ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING SHELTER | DON'T DO IT!

SHOULD I SEND THIS BACK!? The GATEWOOD CAPE is an ultralight backpacking shelter with multiple uses. Finding the perfect shelter is vital to your experience on trial. I have found that changing the shelters for my backpacking gear loadouts allows me to find what works best for me. The UL backpacking gear that I do have, I LOVE. BUT THIS PIECE OF GEAR HAD ME UNDERWHELMED. Six moon Design is an amazing company that created an interesting shelter. But, for me, it just missed the mark and I will be sending this back.
BRS 3000 stove- amzn.to/2ZVZOHn
Carbon fiber trekking poles- amzn.to/37OSf9Q
Aluminum trekking poles- amzn.to/3uA411F
Sawyer water filter- amzn.to/3srWXlV
Get out gear QUILT- amzn.to/2MrLxz6
Poop Trowel-amzn.to/2MRb6d2
Trekking poles- amzn.to/3qeoBlC
Water Filter- amzn.to/3p9tECr
MSR Titan Kettle- amzn.to/3aafYCQ
Nemo Tensor Insulated- amzn.to/2LD4RJh
Nemo Switchback (Sleeping Pad)- amzn.to/3cEvnx6
Titanium alcohol stove- amzn.to/39ONpuT
Hydrapak 2L water bag- amzn.to/39OUJXl
Paria outdoor products tarp- amzn.to/3cUrlkv
TOAKS 550 mL pot- amzn.to/39MnljY
DJI Drone- amzn.to/3rEGOJo
Nitecore headlamp- amzn.to/3d0d4m9
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Backpack- www.avantlink....
Versa Fanny Pack- www.avantlink....
Hyperlite Shoulder Pocket- www.avantlink....
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods-
www.avantlink....
Six moon designs LUNAR solo: amzn.to/3epGDhV
Dan Durston XMID tent: amzn.to/3epGB9N
MSR mesh house: amzn.to/2OtWYH3
UL backpacking. Ultralight backpacking tent. Budget backpacking gear. gear loadout. dan becker. darwin on the trail. best backpacking gear. new backpacking gear 2021. ul tent. tarp shelter. six moon designs. gear list. backpacking tips.

[@sistercrow1]

I've hiked thousands of mile with a Gatewood Cape and the inner Serenity NetTent as a shelter. It sets up fast and is very versatile. It never leaks, is storm proof and doesn't have any condensation problems. The hole at the top is great for creating a top vent for ventilation; just put your hat on top of the pole and create a little protected top vent with the hood. I still carry a lightweight raincoat and an umbrella but I have used the shelter as additional rain protection in monsoons.

[@1FAST91SONOMA]

I'm 6'4" and overweight and I use this with a 3.5" thick sleeping pad. It CAN work for larger people, its not going to be as comfortable as my Litefighter tents but its also a fraction of the weight. I wanted to do what I could to cut weight without spending thousands of dollars and this product is perfect for that. Yes, you do need to be more careful when using it as a rain cape because of its dual purpose uses, but I rarely hike through rain and the ultralight disposable rain gear I've used in the past is so fragile it is practically a single-use option so I already learned to be careful with capes, ponchos, and rain jackets before ever using this one. Ideally I'd love to replace this with something larger with mesh encapsulation but the options right now are to spend $650-1400 to gain weight and lose cape functionality in doing so, or spend triple what this cost to lose 5oz and lose the cape function while gaining nothing else from the alternate product.

[@DonTestosterone]

I'm 190cm (6'3). The gatewood cape with serenity nettent is my favourite raingear and my favourite solo shelter, the size is tight, but sufficient. I hike in Scandinavia where we see a lot of rain. I bring needle and thread for tears. If there is a lot of wind you can wear your windshirt over the poncho. If you want to set up camp when it is raining you could 1) wait for a pause in the rain 2) wear a windshirt while putting up the cape as a tent (also for smaller camp chors) 3) set up under a tree where ot would only be dripping 4) consider a 50g (1.7oz) disposabel festival poncho.

[@Maftovsky3]

Hello, you must sleep on side? Or you can sleep on your back with narrow legs? Sorry for my english

[@DonTestosterone]

@@Maftovsky3 I sleep on back , side and stomach interchangeably through the night. It is possible to rig the cape on longer trekking pole than suggested,. Furtermore extend the cords on the nettent, to increase distance to outer fabric. This way it is less likely to touch outer with feet poking through nettent.

