[pct-l] Tarptent in heavy rain

[Bighummel at aol.com (Bighummel@xxxxxxx)]

In a message dated 9/10/2003 3:10:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
Steven.Setzer@Colorado.EDU writes:

> I debated going back to a tent and I think the Helliberg Akto is probably
> the best lightweight tent out there (again, that's my opinion). But its
> 3.75 pounds and I don't want to carry the extra weight.  That's a lot of
> snickers bars.
> 

I am still using a SD Starflight made in the 1970's.  Perhaps you have seen 
it at the ADZ.  It is a two person, none free standing, coffin-shaped 
footprint, steep pyramid design with only two poles.  The design is exceptionally 
strong in wind and sheds snow like a 4 season tent.  I can sit up in it, and that 
is saying quite a bit if you have ever met me.  I have replaced the large 
diameter aluminum poles with aluminum arrow shafts and replaced the original 
aluminum stakes with lighter weight aluminum ones.  Total weight with fly, stakes 
and tyvek ground sheet is 3.5 pounds as modified.  When it finally gives out I 
plan to take it apart at the seams and use it as a design to remake it using 
1.1 oz nylon and silnylon.  I will wager that it will come in under 3 pounds at 
that point.  If I can figure out how to use trekking poles instead of the 
arrow shafts I could drop some more weight.  

However, since using a Hennessey Hammock I am not sure that I will ever carry 
a tent again.  Being able to use trekking poles to set up the rain fly like a 
tarp makes this a flexible, light weight and incredibly comfortable option, 
IMHO.  2.5 lbs. total weight, no ground sheet, half of a sleeping pad and 
thinner, camp anywhere with trees, no flat ground required.  This is the ultimate 
Leave-No-Trace as the only thing that sits on the ground is your pack and you 
don't have to clear any space for it as you would if you slept on the ground.

IMHO,

Greg

P.S. Go Buffaloes!