Re: [Paddlewise] Free Standing?

Sandy gave the pros of "free standing," so I'll give the other
viewpoint.

I have two tents, one is free-standing and the other is not. The
free-standing tent also weighs more and is always left at home if only
one tent is needed on a trip. As for the specific supposed negatives of
the non-freestanding tents:

1) Yes they're a little harder to move after you set them up, but I've
found it to be just as easy to check for rocks and stumps before
pitching the tent as to do so afterwards.  I always stake down the
free-standing tent anyway for protection from winds so it's no easier to
move later than my other tent.

2) Cleaning my non-free-standing tent is done by turning it inside out
and shaking once - very quick and easy when taking down camp.

3) I've set up my non-free-standing tent in several places where I
couldn't drive stakes (incl. on wood platforms) without any difficulty. 
Just tie a couple pieces of rope to something suitable.  For both tents,
the main problem in these situations has not been how to have the tent
keep its shape but rather how to keep it from blowing over in a strong
wind with no stakes to anchor it.

I suggest you check out lots of tents and see which features you find
the most appealing.  Also check the size and weight of the packed tents
- some can be hard to stow.
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