UGQ WD 12' 1 or 2 pole mod?

[Fickle1]

Hey guys. I am looking at picking up a WD 12 before the sale ends. I have pretty much settled on the 12 foot with no pullouts since I want to get an internal pole mod. The thing I can't decide on is whether to get the center or the end mods.

I am using a 11' gathered end hammock. This will be mainly for fall/winter camping so weight isn't a huge concern although I don't want to carry extra if I am not using it.

It seems like a lot of people using the double end pole mods either are using a bridge hammock or hanging 2 GE hammocks.

Does the double end provide that much more benefit over the single pole for just 1 GE hammock?

The main reason I am wanting the pole mod it to keep the tarp off me in heavy winds and snow. I don't necessarily need to park my car under the thing. Will the single center pole be sufficient for this, or does the double end really work that much better?

Has anyone tried both or have both? What is your opinion?

Thanks.

[kitsapcowboy]

I have tried both. I have an 12-foot UGQ Winter Dream with double internal poles and an 11-foot SLD Trail Haven with a single internal pole. Both are cool tarps.

The double pole mod is luxurious, although not strictly necessary for a gathered-end hammock. The cross-sectional area of the tarp is increased about 25% for most of its length. This comes at a cost of the weight of the second pole, a few extra ounces, bt it's worth it, and the "floating porch mode" is awesome.

My SLD Trail Haven is a more compact 11x10 hex tarp, which I use mostly for shoulder season camping here in the Pacific. Northwest when the weather is both unpredictable and changeable. I chose the single internal pole mod as a compromise between weight and weather protection, and it is a good one. In connection with a couple of 3.5-oz tarp beaks and just one pole, the single-pole Trail Haven puts the extra room from the pole mod right where it's needed, and creates a very versatile shelter system that can vary with different weather conditions. The single-pole mod is still robust enough to create a round profile for the tarp that will shed all but the worst ice, sleet, and snow, and leaving a second pole behind saves a few ounces of weight as well as pack space, which can be welcome during the cooler months F the year when both factors can be at a premium.

In summary, on a tarp with doors like the Winter Dream, I would almost always choose the double pole modification, but a single pole modification can still be effective and save you some weight and space if those aspects are your priority. HTH...

[2 Samuel 22]

I received my incredibly well-made Winter Dream 12 with inner and outer pole mods this past weekend (thank you Paul and Missy!). Unfortunately I have not had the time to finish setting it up due to scheduling and weather. I am DIY'ing the three poles by cannibalizing my other tarp poles. Now I just need to make the shock cord pole leash.

If your goal is protection against heavy winds and snow then I suggest going with the end pole mods with the poles and have them add the center pole mod-only. That way you can add the middle pole at a later time if needed. It is not a meaningful weight penalty and it gives you more options.

ETA: When I eventually figure out how to properly rig the shock cord to three poles I'll take pictures.

[Slugger]

I have the WD12 with double poles mod. Great room under the tarp, snaps on the doors are fantastic for closing it up for either weather or privacy,.....and I "second" kitsapcowboy's comment about the floating porch mode. It's a beautiful thing to experience! I'll be using it this weekend with my Amok and will post pictures Sunday evening.

[kitsapcowboy]

If your goal is protection against heavy winds and snow then I suggest going with the full outer pole mods and have them add the pole mod only for the center. That way you can add the middle pole at a later time if needed. It is not a meaningful weight penalty and it gives you more options.

That's a really interesting set-up for high winds.

[Fickle1]

In summary, on a tarp with doors like the Winter Dream, I would almost always choose the double pole modification, but a single pole modification can still be effective and save you some weight and space if those aspects are your priority. HTH...

Thanks for the info. Saving 9.5 oz definitely sounds appealing by going with the single pole mode. Pack space isn't as much as a concern. Things to think about.

If your goal is protection against heavy winds and snow then I suggest going with the full outer pole mods and have them add the pole mod only for the center. That way you can add the middle pole at a later time if needed. It is not a meaningful weight penalty and it gives you more options.

I hadn't really thought about getting the pull outs since I had figured I would go with the pole mod. That does bring up an interesting option though as I pretty much always have my hiking poles with me. I could use those in place of the poles. I wonder if that might be a happy medium between space and weight since I will already have the poles with me.

I have the WD12 with double poles mod. Great room under the tarp, snaps on the doors are fantastic for closing it up for either weather or privacy,.....and I "second" kitsapcowboy's comment about the floating porch mode. It's a beautiful thing to experience! I'll be using it this weekend with my Amok and will post pictures Sunday evening.

I usually use my hiking poles to make porch mode during the nicer months. I imagine during the cold/nasty months I wouldn't use porch mode a whole lot.

Thanks for the info guys, definitely more to think about now lol

[2 Samuel 22]

That's a really interesting set-up for high winds.

Sorry all, apparently I was suffering from a caffeine deficiency when I typed that. For clarification I meant the double inner (under the tarp) pole mods on the outer ends of the tarp. Outer as in the outer edges under the tarp. That you have a total of three poles under the tarp sort of like a dome tent. More load bearing support for high wind, rain and snow.

Once I figure out how to connect a single shock cord leash to all three poles I'll post pictures.

[kitsapcowboy]

Thanks for the info. Saving 9.5 oz definitely sounds appealing by going with the single pole mode. Pack space isn't as much as a concern. Things to think about...

That is why there is seldom a one-size-fits-all solution; I almost always run out of pack space before my pack weight starts to become unacceptable…

[Slugger]

As promised...Amok Draumr 3.0 (or actually 3.1 - bigger foot box) with the UGQ Winter Dream 12' yesterday/today at the John Rock hang. Pictures are with the tarp in porch mode. The internal poles open it up so much that you have to stake them down to prevent them from becoming ship sails!

[2 Samuel 22]

As promised...Amok Draumr 3.0 (or actually 3.1 - bigger foot box) with the UGQ Winter Dream 12' yesterday/today at the John Rock hang. Pictures are with the tarp in porch mode. The internal poles open it up so much that you have to stake them down to prevent them from becoming ship sails!

Awesome looking tarp! How do the poles connect to the shock cord? I'm trying to figure out how best to set up a single shock cord for three poles.