Re: [Paddlewise] Hit by a Waterspout in the Everglades!!! - Tent test

Rick,
the basic premise of your tent stakes is correct - however, much depends on
the soil on which you erect the tent.  EG - on rocky beaches/sand; use a
deadman.  To do this, you dig a small whole, anchor the tent lashings with a
guy rope (or equivalent), attach these to a large rock/stick, then bury same
in the whole.  Fill the whole back up, and add weight on top of the deadman.
This becomes a bombproof anchor.  For rocky beaches, I attach a guy line to
a medium size rock, and then cover it with more of the same.  In snow, I use
the same principle, but use ski poles, snow flukes/stakes or even skiis as
the deadman.  My tent has withstood 100+mph winds doing this.
Next, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS use guy ropes.  This is because "...I didn't
anticipate..." - you never can.  It may take a few extra minutes, but if a
howling wind creeps up at night, you aren't trying to claw your way to the
opening to get out of a windblown tent.
Next, get good tent stakes.  I prefer the stakes REI carries which are made
of T7079 aluminum - there are several manufacturer's of these, and they are
about $1-1.50 each.  They are practically indestructible, and can be used in
many soils (except snow,sand or rock) :)
Biggest plus is they are very lightweight.

Sierra Designs makes something called a 'cliplok' - which attaches to the
material of your tent, and becomes additional guy points if you need them -
I always carry at least two.

Last, when you think your tent is taut, it isn't - tighten it more.  Here is
where a good quality tent is priceless, as you can really really cinch them
down tight - I'm talking the old 'bounce a quarter off it" tight.

I am happy to share any insight and/or thoughts on tents, and hope this
really helps.

One more thought on tent stakes...attache the guy line as close to the top
of the stake, and then push it below ground level, try not to leave any of
it sticking out.

BTW, did I mention ALWAYS use guy ropes??
Scott Simpson
Anchorage Alaska

"There is always one more thing you can do to influence any situation"
Lt. Gen Harold Moore, USA (Ret)

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