I'm really having a heck of a time trying to find a tarp/tent type shelter that will work for me. I hike and hunt the North Cascades in Washington. Whatever I gets need to be able to handle alot of tough weather.
I really like the Black Diamond tents but am worried about condensation. I am 6' 1" so length is also an issue.
I have looked on the web and can't find a length. I was planning on calling GoLite on Tues. It looks as though it will have the ventalation to help prevent condensation.
One problem that I see is the entry. Unless there is an attachable vestibule, the inside of the tent is exposed to weather when the door is opened. The other is the floorless idea. OK in total cold snow conditions; maybe a probem in melting snow and wet ground conditions.
Mntman, I second the idea of using a pre-made tent fly. You can get one at any REI scratch-n-dent sale and experiment till your hearts content...and it will only cost ya' around$30.00, not $275.00 ! Also, i am hearing the shelter has some quality control issues:
Below is a review of the Golite Utopia 2 from REI's website:
By KellyO Site Member from Pennsylvania on 4/10/2008 Pros: Easy to set up, Comfortable, Lightweight Cons: Flimsy Construction Best Uses: Backpacking Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend
I love the ultra-light weight, combined with roominess.However, the shelter didn't survive setting up. I received one last week, set it up in the back yard, and the pressure of the tent poles on the corner grommets tore the seam. So, the [...]sent me another. I set it up inside, and the corner fabric tore, again where the pole was putting pressure on the gromme
Wandering Daisy is KEERECT! That door design is plain "stoopid". Years ago I owned a Jansport dome (wedge) like that and hated it when it rained or snowed.
It went to a Boy Scout troop. (That'll learn 'em not to sleep in those kind of tents when it rains.)
Eric
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"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."
Also I don't think you can close the vents on the side which leaves it wide open for spindrift. If you really want a tarp tent you may want to look at Outdoor Research Night Haven or MSR's Twin Sisters. I think Ive read that the Night Haven has more room.
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My gear is no where near lightweight
I think the side vents are held open by guylines. Having said that, I wonder if they can't be closed by just omitting the guylines? Someone find out and post <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Agree. Seems that you would be as well off by taking a cheap dome tent and wacking the floor out of it. New $49 Wal mart. A waste of $49. Just cause some company has a good idea doesn't make it good.
I think the side vents are held open by guylines. Having said that, I wonder if they can't be closed by just omitting the guylines? Someone find out and post <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> and if a big gust of wind comes you should be able to see the stars since your tent will be on its side.
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My gear is no where near lightweight
Registered: 04/23/08
Posts: 260
Loc: jersey city NJ
People sometimes worry more than is warranted about condensation in coated tents.
It's not generally a problem at all, and only noticable in very cool and humid weather, when probably any tent will have condensation. Floorless designs permit drainage of condensed moisture, (and god forbid, leaks and spills and melting snowballs) rather than build-up and puddling on coated floors.
The issue is mitigated by using bivvy cover, as many do with tarp tents. The bivvy cover also addresses concern about possible drainage of rain water into tent, although this is best addressed through site selection.
The Black Diamond Mega and Beta Mid and various similar tents made by GoLite MSR and many others are fine for Cascades weather and are used there very frequently in all seasons.
If you like free-standing tents then by all means get one, but they aren't necessarily more stable or better in any way than non-free-standing tents.
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