Without a level or even its own support poles , can a tarpaulin do as well as a tent in high winds , weighty snow and pouring rain ? We think one can really do better , at least if its thisHyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2we’re currently exist out of it in Iceland .
What It ’s theorize to Do ? The 18 oz UltaMid 2 ( $ 675 ) is a floorless Cuben Fiber Great Pyramid shelter that provides maximum trade protection from the elements at a minimum weight . It can be used for backpacking , alpine climbing , ski touring , packrafting , or any other weight - critical adventure activeness . It is all waterproofed and designed to withstand mellow winds . The Great Pyramid ’s steep walls and potent construction material make it gravid for handling snow - shipment as well . The UltaMid features a massive interior volume for its weight and packed space , make it a great choice for prolong trips where livability is a large concern , or for wait out bad weather .
A huge vantage of Cuben Fiber is that it never wets outs ; therefore wo n’t take on water supply weight .
How It ’s Supposed To Do It ? The biggest conduce factor to the UltaMid ’s light weight and strength is its function of the space - age materialCuben Fiber . CF is 15 times stronger than steel , is stronger and lighter than Kevlar , and does n’t drop off its proficient wholeness when folded or crinkle . Cuben Fiber is also 100 % waterproof , intend appurtenance does n’t wet out or sop up water weight . to boot , the UltaMid is a magnetic pole - less shelter . Instead of traditional tent poles , it utilizes trekking pole , ski , oar , or whatever else you’re able to find as a center support . By using backup that you ’re already carrying , it cuts down on overall weight . Chances are that the supports you ’re carrying are strong than traditional tent poles too .
https://gizmodo.com/how-the-lightest-strongest-outdoors-fabric-is-designed-1601176186
The UltaMid features eight reinforced perimeter standoff - out for pitching and four additional organic structure board tie-in - outs which allow it to be guy rope - lined for extra reenforcement . It can be peddle higher or low to the ground depending on the height of the center livelihood . Two turgid interlock vents near the pyramid ’s cone provide additional external respiration ; it has a gravid dual slide fastener front threshold allow for for easy access in and out .
How Does It Perform ? If you ’re used to conduct around a traditional tent , the first thing you ’ll notice is how low-cal the UltaMid is . It ’s compact too ; stuffs into a 10”x12 ” stuff sack . The UltaMid is heavier than dim-witted ultralight bland tarp ( which typically weigh about 10 oz ) , but it offers much greater auspices than those lighter shelters .
The UltaMid 2 packs down implausibly small .
I ’ve tested the UltaMid in every possible atmospheric condition condition , all over the man ; I ’ve been living in it almost non - turn back for the last calendar month . I ’ve used it in spicy and dry conditions during summer in the Sierra Nevada . Put it to the trial against torrential cloudburst and relentless winds in Iceland . Survived a fresh pulverisation dump in the mountains . It successfully adapted to each position with rest .
If pitching with trekking poles , trounce them together with pole straps to achieve right and adjustable height . Photo by@danielbrucelee .
toss : I always post trekking poles , so I pitch with those . TheUltaMid Pole Strapswill allow you to lash your two poles together in society to create enough height for pitching . This shelter is grandiloquent ; if lurch with trekking poles you ’ll need the straps . Simply put the poles next to each other and whip them together . The straps are belt - buckle style . I favor sequester the shoulder strap with the handles next to each other because it have the poles easier to extend upwardly to correct the top . Next , puzzle your pole in the ground , rank the shelter over it , and bet on out the first corner . Then travel around the perimeter , attaching the corners first ; at long last staking out the middle air . When staking out the corners , make trusted that they are squared off to maximize the midland space .
The UltaMid ’s linkup - outs feature film line - ignition lock to keep stress .
If you ’re anticipate knotted weather condition , go forrader and attach the guy cable - rail line too . They will cater additional support . Longer stakes likethesework adept for the corners . Shorter , lighter responsibility ones like theVargo Titanium Shepherd ’s Hookswill be fine for the middle tie - outs . If pitching on indulgent ground , theVargo Titanium Ascent Stakeswill provide extra grip . The ground in Iceland has n’t been very sensory of stakes , but we were able-bodied to increase support during windy atmospheric condition by placing large rocks over them . Even in dark , windy conditions , Daniel and I can vend the UltaMid in five minutes .
The UltaMid is right at home in the C. P. Snow .
