From: frankmiami (frankmiami@prodigy.net)
Date: Mon Oct 07 2002 - 19:47:24 CDT
The Eureka Apex XT is probably the best value for a two man tent out there.
Easy to set up - very generous room, two doors for independent entry by each
backpacker, generous double vestibule - probably the best feature. Very
light for its size. It is considered a "rectangular dome". I've used it for
solo backpacking many times, including Everglades National Park, The
Foothills Trek (Camp Old Indian BSA - South Carolina), and countless other
hikes. Although it is not objectionable for solo backpacking, it is ideal
for two hikers. Two hikers can split the weight - groundcloth and poles for
one; tent cloth and stakes for the other. The tent fly can be stretched
beyond the tent walls, to get rainwater away from the tent. It has done very
well in many of those famous South Florida downpours.
On my latest Philmont hike, August 4, 2002, I slept solo (my co-leader in my
Venturing Crew is female) - so I took a North Face Canyonlands - barely 2.5
pounds fully loaded - great reviews in Backpacker magazine - single wall fly
on a mesh tent (the single wall fly may be set up by itself for an
ultralight shelter) - not free standing. I'd consider it a technical tent -
pricey at ~$189.00. The Canyonlands fit perfectly well inside my Kelty
Redcloud - again, best value for the money in a backpack today. I could fit
my goose down 2 lb sleeping bag and 2.5 lbs Canyonlands BOTH inside the
sleeping bag compartment of the Kelty Redcloud. I also fit it inside the
Canyonland main compartment, for a very low profile pack. The Canyonlands is
NOT a free-standing tent.
Still, the Apex XT, which I've had for several years, is still a favorite,
and looks brand new. You can't beat it. I think you can still find it for
about $98.00. For all the value it packs for that price, you might as well
tip the store you buy it from.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott W. Dutton" <swdutton@dcb-tampalawyers.com>
To: "Multiple recipients of list philmont" <philmont@troop47.com>
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2002 12:30 PM
Subject: [Philmont]: Backpacking stoves and tents...
: I am a big person 6'2"+ @ 250, and I use the Kelty Windfoil light. I has
: plenty of room both inside the tent and in the vestibule to get my pack
and
: boots away from exposed conditions. I also have an old Eureka Apex XT
(free
: standing) that I have had on the AT, Philmont, and Northern Tier. In all
: treks it has served me well. If it get dirt inside I just pick it up by
the
: top, turn it upside down and shake it out. I like the XT because of the
: duel vestibule for the same reasons stated above.
:
: On stoves, the MSR Dragonfly is a real winner for a multifuel stove, but I
: also have an Expert that uses Powermax fuel that is great for heat control
: and works well at altitude (because of the fuel mix).
:
: Lastly, most of the magazines these days have a Gear Guide. A couple of
: favorites are the Backpacker guide, and the Outside Mag. guide, but there
: are many others. I like that they tell you what the deals are in their
: bargain area. There are also a lot of online gear guides.
:
: Need more advice, keep asking.
:
: Scott W. Dutton
: Gulf Ridge Council Committee Training Chairman
: SR 319: and a good old Owl, too!
: Phone: (H) 813.855.6775
: (W) 813.247.2222
: (C) 813.495.5369
: (Fax) 813.229.3311
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
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As you gather around this virtual campfire with fellow
Scouts and Scouters, do your best to be trustworthy,
loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient,
cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
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