[pct-l] Single Wall Tents

[jerrygoller at backpackgeartest.org (Jerry Goller)]

Almost all of my winter tents are single walled. One is ToddTex (Gore-Tex),
one is eVENT, and two are Epic.

The only double walled winter tent I have is an MSR SuperFusion 3

The Bibler Fitzroy is ToddTex and is pretty much bomb proof. It is very
breathable. The Bibler I Tent I have is an eVENT prototype that never went
into production. eVENT stopped supplying the fabric for tents before Bibler
could use it. This tent is amazing. *Very* little condensation under any
circumstances I've had it in.

The Black Diamond Firstlight and Skylight I have are both made out of Epic.
It isn't as breathable nor as waterproof as Gore-Tex or eVENT but it is
lighter by quite a bit. As I only use these tents in winter (primarily) or
bug protection (Skylight, for when my wife goes), liquid water just isn't a
problem.

I have tested Epic tents quite a bit and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to
by in a sustained downpour in one.....

But they seem to do fine in winter....so far.

Jerry

http://www.BackpackGearTest.org : the most comprehensive interactive gear
reviews and tests on the planet.


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of David Frederck
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 11:39 AM
To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Single Wall Tents

I had an Early Winters Gortex tent which lasted for over twenty-five years.
It was in many downpours and never leaked or became saturated. I never had
condensation problems, either. The only reason I had to "retire" the tent
was that the seams began to leak, and the old, cracked, brittle seam sealer
blocks the possiblity of resealing.  BTW, I occasionally see (last summer
near Palisades) one of these tents still in use!
  Shortly after these tents were made, California "banned" them; tents sold
in  California had to be "flameproof". Without the huge California Market
Winters stopped selling these tents. 
I would like a new, very light tent. Single wall is appealing for simplicity
& ease of set up. I keep hearing that EPIC is great in a light rain, but
after several hours gets soaked. I've been in storms in the Sierra that
lasted for three to five days. This would be the main time one needs a tent,
so I don't see that a tent that soaks through is very useful. 
I'd like to hear from more people who have used single wall tents. Thanks.

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