Gatewood Cape and Serenity Net Tent by Six Moon Designs Review

[@mitch60mccoy]

The treking pole angled as a tension adjustment is brilliant. And I didn't realize you could set up the Serenity Net Tent after the Gatewood Cape was already setup. Another helpful tent. Great presentation on setup and functionality. Well done. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks Mitch. I appreciate it. I can't take credit for the trekking pole idea but I definitely use it all the time. Great easy way to adjust tension. Thanks a lot for watching.

[@fastlearner1490]

Wow! Your video is fantastic! Thanks for being so thorough and giving so many details. I'd love to have this combo!

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks, I really appreciate it. It's an awesome ultralight system. Especially for the price. You can usually find the Gatewood Cape or the whole system on used gear sales for even cheaper. Mine has had lots of nights and time on it and most likely needs to be updated/replaced in the next year or two.

[@Itstimetogogo]

Sick review man thanks 🙏

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks a ton for watching.

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Great video! Thank you for sharing all modes of the Gatewood Cape and Serenity Net Tent.

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks man! Hope it helped out. Thanks for watching.

[@philipbuckley759]

thank you for a straight forward presentation...not too fast, and step, by step....very good...

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks a lot. Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@curiobill]

This is the first of your videos that I found....many thanks for an excellent concise review!!!!

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks a lot for watching. Hope it helped!

[@flashmanv3260]

Thanks for giving a full demo of this setup in all the modes, was very helpful. !

[@edog1955]

I incorporated a tip that I learned from another video--and put a 24" zip tie in the hem of the hood opening. It keeps the opening facing down--but still open--when the tent is set up. This allows more ventilation without allowing rain to enter.

[@CameronHall88]

edog1955 thanks for the tip. That's a great idea. I'll try it on my next trip in a few days.

[@manofthecloth777]

That's a great tip. Also it would be cool to have a small piece of bug netting for the zip tie so no bugs could get in the hole.

[@jesseherbert2585]

Just use a bug head net, that's my plan when I get it

[@MrDanAng1]

Nice review, I'm thinking about buying a Gatewood cape, and this is very helpful to come closer to a decision. The review was highlighting both the positive and negative aspects, which is helpful, and the video was helpful because it gave me insight how the cape actually function, something that is hard to get from still pictures I looked at before. I will look at the other parts too. Just as a creative tip, when you edit the video, remember the sound, I had to adjust the volume several times during the video. Thank you, looking forward to the other parts.

[@CameronHall88]

+Daniel H thanks for your feedback. I've been looking for a better video editor. Hopefully I can put together higher quality video and audio soon. The Gatewood Cape is cool. Definitely has it's pros and cons. I look forward to using it more this summer. Thanks for watching.

[@derfuchs9700]

if you wear it as a poncho, you can attach the corners to the inner snaps. then you do not have to remove the tensioning cords.

[@MrTangent]

Great review. Thank you. Random completely unrelated comment that will either give you a smile, or a complex: 4:36 The way you say “need” and “tree” sounds almost *spot on* like a Kermit The Frog impression.

[@CameronHall88]

I have actually noticed that before!

[@MrTangent]

@@CameronHall88 And how does it make you feel?

[@natedog45678]

Shot every time he said great wood cape, lmao honestly this is an awesome set up! Definitely worth getting into

[@CameronHall88]

Wouldnt make it through the video! Thanks for watching.

[@leandrogerardo4554]

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[@claytonlyric2748]

@Leandro Gerardo Instablaster :)

[@leandrogerardo4554]

@Clayton Lyric i really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@leandrogerardo4554]

@Clayton Lyric it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my account !

[@Oldsparkey]

Six Moon Designs makes some top quality camping items. I still am using a Six Moons Swift Backpack ( Ultra light backpack ) which was discontinued many years ago. When I have to use a tent ( I'm a Hammock hanger ) it's the Lunar Solo for me. The Green Lunar Solo which weighs 1 ounce more then the Cape and Net combination. It's not as versatile ( different configurations ) as the Cape and Net but does make one great single wall tent.

