Tent/Poncho Combo! Gatewood Cape + Serenity Net Tent - Full Review

[@kimkremer8915]

Thanks for this! I'm normally a hammock camper, but I bought the Gatewood Cape & net tent as an option for when I'm a groundling. (I also own a SlingFin SplitWing bundle, but I was drawn to the idea of the shelter also serving as rain gear.) So far I've not been able to use the Gatewood set-up, but I plan to use it on several hikes as soon as the snow melts out. It seems to me that this is a "love it or hate it" piece of gear. I've come across multiple people who love it & have used it for thru hikes, and I've come across lots of people that hated it. I hike primarily in Washington State, and a lot of that is in the Cascade Mountains. I once got rained on for a week straight. I always carry an umbrella with me. It's shelter from rain, portable shade from a harsh sun, and it can block out an overly-bright full moon on cloudless nights. Having to relieve yourself in the rain is a lot more comfortable under an umbrella. As far as all the folks who worry about it being torn, I point to my experience with Frogg Toggs ultralight gear: on the second day of that week-long rainy trip, I tore a 16" long gash in the jacket taking off my pack. If something tears, you sew it up with dental floss (I carry silk dental floss when I hike) and/or you patch it with Tenacious Tape.

[@bobarel7486]

I found the following most helpful, 1- extend the pole 3-5 in more than instruction calls for. Place pole on a slight angle and straighten as cape sags. 2- I extended all the lines about 10 in. This mod made an incredible difference in both room and vertical clearance.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks! I'll try that next time.

[@joycechampion3124]

The Gatewood cape is both my rain gear and my "go to ground" solution for my hammock. In rainy weather I set up my Warbonnet Superfly tarp then my Blackbird hammock while wearing the Gatewood. I use an insulated inflated sleeping pad instead of an underquilt and slip it into the double layers of the hammock. When there are no trees, I set the Blackbird on a Tyvek ground cloth (which I always use below my hammock to rest my backpack on) and pitch the Gatewood over it. I use an extra length of shot cord to suspend the hammock's bug netting to the trekking pole, just like you would do with the Serenity tent. And yes, I also carry a disposable rain poncho for rainy days when I need to use the Gatewood as a tent.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Interesting setup! Seems incredibly versatile to carry both a hammock and tent setup. Thanks for sharing!

[@Lee-70ish]

I use a really old combo ( had it for 10 years) A Golite hex single skin Tipi shelter and Highlander poncho . The tipi uses my walking pole and the poncho is 2000mm hydrostatic so doubled up it's a 4000mm ground sheet.. Unbelievably roomy and light . Love it.

[@jeffreyallen1290]

I have the Gatewood cape and the Serenity net and LOVE them. For the price you can't beat them. There are a few other vendors out there that make great light stuff, but they can be very pricey. This combo is now my goto for most backpack trips. ja

[@DanGoesHiking]

Glad you agree! Thanks for watching!

[@erickortiz9121]

Good presentation. It’s all about the bandages and disadvantages. Very good concept. I heard another backpack you’re describing the very same concept but with a poncho tarp. He makes it sound very good because of the weight savings. This Guy brings along an extra rain jacket because of what you explained about Rainey after you set up. Good video. God bless you.

[@HikerJohn316]

Great video. I've used my GC on the AT many times. If I were rich, or could spend money with my wife's disapproval, I'd get a Gatewood Cape custom made from Dyneema/Cuban Fiber and without that dumb pocket. Also your video sound was spot on despite the windy conditions.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I have always thought that this is a great combination. I ultimately went with another setup, but, Six Moons Designs makes great stuff. Nice review. ✌️

[@alexmarchica5264]

This was an excellent review. Great job, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@nojaysimpson]

Just got the new gatewood cape in and can attest the bulk did go down (as if it was bulky). It still comes folded in the pocket, same size, but its only like an inch thick and can easily be folded again and stuffed in a pocket. Hopefully I can get it out to seam seal it tomorrow. They also added that addition T grommet on the other side so you can pin both doors back.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Good to know! Thanks for the update on the new version.

[@nojaysimpson]

Dan I have never seam sealed a tent before. I did it today on the GC. Did you seam seal the bottom hem? And did you do any sealing on the interior?

[@DanGoesHiking]

No, I didn't seal the bottom hem. I figured it wasn't necessary. And no sealing on the interior either. I was in a down pour with the GC and had no issues.

[@nojaysimpson]

They did make some mods i am not sure were in the previous version. looks like they saw this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/ene7nKKIitN_e8k and they included an additional toggle so both doors can be open and added a guy line with a line lock and adjustable hook from the trekking pole top so you can secure either door or both to one line.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Very cool! Glad they have the option to open both doors now. Thanks for the link. I'll have to try a few of these mods.

[@bobarel7486]

To me it’s the most underrated, misunderstood piece of gear! What’s your thoughts on a Borah Bug Bivy vs nettent?

