My Three Shelter Systems For Lightweight Backpacking
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.ค. 2023
- Hey everyone! This week I wanted to do more of a deep dive into something that I covered in a short somewhat recently - the three shelters that I keep in rotation for lightweight and ultralight backpacking throughout the year. Thanks for watching and hope you enjoy!
More info on my leaky Duomid and punctured tarp: • How To Repair Dyneema ...
BACKPACKING GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
Tarp: zpacks.com/products/flat-tarp...
Mid: mountainlaureldesigns.com/pro...
Tent: zpacks.com/products/triplex-tent
Stakes: geni.us/8PONz (Amazon)
Guyline: geni.us/IuPLN7 (Amazon)
Trekking poles: zpacks.com/products/zpacks-ca...
GEAR USED TO SHOOT THIS VIDEO
Waterproof camera backpack: geni.us/PAftnR (Amazon)
Lightweight, full-frame camera: geni.us/HyNJK (Amazon)
Wide zoom for vlogging: geni.us/jBbeUq1 (Amazon)
Mid zoom for b-roll: geni.us/PeuC (Amazon)
My mic: geni.us/fvbT0E (Amazon)
Lightweight tripod: geni.us/fFSFX (Amazon)
VNDs for shooting outside:geni.us/BuxS1BH (Amazon)
Feel free to follow along:
Instagram: timbschwartz
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@timbschwartz
#ultralightbackpacking #backpackinggear
DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Doing so helps me make more videos like this. I appreciate you! - กีฬา
Old school here, like 70, with over 50 years of stomping around. These days I use a silnylon Tarptent Protrail for three main reasons: Simple/fast setup; excellent build quality; very little condensation. I use the two light poles from Tarptent instead of trekking poles, it packs down to loaf of bread size, dries in minutes during midday break, is safe in wind and rain. There's enough room at the front door and vestibule to fix coffee if you have to. Major adjustment for me was the front door ingress egress, but as a gym rat during winter and cross training for flexibility and strength it's no problem. I take a piece of Tyvek for a doormat and shoes. Very cozy, bullet proof, I've used it for five weeks straight a few years ago. It will be heading out on the GDMBR this summer. Going to see if this old fart can pedal from CAN to MX. ☮
Thanks for the comment and good luck on your trip! Let me know how it goes!
I've always wanted to pick up a Tarptent - I've heard nothing but great things over the years.
I really love my Gossamer Gear Twinn Tarp; it's served me well with and without bug-bivy.
I've always heard good things about GG gear! Don't own any currently but it's on the list. Thanks for commenting!
Really great snap shot into you style and preference. As a PNW hiker , i also live in rain except july and august. My shelters are: six moons dechutes plus(built in bug net/ no floor), z pack hexamid tarp( i swap in six moons net tent and a UL s2s bug net), DD xmid 1 sil poly. My 2 person option is my 3p B.A. tiger wall UL3, w 66 inch in width, i can do 2 25' pads, a must for a 40 year old hiker)
Glad you enjoyed the video! How are you liking the Xmid?
X-mid 2p owner here, in silpoly: love that tent, absolutely a winner of a choice. True, it won't fit two 25" wide pads but I'm using it solo 75% of the time, and the rest of the time all I do is have 1 of us use a regular width pad and it works perfectly.
Thanks for the insight, Mark!
an insider tip for hiking in the mountains. Whether summer or winter, glacier or hiking trail: a small umbrella. I used one with silver fabric. This is sun protection and rain protection. Ideal, even if you have rain protection with you. Also great on glacier tours against sun and reflection.
Thanks for the tip! Haven't used one yet, but I'll add it to the list!
I’ve been wanting to get one, could keep at the doorway of my tarp on rainy days too. Mine is the same giant one as the video creators though so it’s not so needed
I like it but for me the umbrella is useless when it’s windy
Thanks for sharing! Such a dream team of tents. Something to save up for.
You bet!
I spent a nite in the double Zpac tent in a crazy rain. It was in the northern Quebec. Tons of water all night. Tent was fine. No leaks.
Glad to hear it's going well for you! Thanks for the comment!
