Building off the successful introduction of the Spinnshelter™ in 2004, the Gossamer Gear® design team went to work developing a thru-hike worthy two person shelter that would be strong, storm-proof, versatile and most importantly ULTRALIGHT. At a scant 8 oz. (227 g.), the SpinnTwinn™ offers all the benefits of a conventional 8’ x 10’ (244 x 305 cm.) silnylon tarp with some very desirable added benefits.
The SpinnTwinn™ starts as a computer designed catenary ridged open-ended 8’ x 10’ (244 x 305 cm.) tarp. We then added a catenary cut to each tarp edge to maximize fabric strength under load and minimize weight. Both edges of both ends of the tarp, plus the base of each wall benefit from a catenary curve. We then widened the front entrance from 8’ (244 cm.) to 9’ 2” (279 cm.) to add weather protection and increase coverage so spare gear can be stowed under the tarp. Next, we tapered the tarp back toward the rear, from 9’ 2” (279 cm.) at the front entrance to 7’ 2” (218 cm.) at the rear entrance. This ensures excellent weather coverage, helps with wind deflection and saves weight. Finally, we designed in a 12” (30 cm.) front entrance/6” (15 cm.) rear entrance overhang to assist in rain coverage.
The result has been astounding in the field. The SpinnTwinn™ provides plenty of room for two, and offers an amazing amount of space for the solo hiker at NO REAL WEIGHT PENALTY! Imagine carrying a two person shelter that only weighs 8 oz and having all that room to yourself? Combine the SpinnTwinn™ with a lightweight bivy and/or a Gossamer Gear® Bug Canopy and you could weather anything a normal 3 season hiker would encounter, including light snow!
As with all open tarps, the SpinnTwinn™ offers unlimited flexibility when pitching. There are five tie down loops along each wall to maximize taut pitches and maximize versatility. The rear entrance of the tarp can be pitched slightly off the ground for storm coverage and some ventilation, or can be staked right to the ground. The SpinnTwinn™ can be pitched using telescoping or fixed hiking poles and can also be used in combination with our SpinnTwinn™ aluminum pole set. Each peak pull out has a reinforced grommet for use with any kind of pole. This year we have added linelocs, which are ladderlocs for cord, at each corner and on the middle pull outs on each side for easier line tensioning. These only add .6 oz. (17 g.) to the shelter and since they are sewn on with a separate piece of grosgrain from the pull out, they can easily be cut off without compromising the pull out.
So come over to the light side, with room for a partner, and with Gossamer Gear®!
While some people have reported good results with leaving their SpinnTwinn™ unsealed, for maximum protection we recommend sealing the main seam with either Silnet or a homemade concoction of silicon sealant and mineral spirits.
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