[@DanGoesHiking]

I agree! I've never used a bivy, but I like the ability to sit up with a small tent. It's just easier when I need to do something. I feel it's worth the moderate amount of extra weight vs a bivy (the Serenity Net Tent is only 11 oz). Have you ever had issues pitching the Gatewood? Specifically, I need to repitich it sometimes to get the door flaps to come together. I'm probably just pitching it too tight on the outside points.

[@WillEnochs]

I have a Borah bivy and a 10x10 silnylon tarp for now but was considering the Gatewood Cape. Have you used the borah bivy with the Gatewood cape and if so do you have any strong opinions?

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Borah bug bivy is he bees-knees with a tarp...maybe just not with the Gatewood because of the smallish size. I hope it works for you.

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

I love my borah net bivy but it works better with a flat tarp

[@philipbuckley759]

bivies are brutal....it is just a tube....dont go there...

[@jscarpetta1]

I wonder if you could use a tiny neodymium magnet on the inside of the net tent that would attract to the metal snap to give you more headroom? on a side note if your looking for a backpacking trip close to home check out the Manistee river trail loop in Michigan if you haven't already.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Not a bad idea... I'll have to try that.

[@DanGoesHiking]

And thanks for the Manistee tip. I actually tried that loop last year. Beautiful area!

[@danielkutcher5704]

Thorough review. Hopefully, Six Moon Designs brings out a silpoly version with Lineloc adjusters. Maybe I'll buy one then, even though I'm a dedicated hammocker. I haven't done any desert camping, but I would like to, and this might be near perfect for that use.

[@ulbushcrafting6592]

Perry Peacock over at Wilderness Innovation makes the BEST PONCHO of all time. It is a poncho, tarp, hammock, chair, swing. He also makes a snap in fleece liner or a Osni Cloak (apex insulation) for insulation. In hammock mode, the liner and or cloak , can be used as a top quilt or under quilt that snap right onto the poncho. Accessories can turn it into a shelter (poles). Many colors and material available . Bug netting can be added and is used when the poncho is in hammock mode. Best poncho system ever!

[@DanGoesHiking]

Whoa, that's incredible! Have you tried it out? Thanks for sharing!

[@philipbuckley759]

this seems to be a gamechanger, for sure....

[@articus5134]

If they made an XL version of this for 6'+ people id definitely consider this, it might save weight and space in my pack!

[@philipbuckley759]

it is three in one...rain cover, for both you and your pack,and no water running down your back and into your pack....and a shelter....three, in one....now look up the jacks r better quilt that doubles as a regular poncho, replacing your jacket in camp and you have five functions, for two pieces of equipment...

[@TainoXtreme]

Very good presentation. Very good choice for ultralight backpacking. Have you Camp out and it yet? What was your experience? Thank you so much for sharing this video. God bless you.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks! Yes, I've camped in it many times and loved it. It's a little cozy compared to other 1P tents, but it's amazing given the fact that it's also a poncho. Given the low weight, good price, and quality of the design, I'd say it's a great option just as a tent even if someone never intends on using it as a poncho.

[@kriscoty1]

Nice job....new tonight to your vid...fun stuff...thorough, much more thAn most. I appreciate it so~

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks for watching!

[@idiotbox37]

Great review, thanks! I was going to ask about how you dealt with rain after you set up camp so I'm glad you covered that. Six moon designs makes some good stuff, I love my skyscape. Do you recommend the inreach mini you took to Dolly Sods? My wife did not like that she couldn't communicate with me the last time I was there hahah.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Thanks for watching! I definitely recommend the InReach Mini. Worked flawlessly, and so much more useful to send and receive custom texts vs. a one-way messenger such as the Spot device (in my opinion). It was also helpful to get weather forecasts on the trail.

[@christimartin8512]

Would this be reasonable at all for a short person to use as rain protection? Or would it be dragging the ground like the Sea to Summit rain poncho?

[@DanGoesHiking]

It might be dragging on the ground, but they have loops that help bunch up the longest ends. I'm 5'7" and didn't have an issue with it dragging.

[@kd5txo]

I guess 22 Oz for your shelter, raingear, and pack cover isn't so bad. With all that weight savings, you might want to "invest" in a lightweight umbrella and toss the plastic poncho. It is a definite comfort to have an umbrella when faced with a quick rainshower and good for the time when you have to set up the tent in the rain. Not to mention all the other potential uses. You can find some sturdy umbrellas that are less than 8 Oz.

[@herrhabakuk3944]

Hi, thank's for the review. Sounds super interesting. What's your experience in regards to wind-resistance? I'm also interested in the slingfin splitfin-tarp, which I would also use not only for hiking but also when seakayaking...ok it's comparing apples to oranges...

[@DanGoesHiking]

I haven't had it in incredibly strong wind, but in mild conditions in performed just fine. Only thing to keep in mind is it's a relatively small tarp, so if you're tall it could be hitting you on the head during really gusty winds.

[@bryanpuza758]

Saw a person with one...very very thin gage silnylon. I don't know but I think one of our good ol noreaster down pours would spray right through....it's like tissue thin!

