New Zealand Macpac Tents
Kees Goossens
Specifically their three hooped tunnel tent Olympus.
I'm worried about its stability in very windy weather (of which we've got
enough in Scotland.)
Thanks,
Kees
--
Kees Goossens Keep in Touch with the Dutch:
LFCS, Dept. of Computer Science JANET: k...@dcs.ed.ac.uk
University of Edinburgh, Scotland UUCP: ..!mcsun!uknet!dcs!kgg
Wiskunde is bouwen in de geest. --- Luitzen Egbertus Jan Brouwer.
Mike Steven
>
> Does anyone have an opinion on tents made by the New Zealand company Macpac?
I have owned a Macpac Spectrum 4 person tent for about three years now and I
have found it to be an outstanding tent. Macpac are one of NZ's leading
manufacturers of outdoor equipment and their gear is well proven in extreme
conditions in NZ and overseas. Thoroughly recommended!
Mike
Steven Law
>Does anyone have an opinion on tents made by the New Zealand company Macpac?
>Specifically their three hooped tunnel tent Olympus.
>I'm worried about its stability in very windy weather (of which we've got
>enough in Scotland.)
>Thanks,
> Kees
I have two Macpac tents, a 10 year old Lightyear Goretex 2-hoop and an 8 year
old Olympus. Both have seen (and still see) lots of use, I cycletoured for
3 years with the Olympus. They are very well made. The only problems I have
had are: had to replace the zips on the Olympus and the floor of the
Lightyear has lost its waterproofness.
In high winds the Olympus will flap around a lot. You can guy it out but I
never bother. A number of my cycletouring friends have other Macpac tents
such as the newer Minaret, one of which has been used in Antarctica.
We are all very pleased with them.
Steve
civ...@csc.canterbury.ac.nz
jo...@ahuriri.gen.nz
> Does anyone have an opinion on tents made by the New Zealand company Macpac?
> Specifically their three hooped tunnel tent Olympus.
I have a Spectrum which I'm really pleased with and friends have Olympus's
which have been in some pretty extreme conditions. One of these people
was climbing in Europe a year or so back and said he never saw anything
better than his Olympus.
> I'm worried about its stability in very windy weather (of which we've got
> enough in Scotland.)
You can guy them out. The are also versions of the Olympus and Minaret with
snow flaps on the fly.
cheers, John
--
--------------------------------------
John McCombs jo...@ahuriri.gen.nz
ph +64-3-665-234 fax +64-3-655-755
Christchurch, New Zealand
--------------------------------------
Jonathan Graham
I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with filming
(video) in the backcountry? My main problem has to do with batteries.
The weight/life ratio isn't really conducive to multi-day treks.
Has anyone used or heard of any super-long-extended life batteries. Or
know of a way to recharge the batteries in the wilderness.
-Jon
Jonathan Graham Computer Science
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
gra...@cs.montana.edu -> Montana State University
icsa...@trex.oscs.montana.edu
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"I am so hip I can't see over my pelvis" -- Zaphod Beeblebrox
Kelvin Cheu
the US that sells Macpac products ? I know Macpac also produces
internal frame packs.
Kelvin
John Catsoulis
>I've seen some discussions on Macpac tents. Is there any store in
>the US that sells Macpac products ? I know Macpac also produces
>internal frame packs.
I've been wanting to get a Macpac Minaret tent for the past few months, but
the price has put me off (not that I don't think they are worth it). Could
anyone in the Land of the Long White Cloud tell me what these cost in NZ?
If it is significantly cheaper, I may try a mail order.
On the subject of other Macpac products...
I've had a Macpac Cascade pack for four years now. It is the most comfortable
pack I used and after lots of very rough treatment is still showing no signs
of wear. Highly recommended.
jc
--
________________________________________________________________________________
___ ________Timing________ John Catsoulis,
\__________________/ is everything. Electronic Engineering,
____________ ______________________ La Trobe University,
\_________/ Bundoora 3083 Australia.