[@CameronHall88]

+Chuck Littleton I really like SMD. They seem to make top quality stuff for sure. I really like the Cape and Bug net combo for being so modular. It's really cool to be able to take just the part of the shelter I need. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment.

[@jamieabel477]

Preciate the review. Might get this system!

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks for watching. I still have the Gatewood Cape system and it's still my favorite UL/SUL shelter. Would love it if SMD would ever come out with a cuben fiber version. Hope the Gatewood Cape works well for you too.

[@uncatila]

I have a super light rain wear. this can augment that. plus it's s great day pack shelter. once I had to walk all night in rain in Rocport Main just to stay alive on 4 th July. no place to stay after midnight. all I had was a space blanket. awesome prepairidness. I just wanted to lay down and rest. had to walk all night. it was hell. a night of agony I shall never forget.

[@CameronHall88]

That sounds like a bad situation Patrick. Glad you made it out. The Gatewood Cape would make a great daypack shelter.

[@larryuknow]

Best review on gateway cape

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks a lot Larry.

[@ChuAdventureOnline]

Mine is paired with a Borah side bivy for about 6oz more to protect my quilt and for bug protection. Above treeline if the sky is clear then I'll skip my gatewood and just use the bivy.

[@CameronHall88]

ChuAdventureOnline I had a Borah Gear bug bivy that I tried inside the Gatewood Cape but it wasn't for me. I'm just not a bivy person. The Serenity Net is about as small as I want to go. I feel a little closed in even in that. That's awesome that you're able to have a complete setup under 20oz. Wish I was comfortable with it. It's just not for me.

[@ChrisSalmonYYC]

Super-helpful. I did the West Coast Trail with the SMD Deschutes + and absolutely loved it. I've always been curious about the cape and net-tent combo (particularly sizing). Thanks for posting!

[@CameronHall88]

Chris Salmon oh very cool! It's definitely a unique setup. Not for everyone but those that like it, love it.

[@philipbuckley759]

looks like the best option.....better than a sea to summit, or go lite which seem to be more of a lean, to....

[@CameronHall88]

I havent ever dealt with the Sea 2 Summit. I have had a couple different Golite Ponchos. The Gatewood cape is WAY better than that for a shelter. It actually feels like a tent. When it comes to poncho mode, there is more material to deal with. But the tradeoff is worth it.

[@davido6668]

Excellent film - Thank you

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks for watching. Hope it helped.

[@kirbyhill3411]

Fantastic video! I am re-examining my tent situation. 4.5 pounds. It's really comfortable, but very heavy for hiking. 2 man Kelty Yellowstone with aluminum aftermarket poles and stakes.

[@CameronHall88]

Kirby Hill oh man, That's nearly the weight of my whole pack! I bet it's a little tougher than the Gatewood Cape setup though. I've gotten so used to extremely light pack weights that I get cranky if I have to carry more than 15 lbs.

[@kirbyhill3411]

Cameron's Ultralight Backpacking It was even heavier before I replaced the poles and stakes. I had a 2.5 lb tent (Magellan) but it had so much condensation it was like it was raining inside. So, thanks for the video. It shows me the way to a better solution.

[@aaronmcdevitt1166]

Nice review. I'm just a weekend camper for now but still like the idea of hiking around with less than my 5 pound zephyr 2 person tent. Its amazingly spacious and easy, and keeping my entire pack sealed in with me is nice peace of mind but probably not necessary. I'm thinking of getting the cape and serenity, a 2 oz pole to pitch, and a hammock gear top quilt so I can open or close as needed (vs my rumpl which has to stay open).

[@CameronHall88]

I'm not a thru hiker or long term hiker of any kind. I mainly do a couple days at a time as well. The cape and net make the system feel a lot more like a tent than a tarp and I really like that. It has worked well for me in no rain and light rains. I haven't had it in any big storms. But with only going for smaller trips, I can assess the weather and if I know its going to do nothing but rain the whole time, I generally take a different tent. I use the Gatewood Cape mainly in summer. The setup you mentioned sounds like a good setup. Hope it works out for you. Thanks for watching.

