[pct-l] Shelter on the Trail

[Hiker97]

The Incredible Hulk wrote: The only problem with the Hubba (besides the 3+ lb weight) is that broadside to the wind, it acts as a sail.  The Hubba does not do well in high winds, as I witnessed first hand last month on the JMT near Donohue Pass.  In fact, it is only rated to 40 mph.  My son's Mountain Hardware tent is rated to 80 mph.  But, the Hubba headroom is wonderful.  Feels like you are in a cathedral when compared to my old Gerry tent and son's claustrophobic MH tent. 
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Switchback replies: You are correct about the 40 MPH wind limits on the Hubba.  I checked that out before I got one.  As far as weight is concerned, you can get the weight under 3 pounds just by going to carbon fiber poles.  No problem.  Pitching it near a tree, large rock, or bushes provides some wind protection in rainy and windy weather.

If it is not raining, wind is not a factor.  The all netting free-standing tent is just fine in very heavy winds.  In fact, I would guess that I do not use the rainfly 95% of the time, so I enjoy a good robust wind.  Inside the tent it is calm and outside it can be blowing big time.  Very nice.  Lots of fun to lay there and watch the trees bend all over the place.  A nice show.

I also carry some very light weight ear plugs for windy weather.  It can be very noisy in robust weather.  Sometimes I just have my radio ear plugs in my ears while I listen to some station.  Usually an FM station if there is lightning weather.  Works just fine.  I usually am reading a book while doing all this too.  I like lots of entertainment in camp.  If I am not out chasing bears, then I am in my tent goofing off and trying to figure out what mischief I can get into.