Diamond Shelter Users

For those that already have some actual rondys, etc. in these, what do you do during a heavy rain? If you go to Friendship, everyone knows of rain issues, what do you do? Do you place opening towards a certain direction? Ground cloth? I want to purchase for a lot of reasons, but want to be able to get out of the weather also. I want this one for the simplicity and ease of putting up, no long poles to tot around either. Thoughts?

 

[michael dismukes]

My shelter set up for rondys and smaller events where it's just me... maybe my boy too... has been as a lean to, not a diamond, using a center pole and two side poles 6 inches shorter... If the wind and rain hit I lower one side or the other to keep out the weather and both sides at night for privacy... I also use a floor with straw under it....stuff sack under my bedroll and/or blanket (stuffed with more straw or grass..or another blanket)and my trusty sheepskin. Don't go anywhere without my sheepskin.
Be mindful of where you pitch (runoff purposes) and you should be okay no matter what. Good luck.

 

[ny griz]

:hatsoff: Howdy Ranger,if you go down a few threads you'll see a couple threads on diamonds.Griz

 

[michael dismukes]

Yes sir, saw those too. You really can't go wrong as long as you have something over your head to shed water. Last trek I took with my friends I had a king size high thread count (500+) sheet that I had waterproofed, added ties on the corners and buttons 3/4 of the way around... Packed it in as my bedroll cover, but opened it and set it up as a diamond when the thunder rolled and it started to drizzle at the camp. When it stopped raining the temps dropped to about 25 that night.... Glad I had a shelter over my head to reflect the fire and 4 inches of pine needles/leaves under me... and my sheepskin!! Don't go anywhere without my sheepskin you know.

 

Thanks guys. I just want to make sure I am completley ready when the time comes. I would hate to be soaked and cold for a week long hunt or shoot.
Aim small, miss small..

 

[Black Hand]

I've found that setting up my trap as a diamond is quite inefficient. A better way (for me) is to set it up with the front edge of the tarp tied to a cross-bar (placed just above head height when seated) and the back edge staked down. I place it so I am sheltered from the prevailing weather. Lots more space and still serves as a reflector for the heat coming off the fire.

 

Thank you for your input Black hand. fuel for thought. Where abouts are you from in MT? I used to live in Livingston.
Aim small, miss small..

 

[jethro224]

First, figure out which way the prevailing wind blows where you are setting up. You want the rear of the diamond facing into the wind. ...of course, that may change when the storm blows in...

Pay attention to the lay of the land and try to set up on a little rise. Definitely do not set up in a low spot. You may wake up in a puddle.

If you are on a hillside you will want your head elevated above your feet. Try it the other way some time... :shake:

Roll the uphill edge of your ground cloth under to sort of make a dam to keep runoff from getting on top of the cloth, and be sure it is under the roof.

Properly set up and staked down, diamonds are very secure in a storm. The shape sheds wind and water better than most other tents. You can sit inside and watch everyone's big tents and dining flys blow down all around you.

I'll be in mine all of next week. :thumbsup:

 

[wayne1967]

+1 on what Jethro said. I was at an event and noticed a very slight hump and set up on it. The next day there was an inch of standing water in front and behind me but underneath was dry.

 

Thanks Jethro. I would have to guess that you are heading to Friendship! Whish I could be there, but definately in the fall. Thank you for your input, much food for thought there.
Good luck and have fun.
Aim small, miss small..

 

Thanks Wayne!

 

[jethro224]

Nope, Friendship starts June 11th. At present I am not sure if I'll make it to the spring shoot this year. Gonna try.
I'm heading to TN for a club Rifle Frolic this time. :thumbsup:
All packed except the guns. Leaving in the AM. :grin:

 

Sounds like fun, enjoy yourself. Hope to maybe meet you at Friendship in spring or fall.
Aim small, miss small..

 

[shortbow]

Like others I set mine with the bottom point into the wind. If it's really blowin and snortin and cold besides, I use blanket pins to pin blankets along the open sides. This also works well if you're in a group situation and have female company over for the evenin'. :wink:

 

[Poor Private]

My wife ans I did a little home engineering with a needle and thread. we devolped a front triagular shape canvas fly that I use over the front of my diamond when I want privacy or if the weather blows a bit forom the wrong direction.

 

[Mike Payne]

I have been using a diamond shelter for many years never got real wet always point the back to the wind. In cold weather I build a fire close to the front on one side don't even have to get out of the blankets to make breakfast & coffee.I keep a little fire all night and it keeps me and my two sons warm all night!

Mike

 

[jethro224]

Last month when I went to the rondy I set up I think the same night Joplin, MO got took out by that tornado. Got hit by what I guess was the same batch of storms. It was one of them real frog-stranglers!

My diamond was set with the wind in mind and it was a good thing! There were trees breaking off back in the woods!
It was also on a little bit of a rise. Unfortunately it was also in a clearing below a ridge. With all the rain running down off of the ridge the ground was a river. I was just sleeping on a ground tarp. The uphill edge was rolled but I still woke up getting wet in the wee hours. Never expected all that ground runoff...
Here's a picture I took the next morning. If you look close you will see a "gutter" I dug with my axe to steer the water around instead of under. I also had the front of the diamond lower to help keep out the rain.

That's a 9'6"x9'6" with everything needed for a week of rendezvousin' jammed inside. Including food, drinks, and 3 long guns, a pistol, and a bow plus all the stuff to use 'em. And still room for my bedroll.
Notice the folded up canvas gear bag on top of the center support stick. Keeps it from poking a hole. A piece of thick leather works good too.

 

Thanks Jethro. Looks like fun, but wet. I am going to order from either Panther or RK Lodges. Both seem very good. Glad to here you swum out of that storm. Take care and hope to meet up with you some day, maybe even burn some powder.
Aim small, miss small...

 

Good idea. Thanks for the reply

 

Thanks Mike. I look forward to many nights with my son, and who knows maybe even the wife, on second thought maybe just my son, less complaining.