[@misosiruegao]

Thank you! It was easy to understand.

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks a lot for watching!

[@uncatila]

yes I found the cape unopened. I had ordered it yesrs ago so I looked up your video and others. this thing is perfect. I'm selling the other tents.

[@stoicodysseys6352]

Great info

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks! I appreciate it.

[@20Hikecdt23]

I leave the harness on all the time and still wear it. Never seemed to bother my neck or anything.

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Good thorough review Cameron.

[@Cochise231]

Great video You really did a great job of showing all the benefits of using the Gatewood Cape and Serenity net I have had mine for over 7 years now and when I am not hanging in my Warbonnet XLC I am using my Gatewood and its also in my day pack going with me as well I can see by the way you are doing this video you like to use your Gatewood and just to let you know this is the best video I’ve watched on the Gatewood you do a great job on your other videos as well that I have watched Thanks for sharing

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks a lot. I really appreciate that. I'll have it back out on trail in less than a month. It's a great lightweight shelter.

[@philipbuckley759]

totally amazing...

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks for watching!

[@steflerner7140]

Very good revieuw!

[@CameronHall88]

Thank you. Thanks for watching. Glad it helped.

[@ssanaini]

that was very helpful information. keep up the good work!

[@CameronHall88]

Mohsen Naini thanks for watching!

[@jeffschroeder886]

Really great thorough review! This was really helpful.

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks for watching! Glad to help you out.

[@mtthielsen8342]

I'd have to remove that center harness grommet piece, and sew up a conical shaped piece of nylon, and sew that to those buckle straps to house the trekking pole handle,...pole tip should always go towards the dirt, they don't slip that way when the wind blows. This drives me crazy on many tents over the years. But having said that, it's a neat setup, and I do like my Lunar Solo that is also tip up for the pole. But I just prefer the carbide tip to be nowhere near the sil nylon.

[@CameronHall88]

+Mt Thielsen I totally understand your reasoning. I didn't like it at all at first. And I still worry about the possibility of it poking through my shelter. That's a good idea about sewing a pocket in its place.

[@powercourageandwisdom]

Aloha Cameron. I'm really interested in the serenity net. I have the Deschutes Plus and use it with Tyvek but I never get a true peace of mind nights sleep because I worry about scorpions in my neck of the woods. I know a guy that almost lost his leg after getting Zapped by a scorpion. Anyways, I think that Serenity net might be the ticket to my worries. Thanks for the great review and demo. Six Moon designs should put this on their website. Aloha

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks for watching and the kind words. Its a nifty little net tent. I like that I can sleep in just that if its clear and have protection from bugs but also have great ventilation and views. I really like Six Moon Designs products. Hope it works out for you if you decide to get one.

[@alexwbanks70]

Great review!

[@davedonotwantshare1905]

Your's is one of the better reviews on the use and set-up of this product, thanks...Do you think its possible to use, lets say a "Golite Poncho and a Wind Jacket" with the Six Moon Designs Serenity Net?

[@CameronHall88]

I have had the golite poncho tarp and it doenst provide near the protection that the gatewood cape does. It would be possible to set up the golite tarp over the net but itd be hard to have really good rain protection, in my opinion. Thanks for watching my video. Hope it helps.

[@develentsai3215]

That poncho tarp should redesign it

[@CameronHall88]

I just wish they would come out with a cuben fiber version of it. One for strength but mostly for weight. I've asked Six Moon Designs about it several times over the years. I think they're foolish for not adapting to a changing market. Cuben has been around for over a decade. It's a very well proven material at this point.

[@redbustourguide]

Thank you ! Great video

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Good job. Nice, lightweight double waller. Not too pricey either.

[@CameronHall88]

TheGoatMumbler yeah, I didn't even mention that but it is a great price for the setup.

