The Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape remains a marvel of ultralight versatility, offering dual functionality as both a poncho and a minimalist shelter.
This dual-purpose gear is an excellent solution for those seeking to cut weight and pack space on the trail, weighing in at just 11 ounces (312 g) and packing down into a compact zipped pouch. However, like any piece of ultralight equipment, it comes with its own set of quirks and trade-offs.
Specifications and Features of the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape.
- Weight: 11 oz (312 g).
- Material: Made from durable and water-resistant 20D silnylon.
- Coverage: 35 square feet of shelter space, providing enough room for a solo hiker and gear.
- Multi-functionality: Works as a rain poncho on the trail and a shelter at night.
- Additional Storage: Packs into its own zipped storage pouch, with room to store stakes and small items like a hiking kilt or waterproof trousers.
- Optional Add-On: Compatible with the Serenity Bug Shelter for complete insect protection and a bathtub floor.
Performance as a Poncho
When used as a poncho, the Gatewood Cape provides lightweight rain protection that covers both you and your pack.
This eliminates the need for additional pack covers, saving even more weight. However, its loose and baggy fit—necessary for its shelter functionality—can make it feel cumbersome in windy conditions, you can disconnect the door tie out and use this to cinch the cape around your torso, minimising flapping and keeping it secure while hiking.
The major drawback of the poncho setup is its dual-purpose nature: if it’s raining heavily and you need to set up camp, you’ll need to remove the cape to use it as a shelter, potentially exposing yourself to the elements during the transition. This can be an inconvenience in poor weather and highlights the need for careful planning and, ideally, a backup rain layer.
The poncho is also less suited for dense, brush-filled trails. The silnylon material can snag on branches or thorns, which can reduce its lifespan if not handled with care. Despite these trade-offs, its light weight and versatility make it an appealing option for open trails or moderate weather.
Performance as a Shelter
The Gatewood Cape’s shelter mode is where it truly shines. It pitches into a pyramid-like design using six stakes, though eight stakes are recommended for additional stability. Once set up, it offers excellent coverage from rain and wind, providing enough room for you and your gear. If you require a little more headroom where you are sleeping then you can use your other hiking pole and a tie out of the side to give a little more headroom.
The adjustable pitch height allows you to customize ventilation: a higher pitch improves airflow and reduces condensation, while a lower pitch offers better protection against storms. Like most single-wall shelters, condensation can be an issue, especially in humid or wet environments. However, proper site selection and careful pitching can mitigate this problem.
One of the Gatewood Cape’s greatest strengths is its compatibility with the Serenity Bug Shelter. Adding this 7-ounce accessory transforms the Gatewood Cape into a fully enclosed shelter system, complete with insect protection and a bathtub floor. The bug shelter can also be used on its own in huts or under different tarps, making it a versatile addition to your gear. I highly recommend purchasing the Serenity Bug Shelter alongside the Gatewood Cape to expand its usability.
Packability
The Gatewood Cape packs into its own zipped storage pouch, which is an excellent touch for keeping your gear organized. The pouch is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand but still offers room to store additional items, such as stakes and lightweight waterproof clothing like a hiking kilt or trousers.
This small, thoughtful feature makes it an excellent choice for those who want to keep their pack tidy and efficiently packed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Ultralight: At 11 oz (312 g), it’s one of the lightest shelter and rain gear combinations on the market.
- Multi-functional: Serves as both a poncho and a fully functional shelter.
- Tie-Out for Stability: Includes a waist tie-out point to prevent flapping while worn as a poncho.
- Packable Design: Packs into its own zipped pouch with room for stakes and additional lightweight gear.
- Versatile Add-On Compatibility: Pairs seamlessly with the Serenity Bug Shelter for enhanced functionality.
Cons:
- Unsealed Seams: The Gatewood Cape does not come seam-sealed, requiring users to either pay extra to have it pre-sealed during checkout or do the sealing themselves. This can be a hassle for those unaccustomed to seam-sealing.
- Poncho to Shelter Transition: In wet conditions, transitioning between poncho and shelter mode can leave you exposed to rain.
- Condensation: As a single-wall shelter, it’s prone to condensation in humid conditions.
- Limited Durability for Dense Trails: The silnylon fabric can snag on branches or thorns, making it less ideal for heavy bushwhacking.
- Learning Curve: Requires practice to pitch effectively and maximise its performance in poor weather.
- Six Moon Designs don’t deliver to the U.K. but the Gatewood Cape can be purchased from Ultra Light Outdoor Gear
Who Is the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape Best For?
The Gatewood Cape is ideal for ultralight enthusiasts, thru-hikers, and minimalist backpackers who want to reduce their pack weight without sacrificing versatility. It performs well in environments with mild to moderate rain, such as arid or temperate regions. For those heading into consistently wet or brushy environments, its limitations may make it less practical compared to dedicated ponchos or shelters.
Pairing the Gatewood Cape with the Serenity Bug Shelter is a game-changer. Together, they provide a complete ultralight system that’s well-suited to buggy environments, high humidity, or situations where having a separate bug shelter is valuable (like sleeping in huts).
If you’re considering the Gatewood Cape, I highly recommend purchasing the Serenity Bug Shelter to maximize its potential.
Final Thoughts on the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape.
The Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape is a standout piece of ultralight backpacking gear. Its ability to function as both a poncho and a shelter makes it an attractive choice for hikers looking to simplify their kits. While it has trade-offs, such as the need to seam-seal it yourself and the inconvenience of transitioning in wet weather, its ultralight weight and packability outweigh these minor inconveniences for many users.
Packing into its own zipped bag and including thoughtful details like the waist tie-out point, the Gatewood Cape reflects Six Moon Designs’ commitment to creating functional, minimalist gear. For those willing to adapt to its quirks and take the time to practice pitching, it’s an invaluable addition to any ultralight kit.
Pair it with the Serenity Bug Shelter, and you’ve got a system that’s versatile, lightweight, and ready for a wide range of conditions—whether you’re dodging mosquitoes in a humid forest or enjoying the quiet solitude of a dry desert trail. With a bit of care and preparation, the Gatewood Cape will keep you comfortable, protected, and traveling light.