[@shanemapplebeck8560]

Been using it as my standalone tent for 4 years now. Use an older rei minimalist bivy as well. Best go to combo., Even replaced all of the guy lines with 50lb dyneema line to cut weight down further. It's just over 6oz I believe

[@aronr399]

I have a Gatewood Cape and a Serenity Net Tent. I'm 6'0", and I found that it's slightly too small for me, but it would probably work really well for someone a few inches shorter. I didn't view it as a replacement for rain gear, but rather a shelter that can also function as emergency backup raingear if necessary, for no additional weight. This is basically the Lunar Solo (one of their most popular tents) with a hood. If it were just slightly bigger, I'd still be using it today.

[@krakadzil]

Did you see modifications from Gygago? He uses chineese longer inner tent and sets up GC 10cm higher. www.gygago.com/index.php?id=803

[@SimplicityEDC]

Did you pull out the guy outs on head and feet end?

[@HikeCamp]

Yeah I see the problem... If it is raining and you are using it as a poncho you have to take it off and get wet while setting it as your shelter... That is a problem...

[@outdoorthorbackpacking]

I think the concept is cool and really interesting. But, it’s just not quite there for me and I can for see too many issues and potential dangers from using this in anything other than sun shining weather

[@manofthecloth777]

I’ve had people tell me they can put up the tent from the inside….. can’t imagine how…. Like before they take it off so they are never exposed.

[@nicknickerson4674]

You have it set up wrong is why you don't fit. Set the pole height to 55", the back is still almost to the ground and you will have loads of extra room. This is supposed to have a gap all the way around, people 6' 4 have used it no problems. The clips inside are not for any connecting netting. They are to hold the sides in while in poncho mode. If you was to purchase the 3uf netting it fits better than the serenity net, is longer and has 2 way door.

[@jonwentzell67]

Where can I find this 3uf netting. Thank you

[@gregoryoutdoors]

​@@jonwentzell67 Hi you mean the inner tent from Lanshan 1 o r the Lanshan Plus 1? Im wondering if I can use the 4 season mesh T zip inner, would be nice😅

[@tumblewheed5994]

I got one just to use as a shelter! You can't beat the compatability and wgt.

[@jonsanford2515]

Congrats on finishing your classes. I also wonder how you’re supposed to set up your shelter in the rain? Having to take your rain gear off to set up your shelter seems like a bad idea. After talking with you following your tent comparison video, I got a Durston 1P. I can see where the inner would be too narrow for some, but I’m good with it. I don’t mind brushing the netting, and the vestibules make it feel roomy enough for me. Plus, the Durstons are so hard to get right now, I figured I might as well try it, since I could easily sell.

[@outdoorthorbackpacking]

Thank you so much! I feel so amazing to be done, it felt like it was never going to be over haha The X mid is literally one of the best tents, you’ll never regret that purchase. You made some really good points and I totally agree. That’s why I ended up sending this shelter back, I just didn’t make enough sense for me to keep

[@JediStockTrader]

@@outdoorthorbackpacking You said what if I rip it.. Cmon Man, seriously bring a bit of duct tape? Not a big deal, plus you bring rain gear! There fore you always have extra if need be. You need rain gear anyways right.! Plus it gives you 2 layers for warmth if you really need it or for a 2nd person out.

[@outdoorthorbackpacking]

@@JediStockTrader That’s a good point!

[@ThePreparedNorseman]

I think its really cool, but there should be a model thats just the tarp shelter and not a poncho. Would be a competitor to the z packs pocket tarp with doors, just at half the price.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Gossmer Gear Twinn tarp.

[@DonTestosterone]

Six Moon Designs - Dechutes

[@techguy9023]

On the cheaper and heavier side I got a Luxe Minipeak. I put down a plastic ground sheet. Got it on eBay for about $60. The guy tried it hunting once and didn’t like it. I can put my two kids in there with me and it’s about 2 lbs.

[@SouthernHike]

Great to see you back man!

[@outdoorthorbackpacking]

I really missed making videos! I’m glad to be back too 😀

[@mackjenkins7721]

Hey Thor How's it going man. It's good to see you back man I've been missing you videos. This was a good video you did of the tent. I clearly understand that it didn't work out for you. Everything is not for everybody. You and your family had a good Memorial Day weekend man. Take it easy and be safe out there.

[@outdoorthorbackpacking]

Mack! I always look forward to reading your comments. You have a great weekend too!

[@mackenzietinkham1877]

Geez this guy is literally the coolest in the world I would be completely lost without him! My flavorite backpacking channel ever! And does any one else this he is so handsome I mean like ugumuga! Favorite backpacker ever. So handsome

[@mckenzieharmon8501]

Agreed!!

