YAMA Mountain Gear 1P Cirriform Tarp - Dyneema (2020 Updated Version) FIRST IMPRESSIONS on trail!

Second time pitch (first time on trail) of this beautiful shaped tarp. Wind picks up and rain during pitch (and after). Some footage of the tarp and my thoughts after the first night. This is not a detailed review of any kind. Simply my first impressions.

[@2323buster]

Thank you for making this! I have been on the hunt for the perfect shelter for 4 years now and I think I have found it. I plan to get my hands on one of these for my upcoming thru-hike attempt of the Colorado Trail this summer. Really like all the comments you insert.

[@stephenswilderness687]

I love it. I usually use my MLD Superlight Bivy when I go with a floorless tarp system if it's buggy out. But for my Big Seki Loop hike I brought a Bora Gear Bug Bivy that was just a bit lighter than my MLD Superlight Bivy. And the Bora Bivy was all net on top (and Dyneema Composite for the floor) so the all net top helped prevent condensation on my Katabatic quilt. It was a great combo. I think I went overkill though and also used a Zpacks bathtub groundsheet with the Yama Cirriform and Bora bug bivy. I will bring one or the other in the future. The Colorado Trail is on my list for the future. I hope you have an amazing time on your thru-hike! God bless!

[@dant62]

Thanks for making this video. It's the first time I've seen anyone demonstrate the side entry feature .

[@stephenswilderness687]

You're welcome! I am very impressed with this shelter for that awesome feature (and others). I most recently took it on my Big SEKI Loop (North) hike and it was just wonderful. Thanks for watching!

[@hair2050]

Beautiful in every way!

[@stephenswilderness687]

Thank you so much!

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Just ordered a Cirriform 1p min based partly on your video. Will be able to soon compare it to my Zpacks Plexamid and HMG Ultamid 2!

[@stephenswilderness687]

I don't have a Plexamid. That may be a more ideal all in one shelter. I do love my Zpacks Hexamid Solo Plus. But the entrance is too low for entry. I have a massively degenerated spine and herniated lower disc so the Yama became my favorite for saving my back. I have a MLD Solomid that is similar to the HMG and I do like the storm resistance and simplicity. But the Yama has all that in a slim form factor. (Smaller footprint). It is just a bit less simple to pitch than a four corner mid. But I respect the advantages of the Yama and once again, it saves my back and gives me complete storm safety/protection. I really hope you like yours when you get it. I never intend to direct anyone to a product that won’t work for them. I hope the information I shared was helpful and clear. Best wishes for your future trips! Stay safe and enjoy the trails.

[@hair2050]

@@stephenswilderness687 ha, I have the same back issues exactly. Interesting, helps put the puzzle together. I have been chasing this “perfect shelter” rainbow for a long time and think that this pretty little lady is about as perfect as I am going to get. I have read in other threads about your bivy’s and your reasoning for choosing one over the other. I wouldn’t use the Yama without a bag bivy at the very least. In fact I want a bedroll. Bivy, Foam pad, inflatable pan, quilt and the odd bit of clothing, all rolled up in one. Which of your bivy’s would work best for this?

[@stephenswilderness687]

@@hair2050 In theory, almost any bivy would work in the set-up you describe if you have enough space in your pack for it. On durability, I would have to say the ALL net top bivy's would be more fragile and prone to tearing with the added force needed to compress the contents within it as a bedroll system. I'd lean towards the MLD Superlight. Or any bivy enclosed primarily in a strong fabric. As long as you have net over your face it's not claustrophobic. I like your idea, and the simplicity of housekeeping in a bedroll. I have much too small a volume pack to be able to do that unfortunately. Although I do keep bed clothes in my bivy some times when it's stuffed and packed. With my limitations in space I have to deflate and roll/stuff each of my bedding items separately or they just won't fit. I hope you find an ideal set-up that works amazing for you! Happy Trails fellow hiker!

[@hair2050]

@@stephenswilderness687 another question regarding the ability sit up in the tarp. At 5:10 based on the peek height I can sit, just. In your experience how comfortable, or not, is sitting in it. One is unable to place one’s head directly under the heights point as the vertical pole will prevent this.

[@stephenswilderness687]

@@hair2050 Lol. every time I try to reply to you I somehow screw up and erase my long answers. This is the fourth try. Sometimes it just doesn't go as planned.