[@christimorgret7818]

How sturdy is that? Does one catch of your rain gear on a thorn destroy your shelter?

[@CameronHall88]

I've had it out in fairly high winds. It does pretty well with all the guyouts used. Obviously not the most sturdy shelter you could choose. And snagging it on thorns would be a problem. I wouldn't use this offtrail or in thick vegetation. It is a good idea to carry some sort of patch or take care with it. I've mostly used it in West TX where it doesn't rain a ton anyway.

[@christimorgret7818]

@CameronHall88 good to know, thanks!

[@novicehiker6897]

My Gatewood got here today and just wondering how to put it up 😂 good time for you to make this vid thanks

[@CameronHall88]

Will Schultz awesome! I hope you like it! It's definitely different but a very cool setup.

[@justalurkr]

Can you leave one point of the pole harness attached and hanging down your back, then pull up the excess fabric and tie to the loose ends of the harness?

[@CameronHall88]

I leave my harness clipped in like that. I've never tried using it to hang up extra fabric. May work.

[@whitemexican3923]

I never unhook the harness. Just leave it and I never notice it in putting on and wearing the cape.

[@Mako2-1]

is the floor as water proof as a normal tent?

[@CameronHall88]

Yes. I have not had any problems with the floor. The newer version of the Serenity Net Tent is a little different. But similar materials.

[@Godspeed_Survival]

Great video, how would this stand as a shelter in a severe thunderstorm?

[@CameronHall88]

I'm honestly not 100% sure. I've only personally had it in a light rain. The wind is what would concern me most. I think its do good keeping me dry. I'd definitely want to use the additional guyout points.

[@Godspeed_Survival]

Ultralight Outdoors gotcha thank you!

[@eightsprites]

Cool

[@graemehindshaw4221]

How is it for condensation?

[@CameronHall88]

To me, there is so much airflow from the sides being pitched off the ground and the head hole being open, I have never experienced any problems with condensation.

[@raymondnoya5653]

Awesome !

[@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.

[@CameronHall88]

It would be a tight fit. Especially if you plan to pitch it real low to the ground. You'll fit for sure. Just not a lot of wiggle room before your head or feet brush the ends. If you're only using it here and there like you mentioned, then I think itd work just fine and be a great piece of multi purpose gear.

[@Mr.Autodelete]

I'm 6'6 any recommendations i was looking at the Deschutes might be a bit bigger but you loose that sweet pocket and how great it is for low rain trips maybe I could lay at an angle...

[@CameronHall88]

To me, the gatewood cape would probably be too small for you. It is possible to use it. But itd be tight. Maybe if you pitch it up a little higher.

[@mharrigfeld]

I have the Deschutes and I am 6'3 using a closed cell foam pad and I barely fit. It's nice and light for the cost. The netting sometimes collects rain and moisture but it isn't too bad.

[@paulhaggard4277]

Hello cameron, just wondering if your gatewood and serenity are still for sale?

[@CameronHall88]

Hey Paul, I do still have the setup but I'm going to hang on to it. I sold my Duplex a while back so the Gatewood Cape is my lightest solo setup.

[@paulhaggard4277]

@@CameronHall88 good stuff! Just checkin lol. Thanks for the response. Happy trails

[@matthewmeek4289]

Six moons announced new DCF shelters today and I creamed my pants

[@CameronHall88]

What did they announce it on? I've been looking for it online.

[@matthewmeek4289]

Instagram

[@CameronHall88]

Okay, makes sense. I don't have that. So I didn't see it. Have any details at all?

[@matthewmeek4289]

Nah said get ready for DCF shelters in 2019 and had a pic of DCF haven tarp

[@matthewmeek4289]

I actually just got told by a hiker there that they showed a 8 Oz DCF Dechutes + as well

[@edwardjonese]

Doesn't look like it would keep you dry in a big rain storm

[@CameronHall88]

I've used it in rain and it worked fine. You sleep back away from where the front is opened up. You can also pitch it lower if you are expecting a big storm so that there is no gap at all around the sides and back. It wouldn't be my first pick if I was expecting big storms on a trip. But it has worked for me with or without rain. Thanks for watching.