Alex F. Dietz
Me too posting. I'd like to do some videography on an
upcoming trip. What cameras lend themselves to backpacking,
what precautions do you have to take, etc? Weight would
seem to be the premium factor, but then - I've never carried
a video camera into the backcountry and something else might
be more important. Thoughts?
-A Dietz
Bellcore, Morristown NJ
a...@hera.cc.bellcore.com
Alex F. Dietz
(5 lbs or less) 2 person backpacking tents here in the US. I didn't know of
an Australian or New Zealand tent manufacturer until now. Maybe an option
is to pick up a tent when upon arrival in NZ. What Macpac designs fit these
criteria: 5 lbs or less (2.5 kg or less)
2 person
Under $225 US
Better yet - could someone post a summary of the product line?
-A Dietz
Bellcore, Morristown, NJ USA
a...@hera.cc.bellcore.com
Frank Hamlin
>
>
> I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with filming
> (video) in the backcountry? My main problem has to do with batteries.
> The weight/life ratio isn't really conducive to multi-day treks.
> Has anyone used or heard of any super-long-extended life batteries. Or
> know of a way to recharge the batteries in the wilderness.
>
>
> -Jon
>
collector on top of my pack.
Wally Mann
>
> I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with filming
>(video) in the backcountry? My main problem has to do with batteries.
I took a SONY TR-5, the first of the very tiny 8mm cameras, to the summit
of Denali two years ago. It worked great, even in -20F.
For batteries, I took 4 high capacity D cell lithium batteries. They
were not the kind that one routinely buys at places like REI. I ordered
them from a battery company at $30 each. (all lithium batteries are
not alike)
Then I bought a flashlight and converted it into a battery pack, which
I wore inside my jacket. I bought an extra AC adaptor back for the
camera, and used that to connect my new battery pack to the camera,
which I slung just inside my gortex layer in an insulated chest
carrying case.
I shot 3 hours during that trip. I estimated at the time that the
batteries would last 6 hours (I've been using my rechargable packs
since then). All in all it worked great and weighed less than 4 D
cell alkaline batteries. The only surprise was that I had to rig
all 4 batteries at once (2 sets of 2 in parallel) to meet the current
demands of the camera.
Have fun,
Wally
rgty...@waikato.ac.nz
> Better yet - could someone post a summary of the product line?
>
Here is a list of the 1992 Macpac tent product line. (They also do a good line
of packs) Some of the designs have changed, as I have seen one new two man
design, but the catalogs are not out yet, so I am not sure of all the changes.
Also for marketing reasons some of the names might change in the US and Europe.
Prices are in NZ dollars and relate to March of this year when I was looking
for a tent. I bought the Exodus, which I have found really great. I have used
it in gusty wind that you have difficulty standing in and it hardly budged when
pitched end on to the wind.
Anyway here is the list.
FOUR SEASON TENTS
Olympus 2-3 person (very tight for three people)
- Floor area 2.7 sq.m
- Vestibule 2x0.7sq.m
- Weight 3.8kg
- Rolled Size 55cm x 15cm
- RRP $NZ650
- Street price
- Design Three hoop tunnel, Multi pitch (can put up just fly sheet, or
just inner, or both together depending on conditions)
Olympus Expedition 2-3 Person
- Weight 4.1kg
- RRP
- Street price
- Design Same tent as Olympus above, but special fly with snow flaps,
yellow color
Minaret 2 Person
- Floor area 2.2 sq.m
- Vestibule 0.9sq.m
- Weight 2.7kg
- Rolled Size 40cm x 15cm
- RRP Around $NZ550
- Street price
- Design Two hoop tunnel,Multi pitch
Minaret Expedition 2 person
- Weight 2.9kg
- RRP
- Street price
- Design The same as the Minaret, but with a different fly sheet that
has snow flaps. It is also yellow.
