[Paddlewise] stormproof tents - opinion and story

I just sent this note to someone else and I thought it might be of
interist to others on the list.  I edited it a bit.

.... I was looking at some old Paddlewise
submissions on tents and tent stories.  Granted that was
several years ago however just in case someone is looking for opinions
and a good story of tents in wind stroms..............,    I used
to have a Moss Stardome II.  I got it lightly used directly from Moss
for a project I was doing in the arctic in '91 and boy oh boy was that
one strong tent.  I lived in it non stop for about 3 or 4 months
probably with heavy solar radiation, the fist year then probably about
30 or 50 days a year after that for many years.  It stood up to some
pretty intense winds as if it were a calm day outside.  Literally no
flapping or deformation of the tent and structure.  It demise was less
than fitting for such a fine tent... a couple years ago I packed it away
wet for a few days (don't ask why) and it started to mildew.  Despite
trying all sorts of things I never could get the nasty smell out of it
so I gave it away to an outdoor gear store to pass along to some poor
soul that needed something for free.   Unfortunately Moss quality droped
severly several years ago after they were bought out and manufactured
overseas.  I have heard they are once again producing some good stuff
but how good I just dont know.  

Personally if I were in the market for a good 4 season tent I think I
would get a Trango II or 3.1 by Mountain Hardware.  I think the Moss in
91 went for about $500 + but the Trango is currently $450-$550.

Now I have a huge Eureka Alpine Meadows [4 person]  that I never
expected to do very
well but it fit my needs a few years ago.  It has actually impressed me
on one occasion when canoeing in Wisconsin with a group of others. 
Camped on a sandbar we were hit by what authorities stated were 85-95
mph winds and nearby tornados.  Knowing something was brewing I guyed it
out to 'deadman' and lots of sand stakes like my life depended on it. 
Within a few minutes of the storm, most of the tents nearby were
either flattened or flew away while mine held tight.  Then again I had
5 people (seeking shelter) inside leaning up against the poles to add
some support.  Don't know what would have happened with out their weight
and internal structural support but it all came out well with only a
minor bend in the ridge pole.  

I also have a little Sierra Designs ClipFlashlight CD that I don't care
for much.  Can't really think of much good to say of it.  I am thinking
of modifying it to make it more suitable for three season use by sewing
on tie down flaps over the mosquito netting.  

Bob
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