[pct-l] Shires? Moak? Frankle? Nextec Epic Vs. Endurance

[rmoak at sixmoondesigns.com (Ronald Moak)]

Joseph,

>> Just wondering about the materials Pertex Endurance fabric and Nextec 
Epic... <<

>> Has anyone used these yet?  

I've used an Epic shelled down sleeping bag for over 5 years and wouldn't
buy another bag that didn't have a similar shell. 

>> Are they hype or are they actually waterproof and breathable?

No it's not all hype, though they are not a panacea either. My feelings are
that you need to view these materials as 21st century versions of canvas.
Anyone who's used the old canvas or silk tents knows they weren't
waterproof. Still they were the only materials available for centuries
before the invention of Nylon. 

Both of these materials worked because tent designers allowed plenty of
interior space to move around in without having to contact the canopy. 

Small backpacking tents made from these types of materials will require a
lot of discipline to use effectively. Kind of like the old canvas pup tents
of my youth. If you can keep away from the walls and keep your gear
protected from water they'll work ok. 

>> Any reason Epic would be a bad choice for the Tarptent since it is
supposed to be breathable?  

They are breathable, but moisture transfer depends significantly on the
temperature differential between the inside and outside of the tent. The
greater the differential the better the moisture transfer. In most three
season camping the differential isn't that significant. As a result
condensation still forms on the inner walls.
 
>> Too heavy?

Depending upon the fabric and how much is needed they may add 3 to 7 ounces
to the overall weight. The biggest factor is the significantly higher fabric
cost, as that could easily add $100 or more to the price of the tent.  


-----------------------------------------
Ron


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Joseph Niemiec
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 4:55 PM
To: Bighummel@aol.com; PCT@DelNorteResort.Com; pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Cc: jomike@cot.net
Subject: [pct-l] Shires? Moak? Frankle? Nextec Epic Vs. Endurance

For the gearheads:


What do Shires, Moak, Frankle - "Shmokle", or anyone else, got to say on 
this one?

Mouse


>From: Bighummel@aol.com
>To: PCT@DelNorteResort.Com, pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
>CC: jomike@cot.net
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] Getting started
>Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 19:40:41 EST
>
>This organizer states that the donations that we request are for the
>operation of the event, which has been widely hailed as THE best gathering 
>of the
>trail community on the West coast.  We maintain a modest fund from the 
>donations
>in order to pay ahead for the campsites, food, drinks, rented tables, etc.,
>etc. and in order to have a modest insurance for that unlikely event when 
>we go
>to the enormous extent and expense to put this event on and then a rare 
>event;
>such as earthquake, huge storm or terrorist attack, just before the event
>causes few or no one to show and we must eat the expenses.  Donations from 
>the
>excess funds generated go to the host site of the event; Lake Morena and to

>the
>PCTA.
>
>As someone stated a couple years ago, the ADZPCTKO is not necessary.  It 
>has
>been organized and put on thru the generosity of about 20+ organizers who
>contribute a huge amount of their personal time over the coarse of a year, 
>without
>ANY financial benefit, for the educational, inspirational and entertainment
>benefit of those who aspire to hike this incredible resource.  We do this
>because it is fun to see the camaraderie come together and . . .  as Ned 
>Tibbits
>(PCT '73) said (with a tear in his eye) upon seeing and talking to so many 
>who
>had hiked the trail before, "Greg, this is just, just unbelievable.  Since 
>1973
>when I hiked the trail I have only encountered perhaps 2 or 3 other people
>who understood what I and you understand.  You and the organizers have 
>created
>this event where an aspiring hiker can meet 250 to 300 good people all of 
>whom
>completely understand the passions and love."
>
>You may choose to see ill intent or miss-focused efforts in all of this, 
>but
>then you would miss the true, honest intent.  The PCTA FULLY supports the
>ADZPCTKO and feels that it is such a great event that virtually all of the
>original organizers have been singled out by the organization and given 
>awards for
>"giving back to the trail".  Not all contributions of time, effort and 
>money to
>the trail actually go into the soil and land and maintenance, but also the
>people, the passions and community.
>
>Perhaps you should attend just once so that you may experience this unique
>feeling and understand just what and why this event continues to grow and 
>thrive.
>
>Best regards,
>
>Greg Hummel
>
>In a message dated 1/29/2006 2:50:15 PM Central Standard Time,
>PCT@DelNorteResort.Com writes:
>JoAnn, maybe we could get an answer from the organizers on this one?
>
>Do the ADZPCTKOP organizers encourage donations for the funding of the 
>party
>or would they rather see those donations go to the PCTA for maintaining the
>trail?
>
>It seems that PCT hikers and the ADZPCTKOP are dependent on the trail for
>their existence.
>
>Scott Parks
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