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

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002 13:15:10 -0500
From: "Elias Ross" <op_elias_ross_at_yahoo.com>

> I think there are a lot of excellent, cheap alternatives one should always
> consider.  No one mentioned REI, Coleman, Kelty, or Eureka! (who makes
> tents for the military.)  Maybe no one wanted to appear cheap in front of
> peers.

I wouldn't call them cheap, but rather mid-priced.  You are correct that
some of the products from those companies are good.  I didn't refer to
any of them because the are not known for mountaineering-type tents,
but rather for a broad range of tents.  I'd have to mention specific
models from those brands to make the same point.

Cheap tents are those sold in department, hardware and sports stores (by
sports stores, I mean the type that specialize in equipment for football,
baseball, golf etc as opposed to the REI, EMS and outdoor specialty
shops).   Cheap tents make me cringe, with incomplete flies, poor 
waterproofing and details that are notable for their abscense.

Some really good buys are from the REI, EMS and MEC type stores.  I only
know MEC well and they have tents made in conjunction with Moss as well
as internally developed tents that rival the top companies.  The prices
are often as good or better than the high end competition.

Like anything else, it pays to find out what you need, learn what's out
there and shop around.

Mike
PS - Our stable includes TNF Exp 25, Eureka Timberline, Eureka Alpine 
Meadows, MEC Quail and once a $10 garage-sale Moss that Amie gave
away (?!?!?). 
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Received on Fri Mar 08 2002 - 11:28:44 PST

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