Tent advice
Michael C.
I'm after your opinions on this tent:
http://www.wellingtonsurplus.com.au/showProduct/TENTS/2-3+PERSON+DOME+TENTS/ET0051
I can't find much info on it anywhere, but it is reasonably lightweight
and the right price for my budget!
I am worried that it doesn't have a vestibule for my pack/boots/cooking
in foul weather. Should this concern me?
This will be my first bushwalking tent, and I will be the only one in it
most of the time (but thought I'd better get a 2 person for the missus
when/if she wants to tag along).
All your advice is much appreciated!
Cheers,
Mick
Roger Caffin
>
http://www.wellingtonsurplus.com.au/showProduct/TENTS/2-3+PERSON+DOME+TENTS/ET0051
pouring rain. Flooded ground sheet imho. And does it have much ventilation?
Only if the door is wide open, letting rain in? Check carefully.
> I am worried that it doesn't have a vestibule for my pack/boots/cooking
> in foul weather. Should this concern me?
It would concern me - LOTS.
> I can't find much info on it anywhere, but it is reasonably lightweight
> and the right price for my budget!
Price: you get what you pay for.
Check out the Shelter section in the FAQ.
Cheers
Roger Caffin
www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/
just us
single walled and looks like it has 2 poles. We swear by our little Cycle 2L
from Great outdoors - it is not the flashest looking tent, costs under $200
has 2 entries. It has been all over far north qld in all weathers, and also
in Canada with some snow and sleet (was blardy cold but good bags) It is 7
yrs old, our first one lasted about 8 yrs.
I wouldnt buy that tent you are looking at - get a vestible.
>
Michael C.
> Check out the Shelter section in the FAQ.
Thanks Roger for your reply - I hadn't thought about the ventilation issue.
What about this one then?
http://www.tents-direct.co.uk/show_tent.php?productid=732#details
It is $499 and I can get it at the moment at half price, so $250.
Or can you recommend others in this price range ($150 - $300)?
Cheers,
Mick
Michael C.
> I wouldnt buy that tent you are looking at - get a vestible.
Thanks for the advice! :) I will checkout the Cycle 2L.
Cheers,
Mick
Andrew McKenna
will discover how important this is when the 'missus' does tag along and
you hit foul weather. At 1.55m wide the tent will allow your packs /
boots / cooking gear to float in the middle of the lake that will
inevitably form on the groundsheet as you try to get into the tent. It
won't matter that all this stuff is in the middle because the two of you
won't be on speaking terms by then.
--
Cheers
Andrew
Michael C.
... because the two of you won't be on speaking terms by then.
LOL - Thanks for the tip Andrew!
What about this one then?
http://www.tents-direct.co.uk/show_tent.php?productid=732#details
It is $499 and I can get it at the moment at half price, so $250.
Or can you recommend others in this price range ($150 - $300)?
I have looked at the Cycle 2L, but it is 500 grams heavier.
The 'Backpacker' (see link below) looks similar, but lighter than the
Cycle 2L.
http://www.grangerscampingworld.com.au/default.htm
What do you all reckon?
I am leaning towards the Fairydown Ignition, however it only has one
door (but it does mention that it has "an integrated window and vent
system"). Should I be worried about ventilation in a tent with only one
door?
Cheers,
Mick
Tom Hulse
> (but it does mention that it has "an integrated window and vent system").
> Should I be worried about ventilation in a tent with only one door?
Mick, There is no one correct answer to your question; even experienced
throughwalkers will disagree about which is best - they all have their
favourites. Usually their choice is between the more expensive tents - MSR,
WE etc; few have knowledge or an opinion of the huge and forever changing
range of cheaper tents.
Your best plan would be to read Roger's excellent tent pages
http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/FAQ_Shelter.htm#Tents
where he writes in detail about desirable tent features. There's lots of
them and often the provision of one desirable means the lack of another
desirable. In the end the choice can only be yours.