[@DanGoesHiking]

I did have the silnylon of the floor for the serenity net tent (which I think uses similar denier) soak though on a rainy night. Although to be fair, I pitched in the worst possible spot and was essentially sleeping on top a small pond all night... No issues so far with soaking through on the Cape, although I've never been in a noreaster 🙂

[@bryanpuza758]

Had a 30d tarptent on my thru, that would spray off and on during big water storms!

[@DanGoesHiking]

I love Tarptent! Just picked up a Stratospire 2 and am hoping to try it out soon!

[@MovinOnBob]

I can see a windy rain storm blowing the hood and rain going straight in. Other than that it is cool

[@bobarel7486]

Have you tried the side tie outs? I'm similar in size and finds it adds a significant amount of room

[@DanGoesHiking]

I haven't tried those yet, but I probably will in winter when I use the tarp alone. My issue is more with the net tent since there's no way to pull the netting further from my face. Thanks for watching!

[@laurelzitowitz5452]

What if you have to leave the tent (take a pee?) and it is pouring rain. What do you do for a rain jacket then???

[@DanGoesHiking]

Bring a disposable poncho. Weighs next to nothing.

[@philipbuckley759]

dont leave....take a plastic bottle....and use that....it may sound gross, but people drink urine....which means it is not going to kill you....so I use a water bottle.....at night, and rinse and use as a water bottle, durning the day...

[@danielkutcher5704]

@@philipbuckley759 Pee bottle 👍👍 Couldn't see why a zip lock bag wouldn't work, too. You could rinse it in the morning if you're near a water source, and it's lighter than most plastic water bottles (except for the paper thin disposable ones, which require very good aim 😋).

[@doctorfeelgood4819]

I'm confused. If you use the Gatewood Cape as a poncho and tent, what do you do when it rains? Don't you have to take off the poncho to erect the tent? Can you do this in a downpour?

[@DanGoesHiking]

I typically bring a small emergency poncho with too (one of those plastic disposable ones). They only weight about 1 oz so the weight penalty isn't bad, and I only use it in heavy rain when I still need to do camp chores. It's possible to setup the Gatewood in a downpour, but like most tents it'll probably get a little wet on the inside depending on wind, etc. Thanks for watching!

[@kincheng]

You could wear just your wind jacket for a few minutes and toss your bag under the tarp before you stake out. The poncho is rough but it’ll keep a dry bed for you at least

[@rewindproject1617]

You wil need the rain jacket, in case to build ur shelter in raining conditions / when you need to go outside when its raining while ur shelter is already build.

[@DanGoesHiking]

I would typically bring a disposable poncho for that. They're super light and pack really small.

[@philais]

Price at $108 on Dec 31 2018

[@travislee9796]

I'm 6'2" will this fit me with my NeoAir Xlite Long & Bivy? I'm planning on using it for the PCT but mainly cowboy camping and only pulling this out for poor weather. Good idea, yay or nay? I've heard unless your under 6' it's too small.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Technically, it'll fit (the Gatewood Cape has a length of 105"), but in reality it'd be a tight. Your face might be right up against the tent. I'd agree that 6' is the comfortable max for this tent.

[@memathews]

I'm 6'3" and tried out the Gatewood at PCT Days summer 2018. It's a tight fit in length, but definitely doable if you stake out the side tie-outs. Even better, grab a couple of 24-36" sticks to pull the side tie-outs up, uses maybe a couple more feet of line each side, but us taller guys are already paying a slight weight penalty in sleeping bag/quilt/pad length, and clothes, etc. SMD is made here in Portland, so they know constant rain and wind, and the Gatewood seems to be a good answer; I may pick one up this summer. Either that or just stick with a flat tarp.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

@@memathews Has something changed? SMD is making their products in the USA now? I guess it has been a long time since I bought something from them...

[@memathews]

@@geraldhenrickson7472 "Designed" might be a more accurate term, but I believe SMD is making some product in Portland, they were sewing something the last time I was in there.

[@АлексейКовалёв-р3ш]

А КАК ЭТИ ВЕЩИ ПРИОБРЕСТИ ?

[@philipbuckley759]

look them up on amazon.....Russia or Ozone.... попробуйте озон в России .... в противном случае свяжитесь с amazon usa и спросите их ....google translate....

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I had one of these gatewood capes...did not like it. I am 6 foot tall and it was not long enough when I use an exped 3" thick pad. I went with a tarp instead. Somewhere along the way I discovered SMD is not a cottage maker! Since I have purchased everything from businesses that build most or all of their stuff here in the states. Just my preference.

[@edsiefker1301]

No way would I be hiking through the woods with my only rain protection brushing up against branches. You catch one thorn and your nights are ruined.

[@DanGoesHiking]

Yeah, that's one big downside I've found about using a poncho. Fortunately I haven't ripped it yet, but I've had a few close encounters that have given me second thoughts...

[@philipbuckley759]

I went half, of the AT....WV to GA....

[@wouldbang6928]

Imagine it's pouring rain and 35 degrees and you have to take off your rain layer to set up your shelter just to sleep on wet ground