From: Johnlebl@aol.com
Date: Sun Dec 01 2002 - 12:32:06 CST
In a message dated 12/01/2002 7:41:54 AM Central Standard Time,
HikinGrammy@iGlide.net writes:
> Beyond the physical comfort level,
> psychological comfort for me is greatly increased when I have a unit
> with a floor that will zip closed against the creepy crawlies, and
> depending in what part of the ranch you hike, there are some dense
> populations of creepy crawlies (rattlesnakes).
>
First some basics.
Don't make a decision on the quality of a product based on the name it
carries. The name brand today is simply a marketing tool, nothing more. It
depends on sight recognition based on other products they have made in the
past.
For example, just because it is a Ford doesn't mean it is a good vehicle.
Ford makes some of the very best cars and trucks on the road today. Ford
also made the Pinto. I rest my case.
Secondly, if a tent that normally sells for $150.00+ is being sold by Sierra
Trading Post for less than $50.00, then either that tent is a sleeper and
isn't selling at all (usually for good reason-bad design) or they have a boat
load of them with unacceptable flaws in the material or workmanshipo or both.
You quite often don't get what you pay for, but you never get what you don't
pay for.
Don't get me wrong, I have bought some good items from Sierra Trading post at
good prices. You just have to be careful.
Personally, I want a tent to keep me dry, bug free and reasonably warm. I
also want it to have not good, but TREMENDOUS ventilation even during rain.
That narrows the selection down quite a bit. But that is for me. You may be
different. You may not feel it necessary to stay bug free or to stay
completely dry.
Signe makes a good point. Her concern is if a creepy crawler can get inside
the tent. I am not tuned to the same things she is. My concern is if a
mosquito can get inside it.
Rattlesnakes doming to me don't bother me. I'd just catch them to show the
crew then let them go as I did along the tooth trail last July.
As I said before different folks have different concerns.
However, I think I remember reading somewhere in the volumenous Philmont
literature that a PhilApproved tent must be "totally enclosed" meaning sewn
in floor.
Being an old toot, I naturally come from the old school from when no tents
had netting to keep the bugs out nor sewn in floors. Then we graduated to
netting but no floors and then the Godsend of sewn in floors and netting with
zippers completely enclosing the occupant.
During the netting but no floors days we spent an inordinate amount of time
sealing off those tiny holes Signe mentions, not so much for rattlesnakes but
for mosquitos.
And believe me if there is enough water within a fifteen minute hike to
drink, there WILL BE mosquitoes looking for a blood meal to complete their
breeding cycle. It's just what they do.
For a PhilTent, what I want is a total enclosure that is monsoon proof.
Philmont does get monsoon rains.........literally.
My personal preference for two people on the PhilTrail is the Eureka
Timberline 2. It is roomy enough and the steep walls shed rain like a ducks
back.
If I wanted to go extremely lightweight, I'd carry my Clip Flashlight CD at
3lbs 13oz completee with sewn in floor and netting AND fly..
I own both.
In July 2002 after much thought, I took the Timberline 2. Two grown adults
shared this tent. It was not a bad decision, but rather a good decision. If
going again this year, I'd do the same.
If the numbers came down to my having to sleep by myself in the tent, then
I'd take the Clip Flashlight CD. At 3lbs -13ox, it is the lightest two
person tent available that totally enclosed the occupants. It has been
recommended by many former staff members.
Tent choice is quite personal. Some love domes. I can't stand them for many
reasons. Those reasons may or may not be valid for you.
My tent of choice has always been an A frame or modified A frame tent. It's
been around for decades for good reason. It is functional.
Form follows function.
John LeBlanc
Eagle Class of 1959
Phirst Phil Ptrek 1959
PhilTrek 2002 630H2 Trek 16
My latest adventure was yesterday,
Today is not over yet!
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