Which size Mountain Laurel Design Mid

[zloomis]

I have a SO LBO that I love but I'm looking for something smaller for backpacking that I can have with the inner net for around the 2-2.5' mark and that doesn't occupy too much floor space for pitching in the woods. I'm torn between the Solomid XL and the Duomid. Can anyone offer insight as to either size for a roomy solo shelter? Maybe how they compare to something bigger like the LBO w/ vestibule?

 

[Jwhitney]

You might look at kifaru traps and bear paw wilderness designs can make nest for them. Bear Paw Wilderness Designs also makes a lot of traps/tents that he puts nest into.

 

[Bryanboss429]

I just got my Duomid last weekend and did the first pitch on Tuesday this week. Very roomy for one person. I believe that the Solomid XL has to have the pole pitched at an angle to give you the floor space. I went with the Duo, for the same price and a little more room for only a couple ounces weight penalty, And I didn't want to have the pole pitched at the angle. I researched this for months. I had it narrowed down to about 5 different mids/tipis. I probably would have gotten a Vortex 5 from TiGoat, but with the founder passing away a few months ago and not knowing what the status of the company was going to be, and needing to get it before the summer got here for scouting, I wnet with the Duomid. I don't think I made the wrong choice. It is made really well and talking with the owner, John, was a breeze. Others on here may be able to help more though.

 

[kad11]

How tall are you guys?

 

[*zap*]

I have a solomid xl, brown, brand new, seam sealed, guy lines, no stakes, no pole extender I will sell for $200 tyd. Silnylon.
No nest for sale.

 

[sneaky]

I went with a DCF MLD Patrol tarp duo. Multiple inserts work with it, or just as a tarp with a beak. Even with linelocs and 3mm cord in a DCF stuff sack it only weighs 13.4oz.

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[wind gypsy]

I have a sil supermid and recently got a DCF duomid that will see its first use next weekend. The Supermid gets used with UL bivies and a stove and the duo will get used with both a solo inner and bivies depending on the trip.

Duo:
-More vestibule or gear space outside of your sleep area
-Less steep wall on the door side would be better in the wind. (wouldn't be a big concern for me)

Solo XL:
-Smaller footprint
-An ounce or 2 lighter

I would (and did) pick the duo for my solo shelter. I've never used a LBO but seen one or two in use. Some things to consider:
-MLD in general seem to have less steep walls, catenary cuts, and naturally float a bit above the ground.
-Your head/feet will be a little closer to the walls in a MLD mid.
-Getting a taught pitch will be easier, faster, and it will be less prone to flap in the wind compared to the SO shelters.

 

[wind gypsy]

How tall are you guys?

I"m 5'10" and they work fine. I don't think I'd be much of a fan if I were 6'4" though.

 

[Bryanboss429]

5-11. All set up with a Borah bivy, I don't come close to touching the walls. Like The previous comment, taller than 6-3, 6-4 and my head would be touching the side wall.


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[sneaky]

6ft or taller I would be looking at a Lightheart Gear SoLong 6. I'm a touch over 6'3" so that's why I went with the patrol tarp.

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[kad11]

Thanks guys. I'm 6'3" and have been looking at the supermarket, but thought I'd ask about the smaller shelters.

 

[superA]

I have a duomid with the half nest. That's as small as I'd want to go.