(and if it was me I would put ventilation high on the list...but then I'm in
SE Queensland....and we don't have much experience of foul weather....!)
Best of luck
Tom
just us
dry, along came Cyclone Larry with weeks and weeks of rain and moisture.
When we went bush with them a few weeks ago the tent was all sticky! It had
totally lost its waterproofing, and it pretty well useless now. It seems
that although you pack a tent away dry in very high humidity areas this can
happen. I would have been sitting chips -
just us
know, bit heavy but a good little tent with a very fair price. I checked out
the Cycle 2 and you are right - the newer ones are a lot heavier than our
old one... sheesh just when you think you are on a winner they change things
:(
Michael C.
> (and if it was me I would put ventilation high on the list...but then I'm in
> SE Queensland....and we don't have much experience of foul weather....!)
> Best of luck
> Tom
Thanks Tom ... I'm also in SE Qld, and for what it's worth, this is
where my (yet to be purchased) tent will mostly be used - at least
initially.
Cheers,
Mick
figjam62
news:44c48af8$1...@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
Mick,
The Fairydown Ignition looks better than the EPE you were looking at.
That said, I just wish that some of these lighter 2 person tents were made integral
pitch.
I have a Eureka Bushwalker (obsolete) and a Eureka Gossamer (coffin tent), both are
integral pitch, and I love 'em in the rain.
Mick, start with the Bushwalker, it is just like the Cycle 2L, which I used for years
when I started multi day walks.
When I bought my first one they were about $70 !
Being full mesh inner and pitch inner first, you just need to wait for a bit of a
break if raining, or if really 'persisting' down, then you can learn to use the fly
creatively as a shelter while pitching (easier with 2 people).
Usually you will get a brief break in inclement weather . . . usually.
They do condensate a fair bit with the bell shape, and you need to be careful not to
press the mesh against the other fly when getting up in the morning.
I used my Bushwalker for the first time in ages last Fri / Sat up at Mt Remarkable
NP.
I'm a Megamid convert now.
Just read your last post Mick, go for the Bushwalker : )
Cheers,
Les
Roger Caffin
> Thanks Roger for your reply - I hadn't thought about the ventilation
issue.
Chuckle. You have now!
> What about this one then?
> http://www.tents-direct.co.uk/show_tent.php?productid=732#details
> It is $499 and I can get it at the moment at half price, so $250.
Now this one is interesting. You need to know some history here to
understand.
Fairydown was one of the premier alpine gear companies way back when,
founded by Arthur Ellis in NZ. However it slowly died in the last few years,
under the pressure of cheap crap from China. I think (!) it was bought out
by someone recently - certainly the web site no longer exists.
This appears to be a genuine Fairydown tent - the logo looks right. The
price is !extremely! good. But I am sure the tent was made a few years ago -
storage problems can happen. Provided the fabric is still OK - dry, not
perished, then it would be an excellent bargain, and good for all 3 season
stuff. You need to cover yourself on the state of the fabric.
Yes, as someone noted, it has only one door. But if you look carefully at
the pics, you will see an air gap right around the bottom of the fly. The
air will come in here and exit at the vent at the top of the door. Annd it
is a storm-worthy tunnel design (but not a snow tent).
Why is it so cheap? Because they are clearing out old stock. End of run - no
more available.
> Or can you recommend others in this price range ($150 - $300)?
Frankly, this one is so far ahead of the Chinese tents in the same price
range that it is ridiculous.
Cheers
Roger Caffin
Michael C.
> Mick,
> The Fairydown Ignition looks better than the EPE you were looking at.
>
> That said, I just wish that some of these lighter 2 person tents were made integral
> pitch.
Sorry for my ignorance ... but, what is integral pitch?
> Just read your last post Mick, go for the Bushwalker : )
Is the Fairydown no good then? It seems to me as though it is bigger AND
lighter, which I like, although it's also more expensive.
Cheers,
Mick
figjam62
http://tinyurl.com/nmw62
Integral pitch.Found quite a few integrals, but usually either too much cost or
weight.
figjam62
Integral pitch.