[@cypriano8763]

cool tunes. reminds me of Harmonium

[@ttracemusic]

Loved this!

[@stephenswilderness687]

Thank you!

[@consciousmatter7584]

Great video thank you for the thorough review! Very relaxing too. Which bathtub floor is this you're using attached to the tarp?

[@stephenswilderness687]

It's a Borah Gear Cuban Bug Bivy (side zip version). I love it's amazing light weight and bug protection. But they are a tight fit. If i'm not worried about bugs I use my Zpacks Solo-Plus Bathtub Groundsheet. I love the shape and size. Fits perfectly in a few of my shelters and tarps. And there's room for the junk I like to keep close at night.

[@consciousmatter7584]

@@stephenswilderness687 Thank you very much for the info I'll have to check them out. I already got this tarp after watching your video. What area was this filmed if you don't mind me asking? It's beautiful.

[@stephenswilderness687]

@@consciousmatter7584 This was extra footage from a little three day hike over Piute Pass on the Eastern side of the Sierras. The campsite was in Humphreys Basin. Check out the video I titled Backpacking the Piute Pass "FLOOPY" Loop/2020 to see the actual loop trip. It's a very beautiful little section of the high sierras.

[@DWBrant]

I just picked one of these up because of this video. I have a front entry tarp and really wanted the side entry. I got tired of crawling last season. I and may just use polycro for a groundsheet. How was the splash back when it rained? Would the storm pitch have still worked if you didn't have the bathtub floor? Great vid! I like your off trail routes. I'd like to do a few of those in the Sierra this year.

[@stephenswilderness687]

Rain splash depends on the wind really. But this shelter is among the most storm proof you can possibly have. Polycro would be fine in almost all cases. Choose a good tent site not in a gully or wash and a flat groundsheet will be perfect as long as it's trimmed to inside the footprint of your tarp. I use bivy and/or bathtub groundsheets more for protection from cold wind blowing in my quilt. I use a Katabatic quilt which has the best insulating system of all quilts in my opinion. But the High Sierras are unpredictable so added protection never hurts. over all... I think this tarp with a poly ground sheet will be perfect in most situations.

[@user-tv4dw4rp3b]

Absolutely loving this video. Thank you for the great details. I’m currently using MLD Grace Solo Tarp + MLD Superlite Bivy (DCF bottom), and now I’m thinking of switching to this. It’d be great if I may ask you two questions… - It seems like you’re using Zpacks DCF bathtub. What size is it? Solo or Solo-plus? I’m thinking of getting Plus for this Yama but I am wondering if that would fit. - What’s your thought on their 1P Cirriform Tarp - Min (DCF) vs your 1P Cirriform Tarp - Dyneema? Thank you so much!

[@stephenswilderness687]

