Gatewood Cape

I love the Gatewood Cape - I originally bought it for my 2012 PCT thru hike and it came with me on subsequent hikes on the CDT and AT and many other smaller trips. It’s so light and cheap and versatile that I don’t know why more thru hikers don’t go this route.

I’ve made a slight modification to it that I believe will give me more protection during cold rain while wearing it hiking. In the past, my only complaint was that I couldn’t keep my warm layers dry on my arms while hiking, so I added some elastic bands to keep it secured on my wrist while hiking, which should give me more protection (see photos below). Feel free to add it to your revamped 2027 design! If you like it and decide to add it, please let me know!!

Additionally, I will be taking it on my upcoming 2027 circumnavigation of the world and that is why I purchased it now (not knowing if your new design would be available by next Summer) as well as the PCT Trail Days discount, but I look forward to seeing the redesigned hood and attachments for wearing it.

I had it on my wish list for months before finally buying budle (Cape + Bug net) last minute before my first fast packing trip (100K under 48hrs).

The reason why I hesitated so long was simple, so many reviews said it us not suitable for people above 180cm height. That change with Martin G's review and his YT video I found lately. Thanks mate!

The truth is... it is definitely suitable for people up to 183-185cm as long as they are not claustrophobic. In fact, this shelter has more room overall than my previous 1p tent, because of spacious vestibules (front and back - i love how Serenity Net allows access to the back of the tent to stash less needed gear). Ability to sit straight is also great as it allows to change clothes easily.

The review wouldn't be complete without commenting on the poncho mode of the Cape. So here it is... it is just amazing, because: - looks crazy cool and definitely draws attention in the urban areas, so be careful :)

- but is stealthy in forests if that's your thing

- did the job in mild rain and wind as a protective layer

- warmed me up when used during brisk walk or run...

... yeah, you can easily run with it, use trekking poles and fit with smaller packs (I used 20l running vest).

All in all, it is my go to gear for warmer seasons here in Central Europe, not just for fast packing, but camping in general.

It rained almost every night on my New Mexico section of the CDT, even in the desert. I never got wet, it always stayed tight. I always had enough room. It's the perfect small shelter with great coverage. If you are short, in order to wear it, just clip the lines into the top harness thing instead of the other snaps.

I bought my Gatewood Cape (+ Serenity Net Tent) in July this year as my "intro to ultralight" shelter. Since then, it's been put through more than a few tests, performing very well as a shelter on Mt. Hood in the summer and northern sections of the AT in freezing overnight conditions this fall, but what really impressed me was its multi-purpose use on the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu this November.

I camped in the clouds and woke up warm and dry, wore the cape as a poncho while slogging through freezing rain, strong winds, and even snow at 15,000', and when heavy jungle rains and warm temps coincided later on, I had great rain coverage while also being able to easily vent heat out the front with a quick zipper pull.

I read so much about some of the newest UL tents on the market after purchasing this that I almost second guessed it, but I wouldn't trade this shelter for any of those with a $600+ price tag now.

The only slight drawback to the cape is the size. I'm 5'4" with a medium build and this is perfect for myself and my bag to be inside with a little extra room, but my brother, who is enamored with the design, had it uncomfortably maxed out with his larger frame (6' and broad shouldered). A Gatewood Cape XL option would be amazing!