THREE SEASON TENTS
Spectrum 4 person
- Floor area 4.4sq.m
- Vestibule 2x 1.1sq.m
- Weight 4.7kg
- Rolled Size 55cm x 20cm
- RRP $NZ820
- Street price $NZ775
- Design Dome tent with three poles, vestibules are slightly offset,
inside floor area is 210cm x 210cm, inside height 125cm.
Exodus 3 person (I think the name has been changed to Timberline)
- Floor area 3.3sq.m
- Vestibule 2x 1.0sq.m
- Weight 3.5kg
- Rolled Size 55cm x 15cm
- RRP $NZ640
- Street price $NZ550
- Design Two hoop semi-tunnel The inside is set off at an angle to the
pitch of the tent, it gives one spot for a tall person and two spots for not so
tall people. Multi pitch
Eclipse 2 person
- Floor area 2.4sq.m
- Vestibule 1.0sq.m
- Weight 2.6kg
- Rolled Size 40cm x15cm
- RRP
- Street price $NZ426
- Design Single hoop, 230cm x 120cm inside, hight 120cm
Eclipse Tropical 2 person
- Weight 2.3kg
- Design The same as the Eclipse above, except the inner is mostly bug
screen.
Microlight 1-2 person
- Floor area 2.0sq.m
- Vestibule 0.8sq.m
- Weight 1.9kg
- Rolled Size 40cm x12cm
- RRP
- Street price
- Design This tent is like slightly half the Exodus. It is one hoop and
there is a slight angle to the sleeping position ot maximise use of space
I hope this is of some use. If you are coming to NZ the cheapest place I have
found to buy gear in the North Island is in Hamilton, a store called 'Country
Life'. It is a Boy scout shop and has low margins. You might get things
cheaper in Christchurch where they manufacture the tents.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Murray Tracey
e-mail m.tr...@waikato.ac.nz
Mike Steven
> (5 lbs or less) 2 person backpacking tents here in the US. I didn't know of
> an Australian or New Zealand tent manufacturer until now. Maybe an option
> is to pick up a tent when upon arrival in NZ. What Macpac designs fit these
> criteria: 5 lbs or less (2.5 kg or less)
> 2 person
> Under $225 US
> Better yet - could someone post a summary of the product line?
>
Briefly, the Macpac tents are as follows
Olympus 2-3 person (Tunnel Type)
Floor Area 2.7 sq m
Vestibule 2 X 0.7 sq.m.
Weight 3.8 kg
Rolled size 55cm X 15 cm
Colours Ultra Violet, Light Blue
Olympus Expedition 2Ñ3 person (Tunnel Type)
Floor Area 2.7 sq m
Vestibule 2 X 0.7 sq.m.
Weight 4.1 kg
Rolled size 55cm X 15 cm
Colours Yellow
Minaret 2 person (Tunnel Type)
Floor Area 2.2 sq m
Vestibule 0.9 sq.m.
Weight 2.7 kg
Rolled size 40cm X 15 cm
Colours Ultra Violet
Minaret Expedition 2 person (Tunnel Type)
Floor Area 2.2 sq m
Vestibule 0.9 sq.m.
Weight 2.9 kg
Rolled size 40cm X 15 cm
Colours Yellow
The above are all four season tents
Spectrum 4 person (Dome Type)
Floor Area 4.4 sq m
Vestibule 2 X 1.1 sq.m.
Weight 4.7 kg
Rolled size 55cm X 20 cm
Colours light blue
Exodus 3 person
Floor Area 3.3 sq m
Vestibule 2 X 1.0 sq.m.
Weight 3.5 kg
Rolled size 55cm X 15 cm
Colours light blue
Eclipse 2 person
Floor Area 2.4 sq m
Vestibule 1.0 sq.m.
Weight 2.6 kg
Rolled size 40cm X 15 cm
Colours ultra violet, light blue
Eclipse Tropical 2 person
Floor Area 2.4 sq m
Vestibule 1 sq.m.
Weight 2.3 kg
Rolled size 40cm X 15 cm
Colours ultra violet, light blue
Microlight 1Ñ2 person
Floor Area 2 sq m
Vestibule .8 sq.m.
