I've been following a few threads here about different UL shelters, just about committed over the weekend to one, then realized it takes up a lot of territory to stake it out. I have enough trouble at times setting up my TT, floorless Squall, let alone something that has 6-10 stakes, plus, I would have to buy at least one pole as I don't use trekking poles, so with what I have added up, a few shelters come in at around a pound with some sort of bug netting insert in the weight, so I would save 10 ozs. over my current Squall. Also, I don't care at the moment to spend my income tax returns or work bonus since my Squall is perfectly fine after 6-7 seasons?. I've gotten excited enough to almost spring for a new shelter, but still sensible enough to hold off at the moment, still want that newer pickup which is my goal. Oh yeah, old stoves, I think I have most I would like to have, except for one or two. That should help my budget hundreds every month.
Duane

Solo mid - 4 stakes, 1 pole, small footprint.

I never gave them a thought. I'll do some looking. Bug net too? Would be cheaper too. Hmmm, on to something.
Duane

If this is a stake contest, than the TT Moment takes two...
Just A Moment
Mind you if 4 pegs is good enough and you like a separate bug net, than you could look look at the TT Notch
Franco

Edited by Franco on 02/07/2012 14:16:18 MST.

Franco, those are getting my weight up. My Squall is 26 oz. the Moment is 30 oz. Two stakes would be great though.
Duane

The Notch is also about 26 oz but yes plus poles (about 50z for the pair)
That gives you a fly and a bug inner , you can use either by themselves or both together.
(the Moment has its own pole inc)
Franco

Edited by Franco on 02/07/2012 19:02:52 MST.

If you are looking for a spot in non-developed camping areas you need a small footprint.

You could use bug bivy or have perimeter mesh sewn on. I have a pyramid with perimeter mesh, I also sprayed it with permethrin. Worked great in the boundary waters and that is SERIOUS bug time.

A flat tarp doesn't suffer from footprint issues.
There are so many pitch options.

A bivy also fits in tight areas, but comfort is an issue with waterproof bivys.

Me too...the SS2 looks like a great two-person shelter but the footprint seems to be quite wide. Our latest acquisition is the Lightheart Duo, which is smaller than some but still a larger footprint compared to our Cloudburst. Jury is still out on that one till we get a chance to take it up to the mountains. Are you looking mainly for lower weight, or do you feel like the Squall lacks anything in function/versatility? Otherwise the Contrail looks pretty good.

DK,

For comparison sake, I did some quick model comparisons and the LH Duo, if you include the stake point distances from canopy edges, has exactly the same footprint as the SS2. I'll leave it to you to compare usable volumes and other features.

-H

Debbie, my Squall is still fine, suffers same condensation issues as many other silnylon shelters in high humidity conditions. Just trying to get lighter and salivating over BPL folks light weights. Almost too much to take. I would only be replacing the Squall as one piece of gear of many, towards a UL summer weight. I have a SMD Starlight pack now, 4200 cubes which is stuffed in the summer for week trips with a canister at around 30-32 lbs. Henry's shelters are looking good for a snow camp shelter when I get tired of my BD Hilight.
Duane

For 2-3 season use in the sierras, the squall is pretty great. You are looking at diminishing returns situation - e.g. you can get incremental improvements for a bunch of money. I replaced mine several years ago with a double rainbow. For my needs it was the right switch even though weight went up, but I still miss the squall. If you want something that will take you into shoulder season (e.g. more protection) that I would second looking at some form of pyramid (I highly recommend MLD products). If you are looking for something to use solo and really want to drop the weight, I would suggest taking a look at the zpacks hexamid (my review). A few more thoughts on options on my recommended shelters page.

--Mark

Man, have I looked at the Z-Packs gear. Man-oh-man! Income taxes have come in and the bonus, but like you said, diminishing returns. Done that before, I'll have to sell or trade gear to lower my weight. Trade off would be less than I've spent before to save only a few ozs. I like the set up of the Rainbow, the Squall is still lighter. My adaptations of it in light rain, reflect changes Henry has made in many of his shelters. I guess after all these years I can figure gear short comings out on my own.
Duane