[pct-l] Sierra Designs Mach 1 Tent

[Hiker97 at aol.com (Hiker97@aol.com)]

Well, I got my new freestanding Mach 1 tent and of course it is heavier than 
advertised.  The way I will carry it with only 3 titanium stakes, it comes in 
at 3 pounds 6.25 ounces.  That is with no stuff sacks for the tent or fly, 
since I will carry them in the outside net pocket of my GoLite Breeze pack.  It 
is a little heavy for a solo backpacker, but a great design.  Very, very, very 
nice.

I will try it out for a few trips and see if I can keep my backpack weight 
around 20 pounds for 3 nights/4 days on the trail.  That pack weight does not 
include my belly pack system.

The Mach 1 has lots of extra room inside for gear and a net pocket near your 
head for items.  The large side door is great.  The all netting top portion of 
the tent is a very fine mesh.  I think this is the first I have seen of this 
quality.  Very cool.  

Everything is seam sealed.  The fly door can be rolled up and secured for 
more ventilation in a rain.  I think the floor design might be similar to the Six 
Moon Lunar Solo.  So, if you want the 24 ounce Lunar Solo and save some 
weight, that is the way to go.  I want the 360 degree views in my tent, no door 
pole, and the type of easy/worry free snug pitch that a freestanding tent 
provides.  To each his own, HYOH, etc., etc.  

If carrying it becomes a burden, then it is back to the old drawing board.  
Cheers, Switchback