Types of shelter
http://andrewskurka.com/2015/backpacking-shelter-types-pros-cons-sd-live/
"n last month’s SD LIVE event, I discussed the pros and cons of common backpacking shelters — specifically double-wall tents, single-wall tents, tarp systems, bivy sacks, and hammocks. My presentation was a relatively unbiased assessment of the available options, and also intentionally brand- and product-neutral. While I definitely prefer some shelter types over others (refer to my gear lists or The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide), my preferences may not be appropriate for backpackers who encounter different environmental conditions and/or who have a different objective in their outings.
This broadcast was part of a double-header. Later in the afternoon, Michael Glavin, the Brand Manager of Sierra Designs, reviewed the 2015 shelters, including the innovative Tentsegrity line of single-wall tents"
91 comments
Tarping in the north island can be pleasant. Tarping in the SI takes a special type of person - one resistant to sandflies ... which I am not. Never, ever again.
On that subject - beware aussie and other foreign tents which have large mesh sizes and let the biting blighters in. European tents are generally ok as they are designed to keep out midges which are even smaller.
I'd go for a lightweight, 1-man tent. I've carried a 1kg tent around for the last 10 years and only pitched it on maybe 5% or trips, but for the security it gives I'd not leave it behind. They no longer make it, so no point recommending the model.
Cheers Mad. That was the direction my train of thought was heading. I know yours is discontinued, but is there a few brands you'd recommend?
At the very least, should I look out for a particular name of mesh?
Flying blind on this one.....
I'm thinking going super light with the cuben, but no point getting an expensive tent if doesn't keep the little buggers out! :/
The Mont-bells are light and have an inner that's not mesh. There's an Auzzie tent range called Mont: http://www.mont.com.au/moondance-1-tent-mystic-blue#customer-reviews
that comes with a partial inner mesh but as you know, Australia is riddled with flying critters so I'll bet it works. Marcus Milne who did a S.I. traverse recommended it to me and my brother went out and bought one. Specs for the inner are: partial 40d ripstop nylon and No-See-Um mesh, inner tent provides excellent ventilation. It weighs 1.6kg.
zpacks owner did the TA with one of his tent shelters
For sandflies you need a mesh size of 20x20 "no-see-um mesh" or better (eg 24x24). Not sure what the numbers mean (holes per inch maybe?)... but bigger numbers mean smaller holes. 16x16 is no good as it lets em in. Both my own aussie bought tent and the missus' aussie tent had larger mesh sizes than this and wete completely porus to sandflies.
@honara - yes: aus full of flying biting things, but they must all be bigger than sandflies! Guess they're more interested in ventilation than us.
Tarptents are rated to keep out No See Um's
http://www.tarptent.com/faq.html
I'm considering a bivy. Either OR's Alpine Bivy, or Vaude's Bivy 1. I was looking at the tents made of cuben, but they take time to put up.
I want to be able to stop, chuck something out, and get in it.
Bivy seems to be the best thing for that. :)
This may also be worth a look (excellent price right now):
http://www.outdooraction.co.nz/wild-country-zephyros-1-tent.html
I have one and it's a great little tent. Enough room to cook under cover and keep your gear dry, nice and stable, easy to pitch (after a few practice runs). I'm 5'11" and it's one of the few 1 person tents I tried that didn't have my feet and/or head touching the ends. It's marketed at 3 season but is probably more of a 4 season tent for NZ conditions (with a decent fart sack of course).
A couple of minutes once you get the hang of it - feed the pole through the centre hoop, stake the middle, stake either end, stake everything else, faff around with tension for a bit. The pegs supplied are crap, I upgraded to a sturdier version.
The inner is fixed to the fly (removable if required) so it all goes up at once - also means you can put it up in the rain without getting the inner wet. The more I use mine the more I like it - just a good design (from the makers of TerraNova gear, so that's not surprising).
I was also considering a bivvy bag, but I like a bit of dry space around me if it's raining.
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| Started by | waynowski |
| On | 4 March 2015 |
| Replies | 90 |
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