Hi,
Just looking for a bit of input from ultralite users, with skull caps.
I've recently switched to using the ultralite, from open fronted brollies and I'm quite liking it so far. My only real issue is the condensation, when I do use the front! So I'm looking at the skullcap, but having never used a shelter with the option, I have some questions.
Firstly, is it likely to make much of a difference to the condensation, if I don't use a groundsheet? I like to travel as light as I can, so have never bothered with groundsheets, but does mean the ground is inevitably going to be wet.
Also, if leaving it fitted to the shelter, is it much faff on setup and pack down? And the vents on the back; are they just open holes to allow opening of the shelter's vents, or are they meshed, so you can't get access to the vents underneath without removal?
Does it add much overall bulk the shelter when it's packed down, I've seen the weight of it, but I don't really want the packed down size getting too much bigger than it already is.
Finally, when I'm drying the bivvy, I hang it by the hook, from the rafters in the garage. If leaving the cap on, is it likely to dry properly and not trap moisture anywhere?
I guess I'd like to know if I'm expecting too much and should just put up with it as is- or is it really worth the purchase?
If you've made it this far, thanks!
Just looking for a bit of input from ultralite users, with skull caps.
I've recently switched to using the ultralite, from open fronted brollies and I'm quite liking it so far. My only real issue is the condensation, when I do use the front! So I'm looking at the skullcap, but having never used a shelter with the option, I have some questions.
Firstly, is it likely to make much of a difference to the condensation, if I don't use a groundsheet? I like to travel as light as I can, so have never bothered with groundsheets, but does mean the ground is inevitably going to be wet.
Also, if leaving it fitted to the shelter, is it much faff on setup and pack down? And the vents on the back; are they just open holes to allow opening of the shelter's vents, or are they meshed, so you can't get access to the vents underneath without removal?
Does it add much overall bulk the shelter when it's packed down, I've seen the weight of it, but I don't really want the packed down size getting too much bigger than it already is.
Finally, when I'm drying the bivvy, I hang it by the hook, from the rafters in the garage. If leaving the cap on, is it likely to dry properly and not trap moisture anywhere?
I guess I'd like to know if I'm expecting too much and should just put up with it as is- or is it really worth the purchase?
If you've made it this far, thanks!
In reply to Post #1
I remove mine as takes a few minutes to put on/take off.It cuts down condensation to next to nothing as it cover the complete shelter not like the tempest skullcaps.It is well worth using in my opinion and it has the same windows at the back as the shelter with mozzi mesh in
I remove mine as takes a few minutes to put on/take off.It cuts down condensation to next to nothing as it cover the complete shelter not like the tempest skullcaps.It is well worth using in my opinion and it has the same windows at the back as the shelter with mozzi mesh in
In reply to Post #2
I also take mine off as doesnt take any time at all - youll find a groundsheet and skull cap will make a big difference to condensation
I also take mine off as doesnt take any time at all - youll find a groundsheet and skull cap will make a big difference to condensation
I take mine off to dry it as well. As Tony and Rob have said it takes seconds to remove and much better design than the tempest caps as goes right to the ground. It almost eliminates condensation altogether. My groundsheet is still in its bag from when i bought it as never use them. The skull cap also gives loads more cover at the front as well if its raining heavy as protrudes quite a bit over the just the bivvy. The extra coverage is what i like the most. The only downside to it is you need storm poles to erect it and its ridiculously long as the poles are one piece.
In reply to Post #1
I leave mine on all the time - its one of this bivvies main benefits (having a semi-perm twin skin) and with a barrow doesn't add any unduly additional weight IMO. Def helps with condensation (I rarely use a groundsheet) but do use the infill front pretty much all year round (also have the insect panel for high summer but find it a bit of a faff/trip hazard so mostly use the infill instead) Always leave the vent panels on the bivvy itself permanently open so when I need to open the skull cap vents I never need to fully remove . . always also leave the door fully open unless its driving rain head on in which case I fish letterbox style
In terms of packdown just loosen all the velcro straps and reattached at the loosest setting. Unlocate and fold the mini arms down before putting back in the bivvy sleeve and pull the loose fabric around the top once the bag is 3/4 zipped up from the bottom. Any remaining fabric you can stuff into the upper part of the bag and zip from the top down.
On assembly just do as normal but take a little more time ensuring the spars / fabric is fully unfolded / nothing is caught up prior to erection. After locating the mini arms just run around the bivvy pulling each velcro strap tight (I tend to do opposite sides first then the rear straps in that order as I have OCD and get upset if its not symmetrical) . . job done.
Only thing I would say is that the peak doesnt really give you much more doorway protection from rain (especially if its head on) and can also pool as the angle (if the bivvies on a flat surface) is parallel to the ground. I alleviate this by sliding my throwing stick between the bivvy and skull cap at the front, storing it out of the way but also lifting the skull cap fabric slightly to help water run off . . .
I leave mine on all the time - its one of this bivvies main benefits (having a semi-perm twin skin) and with a barrow doesn't add any unduly additional weight IMO. Def helps with condensation (I rarely use a groundsheet) but do use the infill front pretty much all year round (also have the insect panel for high summer but find it a bit of a faff/trip hazard so mostly use the infill instead) Always leave the vent panels on the bivvy itself permanently open so when I need to open the skull cap vents I never need to fully remove . . always also leave the door fully open unless its driving rain head on in which case I fish letterbox style
In terms of packdown just loosen all the velcro straps and reattached at the loosest setting. Unlocate and fold the mini arms down before putting back in the bivvy sleeve and pull the loose fabric around the top once the bag is 3/4 zipped up from the bottom. Any remaining fabric you can stuff into the upper part of the bag and zip from the top down.
On assembly just do as normal but take a little more time ensuring the spars / fabric is fully unfolded / nothing is caught up prior to erection. After locating the mini arms just run around the bivvy pulling each velcro strap tight (I tend to do opposite sides first then the rear straps in that order as I have OCD and get upset if its not symmetrical) . . job done.
Only thing I would say is that the peak doesnt really give you much more doorway protection from rain (especially if its head on) and can also pool as the angle (if the bivvies on a flat surface) is parallel to the ground. I alleviate this by sliding my throwing stick between the bivvy and skull cap at the front, storing it out of the way but also lifting the skull cap fabric slightly to help water run off . . .
Brilliant! Thanks chaps.
Sounds like it's the way forward then! Last time I had the front on, it was practically raining inside! It was nicer than having to face my umbrella away from the lake though, to avoid the driving rain!
I'll get one ordered.
Cheers
Sounds like it's the way forward then! Last time I had the front on, it was practically raining inside! It was nicer than having to face my umbrella away from the lake though, to avoid the driving rain!
I'll get one ordered.
Cheers
Theres some cracking deals around. Cheapest ive seen is £450 with the skull cap. Black friday is nearly here as well.
So, first night using the skull cap, last night. Condensation was pretty much non-existent! Picked one up for £99, so happy days. It does make the shelter seem massive though, but I'm so used to my old fast and light, it'll take some getting used to. It'll be nice for the winter though!
Cheers.
Cheers.