I'm looking for a multi-use shelter. I'll be going to Olympics with my son and another father/son in June and are thinking about a non tent. I have used a Megamid and considered this option. I own a Kelty Noah knockoff, a small 5X8 tarp, and Betamid, so those are options. I have used my Betamid in winter at Mt Mitchell with snow blowing onto my face all night I used it last weekend in 2' snow with no wind

In June we hope to summit Olympus. At that time of year do people usually camp on the lateral morraine at Blue glacier In general what would be average conditions this time of year; bugs, bears

Bottom line, I would like a shelter I can use in windy wet weather that I can sleep under and also have a meeting or play cards with a group too big for a Betamid. Something Megamidish is what I think I need.

Opinions solicited, either here or PM

The Megamid (I have three of them actually) has been my choice for over 20 years now. It does a great job in all environments, is quick to set up and light.

The megamid is the established default option. Other products include the Mountain Hardwear Kiva Light and the GoLite Shangri-La. Dont forget to dig down to increase your head room and If the snow is blowing, bury the edges. I'll add that I like the Utopia 2+ for its size, light weight and setup ease (free standing bibler style tent that's floorless and sil-nylon 2lb 10oz and will sleep 3) but if the snow is blowing, it's quite penetrable due to long side vents.

Utopia 2+

My trusty Megamid at Picket Pass on a 7 day trip. Love that thing:

BD Beta Lite

jrc wrote:The megamid is the established default option.

The Megamid is the default b/c I can't find Kiva Lite or Shangri La or Utopia 4 on line. Every site is out. I didn't do an exhaustive search but maybe all the sewing machines in Cambodia that MH and GL use all broke.

Get any of the syl nylon pyramid options. They're all about the same.

If you want all of the options:

Bivysack.com-pyramids in various fabrics

Titaniumgoat.com-silnylon conical tents

wyominglostandfound.com-multi-sided pyramid tents

kifaru.net-many floorless shelters

mountainlaureldesigns.com-pyramid and other shelters

integraldesings.com-check out the siltunnel

golite.com-5-sided pyramids

I definitely vote for a large floorless shelter. Nothing is better for the olympics.

mountainmandoug wrote:If you want all of the options:

Any personal favs? I hope be using in 2 weeks in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with group of 7 for discussions, in May in Oregon Cascades and June Olympics. (Maybe more this winter or spring.)

Pretty hard to beat the Black Diamond Megamid. They are frequently used by guide services as a communal shelter for cooking, eating, playing games, etc on Denali trips up to 17k.