Nice Q&A- really useful info! I was thinking I wonder if you’ve covered alternative pitches with unique designs like the Tarptent Aeon - I have played around with it a lot under easy conditions but haven’t had to pitch it in rocky terrain with massive winds and the like.
I do like the Mini Groundhog - it has terrific holding power for its length in a wide variety of soils - but man, that thing is a killer on the palm of your hand! ^rj
@@BackpackingLightUSA I don't know about Mini Groundhogs, but I've always used another stake to push stakes into the ground. Same for pulling instead of cutting your finger on the cord.
I often say that a few good knots will always beat small bling items, and dependence on them is a disservice to yourself. The more you know, the less you need.
Noticed you mentioned carbon core for the non-4 corners. Is there a reason you don't like the groundhog mini for that? I've been thinking 4 full size groundhogs for 4 corners + maybe 4 mini groundhogs for apex guylines and doors. (or maybe other extra perimeter stakes)
It depends on the geometry…most symmetrical two pole shelters aren’t true rectangles and that introduces another geometrical dimension that the Xmid does not have. This is why the Xmid has such a simple pitch vs. other symmetrical two/pole (side entry) shelters.
My takeaway from the video: don't mess with this guy, he sure as hell knows his geometry.
I’m falling in love with the carbon core stakes… Nice discussion on stake diversity.
Thanks for the knot advice.
Such a soothing presentation my friend. This whole video was framed masterfully!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve had both designs of the tarp tent rainshadow 2, and those are dead easy to put up. Easily holds three people and is pretty good in wind and rain.
Nice Q&A- really useful info! I was thinking I wonder if you’ve covered alternative pitches with unique designs like the Tarptent Aeon - I have played around with it a lot under easy conditions but haven’t had to pitch it in rocky terrain with massive winds and the like.
Great info. Surprised you didn’t like the mini groundhog for small stake. Can take a beating compared to other of similar size/weight.
I do like the Mini Groundhog - it has terrific holding power for its length in a wide variety of soils - but man, that thing is a killer on the palm of your hand! ^rj
@@BackpackingLightUSA oh yes very true. It’s painfully sharp, especially after you it gets beaten up a bit.
@@wolfeadventures Also shoe-killers if you try to press in with your shoe
@@BackpackingLightUSA I don't know about Mini Groundhogs, but I've always used another stake to push stakes into the ground. Same for pulling instead of cutting your finger on the cord.
I often say that a few good knots will always beat small bling items, and dependence on them is a disservice to yourself. The more you know, the less you need.
Preach it!
Do you mean Clam cleats? I use a truckers hitch.
Noticed you mentioned carbon core for the non-4 corners. Is there a reason you don't like the groundhog mini for that? I've been thinking 4 full size groundhogs for 4 corners + maybe 4 mini groundhogs for apex guylines and doors. (or maybe other extra perimeter stakes)
Great content. What's the tent in the background?
That's a Tarptent Dipole 1 DW...
what hat are you wearing?
Symmetrical tents are the easiest to set up. The Durston isn’t symmetrical.
It depends on the geometry…most symmetrical two pole shelters aren’t true rectangles and that introduces another geometrical dimension that the Xmid does not have. This is why the Xmid has such a simple pitch vs. other symmetrical two/pole (side entry) shelters.
@@BackpackingLightUSA yeah I guess I was thinking it’s rectangular shaped tents.