Cuben Fiber Tent

[ULWalkingPhil]

Where can you purchase the Carbon Fibre pole extenders?

Do you tie the two poles together at the top?

I like this option of using the two poles, particularly in stormy weather.

[Nuts]

It would be aquaseal (if liquid)?

That looks like a good setup what joins the poles? Does it come together into one or do they both join before reaching the peak?

Wouldn't mind some close ups inside the peak, at the tie outs : ) (someone?) Are the seams 1/2" or 1" wide? Mine is finished but I might make another some day.

I'd imagine they would be ok in foul weather, probably erring more towards shedding snow than high wind (compared to the trailstar) (higher, steeper walls).

Good luck Phil, sounds like you need some, that's all very mysterious re the storm search..

[Empacitator]

Where can you purchase the Carbon Fibre pole extenders?

Do you tie the two poles together at the top?

I like this option of using the two poles, particularly in stormy weather.

I purchased these pole extenders: http://rutalocura.com/Polejack.html

At the top of the mid I have the two trekking pole handles in the peak, they both fit well, no tying together necessary. Unfortunately I don't seem to have any close up pictures of this. But here is a couple more DuoMid photo's just to whet your appetite until yours arrives

DuoMid open with inner

This is with both doors wide open- a good view of the customer BearPawwd inner net tent

DuoMid with inner and groundsheet

Enough room for the inner tent and a cuben groundsheet (single trekking pole in the centre)

DuoMid backyard camping

Backyard camping with my son, inner net and cuben bivy

[Bluegum Mic]

Ooh, I would like to hear (and see!!) more about your new tent! I've been looking into that one in the very unlikely event that we get some unexpected money coming our way Not very likely that I will actually need a solo tent either but anyway...
It is rated as a 4 season tent which surprised me a bit. Not sure how accurate that is. Would it really stand up to some typical Tassie winter weather? Did you get it with or without the floor?

No worries. I've a sick toddler on my hands at the moment so I've not been able to tinker too much. Yes Ive purchased it with net and hanging floor. Great little setup. I'll dare say I'll get it up in the next couple of days and I'll report back with some pics.

[Orion]

Empacitator, that looks really nice. Quite an advert for MLD (and Ruta Locura)!

If I could trouble you, what does it all weigh (stuff sacks and pegs included) on your scale and what was the total cost?

[ULWalkingPhil]

Thanks for the link Empacitator.

I wonder if they will fit my Leki poles, might have to send them a quick email. Lightweight as well, which is great.

You have no idea, almost daily I've been sitting here in front of my Computer, Google searching MLD Duomid, I think I've seen every image out there on the Duomid and read every review I can find. More the better, and the great thing is I will soon be able to add to the collection of Duomid images in the world wide web.

[ULWalkingPhil]

It would be aquaseal (if liquid)?

That looks like a good setup what joins the poles? Does it come together into one or do they both join before reaching the peak?

Wouldn't mind some close ups inside the peak, at the tie outs : ) (someone?) Are the seams 1/2" or 1" wide? Mine is finished but I might make another some day.

I'd imagine they would be ok in foul weather, probably erring more towards shedding snow than high wind (compared to the trailstar) (higher, steeper walls).

Good luck Phil, sounds like you need some, that's all very mysterious re the storm search..

Hi Nuts.

I am also keen on any images if anyone has to show of this setup with the two poles.

In regards to the floods, I've heard so many rumours. I don't think the rumours are true. There just to far fetched to believe. A friend of ours is a policeman, we asked him and he advised the rumours are not true. There's two deaths reported, one fell out of his boat apparently as they tried to rescue him the other had a heart attack. Lot's of damage, Houses ripped of there foundations in the floods. They say in access of 1300 homes damaged. most have to be pulled down, there's going to be a building boom here soon. It's hard to believe, till you go for a drive and take a look yourself, I saw a house in the middle of the main road into Bundy. The roads don't exist anymore, there are holes 5 to 10 meters deep what used to be a road. Houses are collapsing into huge sink holes. These floods are worse than the floods we had two years ago and yet, there's less donations. Brisbane did not cop it so bad this time, they where lucky. But we got the worst flood in history, We only just in the last week allowed to head over North Bundy. You know, I never understood why they built our old traffic bridge so high over the river till I saw the water almost lapping over the road.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Duomid is now in Honolulu. I wish it would stop holidaying and get to me.