Usually you can pitch fly only, fly and inner together, SOMETIMES inner only as well.
figjam62
> Is the Fairydown no good then? It seems to me as though it is bigger AND lighter,
> which I like, although it's also more expensive.
>
No, it's likely a bargain, just it is in the UK.
It's gonna cost to get it here, always risk of poor condition (it must be old stock)
and it might not ever make it is another concern.
Roger Caffin
> founded by Arthur Ellis in NZ. However it slowly died in the last few
years,
> under the pressure of cheap crap from China. I think (!) it was bought out
> by someone recently - certainly the web site no longer exists.
Cheers
Roger Caffin
Michael C.
> Why is it so cheap? Because they are clearing out old stock. End of run - no
> more available.
>
>> Or can you recommend others in this price range ($150 - $300)?
> Frankly, this one is so far ahead of the Chinese tents in the same price
> range that it is ridiculous.
It is on sale at Anaconda here in Brisbane - a fairly new and LARGE
outdoors store. They have 50% off all Fairydown gear - bags, tents,
packs, etc. However, I put the last Ignition they had in stock on hold
yesterday and am thinking now that I will go ahead and purchase it
tomorrow.
I will check the warranty and the condition of the material before I do
though!
I also got myself a Fairydown 48L 'Approach' backpack yesterday for $100
(after 50% off). It feels comfortable with a bit of weight in it, so
when I get the tent (and a new set of cooking pots) I will be set to go
on my first overnighter! We are thinking of heading out for a quick one
from Brissie on Friday after work! *can't wait*
Cheers for all the advice,
Mick
Michael C.
> No, it's likely a bargain, just it is in the UK.
Sorry for the confusion ... I only used that link to show you what the
tent looked like, as the Fairydown site doesn't exist anymore.
I can (and think I will) actually get it from just down the road here in
Brissie. :)
Cheers,
Mick
Roger Caffin
> > founded by Arthur Ellis in NZ. However it slowly died in the last few
> years,
Arthur Ellis owned it and several other brands.
Some parts of Arthur Ellis were recently sold to Pac Brands (for heavens
sake!) while the more bush parts were sold to Kathmandu - at the same time
the K owner sold 51% to some bank or venture capital mob. So I think all
Fairydown gear is fading out.
Still got our Fairydown duvets - very warm. Sold our old Fairydown Everest
bag - also very warm.
Cheers
Roger Caffin
gaza
with 50% off
http://www.anaconda.com.au/specials
Roger Caffin
> with 50% off
> http://www.anaconda.com.au/specials
That has got to be one of the more irresponsible ads by the 4WD lobby and
friends I have seen for a long time: parking a 4WD axle-deep in a lake so
you can fish off the bonnet. Engine oil, axle grease, fuel ... straight into
the lake. Sheesh!
A pox upon them
Roger Caffin
Michael C.
OK, I picked up the Fairydown Ignition this arvo (half price for $250).
Got it home and (before pitching it) was seeing how small I could make
the bag with the two compression straps, and the bag ripped along a
stitched seam where the strap attaches to the bag! (Maybe it is an old
tent Roger?!)
I then thought, well I'll see what it's like when pitched. When I went
to put the fly on, I got very confused as to which way it should go on
... turns out the label "Fairydown" (that, in the pictures of the tent,
is printed on the outside of the fly) is printed on the inside of the
fly on my tent?! So, you can make out he label when looking at the
pitched tent, but only faintly. No big deal in itself, but it makes me
wonder about the quality (or lack of QC) during manufacture! Also, on
the inside is a label that reads "Made in China". I gathered from what
you wrote Roger, that Fairydown tents WEREN'T made in China?!
OK, so I think I'll be taking this one back tomorrow and need some more
advice now ... what about the Denali Cirrus 2 tent in this PDF Anaconda
catelogue? On Page 2:
http://www.anaconda.com.au/__data/page/8104/A02_07A_HiRes.pdf
Is the vestibule on this one big enough in your opinion? Would
ventilation be any good? Can you tell from the pic? They have one
pitched in the store.
