I am thinking, and am likely wrong, but putting the outer in storm mode would drop the height enough to change the geometry of the inner net. I think. Maybe not. Trying to talk myself out of this one.

It may work better as a Solo Trailstar with bivy......?

that's the route I'm going, figured down the road if I really wanted the inner I get it at a later date- already having the bivy also influence my choice

"I am thinking, and am likely wrong, but putting the outer in storm mode would drop the height enough to change the geometry of the inner net."

I think you're correct. I might have to cancel my trip this weekend to do some serious house repairs that just popped up, if so, and if it's not raining, I'll play with it a bit more and see what shakes out!

For storm mode I shorten the guylines to a couple inches and adjusted stakes. Regular mode had the guylines at 8-10 inches. This was what Ron suggested with instructions on website.

I'm taking the cricket out Thursday for a 4 day trip in the VA mountains. Not calling for much rain, but the wind is suppose to be 20-24 mph, with gust to 40mph. Going to see how it handles the wind.

Brad

Thanks Brad - your input on this shelter will define whether I order one. Oh yes, you too Doug....

David,

I'm far from an expert, so keep that in mind. If you are on the fence I would suggest you get the input from several of us and then make your decision.

Brad

"Oh yes, you too Doug...."

Yeah, sure! We all know I don't know what the heck I'm doing! But I sure do have fun doing it! ;-)

Just curious Brad and Doug, what was the lead time on your crickets?

Patiently,
Chris

Ordered March 19, received April 18.

Brad

Ordered March 9, received April 25.

Beautiful. I'm hoping Ron's so excited about this new tent that he's just got a big pile that he made to start.

I placed my order on March 25th. So hope to see mine soon.

Back from 4 day trip to Mt Rogers area. No rain, but had plenty of wind. Thursday and Friday we had winds from 20-40 mph. We spent most of our time in the crest zone, so we had limited protection from the wind. The cricket held up well each night with some wind deflection as you would expect.

- Setup was easy and quick.
- Plenty of room in the innernet. Never felt crowded and had plenty of headroom to sit up.
- The porch is a nice feature. Didn't have a chance to test cooking in the rain, but it was sure nice for a little sun protection late one afternoon.
- The extra strip of momentum on the innernet helped a lot with the wind.
- Having a view was outstanding. Hard to beat watching first light while snuggled in your sleeping bag.


Things still to test:
- Rain protection. My primary concern is how well will my feet and head be protected in storm mode.
- In storm mode how easy will it be to enter and exit the shelter.

Couple poor pictures. Should have taken more pictures.

I'd love to see a side by side comparison of the MLD Cricket, the SMD Skyscape (now just pictures until July), and the Zpacks Hexamid Solo tent (with the net flooring). Brad - maybe you could talk 2 people into getting the other two and have a "tent-off" of sorts!

Maybe that happened at the ADZPCTKO this weekend?

Did the wind blow into the open side? or the side that's against the ground?

Do I see a flask in your picture, Brad? No wonder you forgot to take more pictures. :)

Jerry,

I put the back toward the best wind break (still had a little wind, but not bad) and the front into the wind. The extra strip of momentum kept most of the wind out as long as you were laying down.

Brad

And it was a fine luxury item at that.

Brad

@Doug: Are the seams on the Cuben version bonded, sewn, or a combination? Did you have to seam seal it?

@Brad: Thanks for the photos and report!

"Are the seams on the Cuben version bonded, sewn, or a combination? Did you have to seam seal it?"

According to the MLD site: The CUBEN version is seam taped and does not need sealing Except the small spot on the outside apex around the external hang loop.