[pct-l] Non free standing tents

[Bill]

Hey Darren,

My opinion:  Go with the Lunar.   The old mind-set will dissipate quickly.

Staking out:  Yes, you may find times when the stakes won't go in or won't
stay in.   Those times will be rare.  If they won't go in, you can tie that
spot to a bush, tree, or other immovable object.   You can wrap a length of
cord from that corner around an appropriately shaped rock.  Or, wrap it
around a stick and then use a rock to rest on the cord between the stick and
tent- the stick acts like a chock.  Bring along six feet of hyper light high
strength cord.  All sorts of options there.    If the stakes won't stay in,
you can do similar things like tie a length of cord to a stick and bury the
stick sideways.  I have had great success with that in sandy desert
conditions.  Again, 90% of the time you will be able to stake it just fine.

Storms:  You will not likely need to concern many nights of this either.  On
those nights, use common sense.  Hike high, camp low.  Consider how water
will move and don't pitch in a bowl on the ground.  Try to pitch on duff.
If options are not good or it rains like a mofo - you may need to dig a
small trench to direct water.   Most important in foul weather will be to
pitch it strong.   Staked and guyed and secured, these tents will hold up
better than any free-standing tent.   And as above, most of the time you
will not need to even worry about it.   And when you do, it will be wind far
more often than rain or snow.   On those occasions when water falls from the
sky - you will handle it just fine.

I hope that helps.  Walk light and enjoy.


Pink Gumby



-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Darren
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 5:03 PM
To: Pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Non free standing tents

Hi all,
I am close to making a decision on what tent to buy for my PCT thru-hike;
its narrowed down to four.
I am leaning to the Lunar Solo but I have no experience with non
freestanding
tents so I am wondering... Have you ever been in a situation on the PCT
where
it wasnt possible to stake down a tent - maybe in the high Sierra where it
was all rocks? Or is this easily avoided with some forethought as to
when/where to stop to camp?
If you want more detail on my thought processes: weight is very important to
me
but I am willing to carry a bit more to feel safer and more prepared. This
being my first thru-hike the confidence/experience factor has to be weighed
against the weight factor (so to speak).
Lunar Solo - lightest option but I am unsure about the non-freestanding
aspect and 
my old skool mind isn't totally confident in its ability to handle a storm
and keep me dry. Other possible drawbacks - looks like bugs can get in. 
The other three options all are about one pound more, freestanding and
double walled and I am kinda diggin the Fast Fly set up options but the
drawbacks are (beside one pound more)
BigAgnes Seedhouse SL1 - vestible looks too small to cover a pack.
Marmot Eos1P - low and narrow headroom
MSR Hubba HP - Its a cave and $100 more. best headroom and best vestible
though
I am thinking either Lunar or Seedhouse.
Thanks for your input!
DB


      
_______________________________________________
Pct-l mailing list
Pct-l at backcountry.net
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l