They also have a Fairydown Escape for half price at $200, but it is
getting a little heavy at 2.8kg (2.5kg 'in use'). You can see this one
at another retailer here:
By the way, what does an 'in use' weight mean, as opposed to 'total'
weight???
I'm seriously now thinking the Denali Cirrus 2 looks like the way to go
- the right price, not too heavy, better headroom inside than the Outer
Limits 'Backpacker', good size vestibule (not sure?), ventilation (not
sure?).
Comments appreciated! :)
Cheers,
Mick
Andrew McKenna
> By the way, what does an 'in use' weight mean, as opposed to 'total'
> weight???
>
Without bag(s), instruction manuals, etc. When you're in the tent so is
the bag, but they don't measure it that way. 'Total' weight is what you
have to carry.
--
Cheers
Andrew
David Springthorpe
<surftrav...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>... turns out the label "Fairydown" (that, in the pictures of the tent,
>is printed on the outside of the fly) is printed on the inside of the
>fly on my tent?! So, you can make out he label when looking at the
>pitched tent, but only faintly. No big deal in itself, but it makes me
>wonder about the quality (or lack of QC) during manufacture! Also, on
>the inside is a label that reads "Made in China".
I wouldn't worry too much - my recently purchased from the USA MSR
Hubba (also made in China) is exactly the same.
Roger Caffin
> Got it home and (before pitching it) was seeing how small I could make
> the bag with the two compression straps, and the bag ripped along a
> stitched seam where the strap attaches to the bag! (Maybe it is an old
> tent Roger?!)
In this case I would wonder about the design of the bag. If the compression
straps don't go right around, but instead rely on stitching ... they
wouldn't take much load, period. Maybe you overloaded the bag? Was this a
fair test?
> I then thought, well I'll see what it's like when pitched. When I went
> to put the fly on, I got very confused as to which way it should go on
> ... turns out the label "Fairydown" (that, in the pictures of the tent,
> is printed on the outside of the fly) is printed on the inside of the
> fly on my tent?! So, you can make out he label when looking at the
> pitched tent, but only faintly. No big deal in itself, but it makes me
> wonder about the quality (or lack of QC) during manufacture!
I wouldn't worry about the label myself. Maybe the placement was not really
specified?
I would be mainly concerned about the tent. How well is the tent sewn
together? What is the fabric like? How good are the guy rope attachments?
Will it provide me with good reliable shelter?
Maybe the Chinese seamstress couldn't read English anyhow?
> Also, on
> the inside is a label that reads "Made in China". I gathered from what
> you wrote Roger, that Fairydown tents WEREN'T made in China?!
No, I never said that. I said it was a New Zealand owned company.
It seems it is not possible these days to put a consumer product on the
market using Australian labour: the Chinese can make it for substantially
less. The Chinese sewers are fairly skilled: they have to be to keep their
jobs, and anyhow they get lots of practice! With the exception of One Planet
stuff, all our 'Australian' gear these days is made in Asia. Ditto NZ stuff.
What matters is what sort of fabric they use - theirs, or stuff you select?
And what design they use: theirs, or yours? Note that their designs are
usually designed for minimum material cost but little worry about labour
cost. This can result in a beautifully designed thing, built with lousy
materials. Looks good on the show room floor; fails after a few weeks in the
field.
An acquaintance was getting parkas made in China. Cheap labour, but making
sure they didn't substitute local fabric, cord, press studs, sewing thread -
a continuing nightmare. This was a management issue. When the stuff was made
to specification, it was good. They just wouldn't tell him when they ran out
of something and substituted - they just wanted to keep going flat chat.
Check the thread if possible. IF you can find a loose end, try melting it.
If it chars, it is cotton and WILL perish quickly. No Go. If it melts, or
partly melts, it is either fully synthetic or poly-cotton. This is better.
