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

[bharve at dslextreme.com (Bruce Harvey)]

Echoing Ron's comments regarding Epic fabric breathability:  I gladly
accepted a manufacturer's generous invitation to try an Epic fabric tent a
couple of nights.  My interest was in breathability, so I purposely  zipped
the vestibule panels together and snugged them down close to the ground.
Interior condensation on the morning was, subjectively, about the same as I
have come to expect in a silnylon tent that is fairly closed to air movement
through the tent.  I didn't continue the trial to a second night.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ronald Moak" <rmoak@sixmoondesigns.com>
To: "'Joseph Niemiec'" <whitethunder10@hotmail.com>; <Bighummel@aol.com>;
<PCT@DelNorteResort.Com>; <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Cc: <jomike@cot.net>
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 6:24 AM
Subject: RE: [pct-l] Shires? Moak? Frankle? Nextec Epic Vs. Endurance


> 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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