Cimarron Guy Outs? (and other questions)

[cornfedkiller]

I set my cimarron light up in my yard this afternoon to test out how a ground chair would work in there, and it got me thinking - VIAM Outdoors makes a tipi that gets staked out on each of the 4 corners rather than the middle of the sides, and that seems like it would give you more usable space inside? Would there be a downside to that? Would it be weaker in a wind? @Kevin_t , is this something you guys have played around with?

I also get a lot of "swooping" on my corners.. Is that normal? I had my REI pole set to the hole second from the bottom, which is 5'8".. did I have it too low? Should I have it pitched higher and move my footprint in a little?

Also, how tight does the bottom get to the ground? I realize its floorless so its not going to be as sealed as something with a floor, but it always seems to me like I get a lot of breeze coming in underneath.. Not a bad thing when its mild outside, but pretty chilly when its below freezing..

 

[coyote_out]

Bring it in and pitch it taller.
Only pitching on the corners is going to be more dicey in the wind.
With the cimeron you can pull a guy out over a stick and create two sides that are a little more vertical/ usable.

 

[*zap*]

There are a few good videos on how to set that up on utube, I suggest you watch a few. The specs call for a 6' pole not 5'8".

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

They call the swooping a "witch hat pitch" I think. I get it occasionally when pitching on uneven ground. Watch the youtube vids and make sure you're not staking the four corners taught to start. Pull taught, then let it spring back and stake it where it naturally rests.

With the standard stake loops, you can pitch it pretty tight to the ground if you're in a relatively even spot. Use a non-abrasive material to hold the sod skirt down if you really want it sealed. I prefer using the line locs, which give more air flow. Less desirable when it's cold, but helps with your pitch on uneven ground, helps with condensation, and you get more room to stand to put your pants on.

Not sure I understand the question about the stake points and more space...

 

[Mike Islander]

Here's a master class on pitching SO tipi tents.

 

[*zap*]

Great video but the Cimarron is rectangular.

 

[cornfedkiller]

With the standard stake loops, you can pitch it pretty tight to the ground if you're in a relatively even spot.

Mine is the Light version, so it doesnt have standard stake loops.. line-locs only.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Great video but the Cimarron is rectangular.

Yep, this is the correct video

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Didn’t realize the light had the integral line locs. My next cimarron will have that. I have the the add on line locs which inherently create extra length.

You should still be able to pitch it with all the line locs fully taught and have it low enough use the skirt to prevent major drafts. Just gotta use something to weigh that sod skirt down.

 

[cornfedkiller]

You should still be able to pitch it with all the line locs fully taught and have it low enough use the skirt to prevent major drafts. Just gotta use something to weigh that sod skirt down.

Dumb question, but do you use something on the outside or the inside?

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Dumb question, but do you use something on the outside or the inside?

The outside. If the weather is nice (but cold) usually the tripods and trekking poles. Unless you have sand/gravel or other natural less-abrasive objects to use.

If it’s not windy, sticks and rocks may be fine but I personally won’t ever use anything that might tear the fabric.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

Not the best photo but here’s where we used water bladders on the skirt

Edit: won’t upload, will try when I get to my computer

 

[*zap*]

Air flow is pretty important with a single wall shelter. #1 way to reduce condensation is with a gap at the bottom. Even if you just leave a gap on the leeward side it will help alot. Two doors also help lots with condensation. A stove really helps...

I just purchased 40 line locs from so to do all my tent flys and shelters...

 

[*zap*]

Best way I have found to rig line locs. Prussic on line from tie out loop and a slip knot for the stake end. That way I can use wide snow stakes or branch deadmen for snow/ loose soil and the loops do not slide off the regular stakes if you pull them tight.

Ymmv.

 

[Kevin_t]

For guy outs to be truly effective there needs to be play in the panel . It really depends on how the seam are constructed. We use a different method of seam construction, which reduces stretch in the seam. Where our guy outs are located, they provide the maximum benefit.

MORE GUY OUTS , are not necessarily better. They do create issues (potentially water penetration, extra seam sealing, extra cordage ) , often times people or animals can trip on them .. not often but occasionally these can cause damage IF YOU ARE USING TO STRONG OF guy line. While out shelters are very rugged, they are still very light, and if there is a failure .. having it in the cordage is the best spot.

Side note, most of what we provide is really the best you can get for most conditions (except for stakes), our line is chosen for maximum holding , but minimal potential for damage. It is designed to fail, before the other parts.

As to pitching, as Zap mentioned, air flow ( and site selection) are the best ways to reduce condensation, there is some trade off with heat retention. What I do , often , with the light version, is to pitch it up a little, and put some dead fall a few inches of the bottom (not on the skirt , just a foot back from the perimeter) , and leave the sod skirt, sort of in the air. For me, this is best of both worlds , it mostly blocks wind and breeze, but allows air flow and a good gap. It also has some benefits, when it snows, for snow to slide off, and then frankly snow seals it.

For witch hat, pitch taller. You are pulling a little tight , or on a little angle .. or possibly you dont have a real rectangle. You may be simply pulling the corners too tight. Our instructions are based on pulling it tight and letting it go back to its natural lay.

Kevin

 

[*zap*]

Best thing to do with a new to you shelter is set up/take down on different spots until you get comfortable with it all....