New Tent Suggestions...

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Thanks Peter

I just left that guy a PM. We'll see what comes of it.

Cynhikr · Joined: 09 Jan 2003 Posts: 1197 Location: Tempe, AZ.

One more possibility.... (if the C-lands doesn't pan out)

http://www.northernmountain.com/NMSMain.asp?Option=Detail&ID=Ultra+Flash&Dept=TN&Cat=TN0&SubCat=TN02&Detail=Yes
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maryphyl · Posted: 2/19/2004, 6:09 pm Post subject:

I sure like freestanding tents. I don't know if they make one for a single.
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MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

just a reminder, according to Backpacker magazine's gear testers, the overall best 2 man tent was the Big Agnes Madhouse. The overall best solo tent was Big Agnes Seedhouse SL.

The North Face, like many large companies who have a foot in every corner of the market does make a couple of good tent designs, however it is my belief that most of their gear is "fashion before function". Just an opinion.
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bridge hammock, quilts and tarp (all DIY)

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MikeInFHAZ · Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Posts: 1401 Location: location location

Alps Mountaineering tents are bomber. Although I cannot see the use for a single wall tent unless hiking Humphreys in the winter. You'll have to let us know how you like it, and dont forget seam sealer!! Cool

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http://www.arizonahikers.com/board/albums/albwb18/BRIDGE.sized.jpg
bridge hammock, quilts and tarp (all DIY)

what i do

pfredricks · Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 347 Location: Peoria, AZ

hey tom -
that canyonlands isnt free standing which COULD make it a huge PAIN IN THE BUTT, and I am not positive it has the footprint/rainfly option on that one-

While north face may be fashion over function
remember this:
"It's better to look good, then to feel good."
I like my northface well enough.

Here are some suggestions.
1. make sure that the zippers BOTH open away from the wind-(same direction)
2. I like tents with the "fly only" option- cuts lots of weight
3. continuous pole pockets are worth the weight-IMHO (easy pole threading)
4. What about a betamid?
5. Dont get a tent that's too small to have the lightest tent around-It will just tick you off in the long run.
6. get a tent with YKK zippers
7. make sure the zipper wind flaps dont easily jam in the zipper
8.There's lots of good tents these days, not just one good one

-i AM SURE THERE'S SOME STUFF THAT i FORGOT
HOPE THAT GETS YOU STARTED
-PETE

Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Thanks for the info guys. I stated earlier in the thread that this will not be my only tent for backpack use. I also have a 2 man Apex that works quite well. It's a free-stander with two doors. I just want to shave a little weight and have something for solo jaunts.

I don't like the bivvy style tents much. The Canyonlands is almost full mesh with a complete fly and matching footprint. It can also do the fly/tarp only thing if I ever find the need. Advertised weight is around 3 1/2 lbs.

I have yet to see it pitched in real-life. That will be the moment of truth. Campmor has them onsale so I could pick up the tent AND the fly for the same price as everyone else wants for just the tent.

As an FYI Mike, that Alps 1AL was a real close second.

How are things going Pete? Keep them eyes in the back of your head open...

Shades

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

The Canyon Lands was my second choice.

maryphyl · Posted: 2/20/2004, 7:56 pm Post subject:

http://store.yahoo.com/fulfillmentadventures/msrhush.html
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Tom Treks · Gear Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 3347

Okay. Guess I should report back on my new tent purchase. I opted for the Canyonlands tent. I ordered the 2003 model and a matching footprint for it which came to the same price as the 2004 model alone from Campmor. I guess they didn't have the 2003 anymore and sent me a 2004 model for the sale price. That place is pretty awesome to deal with.

I took it on the Reavis Ranch weekend and was pretty impressed. Extremely lightweight including the footprint. It takes a bit of tweaking, being a single-pole design, to get the guylines snug enough. The interior is very roomy for one person, and has a decent sized vestibule. It held up quite well in the stiff breezes we encountered on Saturday. The airflow through the tent is very nice too. I'm sure you could squeeze 2 people in it without any problem.

Assembly took a bit of time, but the connection points are well made. The fly/tarp option would be a snap to put together. The vestibule door can be propped open with trek poles like a small awning if necessary.

Dislikes: The tent door, when unzipped, lays on the floor/ground. The vestibule door is kind of awkward to fasten out of the way when unzipped. The two 'windows' on the fly are positioned oddly.

Other than that, it's a great tent for the $149 that Campmor asks. The big test will be in heavy precipitation. I'll report back when that time comes.

Here is a pitched picture:

http://www.arizonahikers.com/forum/modules.php?set_albumName=albun96&id=ReavisRanch06&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php