Re: [Paddlewise] stormproof tents - opinion and story

In a message dated 7/28/2002 10:19:02 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
rbrub_at_earthlink.net writes:


> It also sets up easily and quickly assuming you are camping on
> a stakeable surface.  
> 

In sand I stake it down with former salsa or sour cream cups and have never 
had a problem. Just poke a hole in the bottom of the cup, run a length of 
parachute cord through the hole and tie it to the tent. You might also buy a 
1 ounce sand anchor for each of the 6 tie points.When in rocky ground I do 
what every one else does and use dead men for the staking. Freestanding or 
not, I would never not stake a tent. That is, unless one wants to be 50 miles 
into a trip and suddenly not with shelter.

> Unfortunately what I don't care for is that the screening is always
> open, although the fly covers it from straight down rain wind goes right
> through it with no practical method of stopping it.  I do most of my
> adventures during the Fall season and I ADMIT that I should have known
> better and not gotten such an open tent which is more suited for summer
> only use.  

I use it spring, summer and fall. I have had 45 knot winds laden with rain 
hammer at me for 2 straight days and I stayed dry. The netting does preclude 
its use in winter, however, this is not a big deal. I make sure the fly is 
tight to the body and do not have the problems you are reporting.


> 
> Along with the wind going through, I have also found myself and sleeping
> bag getting wet (or perhaps only damp) from wind blown rain in moderate
> storms.

Do you seam seal the seams in the tent?I have had a few trickles come in, 
though they were short lived. I spent an hour at home seam treating it and 
the wetness of the pacific northwest has yet to come back in.

Good luck,

Rob G
> 
> 


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