Re: [Paddlewise] Tents Vs. Tarps

I've heard quite a bit about ventilation problems with single-wall 
tents. *Supposedly*, Marmot has this figured out slightly better than 
most as it is vented all the way around the bottom and has an 
integrated vestibule while the door is all mesh. There are also two 
top window/vents with these clever poles that you can prop them open 
with. I am curious to see how it performs. I was in the market for a 
light tent to "add to the collection" and with my rebate it was  only 
around US$80, so if it's utter crap, I didn't waste $300 on a 
bomb-proof mountaineering tent.

Of course I'll report back to Paddlewise with my findings, at least 
as soon as we have un-frozen ground here.  \


-Patrick

At 8:54 PM -0600 2/26/01, Will Jennings wrote:
>The Marmot Area 51, as well as other pyramid/cone shaped tarps are
>well suited for particular environments. As with many single-walled
>tents and bivy sack/tents, ventilation becomes problematic in humid,
>buggy, low-altitude environs.  Some offer optional snap-in floors.
>
>I like the parawing type tarps better for reasons of ventilation and
>wind shedding characteristics.  In buggy areas and/or buggy seasons,
>I'd much prefer to have a tent that can ventilate extremely well AND
>cinch down in the event of an acute or chronic storm situation.
>Given the roomy, high-venting, light and low bulk options available
>in many tents, I'm just not sure what the allure is to the 'tarp only'
>line of thought.  I usually bring a tarp anyway for cooking or
>lounging shelter.
>
>-wjj
>
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