I'm so glad you liked the video and that it was informative. Yes, I use the Zpacks DCF bathtub floor (made originally for the Hexamid Solo Plus). I like the size so much that I own a few for different shelters. The Plus works perfectly with the 1P Cirriform. I also use the MLD Superlite with DCF floor, but it was for another shelter and the zipper opens on the wrong side for the Yama so I purchased the Borah Bug Bivy for buggy times. Honestly I prefer the MLD Superlite because It's larger than the large Borah Gear Bug Bivy. The Borah is lighter and obviously has more air circulation keeping condensation off your quilt better than the MLD. So there are trade offs. On my Big Seki Loop video I'm using the Zpacks bathtub AND the Borah Bug Bivy together so I was protected from bugs but also had protected floor space for gear. Protected from extreme weather if it ever were to get "floody". Which it didn't. Some polycryo on the ground and the MLD Superite would also work fine but i'm paranoid of super rain storms (i've been in them) so I always use a bathtub floor. As for your second question... If the 1P Min version had been released when I was choosing the Yama Cirriforms I may have purchased that one instead of the standard version. I'm always looking for safe, well made and ultralight shelters. But, if I HAD purchased the Min version... I'd probably be contemplating also getting the Standard version right now to see if it's better. LOL. I really do appreciate the large front vestibule space of mine, and the Min version vestibule is smaller. I really love the low condensation in mine due to the upper vent (partly due to that plus opening the side etc). I suppose realistically that the condensation in the Min is probably no worse since I'd be rolling up the side access every night that there's no rain. So... that may be a wash. I do like the choice of DCF/Dyneema weight Yama chose for my shelter. Very very storm worthy. I don't ever worry about corners ripping out in high winds. It's a tank in it's construction. But... the Min may also survive super high winds. I haven't seen the construction for myself but everything Yama makes is incredibly crafted and well made. I like the simpler pitch of the Min, and the flexibility in pitch WIDTH for different tent site options. At least that's what the website says. When you're exhausted and worn thin from an extreme day... the simpler the pitch the better. But i've had so much practice pitching mine that it's not at all hard. It may take a minute or two longer than pitching the Min... not sure. But easier is better most of the time. Unless it's a trade off for something more important, and I don't see that with the Min. The trade off for simpler pitch seems to be a smaller vestibule and that's about it. The strength issue is in using the lighter DCF for the Min. So that is an intentional design choice by Yama. Ok so bottom line is... both shelters are excellent and every review from users loves them. So are you looking to be as ULTRALIGHT as possible? Would the smaller packed size help in your ultralight backpack? Is condensation or hurricane force storms NOT a real problem in your area? Go with the Min. Lighter, simpler, faster pitch, still storm worthy. But If the weight difference of 2 ounces and slightly bigger packed size doesn't matter to you, and you like the mental comfort of stronger construction for very stormy weather and the added venting hole reducing condensation a little more and the larger vestibule for your gear or cooking... then go with the standard (updated) 1P Cirriform - Dyneema. If I had it to do over again... I'd be in your shoes. It's not an easy decision. But I have absolutely no regrets. I LOVE my 1P Cirriform! I think you can't go wrong with either shelter. Get the one that's available! If both are available... I'd probably go with the Min. You can always sell it and get the other version if you're unhappy with it. Ultralight forums are an easy place to sell off good equipment. There's a serious demand for it and people are willing to pay what it's worth. The Ultralight community is very knowledgeable. Whatever you pick, I hope you love it! Happy Trails!

[@user-tv4dw4rp3b]

@@stephenswilderness687 Thank you so much for sharing all the information 🙏🙏🙏 wow I’ve learned so much from you. I really appreciate you for being so kind and inspiring so much. You’re right, I think both are great. I think I’ll go with Min this time!

[@stephenswilderness687]

@@user-tv4dw4rp3b I'm glad to help any time.

[@Tulkas805]

Great review, I'm looking at this tarp as an alternative option to my Locus Gear Hapi. Pitching it low in high wind scenarios really reduces the livable space, although I forgot my extra tie-outs so I'll have to experiment with that. Would you say the cirriform tarp could fit a 6'3 user?

[@stephenswilderness687]

I think it would. I’m just under 6’1” and I have plenty of room. And if I need or want more length on the floor I can move my front trekking pole point further forward after the initial pitch. I would double check with Yama on their website to look at the diagram of it with measurements just to confirm. Side note: Another shelter specifically made for tall hikers is the Altaplex from Zpacks. Just FYI. But there’s no way it’s as storm worthy as a Cirraform.

[@Tulkas805]

@@stephenswilderness687 Thanks for the info! Yep I have a buddy getting an Altaplex in the mail in the next few days. I'll have to check it out but from what i've seen online i'm not a huge fan of the crazy pole height required. Never been a huge fan of Zpacks construction quality either. The Cirriform seems to have the same spirit as a mid with those catenary curves. Can't beat the wind resistance.

[@stephenswilderness687]

@@Tulkas805 So true. I have an MLD mid that I love. Just a bit heavy... but bomb proof! The Cirriform is exactly that if not more so with it's lower overall profile. I do have an old Zpacks Hexamid Solo Plus that I have a love/hate relationship with. But it's not for tall hikers even though it's the "plus" size. And even though it has held up in some massive storms... I did not sleep at all for worry over the light construction. On the other hand, with Yama's Cirriform I sleep like a baby in all conditions. It's rock solid and still light! The construction is so amazing. He also makes an even lighter model with some construction streamlining and a lighter Dyneema. That may be worthy for shorter trips or milder conditions (or who knows... maybe it's a storm killer too). Happy trails and best wishes to you!

[@jeffozimek2178]

Great video! I'm now heavily leaving towards purchasing the Cirricform 1p. After a year of use, what are your thoughts?

