[pct-l] Non free standing tents

[Bill]

Let me clarify,

Over the past 15 years I have had to resort to a trench two times.   And my
definition of a trench was about two inches deep and only along the leading
edge to absorb or redirect (accept for the time I used a small jack hammer
to build a Roman type water system across the granite to run my wheat
grinding mill).  Most nights in the rain, especially when the rain is
predicted or indicated, there is never a problem.

Both times the trenches were in duff and easily dispersed and covered (I am
very anal about leaving my sites pristine).   We can plan and do all we need
to pick the best site, prepare for the weather, etc.  However, nature will
on occasion through you a curve.  A few years ago it was not rain, but
unexpected snow in the Sierras.   That event cost two Japanese climbers
their lives while they hung and froze to death on El Cap.  I suspect if they
had choice of some kind to stay dry and warm they would have used it.

On the two occasions I recall using a trench, one was setting up camp at
night and missing some features and the other one was that I did not realize
the "duff" for 100 yards above my camp was really only an inch deep over
solid stone (a nice water collecting surface).   Both occasions had no
forecast or indications of pending rain.  Shit happens - though they are
very rare occasions.  And when it does happen and your choice may be getting
you and your gear wet along with hypothermia or you need to redirect water
and hunker down for the night.   If that happens . . . the choice is yours.
I am just not that green.  - Shoot, I am pink after all.  My point is that
you don't need to carry a double walled small house to stay safe and dry -
even in most obscure "what-if" scenarios.

I'd have to go back and read my note . . .  but if my note seem to indicate
you SHOULD dig a trench, or that it is common, I apologize.  



-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Jim McCrain
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 9:37 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Non free standing tents


I've got to disagree with "Pink Gumby" on part of his advice.  PLEASE do not
dig a trench around your tent.  This completely violates the "Leave No
Trace" ethic.  If you choose your tent/sleeping site with care, paying
attention to the surroundings and weather, you shouldn't need to dig a
trench.  Remember to camp on durable surfaces, stay out of low-lying areas
or troughs, keep away from obvious "run off" gullies, and keep your distance
from streams.  (All of these help keep mosquitos at bay, too!)  Ther is
nothing more disheartening that finding a pristine looking camp site, only
to stumble across a ditch or trench in the ground.  You may fill it in when
you get ready to leave in the morning, but you can't erase it!

Otherwise, Pink Gumby's advice was spot on!

Cheers!

Jim

*********** REPLY SEPARATOR  ***********

>From: "Bill" <BillBatch at cox.net>
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] Non free standing tents
>
>If options are not good or it rains like a mofo - you may need to dig a
>small trench to direct water.   
>
>
>Pink Gumby


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