If snow camping , utilize additional trekking poles , avalanche probes , skis , shabu axes , or anything else you’re able to find to impale out the shelter with . They will be much better grounded than stake . A four - season inflatable pad like theTherm - A - quietus NeoAir XTherm(15 oz , $ 190 for Regular Length ) will provide insulation from the heat - sucking earth ; pair that with a 2.8 oz , Thinlight ⅛ ” Insulation Pad from Gossamer Gear($16 ) will provide additional insulation .
The UltaMid 2 is spacious for two ; a palace for one .
Because the UltaMid is an insertless shelter , it ’s best when used with a lightweight bivy carrier bag like theKatabatic Gear Bristlecone($149 . ) A bivy will provide bug protection , protect your quiescence bag ’s fragile material from abrasion , and provide protection from backsplash or overspill water as well . Additional advantage of using a bivy are that it will sum up a few degrees of warmth to your sleeping suitcase ’s temperature rating . During the summer , I seldom had to utilize a sleeping bag with the UltaMid and Bristlecone .
Summer can get live , so pitch the pyramid with a in high spirits center . This will allow for more gentle wind to circulate through the side , keeping the interior cool . The same approach can be taken in colder weather . More circulation will prevent condensation from building up in spite of appearance . An tote up bonus of a higher auction pitch is increased interior volume . With a 10 ” gap on the sides , Daniel and I can well fit all the contents of our 100L pack in with us . It ’s a tight squeeze , sure – but collectively we are contain a long ton of stuff and nonsense .
From starlight nighttime to utmost mountain weather , this Tarp remains versatile , well-off and stable .
Initially I vex about staying dry with a higher pitch , but even in uninterrupted sideways rainfall we never induce pie-eyed . More than a foot of coke dropped on us while in the mountains one night , but we wake up and pushed it off the walls without even going out of doors . The UltaMid stood up to southeast Iceland ’s invariant bombardment of wind — winds great enough to rap us off our feet .
Not quite a “ portal to the world , ” but still a nice perspective however .
If you ’re used to the comforter and security of a bathtub base that traditional tents volunteer , the UltaMid could take some getting used to . However , not take in a floor presents several advantages . you may drag dirty , dirty , or wet gear indoors without foul your sleeping cup of tea and other belongings . you could wear out your shoes inside without getting the floor dirty . The same applies if you ’re adventuring with a andiron . The biggest disadvantage of the floorless design is that those quaint , “ window - to - the - world ” tent photos that are so popular on the internet do n’t have the same result .
The UltaMid mimic the mount that it call home .
From an esthetic stand , the semitransparent - clean triangular Pyramids of Egypt is spectacularly beautiful . It features clean lines and its lack of vividness blend in well with alpine landscapes . If most of your adventures are in forested region and you practice Leave No Trace , HMG offers a spruce green color as well .
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At $ 675 , the UltaMid 2 costs significantly more than other ultralight shelter , particularly when you factor out in the need to employ a bivvy pouch with it . The high-pitched cost is mostly because Cuben Fiber is still incredibly expensive ; the UltaMid uses a lot of it . The agio Leontyne Price is a definite circumstance for purchasing this shelter , but at the same sentence if you are a four - season IE , using one uncompromising protection year - round makes a lot of sensation .
Compared to the 18 oz UltaMid 2 , a distinctive lightweight four season collapsible shelter ( for example , the relatively “ inexpensive ” exclusive - wallBlack Diamond Firstlight – $ 360 , 3 lbs 5 oz ) sacrifices space and livability to achieve a lower weight .
Similar designs from other manufacturers can reach up to $ 600 ; all of those tent are halter for two ; and will wet - out in showery conditions . They do not breathe well , and are generally considered inapplicable for summertime use . Expect to pay anywhere from $ 200 - 300 for a three - season tent to achieve a weight of less than 4 lbs . sum the price of a four - season collapsible shelter and a three - season tent and you ’re credibly going to pay at least $ 500 if you want to hazard yr - stave ; in both cases there will be a via media of weight , inner space , and enduringness .
A single planer mottle across the night sky in front of the Milky Way at Trolltunga , Norway .
Adventure Ready ? The Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2 has triumphantly combat every condition we ’ve been able to throw at it , all over the world , and it ’s still going strong . I have so much faith in the UltaMid , that I ’ve chosen to live out of it for the next several months while I gamble all over the world : from the cold , showery , and windy southeastern seacoast of Iceland to the snowy , high ALT Himalayas in Nepal , to the hot and humid tropics of Southeast Asia . It ’s as at home in the desert as it is in the tidy sum , and it ’s one tax shelter that can be used year - round . Perhaps best - of - all , it barely weighs more than a pound . Adventure quick ? Hell yeah it is .
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