> >They are still interested in car camping, but they want me to try to do > >something about the sun, rain and bugs. I wish I had that sort of power, > >but the best I can do is buy a canopy/shelter/gazebo type of thing with > >no-see-um mesh and removable sides for rain protection. It needs to be big > >enough to get a picnic table under. I've never even been under one, much > >less own one. To that end, before I start my research... actually, I > >suppose this "is" starting my research .... can anyone comment on the good > >vs.. the bad, features, brands, etc. Any and all info is much > >appreciated.< I haven't noticed mesh shelters to be particularly popular here in Pacific NW, but may be for FL or So Cal it makes sense. Here is a link to MEC Funhouse 8 (anf there is also Funhouse 6), a sort of hybrid of tent and gazebo: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8455244425 92385&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302702837&bmUID=1123388055978 I see only one drawback - no sun protection without the fly, and too much sun protection with the fly - so you'll need a tarp. It has huge windows on all 4 sides, and the fly covers windows only partially, yet this could be too much during a day in southern areas. The floor area is 3.65 * 3.65 m (12 * 12 ft) - I guess this is big enough for a picnic table. You wan't be able to walk normally inside it, since its peak height is 1.88 cm (6 ft+), so it will be about 160 cm (5'4") in the corners, where ceiling meets the walls. Funhouse 6 is slightly smaller, and still big enough for a picnic table. Prices are in CDN: USD 450 for Fun 8 and USD 325 for Fun 6. This is not too cheap, but this is a real tent, with a fly and mesh vestibule. Most gazebos don't even have a floor. MEC isn't an MSR or Sierra Designs, but not a no-name Walmart product either. I had some products by MEC, and they are quite decent. This is something like REI in Canada - has its own brand and sells other brands as well. May be you'll find something similar among top brands for the same price - MEC is not very cheap store. These long links often don't display properly on mail-lists, so dial http://www.mec.ca and then use your intelligence. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Aug 06 2005 - 21:53:24 PDT
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