How to Use a Gatewood Cape as Tarp and Rain Gear

By Six Moon Designs | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to set up the Gatewood Cape as an ultralight tarp shelter and wear it as a rain poncho on the trail, with step-by-step instructions and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick answer

The Gatewood Cape serves double duty as a rain poncho and a solo tarp shelter, saving over a pound compared to carrying separate gear. Here's how to use it effectively for both roles on your next trip.

Why combine rain gear and shelter

Carrying a dedicated rain jacket and a separate tarp adds weight and bulk. The Gatewood Cape replaces both, shaving ounces without sacrificing protection. At 11 oz (310 g), it's lighter than most rain jackets alone, yet provides complete 360-degree coverage when pitched as a tarp.

The trade-off is that you cannot wear the poncho while the tarp is set up. Plan your camp routine so you pitch the shelter before rain starts, or use a pack cover to keep gear dry while you set up.

Understanding the design

The Gatewood Cape is the only poncho-style tarp that offers full 360-degree protection, a feature that sets it apart from simpler poncho-tarp hybrids. Since its introduction in 2006, it has been tested on hundreds of thousands of trail miles in conditions ranging from high mountain snow to humid forests.

One limitation: the cape is designed for solo use. If you need space for a partner or extra gear, consider a larger tarp like the Grace Solo or a two-person shelter.

Step-by-step setup and use

1. Set up the tarp before rain starts: Find a flat, well-drained spot. Stake out the two rear corners first, then insert your trekking pole (or a dedicated 45-inch pole) at the front peak. Adjust pole height to control headroom and wind shedding. Guy out the front corners for stability. Common mistake: pitching too low traps condensation. Leave at least 24 inches of clearance at the rear for airflow.
2. Wear the cape as rain gear on the move: When hiking, put the cape on over your pack. The poncho cut covers your torso and pack, keeping both dry. The hood cinches down for wind protection. Use the side snaps to adjust fit around your legs. Checkpoint: test the hood adjustment before a storm. A loose hood flaps in wind; an over-tightened one restricts peripheral vision.
3. Transition from hiking to camp: When you stop for the night, remove the cape and shake off excess water. Pitch it as a tarp using your trekking pole or a branch. If rain is imminent, pitch the tarp first, then crawl underneath to remove your pack and set up your sleep system. Common mistake: forgetting to dry the inside of the cape before pitching. Moisture from your body can condense inside the shelter if you pack it away wet.
4. Optimize ventilation for comfort: In warm rain, leave the front peak slightly higher to promote airflow. In cold or windy conditions, lower the peak and stake the sides closer to the ground. The cape's 360-degree design lets you adjust ventilation without sacrificing coverage. Checkpoint: on humid nights, crack the rear corner slightly to reduce condensation without letting in rain.
5. Store and dry the cape properly: After use, air dry the cape completely before packing. Fold or roll it loosely to avoid creasing the silnylon. Store it in a breathable stuff sack, not a compression sack, to prolong the waterproof coating. Common mistake: stuffing the cape while damp leads to mildew and delamination. Always dry it out at the end of each trip.

Product details

Gatewood Cape: The Gatewood Cape is the ONLY poncho-style Tarp to provide complete 360° protection. Since its introduction in 2006, it has been carried over hundreds of thousands of trail miles. This means you get reliable weather coverage from all sides when pitched, unlike many poncho-tarps that leave gaps in wind-driven rain.
Gatewood Cape