#9 on this list
Supermid
Mountain Laurel Designs
The Mountain Laurel Designs Supermid is considered the gold standard of full-sized group pyramid tarps. Sized to accommodate up to four adults—or two to three with ample space for winter gear, pulks, or dogs—the Supermid takes MLD's bombproof shelter design and scales it up to expedition proportions. It is a favorite among winter backcountry travelers, river runners, and long-range wilderness guides. Crafted from heavy-duty silnylon or premium DCF, the Supermid uses an oversized apex cone reinforced to handle massive downward tension from tied-together trekking poles or specialized central poles. Its square geometry makes establishing a symmetrical, wind-shedding pitch straightforward, while extensive perimeter and mid-panel guyouts allow the shelter to be anchored firmly against gale-force gusts. The challenge with the Supermid is purely a function of its size: finding an unobstructed nine-by-nine-foot area in dense woods or rocky ridges takes scouting. For alpine plateaus, sandbars, and snowfields, however, few shelters offer this much livable stormproof space at such a low carry weight. **Highlights** - Enormous interior volume easily sleeps four or shelters large groups in storms - Square base geometry provides straightforward, predictable pitching - Heavy-duty apex and tie-out reinforcement engineered for high snow and wind loads - Exceptional headroom allows most adults to stand or kneel comfortably - Fully modular with optional inner mesh tents and floor liners **Watch-outs** - Requires a very large footprint clear of trees and boulders to pitch - Demands heavy-duty staking hardware to hold its large surface area in high winds
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#10 on this list
Mega Lite 4P
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond Mega Lite 4P is a venerable classic in the pyramid category, trusted for decades by backcountry skiers, alpine climbers, and minimalist guides. Built as a simple, durable, four-sided pyramid, the Mega Lite offers dependable four-season floorless coverage with zero unnecessary frills. It is primarily used as a winter snow shelter, basecamp dining hall, or fast-and-light group canopy. Constructed from durable silicone-impregnated nylon, the Mega Lite features a carbon-fiber center pole included with the shelter, making setup quick and eliminating the need to lash multiple trekking poles together. Its square footprint makes tensioning straightforward, and the perimeter can be banked with snow or pinned close to the earth to lock out freezing drafts and drifting spindrift. Because it uses traditional silnylon, the Mega Lite is subject to material stretch when cold and wet, requiring re-tensioning after initial setup during rainstorms. Furthermore, its legacy design features fewer modular inner accessories than cottage-industry competitors, keeping it focused squarely on no-nonsense, foul-weather group utility. **Highlights** - Proven four-season design refined over decades of mountaineering use - Includes a dedicated, high-strength carbon-fiber center pole - Generous 81-square-foot floor area accommodates four adults comfortably - Symmetrical square footprint ensures fast, intuitive corner staking - Steep walls shed deep snow loads effortlessly **Watch-outs** - Traditional silnylon fabric stretches when wet, requiring guyline re-tensioning - Less modular inner bug protection options compared to modern cottage mids
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Supermid | Mega Lite 4P |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 18-24 oz (512-680 g) | — |
| Base Price | Around $405 | — |
| Capacity | 3 to 4 adults | 4-person |
| Shelter Type | 4-sided pyramid tarp | — |
| Base Dimensions | Approx. 9 x 9 feet | — |
| Structure Support | Dual trekking poles strapped or single pole | — |
| Floor Area | — | 81 sq ft / 7.5 sq m |
| Canopy Fabric | — | Silicone-impregnated 30D nylon |
| Support | — | Included adjustable carbon-fiber pole |
| Design Type | — | Floorless 4-sided pyramid |
| Peak Height | — | 65 in / 165 cm |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Supermid
- Vast interior volume shelters up to four adults or two with winter gear
- Exceptional aerodynamic stability and snow shedding from steep pyramid walls
- Heavy-duty apex and tie-out reinforcement engineered for high-tension pitches
- High livable clearance allows adults to kneel and change comfortably
- Nine-by-nine-foot footprint is hard to site in forested or rocky terrain
- Requires joining two trekking poles or packing a dedicated long center pole
- Large surface area demands heavy-duty stakes in high-wind conditions
Mega Lite 4P
- Proven four-season geometry reliably sheds deep snow and wind
- Generous 81-square-foot footprint easily accommodates four adults
- Includes a dedicated, rigid carbon-fiber center pole in the package
- Durable 30D silnylon handles rough alpine abuse and snow shovels
- Silnylon fabric stretches when wet, requiring manual re-tensioning
- Limited factory accessory options for bug netting and tub floors
- Center pole interrupts the middle of the usable sleeping area
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