> OK, so I think I'll be taking this one back tomorrow and need some more
> advice now ... what about the Denali Cirrus 2 tent in this PDF Anaconda
> catelogue?
Will the stuff sack be any different???
Will the label be on the outside???
Will there be any real difference???
> Is the vestibule on this one big enough in your opinion? Would
> ventilation be any good? Can you tell from the pic? They have one
> pitched in the store.
On a par with the Ignition, although I THINK the Ignition might be the
better tent. GUESSING from the pics.
> They also have a Fairydown Escape for half price at $200, but it is
> getting a little heavy at 2.8kg (2.5kg 'in use'). You can see this one
> at another retailer here:
You URL didn't work, and the company doesn't seem to show any Fairydown
tents any more.
> By the way, what does an 'in use' weight mean, as opposed to 'total'
> weight???
Whatever the company wants it to mean. No standard definition. Care!
Cheers
Roger Caffin
Michael C.
> It was the bag which ripped, not the tent?
> In this case I would wonder about the design of the bag. If the compression
> straps don't go right around, but instead rely on stitching ... they
> wouldn't take much load, period. Maybe you overloaded the bag? Was this a
> fair test?
I'd say, after reading your post, that since the straps don't go right
around, I probably overloaded the thing! Ooops!
> I would be mainly concerned about the tent. How well is the tent sewn
> together? What is the fabric like? How good are the guy rope attachments?
> Will it provide me with good reliable shelter?
I will give it a good look over tomorrow in the daylight, though, given
my limited experience, I may only be able to pick-up the most obvious
discrepancies.
> IF you can find a loose end, try melting it.
> If it chars, it is cotton and WILL perish quickly. No Go. If it melts, or
> partly melts, it is either fully synthetic or poly-cotton. This is better.
I will try this also, if I find a loose end.
> Will the stuff sack be any different???
> Will the label be on the outside???
> Will there be any real difference???
Good point, and I have since been considering keeping the tent, as the
vent system looks the goods! I can't find a tent for a similar price
that has anything like the vent/window in the FD Ignition. Also, the
vestibule ... no, the WHOLE TENT is alot bigger than I expected also -
but still only 2kg! :D
> You URL didn't work, and the company doesn't seem to show any Fairydown
> tents any more.
Hmmm ... works for me. Try this one:
Thanks for your lengthy reply Roger - much appreciated mate!
Cheers,
Mick
Roger Caffin
> Good point, and I have since been considering keeping the tent, as the
> vent system looks the goods! I can't find a tent for a similar price
> that has anything like the vent/window in the FD Ignition. Also, the
> vestibule ... no, the WHOLE TENT is alot bigger than I expected also -
> but still only 2kg! :D
Ok, looked at the cache version.
The Ignition is imho a far better tent. The doorway on the Escape looks like
a marketing gimmick; the doorway on the Ignition looks the way it should.
The Ignition will take bad weather betetr imho.
Cheers
Roger Caffin
Michael C.
tomorrow in the backyard to see it pitched properly (it is in my sunroom
at the moment!).
I noticed it only came with 12 pegs (as listed in the instructions), but
this is four less than needed if you want to use the four side guy ropes?!
I would have thought that without these, the fly would sit too close to
the inner and could possibly leak any condensation?! The instructions
say that the side guys need only be used in wet weather though.
Oh well, we'll see ...
Mick
Roger Caffin
> this is four less than needed if you want to use the four side guy ropes?!
Two at each end to hold the tent up: 4
One at each pole on each side: 4
How do you get to 16?
> I would have thought that without these, the fly would sit too close to
> the inner and could possibly leak any condensation?! The instructions
> say that the side guys need only be used in wet weather though.
Always good to keep the fly off the inner, but stability in a storm is
actually far more important as we ASSUME the fly shouldn't leak.
Cheers
Roger Caffin
Michael C.
> Two at each end to hold the tent up: 4
> One at each pole on each side: 4
> How do you get to 16?