[@jbelle5512]

If it's raining and you're wearing it as a poncho, won't you have to take it off and get wet when it comes time to set it up as a tent? Likewise, if it is set up as a tent, and you have to get out to do business or get water, then you wouldn't have rain gear. How do you get around this?

[@CameronHall88]

You're right that the Gatewood Cape or any other poncho tarp has it's drawbacks. It is possible to stake out the cape from the inside if you're already wearing it. Also in the morning if you're ready to go and it's raining, you can pack up while under it. Then simply unstake it and stand up into it and you are wearing it without ever getting out in the rain. As far as having it already set up and needing to go out to get water or go to the bathroom, that's where you'll run into problems. You'll either have to get wet for a couple minutes or some people will bring a 1 oz cheap throw away poncho to use around camp. I've never run into this problem. I've only used the cape in a medium rain at camp and didn't mind getting rained on for the few minutes I needed to be out of my tent. All legitimate concerns. Just the tradeoffs of a poncho tarp. Thanks for watching and for the questions.

[@Godspeed_Survival]

I recommend using a $.97 poncho from Walmart as a backup around camp

[@rizkyzulfikar5929]

Ponco ?

[@CameronHall88]

Yeah it can be used as a poncho. It's not ideal but it works good enough.

[@lenoresmith7306]

i set it up and the slope hits my face when i lie down on the pad, what did i do wrong?

[@CameronHall88]

+lenore smith how tall are you? I'm 6' and feel that I'm about as big as would be comfortable in the cape. Maybe try making your trekking pole taller and your guylines slightly longer. I also have to situate myself so that I have more room on my head end but my feet aren't up against the other end. I hope this helps.

[@jeepnicc]

$$$?

[@CameronHall88]

New from Six Moon Designs, the Gatewood Cape is now $155 and the Serenity Net is $135. They can be found for sale used online for cheaper. That's where I would look. Also the new ones are slightly different than whats in my video. Lighter materials I believe. Thanks for watching.

[@jeepnicc]

@@CameronHall88 Awesome! Thanks for the quick reply. Just got back from a trip to the Pinhoti trail in North Alabama. Pack weighed about fifty pounds..... Time for some changes!

[@canaripaille2048]

The 2018 version is pretty much crap to me, next is a comment that was not accepted by SMD site, as you can see on their site all users reviews have 4 stars... Didn't like this new model, i found the material too thin, too elasticated, fragile, on another side as a poncho material it is too thin and will stick too much to the user, i found the craftsmanship of the new version i got extremely poor, some stitches were not even properly closed (i could unstitch them with little effort), this new version is made in Bangladesh, i'm pretty sure it is cheaper than manufacturing in China or Vietnam (Vietnam is good overseas manufacturing, Patagonia, Berghaus etc...) so i decided to return this 2018 model and get an old GC (last stock available from SMD site), man it feels great ! completely reminds me of my Wild Oasis.

[@CameronHall88]

Thanks for the info. I hadn't really thought about the change in material too much. Just knew it was lighter. I wish they'd come out with a cuben fiber version. I honestly don't look too much into reviews on websites of the companies that make the products for the reason you're talking about. I don't trust that they only have positive comments. I'm pretty content with my older version of the Cape for now.

[@kincheng]

you save weight if you dont close your stitches!

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

Just know their is something called stupid light...so what do you do if it is pouring rain and you need to set up your shelter...in this same rain? You will be very wet either way...your shelter should not also be your rain gear...this is not a very good idea...

[@CameronHall88]

Most people who are using poncho tarps are using them in drier environments or are hikers that hike all day and only set up their shelters at the very end of the day. It is true that poncho tarps are not ideal as a base camp shelter.

[@matthewberry3055]

'There' is something called stupid light. Ironically. And you can set it up while wearing it with some practice.