[pct-l] Non free standing tents

[Jim McCrain]

Howdy Bill!

Hey, I have no problem with doing ANYTHING in a survival situation.  You do what you have to do to stay alive!  I was just trying to get the point across that you don't trench unless you absolutely have to.

When I was in the Boy Scouts, many, many years ago, they actually ADVOCATED digging a trench around EVERY campsite.  It wasn't long before we knew exactly where to camp each night, as all we had to do was look for the "rings" in the ground.  It also wasn't long before I left the Scouts, as I just didn't like what I was seeing out there.  To this day, when I see a "tent trench" or even a campfire ring, I cringe and try to find a different place to camp.

And for the record, I heartily agree that a "double-walled small house" is not needed in most situations.  I really like my Tarptents!

Cheers!

Jim

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

On 6/20/2008 at 5:03 AM Bill wrote:

>Let me clarify,
>
>...  Most nights in the rain, especially when the rain is
>predicted or indicated, there is never a problem.
>
>... 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.  
>
>... 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.
>
>... 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.