[pct-l] single wall tents & condensation

[blisterfree at isp01.net (Brett)]

I realize it isn't the latest & coolest option currently 
available, but the Jardine 1-person tarp & net-tent together 
weigh in at around 26 ozs, and the combination offers the 
equivalent of a double-walled shelter, with no exposure to 
interior condensate or condensate run-off. The net-tent is 
not very capacious, however it IS removeable and can be used 
solely as a ground sheet when not requiring bug protection. 
Either way, the original "ray way" tarp is sized very 
generously - much more so than what GoLite currently sells 
as the Cave model - and offers an incredible amount of dry 
living & storage space. Like most true tarps, it's 
adjustable in height and width, and can be arranged to block 
wind from any side. The net-tent adjusts to match the tarp's 
shape. And you can make the two of them for a fraction of 
the cost of commercial equipment.

So why don't we hear more about this option? My guess is 
that most are looking for a one-stop solution, rather than 
the modular approach, and there's a sense that the set-up 
process in this case is a bit complicated. True, it does 
take a little while to erect a tarp correctly and then 
arrange the netting tent beneath it. Pitching a tarp is a 
skill, and even those who have this fairly basic skill will 
tend to loathe putting it into action at the end of long 
day - and day after day. Thus the eternal quest for a single 
wall tent that pitches quickly and easily and which matches 
the performance of a double wall tent. But while the search 
is fun and challenging - and there are times when the 
solutions of ultralight tent makers can be of great 
benefit - it's still hard to imagine an alternative shelter 
system that performs like a tarp & seperate interior netting 
tent at such a low weight.

Edited the book. Gotta put in the plug. "The Ray-way Tarp 
Book" www.adventurelore.com
- blisterfree


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Saskia Daru" <saskiadaru@xs4all.nl>
To: "PCT list" <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2004 3:04 AM
Subject: Re: [BULK] - Re: [pct-l] Lunar Solo tent - 
condensation


> Hi Mike,
>
> I have a Tarptent Squall, a Tarptent Cloudburst, a TNF 
> Slickrock and a Moss
> Stardome. All of them will have lots of moisture when 
> camping in e.g
> Vancouver Island or the Netherlands. There is just a lot 
> of moisture in the
> air. On the JMT this summer condensation was not an issue 
> at all.
>
> The Slickrock has a bathtub floor and has half netting 
> half single wall. The
> single wall part and the floor will have lots of moisture 
> when we camp in
> the winter/spring/fall in the Netherlands.
> Because this is our experience, we now have sleeping bags 
> with an Endurance
> coating. Wonderful not to have to worry too much about the 
> down getting wet
> anymore.
>
> The Cloudburst, by the way, is already better at handling 
> condensation, with
> two people inside, than the Squall. Basically because it 
> is - and feels - a
> lot roomier. I'd constantly brush my hips against the 
> fabric in the Squall.
> If there would be any condensation at all, it would come 
> down on us. I have
> wide hips and tend to crawl deeper into the lower back 
> part of the tent at
> night. I also tend to sleep on my side.
>
> Saskia
>
>
>> From: "Mike Saenz" <msaenz@mve-architects.com>
>> Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 08:27:33 -0800
>> To: "Marshall Karon" <m.karon@comcast.net>, "Brett" 
>> <blisterfree@isp01.net>,
>> <metam01@earthlink.net>, "pct-l" 
>> <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
>> Cc: so_california_backpackers@yahoogroups.com
>> Subject: RE: [BULK] - Re: [pct-l] Lunar Solo tent - 
>> condensation
>>
>> I'd agree with #1.
>> #2, however, conflicts with #1- in that- if you have a 
>> very well
>> ventilated tent and the temps don't get too low, you 
>> won't condensate.
>> #5: NOW I know why I always get wet when I pitch my tent 
>> IN a lake...
>> #7- As most of y'all know, I have a TNF Slickrock. 
>> Probably the most
>> well ventilated tent I've seen. Not great in windy 
>> conditions, cuz the
>> side vents behind it's vestivbule wings scoop the wind 
>> and drive it
>> inside...but I NEVER get condesation inside this tent!
>>
>>
>> M i c h a e l   S a e n z
>> McLarand Vasquez Emsiek & Partners, Inc.
>> A r c h i t e c t u r e    P l a n n i n g    I n t e r i 
>> o r s
>> w  w  w  .  m  v  e  -  a  r  c  h  i  t  e  c  t  s  . 
>> c  o  m
>>
>
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