The destructions state something along the lines of:
* two pegs at either end of inner = 4
* one at each pole on each side = 4
* two pegs for front of fly (vestibule) and two for rear = 4
* two pegs either side for the guy ropes = 4
Total = 16, No?
Cheers,
Mick
Roger Caffin
> The destructions state something along the lines of:
>
> * two pegs at either end of inner = 4
> * one at each pole on each side = 4
> * two pegs for front of fly (vestibule) and two for rear = 4
> * two pegs either side for the guy ropes = 4
Ah so. Hum. Yeah, OK, but this does seem a trifle excessive, imho.
It is the first time I have ever seen pegs used on the ends of the inner
tent. You might like to experiment with some lengths of bungee cord or
similar, from the corners of the inner to the corners of the fly.
Also, it would be extremely unlikely you would ever need to place pegs at
the bottom ends of the poles. They may be needed if you are pitching the
tent on sheet ice, but under almost any other conditions the bottom ends of
the poles will snag onto the ground and be very secure. I make my own tunnel
tents for extreme conditions (and have sold them), and I haven't bothered
even fitting any means for anchoring to the bottom ends of the poles for the
last few years. Hail, rain, or snow.
It's wet and foggy here right now: tents are being pitched INdoors...
Cheers
Roger Caffin
PS: look up the titanium wire pegs in the FAQ - fantastic things.
Alice Willoughby
>
> I used my Bushwalker for the first time in ages last Fri / Sat up at Mt Remarkable
> NP.
> I'm a Megamid convert now.
>
Terryc
> This will be my first bushwalking tent, and I will be the only one in it
> most of the time (but thought I'd better get a 2 person for the missus
> when/if she wants to tag along).
Don't. Buy a tent for you to go bushwalking and buy another for when the
missus comes along. If you want to do some serious or semi-serious
bushwalking, then don't add extra weight.
If the missus only does easy walks, them buy a bigger (heavier?
economical?) second tent for those walks. Also useful if you want to
travel and camp out to save accommocation costs along the way.
OTOH, I've always appreciated the extra space in a two person tent on my
own.
figjam62
news:1153809522.8023@teuthos...
A lot Alice, yes.
The Narrows is particularly nice
http://www.bushwalking.tudorglass.com.au/Walks/mtR060721the_narrows.JPG
Plenty through Alligator Ck, and obviously Mambray would be flowing.
Cheers,
Les
Michael C.
like a great tent (with my limited experience of bushwalking tents, that
is).
Looks like I will be keeping it then! :D
Just wondering ... I am used to a big dome tent that we use when camping
out of our 4WD, and so in comparison to the Fairydown Ignition (and
probably all lightweight walking tents), the floor seems extremely thin.
How careful do I need to be with the floor on this type of tent?
Would it be wise to get a lightweight groundsheet to go underneath? If
so, what type and how big should it be?
I am used to just throwing my 'car-camping' dome onto just about any
surface, but I am not confident that the Ignition would take this sort
of treatment for long?!
Are these 'thin' and lightweight floors stronger than they feel/look?
By the way, the specs of the Ignition (including the floor material) are
below.
Cheers,
Mick
***
Flysheet: Stormtech Lite 40D Ripstop Polyster Waterproof to 2000mm
Inner: Can be used on its own to sleep in creating a completly bug free
sleeping chamber with plenty of ventilation in hot dry weather
Groundsheet: 70D Nylon, Waterproof to10,000mm
Poles: DAC Featherlite SL 2×8.84mmLightweight alloy
***
Michael C.
> Integral pitch.
> Usually you can pitch fly only, fly and inner together, SOMETIMES inner only as well.
OK, so with the Ignition, I can pitch in these configurations:
* the inner only (mainly no-see-um mesh);
* the fly and inner attached together (this is how I have packed it away
after it's first pitching this arvo. So when I pitch it next, I just
have to slide the poles through, pop it up and peg down);
I don't think I can pitch just the fly, but this shouldn't matter, as I
like the protection of the insect mesh of the inner too much to leave it
at home anyway! ;)
So ... is the Ignition an integral-pitch tent then? (Sorry, still a bit
confused as to what exactly MAKES a tent 'integral'.)