[@mikealwill7013]

Is that on a golf course?

[@jonathandill3768]

It seems to cost a lot for what it is, but it would be a nice light backup/emergency shelter in you day pack

[@outdoorthorbackpacking]

That’s my though as well, good idea but definitely not my primary shelter

[@techguy9023]

I like my cheap, used (1 night by previous owner) Luxe Minipeak. Room for me and my two teenage sons. Getting tight as they grow up but the setup couldn’t be easier. Push four stakes in the ground. Push up trekking pole. Out of the rain quick.

[@Self_Proppelled]

Doesn't look like it's meant to be a tent. It's a poncho that can be used as a tent in emergency. Probably a nice addition to a day pack as one of your 10 essentials.

[@BCsJonathanTM]

Some people really do use tents just like that. Search for "trekking pole solo ultralight tents" and you'll see a whole class of products just like this (except this is the only one that's also a poncho).

[@DX48H9WM]

That thumbnail is amazing lol

[@DanielThiele]

i would love to use it but I am way too tall for this thing

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I sent mine back, it is not for everyone. SMD was very accomodating. Where are the bulk of SMD products made? USA?

[@Oldsparkey]

Never seamed practical to me. Especially if you are trying to set up camp in a rain , what do you do then ?

[@outdoorthorbackpacking]

That was my thought exactly

[@krakadzil]

It's possible but requires advanced yoga skills)

[@manofthecloth777]

@@outdoorthorbackpacking heard someone say with practice they can put it up while wearing it….. maybe put one stake down and then pull your head out with the pole near by and then the second stake.

[@MoeBergOSS]

Great and fair review….

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Bro I'm very interested in this shelter

[@OldBlindMole]

You can't blame a product that you have chosen to be multi-functional, for being unuseable if you have been careless with it (you know it's 15D be aware when you "walk past some brush"). Think it through for your needs before purchase.

[@solitudeinthewild82]

What a nice video, my friend! Great backpacking equipment review! Enjoyed watching, very useful info. Cheers from Russia, thor, and welcome to my channel about bushcraft tips and hacks! Kind regards, Yuriy!

[@outdoorthorbackpacking]

Thank you so much for watching all the way from Russia!! I will check out your channel

[@jeffshackelford539]

Talked me out of it even though he said he make youre own decision. The top of tarp bothered me . Looks like something that might leak or go wrong. Would never consider using it for a rain coat. You go cross country and it would be ripped to shreads.

[@docsharmonicablues]

Simply wrong. I have been using mine for over ten (!!) years without any problems.

[@docsharmonicablues]

@@Trip_WasHere I never had any problems with the hood leaking -- but maybe the storm & wind were not sufficiently intense. I have been pretty lucky also in that I have been able to set up the Gatewood cape before the rain became too intense. I never tested just using a tarp so I cannot comment on that.

[@docsharmonicablues]

@@Trip_WasHere I sealed the seams myself and have done it every 2-3 years. Set up the cape and apply the sealer on a dry, warm afternoon and it is dry in a couple of hours.

[@glenndorsey9068]

BUGS!! Wet and spikey ground!!! Sorry I’m willing to carry a floor. I use Six moons Luna solo.

[@outdoorthorbackpacking]

I totally agree! That’s why I ended up sending it back haha 😂

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

You mean nature? How does a tent help with spikey ground? IS not choice good?

[@glenndorsey9068]

@@geraldhenrickson7472 When you think of it most of what we carry while backpacking is to protect us from “nature”. I’ll take my enclosure enclosed thank you very much.

[@whitemexican3923]

Kind of flaky to do a review of a Six Moon Designs product while wearing a North Face sweatshirt. As far as the Cape goes-used mine on the CDE and will do it again this next thru hike of CDT. Also, I use the Serenity net tent and it works great. I also throw down a footprint of tyvek. Real nice product. I DID find it too small for me until I learned how to set it up correctly. :-) For a one person tent its roomy.

[@rhettoracle9679]

If someone wanted to try the concept, Arcturus makes a similar poncho with less features on Amazon for under $25. Weighs @11 oz. Peace

[@Maurice419]

it's called duct tape... should always bring an old credit card wrapped in it.

[@notyouraccount9742]

Set up wrong. It is designed to “float”.

[@outdoorthorbackpacking]

It’s actually designed to vary based on conditions. When I filmed this I had about 8” all around. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment 😀

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I had an early model years ago. It had no floating feature.I do know that unless pitched high it was not long enough for a 6 footer on a 2 inch pad. I recommend a twinn tarp from gossamer gear instead for a few more dollars.