[Bluegum Mic]

Gosh Phil...Can I go travelling with your duomid.

I'll add some photos of my shelter here and then will do a review later once I've had a good chance to set it up. To answer the 4 season question. Would it take snow loading? I think yes to a moderate fall. As for wind its solid and pitches well. It obviously is nice and breezy around the edges but you can pitch it low and close the vent. Would I take it and pitch it a top of a mountain in tassie with mother nature giving her worst? No probably not. I have a 4 season tent for that duty. I would however be comfortable in taking it on the overland and pitching it on tent platforms etc. It might just be my mind set but as my only experience with cuben has been my hammock tarp Im still getting my mind around could this taped tent withstand really harsh winds. Do I think its as sexy as the duomid? No. That's a nice looking piece of equipment and its finish looks superb. This little tent has been well made, the stitching where it is (for the netting etc) looks good and straight. All joints, high stress areas are reinforced. The foam used in the peak vent is fairly floppy after being stuffed back into the stuff sack a few times but that's to be expected.

It weighs 570g with in its sil sack with its tie outs, shock cord on the floor and the two guy lines I had on it. Im very happy with that for a bug proof shelter with slight bucket floor.

[Stibb]

Thanks for the pics, especially the details. The vestibule looks larger than I first thought. No it's not as pretty as the duomid but I like it
I'm waiting eagerly for future reports...

[ULWalkingPhil]

Very nice shelter you have there Mic. Is the inner sewn onto the outer?
Have you seen my Oookworks inner? I made a separate post with images on it a week ago. I'm not sure if anyone spotted it. I've only had one comment on it.

Have you had a look at MLD facebook page Mic? I think if you did, I doubt you would have any doubt's at what these shelters can withstand. There are some mighty impressive images and video footage posted on what these shelters can handle.

My Duomid is now in sydney visiting customs.

[Bluegum Mic]

Thanks phillip.

Its not a full inner, its a mesh door panel connected to a hanging bathtub floor ie mesh running off each edge of the floor out to the fly. That is sewn and reinforced with tape and the zip is sewn and taped (interestingly a waterproof zip which has been concealed well) but all other seams are taped (especially those that are load bearing). The mid panel pullouts are taped and reinforced (not sewn). Its very well thought out a design and I find roomy for a 1 man. Certainly enough room for my pack inside if I wanted.

Yes saw the ookworks. Looks good. He certainly looks like he makes good gear.

Not long now till you get your duomid if in Sydney

[forest]

Okay so I have a stupid question ??

Why is the Duomid or similar shape design ment to me more stormworthy that a Hexamid ??
I know the fabric is generally a bit thicker on the MLD shelters but the design stands a lot more upright thatn the hexamid from what I can see.
Wouldn't the higher more vertical sides cop more wind loading compared to the lower angled sides on the hexamid ?? Wouldn't the lower angle buff the wind better ??

[Empacitator]

I would choose the Hexamid over the DuoMid in high winds for exactly the reasons you have stated already (I own and use both).

However if you combine high winds with rain the DuoMid wins for total coverage even without using an inner

Empacitator, that looks really nice. Quite an advert for MLD (and Ruta Locura)!

If I could trouble you, what does it all weigh (stuff sacks and pegs included) on your scale and what was the total cost?

If I get a chance today I'll put everything on the scales. Don't make me think about cost though... haha

[forest]

I would choose the Hexamid over the DuoMid in high winds for exactly the reasons you have stated already (I own and use both).

However if you combine high winds with rain the DuoMid wins for total coverage even without using an inner

Ah okay, is there heaps more space inside between the ground sheet and the outer edge of the fly ??

Can't you just pitch the hexamid straight to the ground, I've done that before in feral weather. Ventilation is effected though.
Takes a bit of playing with the pole length for a really tant pitch but it's doable.

Anyway I was just curious.

[Empacitator]

You can pitch to to the ground but for me I'm probably a little tall when you take out some of the floor space and the foot of my quilt will most likely be pressing up against the Cuben. Obviously not what you want when dealing with condensation!