Cheers,
Mick
Roger Caffin
> confused as to what exactly MAKES a tent 'integral'.)
Simple version: can you pitch the inner and outer together? if yes, then you
can call it integral pitch. That is, it can be pitched as an integral whole.
Comment 1: Here in NSW, I cannot imagine taking just the inner tent. Recipe
for disaster!
Comment 2: I always 'integral pitch' our tents. It is faster and easier, and
if it is raining, the inner tent stands a good chance of staying dry.
Cheers
Roger Caffin
Roger Caffin
> out of our 4WD, and so in comparison to the Fairydown Ignition (and
> probably all lightweight walking tents), the floor seems extremely thin.
> How careful do I need to be with the floor on this type of tent?
The groundsheet is 70 denier with good waterproofing: this will take a fair
bit. But if you value your gear, you will take some care to eliminate
'sharps' from where you are camping. Bad things include any man-made stuff
like glass etc, but also large burrs, sharp fragments of rock, and a
surprising one: small dead roots and sticks. The roots are sometimes
concealed, but can have a thin dead spike sticking up which can go through
groundsheets. (mutter...)
Of course, if you are in spinifex country ...
> Would it be wise to get a lightweight groundsheet to go underneath? If
> so, what type and how big should it be?
It's called a footprint. It adds a fair bit of weight if thick, and is
fairly useless if thin. Good for car tents.
Check the site with your hand instead. Only takes a minute or two.
> Are these 'thin' and lightweight floors stronger than they feel/look?
Well, yes, sort of. I am using silnylon, which is about half the weight of
your groundsheet. It survives, with care. Note the word 'care'!
Cheers
Roger Caffin
Michael C.
> Check the site with your hand instead. Only takes a minute or two.
Cheers Roger ... I feel so much better equipped after the info you (and
others) have shared with me throughout this thread discussion!
Thanks also for the 'integral-pitch' explanation - I'm pretty sure the
Ignition IS therefore able to be classed as integral-pitch, as I took it
down and packed it away with the inner and fly together, so presume it
will go back up together OK. Reassuring in foul weather, as you have
brought to my attention! :)
My girlfriend, myself and a good mate are now planning our first
overnighter ... maybe Girraween, or maybe somewhere closer like
Brissbane Forest Park (Mt Glorious). After a test of the gear, we are
keen to tackle Mt Barney and camp in the saddle, and then (eventually)
work our way up to tackling the Overland Track and the Milford. :D
Cheers,
(a very excited) Mick
figjam62
Yeah Mick, Roger covered the integral pitch well in the reply above somewhere.
Roger is also a very experienced lightweight walker, so has lots of good advice.
In my opinion re the groundsheet though, I feel a builders plastic footprint, cut
just the same size as the inner tub floor, or even an inch or so less is very
worthwhile.
Certainly it should be a couple of inches in from the fly edge, so not to gather rain
runoff.
Folded up, it takes up very little room, and I take mine on the side of my pack under
the compression straps, and use this for a sit mat for morning tea, lunch, etc.
Can also have a fine stretch out on it on a warm afternoon, aaaahhhh.
I believe if something can serve more than one purpose, it's generally more
worthwhile taking it.
Well, that's my story, and I'm sticking with it.
The protection to the floor make it well worth carrying.
Cheers,
Les
Michael C.
> The protection to the floor make it well worth carrying.
Thanks for your tips Les! And, yes, I think I WILL invest in a light
groundsheet of the type you recommend! And attaching it to the side of
my pack sounds the go also! :)
Cheers for that!
Mick
figjam62
Lot of folks like outside totally clear (me too for most things), but if you tuck the
top of the folded up groundsheet under the pack lid, it doesn't collect foliage, or
catch in scrub etc (if walking off track).
