Alphamid TM
 
Alphamini photos
 

Silnylon and Urethane nylon versions in stock.
 
Take a pyramid tarp, cut it in half and add an A Frame door and you have the Alphamid TM.
 
This is the shelter the record setting long distance hikers buy even though their sponsers would give them a free shelter. Above left shelter was cuben fiber version.
 
 
Alphamid FAQ's
 
How does it do in wind, and what about that flat side?
Pyramid shapes do very well in wind if the tie out anchors are strong. I have used a pyramid
in eastern Oregon winds strong enough to knock people over and that broke the aluminum poles
of a North Face expedition dome tent. With the alphamid having a vertical side, you would want
to face that to the lee of the wind in those conditions and it should work as well as the other pyramids.
 
How tall is the zipper? Does it have a vent?
The zipper on stock versions runs to within 6 inches of the top of the shelter. It has a zip pull that
can be pulled down from the top and tied open to form a vent. This combined with raising the
back center hem tieout give flow through venting.
 
What are the advantages to the vertical side?
1. weight savings (about 7 ounces in the silnylon version)
2. packing space savings
3. ability to set up shelter close to trees and cliff faces to take advantage of
space limitations and overhead anchors (limbs etc.) you don't need to bring a pole.
4. smaller footprint for dense forest
5. door can be open in some circumstances during rain or snow without rain entering the
shelter.
 
Why is it so tall?
1. Some have been made shorter as custom orders, but the 6' height sheds snow much better,
even than a 5.5' height used by some competitors pyramids. This was proven in use by the
Catherine Freer School in very heavy snow conditions in the Oregon Cascades. You don't
have to get out and shovel the shelter so often.
2. It also provides more headroom and thus less chance you'll brush up against a frosty or
condensation laden tentwall.
3.Condensation that forms (more common in single wall shelters) tends to run down the fabric
wall an into the ground rather than drip off onto your bag and gear.
 
Comes with stuffsack and cord and with floor space of 4.5x9' and a height of 6' is very roomy for one and usable for two. These are full length pads. As you can see there is lots of room at the ends for gear. Why crawl over your gear in a vestibule?
 
Photo Back/side
Photo Front/side
Photo Front one side of door open
The door closes with a number 8 zipper with a double pull slider at both top and bottom and includes a side release buckle at the bottom to reduce strain on the zipper.
Photo web and buckle at bottom
There is an additional pullout in the center back for more headroom and for heavy winds.
Photo back with doors tied back
With both doors open you have a sheltered spot reminiscent of the baker's tents, popular with canoeists and Northeast woodsmen, but with only one pole or tree needed for set up.Because the front of the tarp is vertical, it can be set up close to a tree trunk or from an overhanging branch so one can leave the pole at home. This also eliminated the need for a fly over the zipper. The top loop also fits the optional pole if you are venturing where there are no trees. The top loop also fits a telemark ski in place of a pole and has a grommet that can be used with avalanche probe poles.
Photo top web with ski
Two, three, or four Alphamids TMs (Trademark) can be set up facing each other for a evening debrief or social.
 
Now includes pole connector (photos 1,2,3) so you can use two trekking or ski poles to make a height adjustable pole.
 
Weight of optional heavy duty height adjustable 3 piece pole 15 oz
Photo of Alphamid TM in stuffsack next to a quarter and pole
 
See a comparison with other makers shelters with the OwareTM Alphamids TM at Backpackinglight.com
 
30 Denier Silicone Nylon, with free shipping, cord, and stuffsack, weight 19 oz. $206
 
70 Denier Urethane lightly coated Taffeta, color
with free shipping, cord, and stuffsack, weight 25 oz. $134
 
Order online with our secure shopping cart
 
Read about fabrics and colors
 
Attention - Silicone Impregnated (coated) nylons are NOT flame retardent
and will continue to burn once exposed to flame. Do not use near open flame
or high heat sources.
 
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