The second one was orange and I sold it after not being able to sleep on a couple cloudless full moon nights. Finally I got a gray one it’s been my mama bear for the past decade. Get ya one and go have fun just about anywhere you want to go. Well, get a hammock setup too, but that’s another story.
John Page (verified owner) –
This is a shelter for an experienced minimalist that appreciates a well designed piece of gear. When you’ve backpacked enough to know that mosquito netting is usually not needed, that a ground-floor is a hindrance in rain or mud or snow and that simplicity and modularity are the key features of a design, this is for you. I don’t hike with trekking poles, therefore I have little use for trekking pole tents. I like a hiking stick. That leaves the zacks altaplex and teepee tents like the MLD duomid. I have both and the MLD duomed wins for me for 3 reasons. 1) I like silnylon. Sleeping in DCF feels like I’m in a Walmart grocery sack. 2) The room. The altaplex has headroom but the MLD duomed is wide. plenty of room for 2 people plus gear. 3) the loop! the tent peak loop allows for setup with a ridgeline. This removes the need for space limiting pole or hiking stick. I hike with a 58in hickory walking stick. That works in a pinch but the MLD duomid’s clever loop allows for set up with a ridgeline between 2 trees eliminating the need for the pole limiting barrier to space inside. Why Zpacks doesn’t add a peak loop is beyond me. In conclusion, for my money – the MLD silnylon duomid is the undefeated champion of ultralight shelter set-ups.