In short: how well does the MLD Solomid do in strong winds?

I'm talking about more UK-like conditions than typical US conditions. Exposed campsites (no trees); strong winds; rain or sleet much more likely than heavy snow. I'd love to hear from anybody who has used a Solomid under those conditions. How'd it do? How does it compare to other shelters you've used?

Thanks in advance,
Stuart

Hmm...how about Alaska? Andrew Skurka used one on his 4700 mile trek there. Thems fairly good testing grounds.

I have used my SoloMid in some very strong wind conditions above treeline and the shelter is/was rock solid. For late season and winter trips this is my go to shelter.

Had it in a blizzard at Dewey Point. Pitched it tight to the ground but still had snow come in the bottom. It finally stopped when the snow built up around the outside. The condensation was freezing on the inside and the wind was knocking it loose. It was very stable in those conditions.
Also had it at Coe with strong gusts. I didn't pitch it close to the ground so got some splash around the bottom. If I had pitched it low wouldn't have had any problems. Also very stable.

Edited by meld on 05/14/2011 22:45:29 MDT.

I don't have any experience with the Solomid, but those I know using MLD to frequent Scotland seem to favour the Duomid for extra stability and a bit of space to ride out storms in comfort. It can rain with very strong winds for days on end. Or for still better wind stability and storm worthiness, the Trailstar. (The proper one, not the new mini version).

@ a gould: Oops - I had completely forgotten that Skurka used a solomid! You're right - that's a pretty good test.

@ Marc and Thom: Thanks for the reports guys. That does make me feel more confident about the Solomid.

@Jim: Yeah I know about some of the Duomid and Trailstar users in the UK; they certainly seem happy with their choices. I was just wondering if I could go a *little* lighter still with the solomid and still be confident it could handle the wind :)

Thanks,
Stuart

On the MLD site Ron implies that the Duomid is better in strong winds. However the Solomid is not as tall and in theory the two poles could help with preventing side panel deflection. You could probably also get Ron to add side panel tie outs as a custom option. My main worry with the solomid would be getting in and out in heavy rain, without getting the sleeping area wet.

Side panel tieouts on the the shorter panels may not do as much as they would on the Duomid because the the angle of pitch. I believe there is a reason why they are no put on there in the first place. Although the Solomid is shorter in height and as a result, lower profile, consider that it is also narrower than the Duomid and does not have as wide a base which is a consideration for stability. Of note, the Duomid can be set up with two poles as well.

I also think for Scotland with very high, unpredictable rainfall always a possibility as well as high humidity, some condensation is inevitable. The extra space is also about having enough space to stay away from brushing against condensation.

For wind resistance I'd be reasonably happy with a Gatewood cape for many low level situations, but for the likelihood of high rainfall I wouldn't choose that for Scotland or anywhere in the Northern UK.

Side panel tieouts on the the shorter panels may not do as much as they would on the Duomid because the the angle of pitch. I believe there is a reason why they are no put on there in the first place.

This is probably the case, but if I remember rightly the Duomid did not initially have a side panel tie outs.

Of note, the Duomid can be set up with two poles as well.

True, but they need to be fully extended plus pole jacks, so maybe not the best for high winds.

Would be interesting to hear from Ron.

Hm, good point about avoiding the walls when there's condensation on them.

I did find two videos of the solomid in fairly strong winds:

Video 1

Video 2

The solomid does pretty well in those two videos. Obviously the stakes are pretty solidly in the ground. The overall amount of deflection is pretty low (IMHO), even in the worst case of the wind hitting the rear panel pretty much straight on.

I'm getting seriously tempted now :)

Video 2 looks like some decent wind. I have had my Solomid in some wind and it did fine but no rain. I use two trekking poles for the extra space and a place to put the second pole. I don't carry much extra so there is plenty of space in this small shelter. Setting up in the wind is fun also.

After watching those vids, I would definitely want the side tieouts. Maybe Ron can add them for you?

I sold mine because of lack of space and am looking forward to the DuoMid on order.