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Back in last September last year I planned my Aviemore to Blair Atholl route 2 walk. I was going to use my new SoloMid shelter, but needed some midge protection.
Having used the standard Mountain Laurel Design mesh bug inners, I thought they could be better and make more use of the internal space, along with offering more in terms of performance when in camp. Also the design could have more space than a MLD version.
Fortunately in the UK Sean at OookWorks offers custom bespoke inners for single skin shelters.
I contacted him and we looked at the maximium use of space, along with my needs in terms of shelter use. I wanted: light, maximum use of the internal space, height and the mesh not to touch my face - unlike the mesh inner that I had used from Mountain Laurel Designs.
Sean agreed that there was scope for better use of the length of the shelter, to give more space and keep the mesh off my face while sleeping.
He had ideas and suggested a full opening door and a new material he was looking to use for the bathtub floor called Chikara. I was persuaded and Sean got to work. Time-wise it was tight, but Sean always has one rush job factored into his work and thus juggled lead times. I was very appreciative of this flexibility.
My inner arrived. I put it on the scales and it tipped in at 309g with an 11g stuff sack. I was impressed at the attention to detail Sean puts into his work. He had put a velcro strap to ensure the mesh could be held tight to the inverted V of the trekking poles holding up the shelter.
The tie points on the SoloMid allowed Sean to add shock cord attachments to hold the mesh away from my face more and give support to the inner.
To attach the top apex there is a loop and Sean had another attachment on a shock cord and plastic hook. I have removed that now and just use the loop to hook it into the SoloMid's top apex clip.
To peg the base out Sean had put some loops on each corner and at the mid points. On the rear ones he had put an adjustable setup using a linelock; I cut these off. This was before Sean started using the small carbon rods he now builds in to give shape to the bathtub floor. But once the inner is tight at the top and the mid point ties tightened up the bathtub sits well off the ground. So now the total weight is 285g and 11g for the stuff sack.
Having used this so far in Scotland and the Dales I am very pleased with it. It keeps the bugs off and the mesh allows good air flow.
The space is good and the separation from the outer is good. Not once has the inner touched the outer fly of the SoloMid.
The door opens right out. I like this inner a lot. If I were to get one now it would be lighter. The mesh is a 40gsm in weight and oookWorks uses 25gsm now. Chikara is a 42gsm PU material that has done well so far and I would not hesitate to use it again.
I think with the reduction of weight in the mesh used I would go for a cuben material mid level insertion to fend off drafts more, and mesh above that. But anticipate the weight to be still the same.
Right now OookWorks offers a custom service. Make use of this if you're looking for something to fill that kit need that others can't fill.
12 comments:
I've been looking at Sean's inners (Oookstar) for the Trailstar. Mine hasn't arrived yet but I'm going to want some form of bug and bad weather protection for my bag. I couldn't decide between an inner or an ultralight bivy so I've not ordered just yet. With the idea being to bring the dog with me under the Trailstar I can't decide if an inner is going to work out so in the meantime I've ordered a Borah Gear Side Zip Bivy's from John.
Hi Martin,
You and Andrew Walker are doing my head in!!
Andrew will be posting soon on his experience with the Oookstar - initial impressions: fantastic!
I did say - no more gear this year. But, I am waiting for Andrew's comments on the Oookstar, and if they are in similar tone to your comments, I'll just have to place that order.
I'm waiting for the Trailstar door, which Sean has said he will get to me before the TGOC.
It is so good to have someone, like Sean, who can come up with innovative ideas that meet practical custom made needs. Every comment I've seen on Seans work has been that it is first class.
Second here for Sean's quality - I ordered a tub for my Akto (the one in the pictures on the website, and no he didn't name it after me. I was gutted. I think tubbyjake is brill...) and it's flawless. You really can't get better, English made and a jolly nice chap to boot.
Marcus when its bug time an inner is better than a bivy. Room to sort things, then lean out and light a mozzi coil. You could also have the dog out of those bitting maniacs in the inner which is better than a bivy.
Lets face it Gordon. The feedback from Phil Turner in helping make the inner is good. Add Mr Walkers new found addiction to Trailstars, and you know it makes sense. Pull the trigger, give in to the craving.
Top workmanship Jake. Mans a backpacker and knows what he would want and makes the same for us. I think it''s great having a ENGLISH based cottage outdoor firm.
Nice one! We just asked Sean to make a nest for our MSR Twing. Really lookin forward to it...
Sean will make it fit prefect and meet your needs Steve. You wont be disappointed.
Martin,
I've had two inners for my Solomid, (the MLD, and a Hexanet) neither of which have satisfied me. Thanks to folks at BackpackingLight here in the states, I found your Oookworks review...I think I've found the answer to my problem! And WOW do you have some lovely hiking there!!!!
Thanks!
Leigh
Leigh thanks. The Oookworks inner will max out the useable space under the shelter and Sean can make it meet the needs you have. Do call again.
Hi Martin,
I'm thinking of getting a solomid with an inner made be Oookworks, but I'm still a little concerned about the pace inside the inner. Can you sit in the middle without touching the net? Which size does your inner have? Did you experience that the bright yellow colour attrackts more bugs than grey for example? Thanks for helping!
Anne
Hi, I am 6'2 and can sit up fine without touching the inner. But the inner is not an issue touching it as long as the outer is not touched when wet In the USA I had very little issues with bugs at camp. For me it is a superb bit of kit for the SoloMid in bug season.
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