Ultralight Hike
The SMD Deschutes is a mix of a pyramid-shaped shelter (called a mid) and a hexagonal base area. The tarptent has no floor, but it does have a roughly 30cm wide mosquito net that runs all the way around from the shelter walls down to the ground. This screens you surprisingly well from the blood-sucking critters. For me, at 1.72m, this tarptent has proven itself in just about any weather.
In summer, the tarptent can be pitched a little higher so the wind can quickly carry away the morning heat. The sewn-on mosquito net helps surprisingly reliably against mosquitoes. In autumn, the closed shape on all sides reliably keeps out rain. Use in winter and snow is still pending, so I cannot comment on that yet. But after this winter I will say a few more words on this point.
The tarptent is still big enough for my height; I think you should not be taller than 1.80m, otherwise the walls might touch your sleeping bag. At 460g the Deschutes is admittedly not the lightest shelter, but you have to keep in mind that you are still protected from mosquitoes and other pests. For mosquito and rain protection combined, 460g is quite acceptable.
The interior is very spacious and allows cooking in the protected inside during bad weather or when bloodsuckers are around.
I am myself very curious how the tarptent will fare in the winter months; for the other seasons I can already recommend it without reservation!
Note: I bought the Deschutes Plus second-hand in the ULTF forum.
