[pct-l] Snow and Tents

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Hi, Tortoise!

Of all the lightweight tents we had in our group that went through the 
storm, I'd say that I was most impressed with how the Marmot EOS, one man 
tent survived. There were a couple of others that did well, also, but I 
don't recall their brands (one, I think, was a Hilleberg Kaitum 2).

In general, under a snow load, anything that has a frame that crosses on 
top, to carry that load and deflect the snow down the sides without allowing 
the snow to touch the inner tent wall causing condensation, is the better 
design. The Hilleberg did well because of taught staking and the ample use 
of effective tie-outs. Two tents failed, but I do not know what they were. 
Typically, any design that has two hoops, one at each end, will collapse 
under the two foot snow load we received. The Stephenson Warmlite 2RS would 
not be a tent design we'd recommend for a snow storm.

Regarding the nearly 100mph winds recorded on nearby ridges, some of which 
must have been hitting us, those tents that had larger unsupported panels 
flapped more unless tied out. I don't sleep well if the tent flaps noisily 
through the night, so I like a design that can take the wind, is taught, and 
makes little noise. A good night's sleep helps me get up the trail!


Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
South Lake Tahoe, Ca.
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tortoise" <Tortoise73 at charter.net>
To: <ned at mountaineducation.org>
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 9:26 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Snow Course After-Action Report, 2/26


> enjoyed your account.  almost wish I was there.
>
> do you think my Stephenson Warmlite 2RS would have taken the weather?
>
> Tortoise
>
> Because truth matters"
>
>
>
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