I want to use my MLD Duomid with netting inner as base camp in Europe next year for 3 months.Does anyone have expience with doing this.I will be gone for a day or 2 and will be mainly setting up in camp grounds.i want to make sure its stable so if there are wind gusts etc it stays put. Thanks.

I would recommend getting a proper centre pole instead of a trekking pole and using heavier pegs than normal.

I have used two trekking poles with my smaller Solomid in a fairly good wind with Ti stakes. It held up very well. Of course I use my trekking poles during the day.

I have read that silnylon does not have good UV resistance, so leaving it in the sun for long periods could cause the fabric to fail. Might want to look for something heavier duty or take it down when you'll be gone for a while. You could also try to set up in a shaded area or put a cheap hardware store tarp over it while you are away.

As far as stability goes, it should be fine. I'm assuming these campgrounds are not in areas with truly extreme weather. Good stakes, good pole, normal weather--you should be OK.

longer stakes is good advice, I'd add insuring that the mid guys are deployed as well

What center pole do you recommend.Is it collapable and the weight?Thanks

This golite one should work OK http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDetail.aspx?p=379005110 - 11 oz and collapsible. Black diamond also do one I think. There are probably some CF ones available as well (search this site). You would just need to check that they would be stronger than a trekking pole. I recently tested the Duomid in some very strong winds and my greatest concern was how much the centre trekking pole was flexing.

Check out the Ti Goat .600" diameter 'mid poles. A 58" one, per specs, should come in at around 4.375 oz. and be substantially stout.

You can also check out this. 6.2 oz adjustable carbon fiber pole. Max length 66", not sure of the min length. No direct experience but am exited someone if finally making an adjustable carbon fiber pole (that is not a trekking pole) that we can use for taller mids. They also have a longer version.

http://seekoutside.com/store/products/Adjustable-Carbon-Fiber-Shelter-Pole-.html

MLD has a couple poles that are pretty light. They're designed to work with their tarps, but might work well with a mid too.

An option is to find an orphaned trek pole and remove the handle. Then cap the handle end and you're good to go. Final weight will depend on the pole - but many adj 140cm Aluminum poles are around 8-10 oz as a single and the handles+straps are sometimes almost half that weight. You can also remove the tip- cut it shorter removing the bulkier top 2/3's and re-glue it on save a bit more weight. Would not be hard to get it to 5oz. or even lower.


NOTE: The Ultra Light Tarp Only CF Poles we have at MLD are too short for the Mids.

Edited by mountainlaureldesigns on 12/14/2010 19:57:46 MST.

I use a Luxurylite staff with my Duomid.

The standard staff is about 53", and I added the 6.5" section so it's about perfect.
I think it ended up being 10 oz, may be a little pricey for what you're needing it for though. It's bomber and breaks down into three pretty equal sections, or four total. Also, he'll make you custom length pieces which could save some weight/hassle.
Worth looking into.

http://www.luxurylite.com/ssindex.html