From: Johnlebl@aol.com
Date: Mon Dec 02 2002 - 22:36:16 CST
In a message dated 12/02/2002 8:19:51 AM Central Standard Time, TWMCG904
writes:
> John, there was a line in your message on tents that indicates problems with
> the Philmont issued tents on a rainy night. Can you elaborate? Our plan
> for next summer is to use the standard issue tents for our two crews of
> twelve each. We could bring our own troop 4 man Eureka Timberlines, but
> have been reluctant to deal with hauling the tents, by air, back and forth
> to Philmont.
>
> Thanks,
> Tom McGrath
>
PhilPholks,
I'm really tickled at the progression of the tents posts. A lot of thought
and research has gone into tent selection by those on the PhiList. That is
not only good, it's absolutely wonderful.
The only reason Philmont recommends you use PhilTents is they KNOW they are
clean and not "candied".
The reason I use my own tent is I KNOW it has never been candied and "I love
my Timberline tent" <big grim to Signe>
Also the tent fly is stretched tight. Very tight. This helps to repel
rainwater.
Now I will answer the question Tom poses above.
PhilTents are not freestanding. They don't have poles under tension keeping
the fabric tight.
There are both positive and negative thoughts on this.
Positive in that you really don't need poles to put up a PhilTent. In the
unlikely event a pole is destroyed or lost, they can be suspended from above.
Also if no poles are under tension, they can't spring into someones eye when
taken apart. A very unlikely issue, but an issue all the same.
Negative.
Tight fabric repels rain better than loose fabric.
A PhilTent is difficult to erect with tight fabric. It can be done and I
suggest you work diligently to make a tight fabric roof. It will repel the
rain a lot better.
Finally, as pointed out by another post, make sure you have sealed the seams
of any tent you take adequately. Adequately means dry in a 12 hour all night
rain.
Set up the tent in the yard and turn on the lawn sprinkler ALL DAY LONG
periodically checking for leaks.
PhilTents are good tents. If I were flying to Philmopnt, I'd more than
likely leave my tent at home and use a PhilTent. Keep in mind that they are
the ONLY tent that has been specifically designed and made FOR USE AT
PHILMONT. That speaks for itself.
I think I am correct, my memory sometimes fails, but I remember a post
several years ago by a certain Rodgers kid who was a Ranger. <grin> Claimed
she checked her rain gear in the shower before taking it to Philmont for the
summer. Not a bad idea.
If you got a big enough bath tub you could do the same with your tent.
And yes, the reason Philmont issues and wants you tom use two person or
larger tents is so the tent won't be perceived by a bear to bea a log that
they will try to turn over or step over. Experience has shown that bears
just don't try to step over two person tents.
Philmont has the most extensive database on bear behavior of anybody
including the U S Government. Heed their advise. It is well earned and paid
for by a very few unlucky Scouts. Don't let their price paid go in vain.
Follow bear policy.
You are at much greater risk at being struck by lightning while on the trail
than even seeing a bear at Philmont. I'll take the bears personally.
One final thought on tents. I live in a really rainy climate where Texas,
Louisiana dn the Gulf of Mexico meet. 53 inches per year. The only place it
rains more is Seattle. I have tried many of the single wall tents and have
yet to find one that is dry in the rain. Either they leak or they condense
too much. That does not mean they won't work for you, but they just don't
work for me.
Like I've said before, I'm old school. That means "if it ain't broke, then
it don't need fixin' "
OK, next topic.
Packs..............external versus internal.
Well, I'm a sweater. I wouldn't even think of using an internal frame pack
for that reason alone. It's partly the reason single wall tents don't work
of me too.
I'll say only one more thing about internal frame packs.
When I hike with my loaded external frame pack on, I stand erect.
Every single person I saw at Philmont last summer using an internal frame
pack was leaning way over forward. I get a really sore back when I do that.
But I'm 57 years old. Maybe you young bucks and does are a more hardy breed
than me. But again maybe you won't be hiking the PhilTrail at 57 if you
slump over too much under an "infernal" pack either.
Again, like tents, find one that works for you. Most importantly, find one
that fits.
BTW, the rental PhilPacks I saw were adequate. Nothing more, but adequate.
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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