By: Glen Van Peski
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I’ve all the time stated the Wedge—my customized, handmade, DCF shelter—is the proper shelter to take whenever you don’t anticipate rain. I’ve endured rainstorms in it, but it surely’s not optimum for these circumstances. So, in 2020, as I ready for a 1,000-mile bikepacking journey on the Nice Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR), I knew I wanted another choice. Our journey was assured a schedule ruled by snow within the passes, late-day thunderstorms, and loads of bugs.
From this, the Whisper was born—a minimalist, ultralight shelter that’s now obtainable by means of Gossamer Gear for different light-weight obsessives to take pleasure in with me. Under, I’ll stroll you thru how this perfected piece of substances got here to be.
Prototyping Designs for the Whisper Ultralight Shelter
I had been toying with a brand new tent design for a few years. I began with a one-offset-pole configuration, since I’d principally be utilizing it whereas backpacking with LT5 trekking poles. Clearly, I used to be searching for as mild as doable (my preliminary goal was 8 oz). I made a decision on a mesh skirt, as this is able to be lighter than a full mesh wall and zipper whereas nonetheless offering refuge from flying bugs. Because the shelter ground will get essentially the most put on, it both must be constructed of extra sturdy (learn: heavy) material, or protected by an extra groundsheet. I made a decision on a shelter with no ground, the place I’d merely use a polycryo groundsheet as an alternative.
Since DCF materials is pricey, I began prototyping in Tyvek. I created a 3D mannequin of the shelter utilizing Rhino3D, then unfurled the panels and used AutoCad for the patterning, since I’ve familiarity with that program by means of my profession in civil engineering. I began by seeing if I may get what I wished with one pole. I did about six Tyvek variations earlier than giving up on that and shifting to a two-pole design. Since I used to be constructing a single-wall shelter, moisture on the inside is a given in some circumstances. I wished a design that supplied loads of area at my toes, so my sleeping bag didn’t brush in opposition to the partitions and choose up that moisture.
After a pair extra Tyvek prototypes utilizing a second, shorter pole on the foot of the shelter, I used to be able to create a DCF model. If you’re utilizing actually mild material, the load of reinforcements, pull-outs, traces, and zippers turns into consequential. I attempted a pair options for the vestibule closure, making an attempt to eradicate the zipper weight. I couldn’t give you an answer I used to be pleased with, so ended up utilizing a water-resistant zipper. Despite this addition, my closing prototype for our Nice Divide journey got here in at 6 oz.
Testing and Refining the Whisper Ultralight Shelter for Gossamer Gear
That GDMBR journey was an incredible take a look at, and the shelter proved itself. I’ve movies of a raging thunderstorm from contained in the shelter at Coopers Lake in Montana. We additionally endured buggy circumstances all through the journey, and I used to be glad to have the netting’s safety.
Nevertheless, given the supplies I used, the zipper was worn out by the tip of the journey. We additionally went to mattress early when the solar was nonetheless up, and I discovered that the 0.3 ozDCF materials felt like mendacity down inside a greenhouse. Moreover, the wonderful mesh I used ended up not permitting as a lot airflow. When it’s chilly out, it’s a pleasant characteristic. However when it’s scorching, that is suboptimal.
After I returned from the GDMBR, we talked at Gossamer Gear about bringing the brand new shelter to market. Each time I give you a brand new product, the following query is all the time: Are there greater than 5 folks on the earth apart from Glen who would use this? I nonetheless get grief at quarterly conferences about how few Murmur backpacks we promote in comparison with our different fashions. Fortunately, nevertheless, we just lately organized our gear into product traces. This contains the GVP Assortment, which we acknowledge gained’t enchantment to as huge of an viewers, however which supplies a nod to my historical past founding Gossamer Gear and people in our group endlessly dedicated to an obsessive pursuit of ultralight journey. Many merchandise on this line—together with the Whisper—bear a tag with an added warning: “In case you’re uncertain that is the best one for you, it in all probability isn’t. And that’s cool.”
After placing the shelter by means of our design evaluate course of, we determined to go forward with a small run and began the design tweaking course of with our trusted producer. After a number of rounds of samples, and rigorous testing with model ambassadors and private pals, we licensed a run of 100 shelters. The ultimate pattern got here in at 9.8 oz, resulting from utilizing heavier DCF, reinforcing, and a extra strong zipper. We named it the Whisper in homage to our previous 3.5 ozpack by the identical title—and as a loving companion to the Murmur, after all.
Meet Gossamer Gear’s New Ultralight Shelter: The Whisper
Whereas the shelter admittedly isn’t for everybody, the preliminary response to the Whisper from testers has been exceptional. One skilled information stated it was the proper ultralight shelter for all his use circumstances, as an alternative of the a number of shelters he beforehand employed for various seasons and circumstances. One other stated, “I’m blown away by the thoughtfulness and design which have gone into the Whisper.”
In case you’re an ultralighter searching for a spacious, storm- and bug-proof shelter weighing solely 9.8 oz, then my go-to, the Whisper, is for you. Catenary-cut panels and 7 stakes present nice stability. Meticulously designed with 0.51-oz.DCF, the Whisper units up with two trekking poles for adequate headroom and toe field clearance. The beneficiant mesh skirt retains bugs at bay and gives air flow, whereas the waterproof zipper and taped seams maintain you dry. The vestibule provides area to stow gear and is raised to take care of visible contact along with your environment.
Now, in case you’ve gotten thus far and also you’re nonetheless questioning if the Whisper is the best shelter for you, effectively—it in all probability isn’t. Nevertheless, in case you’re positive it’s, know that this can be a restricted run product, so that you would possibly wish to get on it!
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Glen Van Peski is the founding father of Gossamer Gear and a number one proponent of light-weight backpacking.