I don't have the beak for the front, I'm sure that would make a big difference too? Not sure which version you have

[forest]

Yeh I have the solo plus and at 5'11'' it's big enough. Not a lot of wiggle room though when it's pitched down hard with your feet/head so your right.
I managed to keep my quilt dry but I was keeping an eye on it. That was using a lofty quilt on a 65cm thick downmat.

[ULWalkingPhil]

After an eventful process, I finally get to see the results. Going back to November of last year, I invested in a fair chunk of my money, I get the proceeds of that money today, Needless to say I am very very happy today, I have a grin from ear to ear. It's pissing down rain at the moment, so there's no pitched images today.

I never seen any highly detailed images of the Cuben Duomid online, so I have decided to take my own to share.

[ULWalkingPhil]

MLD cuben duomid shelter.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Cuben Duomid

[ULWalkingPhil]

More detailed Cuben Fiber Duomid images.

[photohiker]

Looks nicely made.

Did they have to use shopping bags to make it out of? lol



So was I right?

[ULWalkingPhil]

Yes, it was SillNet wrapped inside it.

It does resemble a shopping bag. When it's pitched it looks nothing like a shopping bag. Luckily.

Rain had stopped, Went to grab some pegs, and as soon I walked outside it started raining. I almost tempted to pitch it in the rain, but I don't want to leave it up in the backyard overnight.

There are some nice upgrades that I have not noticed on any images I've seen online thus far, such as the vent at the top of the shelter. It can be fully sealed included is a full length velcro allowing you to fully close the vent if the weather turns for the worst with wind driven side rain, I was initially worried about this, but no need to worry any more.
Workmanship is great. It's very well made, but was a little surprised the white fabric, (not sure what it is), was not perfectly aligned at the top as shown in a couple of the images. I'm not worried about it, it a very minor blemish, never the less still a blemish.

As you can see, SillNet was included, why I have no idea. From what I read online, Ron says the Cuben Fiber version of this shelter is not supplied with SillNet as it does not require sealing. After spending $405.00 + freight, I would not expect to have to seal the tent to make it water proof.

Ron know's how to work with Cuben Fiber, the joins are very well made, with all high stress area's taped.

I love the color. It's not as see thru as my Cuben Tarp.
I can't wait to pitch it in the backyard for the first time.
It's stopped raining, I'm so tempted.

[ULWalkingPhil]

It's raining again, this is so agonising. At least it's here, that's the main thing. To think way back in November I forked out the money for such a shelter and it's only today I have something to show for it. Was it worth it. YES, in capitols it was worth it. It's also a huge relief. I think my next overnight hike, my most comfortable hammock will be taking a rest. I might be temped to take both Hammock and Duomid with me on a short overnight hike in the near distant future for reviews in a better location, than my backyard.

[photohiker]

Stick it up in the lounge then!

I'd guess the silnet is for repairs?

[Orion]

A free tube of silicone, why complain?

Those close up shots hurt my eyes. I want to see it pitched.

But I'm curious about seams taped versus seams stitched.
Are any load bearing seams stitched?

What's that white fabric they used to reinforce corners and tie-ins and the like?

[ULWalkingPhil]

A free tube of silicone, why complain?

Those close up shots hurt my eyes. I want to see it pitched.

But I'm curious about seams taped versus seams stitched.
Are any load bearing seams stitched?

What's that white fabric they used to reinforce corners and tie-ins and the like?

The only load bearing seams stitched I can see, are the guy line attachment points. The guy points have that white durable material applied onto the Cuben Fiber than stitched over. There's a couple points on the top of the shelter, you can see in the following image that has more of that white material that is sewn, that area of the shelter must have some load on it. I have no idea what it is. Looks and feels very strong what ever it is.

[Mountain Rocket]

Yeah I have never seen that white stuff online before either. Ask Ron to explain

[Nuts]

Success! Looks like tyvek, nylon reinforced cuben perhaps? Looks like he's still trying different things, I did see a post about the zig zag stitch on some obscure blog site, stop the seam blowing out.. It's a bit hard to see what's what, raining ? Nows the time to see if there's any leaks

[Bluegum Mic]

Looks great Phil!
You must be itching to get outside to pitch it.