I've sugested this idea to a number of TH-cam presenters. Add a loop of cord, Kevlar, Spectra, Dyneema or other high strength cordage to the peak of your tent and you can support it from above by eight or more methods.
Thanks for the tip!
Excellent overview of these shelters! Very thorough but well paced, thanks for sharing. I am mostly a hammocker (its lightweight enough in the summer when two heavy quilts aren't needed) but JUST unboxed my X-Mid Pro 1. Have only had it set up in yard so no real world testing yet (this weekend!!) but i was VERY impressed by the space (its so long and tall, and with both sides being fully mesh, i cannot imagine condensation ever reaching my quilt). The doors, zippers and vestibule space are all top notch as well of course.
Thanks for the comment! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
How did it go with the xmid?!
@@timbschwartz Great despite having to use rocks instead of stakes (only granite to pitch on). Still managed to get a decent pitch though. Love the doors. Zero condensation in the morning despite camping right next to a lake. The thin floor worries me a bit. Used my 1/8in pad UNDER the tent instead of just under my pad as usual. Very happy overall!
I have the X-Mid-1 strong - sli-poly - I used it last Feb 2023 in -12°F w/40-50mph winds, and it held up perfectly. It had hardly a draft inside the tent b/c of the solid lower portion of the internal mesh and how the rest of the tent pitches close to the ground. Note that I was in the woods, so not directly exposed to all that wind. I bought it for winter use, like in the whites in NH and it is much lighter than 4 season expedition tents. Great tent for sure.
Very good to know! Thanks for sharing. I would typically be finding a wooded spot to camp in, so it founds perfect for me. It's on the list!
For that DuoMid, I carry a Zpacks 5’ carbon fiber staff. It allows for an extremely sturdy pitch with the pole at an angle, and you can really get the shelter up off the ground for more interior space and ventilation.
The Zpacks staff breaks down into four segments so it’s easy to fly with.
I like a single solid long pole over two trekking poles. Way more safe and confident when crossing creeks and rivers, whether in the water or using a downed tree as a bridge.
For pitching the Duomid flush against the ground, find a spot between two trees and use the top loop attached to a cord stretched between two trees.
Hmmm good to know! I only ever carry one pole anyway, so that might make sense for me.
Good tip on the duomid! How do you keep the extra material from being all flappy?
First off, good job with your video. You presented well, easy and enjoyable to watch and listen to. I’ll be subscribing to your channel. Second, you ask what others are using, I got a Hyperlite mountain gear mid 1. It seems to work well for me, enough so it’s something I’d recommend. Thanks again for posting your videos, I’ll be watching more!
Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad that you enjoyed the video :)
Nice! I've had my eye on an HMG mid for while, but haven't pulled the trigger. Good to know that you like it!
I have an xmid 2. It's huge! For solo trips I went back to my Big Agnes Copper Spur 1p tent. But there are times when I want that space. Love Durstin tents.
Nice! Thanks for letting me know - it may be the one!
I’ve got the XMid Pro 2 … nice tent & good quality. 2 people can fit but it’s super cozy and it won’t fit 2 - 25” wide pads. My go-to tent is the Tarptent DR LI … it’s my trail palace & it’ll fit 2-25” wide pads. My third and preferred method is my hammock setup 😎
Oh good to know! I was considering the xmid 1, but maybe it's worth sizing up.
the non stretchy DCF is the reason you can’t get a tight pitch on uneven spots with a Duomid. the sil version stretches where necessary and can be pitched drum tight on uneven terrain.
Informative and beneficial video
Thank you very much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
A larger footprint "comes with the territory ..." literally and figuratively. :^)
For an alternate to the Zpacks flat tarp, check out Etowah Gear. They make an 8x10, but for 1.1oz less you can get a 7x9 or 8x8.5, both at 5.3 oz.
All three come with pullouts along the ridgeline.
I went with the 7x9, as I thought in a pinch it’s always nice to have more length and 7’ is plenty width for one (even two).
Some of the reviews talk about sewing issues but the one I got in 4q2022 is after those older reviews - it’s flawless.
Nice! That may be the replacement when I finally destroy this one.
