Re: [Paddlewise] Wing helters

Bob Denton wrote:
> 
> One of the paddlers on last weeks overnight trip to Ten Thousand Islands had
> a wing shelter. It was worth it's weight in gold around noon, when the sun
> was at it's hottest. It was almost cool underneath. It was the first thing
> up and the last to be packed, and provided all the paddlers with sun shelter
> during our stay on Picnic Key.
> 
> I've seen catalogs with the Moss, REI and Walrus shelters. Prices vary from
> $49 to $199 for what seems like the identical shelter. In addition, there
> seems to be a variety of poles available. Some are steel and others are
> aluminum, both shock corded and telescoping.
> 
> This shelter seems like the ideal accessory, even for a day paddle, for a
> more refreshing lunch break.
> 
> What are the groups experience with wing shelters?
> 
> The other items I found were a must have are some form or roll up table and
> comfortable chairs all which have to be light weight and able to fit through
> a small Valley hatch.
> 
> cya

I have used various such wing shelters and tarps including one of the
Moss ones that comes with no poles.  But not for day trips as I am not
in any situation with unbearable sun beating down as you may have down
your way.

The most versatile and cheapest I have found and used is the Annex Fly
made by Eureka to fit on various models of its tents but it can be made
to stand alone.  In camping, I use it as a stand alone shelter for
hanging out under in drizzle and even on clear days and nights.  A tarp
such as this takes some of the chill off of the night air as it retards
the heat radiating off your body.  It always surprises me how much
warmer it is under a tarp or wing shelter in the evening than
immediately outside it.  The Annex costs just $39.99 at Campmor, has 58
sq ft of coverage.  It comes with one pole, tiedown lines, and bag; it
weighs less than 2 pounds.  You can usually find things to tie the back
end off on or if not, use a paddle or half paddle.  If you use a paddle,
of course, put something down where it contacts the earth to reduce wear
on the blade or shaft end, whichever is in contact to the ground.  I use
a piece of hypalon from an old repair kit.  It is really only for one
person.  One of the other numerous wing shelters like those mentioned by
Bob will accomodate more individuals.

ralph diaz
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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