I'm getting some great front and back channel help with my mad dash to get a tent. THANKS! In the comparisons and descriptive literature, I'm seeing "free standing" and "not free standing". In a word... huh? Would someone mind educating me on what that means and what are the benefits/disadvantages of each? Thanks again. Rick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Rick, Free standing or not free standing indicates whether or not the tent MUST be staked. However, my experience has been that if it is a free standing tent, you had better put something heavy in it to keep it from blowing away. They can usually be staked down too and I'll do that if I am going to spend more than 1 nite at that location. Hope this helps. Steve Rick said In the comparisons and descriptive literature, I'm seeing "free standing" and "not free standing". In a word... huh? Would someone mind educating me on what that means and what are the benefits/disadvantages of each? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
IMO, you definitely want free standing. A dome is invariably free standing..you can pick it up and move it somewhere else, turn it upside down to shake out the leaves, and you don't have to worry about whether you're perched on a rock or coral rock as in the Keys. You've got to have free-standing if you intend to use one of the chickees in the Everglades - they are above-water wooden platforms. Hooped tents are frequently not FS, they're usually lighter but they're a PIA. You have to make sure they're properly staked out so the tent is taut. Rick, buying tents is sooooooo much fun....don't rush too much. You've got time. Two-pole domes are easier to set up, but a three-pole dome will offer better wind resistance. I just checked sierratradingpost but they only have the higher priced tents on their site right now. sandy kramer *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On the subject of tents I've noticed in some of the current issues of Seakayaker a floor less tipi style tent being advertised by Kifaru ( http://www.kifaru.net/TIPI.HTM ) . It is of the free standing type design. I sent them an email asking if folks were really using this type of tent for kayaking and was told that they had placed the advert in SK at the urging of kayaker people who did in fact use them and had recommended that they advertise in SK. Anyone used one of these tents? If yes. Any comments on its use? Thanks, David *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Free standing tents require no pegs in the ground to hold the structure apart for erecting purposes. A non freestanding tent requires firm staking with the ground to spread the structure apart, keeping the tent geometry erect. If you are on a florida chickee a free standing is required as no nails or modification to the platform can be made to the chickee. This is a bit of a misnomer as the non free standing tents can be (painstakingly) tied down on the chickee in case the tent isn't free standing. It is said that freestanding tents are better. I don't believe that to be true. The lightest tents, other than teepee styles, are usually non freestanding. If weight and packability are a priority (inevitably they will become one) non freestanding are the way to go. Freestanding tents are great because you can lift them up and empty them out to clean them of the dirt and stuff that gets tracked in. Beaches and chickees for the average person usually make a freestanding tent a better choice, because sand is hard to keep a tent tight and not flapping in the wind or drooping inward. 4 handkerchiefs each tied to an 18" length of parachute cord make great sand anchors for either tent style. It has been observed by many that those on the windy beach with freestanding tents run more than those with non freestanding. Reason: either they don't tie them down and the wind takes them; or, they use their water bags to weight the corners down to which every island critter in the neighborhood wants a drink out of. Randall Washburne once wrote, "Cuteness is the sole virtue of the ubiquitous racoon." How true. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
None of the park literature says not to. The platforms are peeeerrrrrrffffect for a hennessey. The platforms are 12x 12, though some are larger. Check out www.wildernesswaterway.com for some everglades chickee shots. The guy did a great job on the web site. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Just thought I'd throw my hat into the fray. It's not freestanding - but almost. A great and very strange tent is the Marmot Area 51. This baby is *huge* and has one, count 'em, one pole to support that 51 sq(4.7m). feet of space. This is also a single wall tent that is really light for its size. something like 5lbs (2.26kilos). It also goes up in about four seconds. You do have to tie or stake it to something but it is semi-free standing. I picked mine up on REI Outlet for $89US. They have them on REI right now for $159, but you may be able to find them somewhere cheaper. It's a Marmot, so great detailing and a quality tent. Though a single wall, I haven't had any probs with condensation yet. We'll see. http://www.marmot.com/products/tents/tent_prod_3sea_a51.html Remember, you can never have too many [tents, boats, sleeping bags, boots, hemlets...] -Patrick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
The Tipi looks like fun, but I recently used a German floorless tent and did not like it one bit...apart from the Floridian creepy crawlies that might like to join us. check out the Penta Tarp, look similar to the small Tipi...can be held up with a paddle. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Gypsykayak_at_aol.com wrote: > The Tipi looks like fun, but I recently used a German floorless tent and did not like it one bit...apart from the Floridian creepy crawlies that might like to join us. > > check out the Penta Tarp, look similar to the small Tipi...can be held up with a paddle. Thanks for the tip on the Snowpeak Penta Tarp. I see it is a new product, listed as available Jan 2002. It is an interesting looking tarp.( snowpeak also has some other interesting looking cooking gear and tent accessories) But it falls short of my definition of a tent. I would think of the Penta tarp as more in line to be compared to or used for the same functions as the Kelty Noah's tarp or the Dana Designs HATtarp or the Kifaru Paratarp or any of the Moss or Walrus wings. All useful sounding products. One of which I will get some day. I think the Dana Designs Nuk Tuk or the Moss Superfly IV would be more comparable to the Kifaru 4 man tipi. Less the ability to have an inside stove. I am not sure if the Nuk Tuk or the Superfly have built in floors ( I think the superfly has an optional buckle in floor) which would keep out the "creepy crawlies". Which is of some concern with a floor less design if used in the wrong environment. Many of the use reports on the Kifaru page seem to be in either cold areas or desert, which I suppose has it own types of critters which move about on more than four legs or tiny wings or slithers across the ground when not sleeping away the colder weather months. Anyway thus far it seems that no one on the list has direct experience with the Kifaru tipi. However the guy at Kifaru claims to have sold several to the kayaker types , several in Europe and more of the ultralite model than the standard. The ultralite packs slightly smaller than the standard model. Regards, David *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
<<Remember, you can never have too many [tents, boats, sleeping bags, boots, hemlets...] -Patrick>>> MY KIND OF MAN...R U AVAILABLE?? :) actually, you're in Holland now, aren't you? how's that going? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
<<<You do have to tie or stake it to something but it is semi-free standing.>> huh?? that sounds like being "a little bit pregnant." << http://www.marmot.com/products/tents/tent_prod_3sea_a51.html very interesting, but i couldn't find other photos, just written specs....it does have a floor, doesn't it? Is it an inner tent with a separate fly or some sort of hybrid? it looks as if there is a wall and floor inner tent. sandy *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Gypsykayak_at_aol.com wrote: > <<<You do have to tie or stake it to something but it is semi-free standing.>> > > huh?? that sounds like being "a little bit pregnant." > > << http://www.marmot.com/products/tents/tent_prod_3sea_a51.html > > very interesting, but i couldn't find other photos, just written specs....it does have a floor, doesn't it? > > Is it an inner tent with a separate fly or some sort of hybrid? it looks as if there is a wall and floor inner tent. More complete description of the Marmot Area 51 tent can be seen at these two web sites: http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/tentdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__productID=MA8052 It says it has a "bath tub floor" or here http://www.gorp.com/gorp/gear/features/buy_tent3.htm BTW- it certainly pays to shop around. Doing a google search on the Area 51 I found the sale price from $600 to $160. With the majority in the $180-200 range. David *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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