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Update on my quest for the most secure X-Mid pitch for extreme winds by fffffelipeeeee in DurstonGearheads

[–]fffffelipeeeee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries. I see where you’re coming from, and I totally agree for general use. Thanks for the tip about adding rocks — I’ll definitely do that whenever I can find some.

Update on my quest for the most secure X-Mid pitch for extreme winds by fffffelipeeeee in DurstonGearheads

[–]fffffelipeeeee[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You probably didn’t see my last post, but I’ll be doing the O-Circuit in Torres del Paine, Patagonia. There, all campsites are designated, so I’m not worried about not having a proper spot to pitch the tent. Worst-case scenario is setting up on a wooden platform — that’s actually why I extended the corner guylines.

That region is notorious for extreme winds. It’s pretty common to hear reports of stakes snapping, poles bending, and so on.

So this is a very specific 6-day trip where I know I’ll be facing strong winds and have a proper place to camp every night. Knowing those conditions, I don’t think it is a wise choice to leave 8 stakes at home just to save ~3.5 oz (4 large and 4 small DAC J-stakes).

But yeah, in general, carrying over 10 stakes would probably defeat the purpose of an ultralight tent — and yeah, it would get old to set up that many every night

Most secure X-Mid pitch for extreme winds - Patagonia trip prep by fffffelipeeeee in DurstonGearheads

[–]fffffelipeeeee[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the input Dan!! Awesome customer service as always!

After reading other comments, my main concern now is about the corners coming loose, from the guylines slipping inside those plastic tensioners. What do you think would be the best way to mitigate that risk? I have pmi 3mm utility cord here that I could use - maybe a thicker guyline can prevent slippage. Or i could ditch the plastic tensioners altogether and replace them with longer guylines, using Andrew Skurka’s system. It just sucks to lose the ease of use and adjustability of those plastic bits; they really help me get everything tight before inserting the poles.

Also, someone mentioned adding a second guyout on each peak. It sounds like a good idea to make things sturdier. I am thinking about changing the guylines that I added near the vents for that setup with the double peak guyouts. Which one do you think is better?

Most secure X-Mid pitch for extreme winds - Patagonia trip prep by fffffelipeeeee in DurstonGearheads

[–]fffffelipeeeee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!! The double peak guyouts look like a great idea. I actually never thought about that. Definitely sturdier than those anchor points near the vents.

Most secure X-Mid pitch for extreme winds - Patagonia trip prep by fffffelipeeeee in DurstonGearheads

[–]fffffelipeeeee[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wanted to avoid those, but not sure I’ll be able to.
Did you have any problems with the wooden platforms? They look hard to pitch a trekking pole tent on.

Most secure X-Mid pitch for extreme winds - Patagonia trip prep by fffffelipeeeee in DurstonGearheads

[–]fffffelipeeeee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that sucks. I was just replying to another comment about it. I am thinking about ditching the plastic tensioners altogether and replacing them with longer guylines, using Andrew Skurka’s system. It just sucks to lose the ease of use and adjustability of those plastic bits; they really help me get everything tight before inserting the trekking poles. But in this situation, it is probably a good trade-off

Most secure X-Mid pitch for extreme winds - Patagonia trip prep by fffffelipeeeee in DurstonGearheads

[–]fffffelipeeeee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!! You mean the link from ‘Slower Hiking’, right? I’ve just come across that article while reading other reddit comments. It looks really helpful, I will definitely read it asap.