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Gatewood Cape Tips

Last post 01-25-2008 2:21 PM by captn. 3 replies.
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  • 11-14-2007 9:38 AM

    Gatewood Cape Tips

    Any Tips from Gatewood Cape users??

    I am about to switch from my Lunar Solo to my Gatewood Cape since the bugs are gone.  I normally use a GoLite Hex in the winter. 

    I have owned the Gatewood cape for awhile but have not gotten to play in it yet :) 

     

  • 11-19-2007 5:21 AM In reply to

    Re: Gatewood Cape Tips

    The Gatewood Cape has become my favorite shelter. There is a helpful review of it at Backpacker Lite. The reviewer there uses a pole outside of the Cape to help raise up the "point" of the entrance. I have not done that, but I do attach the hook on the front tie out to a line with a knot that can be pulled taught along it to help keep the beak tight. I have also added about 16" of extra line at that point in the front. Follow the directions for set up, and you can pitch it quickly. I found that the direction of the pitch can be turned around quickly when the wind shifted directions on me one time. On a chilly, windy night I pitched the back end right on the ground and place my pack and extra get along the bottom to help keep out drafts. I was not able to get the front end very close to the ground, however, so it is important not to have that side facing a wind. I have used it exclusively along the AT, so I have not used it above treeline, but the reviewer used his about treeline in CO. I also use the Hex3 in the winter, because I generally do not hike alone. Since I do like the Cape, I have thought about adding a netting with velcro as shown by someone who added netting and a floor as shown at BPL. However, for bug season I did make the tarptent for which there is a pattern at this site. With guylines included it only weighs 1lb. It does have a catenary cut, but I did not sew it very well. My extra gear and pack fit nicely inside the Cape. It is really like a tent. PS I do carry a lightweight rain jacket. It provides both a warm layer for camp and protection from rain when the Cape is pitched.
  • 11-28-2007 4:45 PM In reply to

    Re: Gatewood Cape Tips

    The bug netting and floor might have been the pictures that I posted on BPL. I used a Sea2summit bug net and some syl for a floor. Worked great in the Sierra's during buggy times. This shelter is BY far my most favorite solo shelter out there. I have not used it as a cape yet because I have not hiked in rain with it. So sorry I cannot comment on that.

  • 01-25-2008 2:21 PM In reply to

    • captn
    • Top 10 Contributor
    • Joined on 01-25-2008
    • Posts 5

    Re: Gatewood Cape Tips

    I love my Gatewood.

     I used it in a wet week in the New Mexico Pecos wilderness, as well as a wet week in the White Mountain Wilderness. The coverage is excellent in rain mode, just as it is in shelter mode. It's got more than enough ventilation and the Sil is fairly durable to boot.

     

    A winner here. My favorite solo shelter.

     I would add that a Cuben version would be of limited utility ... I can't imagine a cuben version in some of the brushy areas I've worn the Gatewood through.

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