You got a good deal with the tent. Anything under a couple of hundred is fine to
start, you learn as you go, and one day, when after a few years you have a fair bit
of experience under your belt, and see lots of others gear on the track etc, you can
fine tune your needs better.
You'll always end up with a few packs, stoves, tents, mats and sleeping bags
(especially sleeping bags).
Great for the kids to use when they get into it, or have a gear sale sometime when it
all becomes too crowded.
I have a 10 x 10 garden shed that contains just my outdoor gear !
Cheers,
Les
Roger Caffin
bags
That's 10 m * 10 m I presume? ... :-)
Yeah, the stuff just seems to collect. Strange.
My wife suspects it breeds in dark corners.
Cheers
Roger Caffin
to...@altavista.com
<r.ca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:
>> It looks like Anoconda are getting out of Fairydown...sale starts thursday
>> with 50% off
>> http://www.anaconda.com.au/specials
>
>That has got to be one of the more irresponsible ads by the 4WD lobby and
Seems like the site is more for outdoorsy camper types rather than any
4WD lobby group.
>friends I have seen for a long time: parking a 4WD axle-deep in a lake so
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I can still clearly see the centre of the wheel well above the
waterline..... I always thought the axle was in line with the centre.
Anyway, would it be any diiferent if a non-4WD was parked there ?
Havent seen too many vehicles dropping fuel and axle grease lately
myeself though.
>you can fish off the bonnet. Engine oil, axle grease, fuel ... straight into
>the lake. Sheesh!
>
>A pox upon them
Undoubtably
>Roger Caffin
>
Roger,
I have been watching this group fro some years now, and always took
you for a more sensible type of person, rather than what you seem to
be displaying here.
You , from your one sided comment, sound just like that dickhead
Scruby, that seems to pop up wherever excrement is found.
Have a happy day.
>
norts
I use Tyvek as a footprint for my tents. Tyvek is very light and
strong.
I got mine from a builder. I had heard about it, saw a builder using it
and went and asked him if I could buy some from him. He gave me a few
metres.
I like the footprint as it makes packing up my tent alot easier, it is
easier to shake leaves and dirt (especially when they are wet) from a
groundsheet than trying to brush them off a floor.
Norts
Tom Hulse
> Fairydown was one of the premier alpine gear companies way back when,
> founded by Arthur Ellis in NZ. However it slowly died in the last few
> years,
> under the pressure of cheap crap from China. I think (!) it was bought out
> by someone recently - certainly the web site no longer exists.
A posting on the Backcountry ski forum from an employee of the companies
involved claims Arthur Ellis - Fairydown has been purchased by Kathmandu,
and Anaconda will be selling Macpac. That explains a few things.
Arthur Ellis Bedwares, Everwarm and Survival went to Pacific Brands - its on
their web site, which also claims the "Fairydown bedwares brand which is the
number one brand in pillows, quilts and mattress protectors in that country
(NZ). No mention of sleeping bags or tents.
As for Kathmandu, here is an extract of a news item from the NZ Herald:
"Kathmandu admits to deceptive pricing
11.05.06 By Martha McKenzie-Minifie
Outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Kathmandu yesterday pleaded guilty
to seven charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act.
The charges follow a Commerce Commission investigation and related to the
way discontinued items were displayed and priced during sales.
The company is due to be sentenced next month. .........Since the
investigation, Kathmandu has changed the way it displays its already
discounted goods during sales and has appointed a compliance officer for its
New Zealand operation."
Tom
Tom Hulse
PG
With my 4 year old MacPac Olympus (NZ-made, before they went
off-shore), the tub floor is particularly robust & waterproof. That's
part of the reason for the tent's highish weight, but it has remained
completely watertight despite use in rougher (and snowier) parts of
Tassie. So so far I haven't needed to take a groundsheet as well.
Does anyone know if the new MacPacs have retained the tough tub floors?
cheers
Peter
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