[pct-l] Non free standing tents

[Darren Bagnall]

Thanks for the comments so far everyone. I have been researching the tarptents as well. 
Honestly I have been wavering between the Contrail and the Lunar. The Rainbow looks 
like a great option as well. I am partial to side entrances.  I have read several reviews where 
the user had trouble with set-up, especially keeping these tents taut. It probably just takes 
some time getting used to.

I think the shelter  will be my toughest gear decision. 

Darren



----- Original Message ----
From: Eckert <jape at nethere.com>
To: Darren <talhog at yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 8:10:51 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Non free standing tents

Darren wrote: 
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... 
I've found myself in Sierra campsites where I couldn't pound in all the
necessary stakes, due to high granite content in the soil.  But I've
always managed a couple, and used tie-outs around shrubbery or boulders
to compensate for the missing stakes.

I also owned a Lunar Solo, one of the early versions, and have since
sold it.  I'm between 6'1" and 6'2", and in a prone position, probably
3-4 inches longer.  (My feet don't stay at right angles to my shins.) 
I found the Lunar Solo's design, with sloping wall, left me with the
tent ceiling a 1/2" above my nose, and my feet propping up the fabric
at their end.  If I tried to position myself diagonally, then I had the
slope of the back wall to deal with.  It was also a bugger to keep
taut, and while some listers have remarked how easy it is for them to
erect, I never was happy with my results.  If you do decide to go in
that direction, make sure you can return it for full credit.  You
should be able to determine right away if it will work for you by
setting it up at the local park, or the backyard.