Unless you're above tree line, or not near any trees at all. You should 1000% just invest in a hammock tent, weighs less than 2lbs. They are a game changer. I bring a larger, heavy-duty waxed tarp as an extra for dry space around camp.
Thanks for the comment Kyle! I have a hammock floating around but it doesn't get much use, outside of using it to lounge on shorter trips. For me its mostly that I don't feel like buying/packing an underquilt, but will be the first to admit that they're comfy as hell.
@@timbschwartzhey Tim! Check out the crosshammock. It’s a small business as it doesn’t get much exposure, but just like the HammockTent it really has potential imho. With or without bugnet, it’s a great shelter I’d say.
I went with an Amon Draumr instead because weight isn’t a concern while bikepacking, but check it out!
I say to investigate it because you can use your pad, which was for me the #1 requirement to buy a hammock. I didn’t want to be stuck hanging if I needed to ground camp.
@@timbschwartz Yeah brother I definitely feel that. Took me a while to decide to invest in the underquilt. I went with a OneWind. It's $280 CAN for tarp, hammock, underquilt. And I must admit the tarp that comes with the OneWind setup is the best tarp I've ever owned. If you really didnt want to set up you could throw down the underquilt and it's protector then just hunker down with the tarp like a Leanto. Love the versatility!
Or unless you don’t like hammocks like me, don't. Almost as if people like different things. Huh. Weird. 🙄
I find the Triplex to also have the con of condensation, at least when used with two adults. If you’re pinned down in an all-night rain and can’t open the doors to allow for a cross breeze, things can get wet, fast.
Agreed! I haven't found it to be any worse than any other single walled tent, like the duomid, though - the peak vent doesn't do a ton.
I've discovered that much like with a tarp, site selection is key with these shelters, especially staying high and away from water in the colder months.
My favorite shelter is the older Duplex.. not the newer design with the zipper.. but for my longer hikes i’m carrying the Altraplex its roomy for sure for going solo. Great Video!
Thanks for the comment and the kind words! I'm planning some longer hikes and was considering the Altaplex. Think it's overkill vs the plex solo if I'm 5' 9" ish? I typically size up on shelters to make life easer in the rain.
@@timbschwartz yeah i would love to carry a solo but i’m 6’4 so even i my duplex i have to sleep diagonal just so my head and quilt doesn’t touch on either end. Which isn’t the end of the world. Altraplex just works for me 😎
I’ve sold all my shelters / tent & gone with the Dirt Bag Tarp - Dutchwear Gear it work great w/ a hammock & on the ground. It’s cheap relatively light
Nice! 9.5 x 10, right? I have a very similar, catenary cut model from Simply Light Designs. It doesn't get used to often anymore as I have lighter tarps now, but it's probably the one I'm most fond of.
Excellent trifecta, there. I recently purchased an X-Mid Pro 1 to swap out with a Gossamer Gear The One. Haven’t used the X-Mid yet because I keep defaulting back to The One. Mostly because I’ve been camping/backpack with larger groups (some with kids). The One’s silnylon is less transparent and can be pitched in a surprisingly array of awkward locations due to the material’s stretch. Add on that it’s half the price of a DCF tent and I’m not as worried about someone accidentally damaging it.
That said, I’m committed to start using the X-Mid once the southern heatwave recedes.
My tarp setup is a GG Solo/Twinn with a Katabatic Pinion bivy. Super easy to pitch and pretty dang stormworthy. Still on the lookout for a flat tarp. The Slingfin NFT looks really interesting as a flat tarp with catenary edges, although it’s on the heavy side to slot into my shelter spread.
Thanks for the comment John! Let me know how the xmid works for you when you test it out! I'm not opposed to going back to silnylon, I really don't care for silnylon floors, though.
Still working on my bivy game - the combined humidity and cold of the PNW have proved challenging for it. I'm thinking maybe a Dimma bivy from Borah Gear.
Just looked at the NFT! Check out Simply Light Designs, if you haven't already. I have a similar tarp custom from him, and you can pick your material to help keep weight down. It was also significantly less expensive than the slingfin at the time (that may have changed, though.)
