Anyone pitch an SL5 like this?

[colonel00]

So I was bored this morning and it was raining so I decided to setup the SL5 to see how I did at seam sealing the stove jack. Of course, once the rain quit, the temperature and stickiness of the humidity began to rise. I was looking for a way to increase some airflow in the tent for warmer weather situations. Basically, I loosened up all the corners and maxed out the pole inside. Then I just "clipped" the 4 side stake loops up onto the guy lines where the little line lock is. It really seemed to open things up and give it more of a tarp feel. I was just curious if anyone else has done something like this and how it worked out.

Also, should the weather turn, it is very easy to get it back to a more sheltered configuration without having to move any stakes. Just drop the pole to normal height, undo the side stake loops from the guy lines and then just tighten up the corners and guy lines.

 

[SHTF]

Pretty neat Setup Brad. The SL5 is a sweet setup for sure. Love the 4 Peg simplicty in the pitch.

 

[JDeanP]

I do the same thing in my SL3 and the same for Ethan and his SL5. Just lower the pole, reach out under the tent, cinch down the walls and you're good to go.

 

[fillthefreezer]

yep. ive also take a corner and my one "left over" section of trekking pole and made it about 1.5ft high so it would catch some breeze in the sticky summer months

 

[stephen b]

What do you mean by " clipped" the 4 side stake loops up onto the guy lines where the little line lock is" ?

I think I know what you meant- just wanted a little clarification of how that was done.

I have a SL 5 also and is is quite the versatile shelter. Light enough to be a good solo shelter with a stove.

 

[colonel00]

Interesting. So with the corner up on the small pole, I assume you still had run a line down to a stake right?

 

[colonel00]

What do you mean by " clipped" the 4 side stake loops up onto the guy lines where the little line lock is" ?

I think I know what you meant- just wanted a little clarification of how that was done.

I have a SL 5 also and is is quite the versatile shelter. Light enough to be a good solo shelter with a stove.

Yeah, it is tough to see in the photos so I took a couple more.

Here are the little line lock things that I have for the guy out lines.

Then I just took the side stake loops and pull the loop up and around and hooked it on. It isn't super stable like this but it would hold on those days with no wind when you are trying to get any breeze possible. You could also use some cordage and secure it better.

Even with the tent in the "down" configuration you can still get some good venting this way.

 

[fillthefreezer]

yes. i think i stole one of my side/mid guyout lines. gave me about 1.5ft air space on the breezy side and the samre about 6-8in on the backside like in your pics. i wouldnt do it during any weather but it helped to keep the bugs and sweat at bay

 

[Hunt'nFish]

Brad, how much does just the fly weigh?
Hunt'nFish

 

[stephen b]

Thanks for the pics and clarification- it helps. And the way you did it was a little different ( better btw) than what I was picturing.

Looks good.

 

[colonel00]

Brad, how much does just the fly weigh?
Hunt'nFish

Oh, I will have to get a weight when I get home. The stove jack added a bit of weight but I can't remember exactly how much. I think the jack adds like 8oz or more. It isn't substantial but it is noticeable to the point where I wouldn't mind finding an unmodified fly to use when I don't need the stove.

I do know that my whole "cold weather" setup is 6lbs 13oz including the stock pole. This includes the fly, pole, 8 lg groundhog stakes and 6 sm groundhogs, and my DIY stove and pipe all in a back pouch. At the time of this photo, I believe I had some extra stakes in there. Also, if you swap out the stock pole for trekking poles, I am easily under 6lbs. I will get some actual weights for you for the fly alone though.

 

[fillthefreezer]

mike, my sl5 canopy with 4 guylines and tensioners was 34oz

 

[Hunt'nFish]

Thanks guys, I'm really looking hard at the SL5 as a spike/spotting camp setup w/ the horses.
If you hear of anyone cutting one loose let me know.
Mike

 

[husky390]

I'll have to try pitching mine like that sometime. I took mine into the local outlet store today to have them send it back for repair and they offered to replace it for free. I appreciated the excellent customer service but since I have a stove jack installed I politely declined. FYI, their lead times are approximately 6-8 weeks for repairs. I'm going to try and swing by there shop and see if they can repair it for me right away, otherwise I'll find someone else to do it.

 

[colonel00]

husky, where are you at in CO and what kind of repair do you need? If they can't help you out, give John a call at BearPawWD in Ft Collins.

 

[husky390]

husky, where are you at in CO and what kind of repair do you need? If they can't help you out, give John a call at BearPawWD in Ft Collins.

Yeah, it looks like I might have to use John. I need to send the nest I bought from him back for repairs anyways, plus I'm ordering a new nest from him. This one will have 3 sides of 20" silnylon and an inverted T zipper.

 

[colonel00]

Interesting. Please post up some photos once you get it. I have been debating a 2-person nest with silnylon on the "back" triangle just to shield any condensation that could form on that wall of the tent.

 

[husky390]

Will do. I would highly recommend going with the 10" silnylon on 3 sides. I had mine pitched two weekends ago when we had some rain and hail. I pitched the nest side of the fly about 2-3" off of the ground, factory pole was pitched in the 4th hole. There was some water drops on the nest and I think if it had hailed longer or harder I would have had some issues. Also, I'd recommend his inverted T zipper, especially if you intend to use the nest with the stove. It will save you from having to walk/crawl around the pole and stove to access the nest.