View Full Version : Anybody using this?
pafarmboy
08-23-2009, 15:26
Looks pretty slick, and has good reviews on the site, but figured I'd get the real scoop. I'd still carry a tent, but looks great for emergency rain shelter and would eliminate need for rain jacket and pack cover. Thoughts?
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=45
Wow, that does look slick. Can't offer a review, but I am with you: put it on my watch list. I'm already calculating the weight savings.
Unfortunately, hiking mainly in the northeast, my MSR hubba is really a mosquito net posing as a tent and I love it. Now that the crowds have passed, have set it up in many shelters this summer to stay dry and bug free.
Do they still sell bug nets? This item coupled with a bug net may just be the answer.
thanks for posting.
pafarmboy
08-23-2009, 20:50
Do they still sell bug nets? This item coupled with a bug net may just be the answer.
thanks for posting.
Pricey, IMO:
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=55&bc=no
If you're still going to carry a tent, just get a regular poncho. In the summer I've ducked my head inside, turned my pack around, dug out my lunch and ate in the middle of a rainstorm. A poncho can also be used as a covered "porch" for your tent, a groundcloth in a shelter (if you're so inclined) and a windbreak or sunshade. It's more versatile.
If you weren't carrying a tent I'd think it might be a good idea, though once it's set up, you'll get wet when you go to pee unless you have something else which is waterproof.
could be nice to pair with a light bivy, that gives you bug protection, ground cloth and holds the pad in place, pitch the tarp on iffy nights
JoshStover
08-24-2009, 01:14
That is pretty nice. A little pricey though, dont you think?
I have a lite weight poncho (7oz) and a lite weight tarp (15oz). I like the idea of having not combining sleeping shelter with rain gear, because you can not set up or strike camp in the rain without getting wet. And as Tinker mentioned you can't go outside w/o getting wet.
I pay an 11oz penelty for having separate Tarp & Poncho, well worth it.
Disclosure: I have never used this product.
...Do they still sell bug nets? This item coupled with a bug net may just be the answer...
If you press the "compatible products" tab, you will see they do sell a bug net for it.
I have one. If you are hiking out west (much of the Rockies or the Sierras), without lots of rain, or you're on the AT and using shelters as your primary sleeping spot, the Gatewood Cape is a good way to go. I've used it a couple of times here in the east and fortunately did not have to contend with rain.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/5/0/2/5/p2100032s.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=22107&original=1&c=member&orderby=title&direction=ASC&imageuser=5025&cutoffdate=-1)
I prefer it to a regular poncho. I feel it gives much better protection than a regular poncho, particularly when the wind is picking up. In warm humid summer conditions, I will carry it strictly for rain protection, while going with my tarp and hammock for shelter.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/5/0/2/5/012a_5415.jpg
If you want bug protection and a floor, SMD makes an interior shelter (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=55) (7 ounces) for underneath the cape as well.
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/products/images/Serenity.jpg
tlbj6142
08-24-2009, 10:08
As mentioned above, this rain gear/shelter combo is intended to be primarily used where you do NOT normally need a shelter or rain gear. Like the PCT. Where you can stuff it in your pack's front pocket and pull it out 6 times the entire trip type shelter. If you expect a lot of rain and/or a lot of bugs, the weight savings tends to break down.
I'm not sure it is a good fit for an AT thru-hiker. I'd rather stick with a small tarptent-like shelter or a hammock.
Bearpaw, that looks like a sweet UL setup for the conditions you describe.
On the AT, shelter, bivy. or WP sleeping bag needs to be added. 3 days of a steady downpour and it will test your patience with just that setup.
Rain Man
08-25-2009, 10:56
I have one.
Shawn, could you do a "show and tell" at one of our get-togethers? I'd be interested in getting one of those, I believe, but would like to see it "in the flesh" and not just pictures.
Rain:sunMan
.
brooklynkayak
08-25-2009, 12:32
I use one with the bug shelter. I don't know why people would say it's not good in harsh environments?
I find it does very well in rain, better than many other solo tents. It really excels in wind driven rain as you can stake it right to the ground on the windy side. It also stay rigid in strong winds and doesn't bend or flap like other shelters.
I've had it in 30+ mph winds. Other shelters were bending over and making a lot of noise while the Gatewood stood her ground.
Although I haven't used it on extended backpacking trips yet, others have with good results.
Wise Old Owl
08-25-2009, 12:38
Pricey, IMO:
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=55&bc=no
Well worth a good night sleep in Maine!:eek:
tlbj6142
08-25-2009, 14:03
I don't know why people would say it's not good in harsh environments?They've never used a tarp before.