[@stephenswilderness687]

It's my favorite. I love everything about it. But I'm an experienced floorless tarp backpacker. So it's a pretty simple pitch to me, but not for everyone. It's not like a simple "tent" pitch if you're used to a tent. But to me it is a quick and easy pitch. This thing has great flexibility, an absolutely fantastic storm shedding design, great DCF weight choice for the body. It's adaptable. Easily modified with dyneema stick-on loops or hooks to set up your own bathtub floor or bivy (or simply throw a polycrio ground sheet under it). I keep pulling out my old shelters and weighing each of them before each trip and I, hands down, think this is the best weight to features shelter on the market right now. I think I saw that Yama makes an even lighter version of this now with a lighter choice of Dyneema but you'll have to check Yama's website for that info. If so, that could be a contender as well if they kept the features. Personally, I like this weight Dyneema. It's not a heavy tank like my MLD Duomid or some of my HMG gear. But it's beefier than my Zpacks shelters and yet just a tad heavier than my Zpacks flat tarp with guy lines and hardware. So now I'm not even saving enough ounces to bring a flat tarp. It's just an excellent, weight savings design. Every trip I plan now I just don't see a need to bring any other shelter. It has everything for all conditions... with no worries and no weight penalty for its sturdiness and features. And If you're looking at the Silpoly version I'm sure you've already watched Dan Stenziano's great review of his 2p Cirriform he took on the CDT. Check it out if you haven't. He's also sold on the wind and storm shedding capabilities of the Cirriform design he experienced personally. Yama got it right. So, after a year of use on trail my confidence in this shelter and my love for it have just grown. It will be my go-to shelter for many years to come. If you aren't used to floorless shelters or shaped tarps this is the best one to learn on. Once you get the pitch down so it's second nature you can lay back and enjoy how awesome it is. Thanks for your question and for watching my video. Happy hiking to you!

[@alexl8328]

I want to get this tarp/tent but what would you suggest for full bug protection? I’m in the North East and ticks are no joke.

[@stephenswilderness687]

I recommend the Borah Gear Cuban Bug Bivy in Wide. They will do custom sizes too for bigger roomier set ups. I’m 6’ 1” and fluctuate between 180-200 lbs. I use a wide NeoAir XLite pad and the Borah Cuban Bug bivy is tight but super duper light and works well with this tarp. I worried about the Cuban floor of the Borah bivy not giving much “bathtub” clearance for storm drainage so I also took the Zpacks bathtub floor in DCF which hooks into the Yama quite nicely. It was overkill on my last few hikes but I’ve been stuck in low drainage sites during long storms in the Sierra’s and the bathtub Groundsheet saved my hike from being miserable. There are probably better options out there than a bathtub Groundsheet AND a DCF floor bivy but I haven’t found it yet. I have an MLD super lite bivy with DCF bottom that I used for years that works great for bug protection. But it’s heavier than the Borah gear and the zipper opens on the wrong side for the Yama 1p cirriform. I would say Just get the largest size UL bivy you can get from Borah or MLD because they are all really tight and you want some room for your quilt or bag to loft and stay warm. My 2 cents.

[@convbcuda]

Is that a Zpacks bathtub floor?

[@stephenswilderness687]

Good eyes Brad! Yes it is. I have two of them. Love them. I usually keep one clipped in my Zpacks Hexamid Solo Plus and the other one floats between my other shelters. I get the stick on DCF loops from Zpacks and add them to the points inside my shelters where I need to hook up the bathtub floor. Usually the long side. I use the mini mitten hooks and micro chord locks on super thin line to connect bathtub to the shelter and have adjustability on the pitch height. It sounds complicated when I'm describing it but it's a very simple adjustable system. I hook all six points to my shelters with the bathtub floor so the long sides doesn't flop down and defeat the purpose in bad weather.

[@convbcuda]

@@stephenswilderness687 Thanks! I ordered the silpoly Cirriform and I'm looking at bathtub floors. Those stick on mitten hooks won't stick to silpoly, so I'll need to look at options.

[@stephenswilderness687]

@@convbcuda If you are going to use a Zpacks bathtub I think you should be fine just clipping into the Cirriform guyout points on the long sides of the tarp. As long as your pitch is high enough to keep the bathtub sides from flopping to the ground it should work great. And on the "roll up" long side of the Cirriform I just used a longer line connection to the bathtub (with line lock adjustability) so I can keep the bathtub wall hooked up even if the side is rolled all the way up. And I can also just unclip the roll up side when I don't need the bathtub side wall upright, like during meals etc. Best wishes and Happy Trails Brad! Thanks for checking out my video!