Here's what it looks like if you're interested: th-cam.com/video/aVx39z8Gq8Y/w-d-xo.html
@@timbschwartz Thanks for all the additional info! Your weather could certainly be a challenge with bivys and condensation. My favorite feature of the Pinion is the sewn in quilt pad straps. Completely solves the issue of sleeping pads sliding around. I may modify all of my tents with this.
Those tarps looks great. I may jump on one of those!
You've hit on a lot of the same pro's/con's I've encountered over the years. I think DCF is surprisingly fragile and bulky when compared to other tarp materials that also don't stretch when wet but the aesthetics really improve my mood especially when I'm hunkering down in bad weather for days on end. I had a custom order 10x10 MLD white DCF supertarp many years ago and it was by far my fav piece of gear. I also experimented with a silnylon duomid and zpacks duplex but found them frustrating to use after the freedom of a flat tarp + bivi combo I'd grown accustomed to. My setup now is a 10x10 or 10x15 tarp depending on how intense the weather will be and/or amount of time I expect to be in camp. If I know I'll have trees I bring a hammock, if I know there won't be trees a bivi, and if I know I'll have company and/or lots of bugs and camp time a mesh pyramid inner.
Agreed - I have a love/hate relationship with DCF.
A 10x10 supertarp would be awesome. I've always been interested in picking one up from MLD but I end up pulling the trigger on something lighter (not necessarily better) every time.
Thanks for sharing!
You should take a look at the super light range from ddtarp. Ron from MLD doesn't do custom orders anymore so when my DCF supertarp finally gave up the ghost I moved to them. I miss the asthetics of DCF but for only the weight of a cliff bar more it is actually a lot smaller packed (about 1/3 the size) and since it can be stuffed instead of folded takes less time. 1/4 the price too! The 10 x 15 can also be set up as a pyramid approx the same size as the hyperlight ultamid 4 btw or ultamid 2 with floor @@timbschwartz
I'll have a look - thanks for the tip!
Tarp tent Protrail LI for me! ✌🏻
Oh nice! I really like them. Almost makes me wish I carried two trekking poles.
Favourite shelter at the moment is silnylon MLD Cricket, with a lanshan 1 inner. Love it! I don’t have any problems pitching in less than perfect places. I just accept it’s not going to be perfect 😀
Random comment, but where’s your shirt from?
Nice! I've always wanted to pick one up.
Columbia silver ridge lite - highly recommend!
Lol. I thought you were talking about another tarp. Then I realised 😂 thank you very much!
I still use the plexamid. Maybe one day I’ll try a tarp
Nice! I've been eying the Plex Solo, so we're both moving toward opposite ends of the spectrum haha.
my durston xmid great but not in high winds....talking 35mph plus....panels cave in....there is no resolution for this....check backpacking light review near the end on storm protection....pick a sheltered area and everything cool....otherwise very nice tent
Oh that's very good to know! Thanks for the heads up. I'll check out the article today - anything to make use of my BPL subscription lol
That a nice set of shelters. I was interested in the tarp until you said you had a pinhole from setting it up!
Haha yeah I think it caught the business end of a stake. Great otherwise, though!
Tarps: Any opinions on which is the best DCF Tarp?? Zpacks vs Hyperlite vs ???
Hey Gary! No "best" so to speak, but really just depends on what features and weight you're looking for. Zpacks will be lighter and slightly more fragile, Hyperlite is going to be a bit heavier but stronger with more tie out points. It's all personal preference, but I'm a big fan of those two, Borah Gear, and Mountain Laurel Designs if you want to look around.
@@timbschwartz- Thanks! Whenever I watch your videos, “BOOM” comes to mind! You get to the point, stat…fast!! Boom!! Thanks your sharing!! G
Hey man, where’s your hammock? 🤔🤗😆
Lol I have one I swear! I don't use it enough to feel confident talking about it or making any sort of recommendation. I keep telling myself I'm going to use it more and get more proficient, but then I'm like "I'll just make this an easy trip and take my tarp and sleep on the ground."
Are you asking half of your statements?
Hahaha! I'm certainly no natural on camera - practice, practice, practice...
Have a great week!