Weight 1.9 kg
Rolled size 40cm X 12 cm
Colours ultra violet, light blue
The tents above are 3 season tents
More details available on requestÑjust e-mail me. I have the Macpacr 1992
catalogue on my desk
Note that Macpac isn't the only NZ manufacturer of camping equipment, including
tents. Tents are also manufactured by Hallmark, and there are several other
manufacturers of packs and outdoor clothing, the best of which can be regarded
as equal to the best in the world, if not THE best.
Mike
Hugh Grierson
>Better yet - could someone post a summary of the product line?
Ok, I just called Macpac in Christchurch. They will do mail order to the US
directly from their Chch head office. Sales are going to fax me a US$ price sheet
in a day or two and I'll email it to anyone interested (or post if sufficient replies).
Alternatively you can write to them for a price sheet and order form:
Macpac Wilderness Equipment Ltd
PO Box 8399
Christchurch 4
New Zealand
or fax: +64 3 3488647
FYI, here're the vitals on their tent range...
I could e-mail or post their pack or sleeping bag range if anyone wants it.
[Disclaimer: just a happy customer]
4-season
Olympus
2-3 person (2.7 m^2 floor area)
3-hoop tunnel
3.8 kg
Vestibules and entry at both ends
Minaret
2 person (2.2 m^2)
2-hoop tunnel
2.7 kg
Single vestibule and entry
Olympus and Minaret both available in Expedition versions
Bright yellow, pole sleeves accept two sets of poles,
extra reinforced storm guys, snow flaps.
Add 0.2 kg
3-season
Spectrum
4 person (4.4 m^2)
3-hoop dome
Twin vestibules
4.7 kg
Exodus
3 person (3.3 m^2)
2-hoop offset tunnel
Twin vestibules
3.5 kg
Eclipse
2 person (2.4 m^2)
1-hoop A-frame
Single vestibule
2.6 kg
Eclipse Tropical
Same as eclipse, but all-mesh inner tent
2.3 kg
Microlight
1-2 person (2.0 m^2) [``snug'' for 2]
1-hoop
Single vestibule
1.9 kg
All their tents use their "Multi pitch" system, ie you can erect the inner only,
the outer only, the inner then the outer or both together.
--
Hugh Grierson Fujitsu/ICL New Zealand - Software Development Centre
hu...@nezsdc.icl.co.nz Speaking for myself only. See figure 1.
Quote of the decade: "We're not just talking about unpopulated areas
of the Southern Hemisphere anymore" [Pres. Bush, on the Ozone hole]
jo...@ahuriri.gen.nz
> I've been wanting to get a Macpac Minaret tent for the past few months, but
> the price has put me off (not that I don't think they are worth it). Could
> anyone in the Land of the Long White Cloud tell me what these cost in NZ?
> If it is significantly cheaper, I may try a mail order.
The local street price for the standard street model is $NZ550. I can give you
some ChCh shop addresses if you want to pursue it.
joh...@vaxc.cc.monash.edu.au
trips for several years now and have been glad on many occasions that I have
a reliable tent. The price may seem alot for a bunch of fabric and aluminium,
however I find it easy rationalise the price by looking at the cost of staying
a week at a skii resort. See, you've more than payed for the tent already :-)
PS.
No, I'm not a NewZealander :-)
--
John H. Morris E-mail: John....@cc.monash.edu.au
Monash University Computer Centre Phone: +61 3 5654763
Wellington Road, FAX: +61 3 5654746
Clayton 3168,
Australia.
Mark Turner
>In article <1992Nov7.2...@coe.montana.edu> gra...@cs.montana.edu (Jonathan Graham) writes:
>>
>> I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with filming
>>(video) in the backcountry? My main problem has to do with batteries.
Two ancient experiences (from the '70s):
A spring-powered 16mm film camera doesn't need any batteries. I've
carried an old Kodak movie camera that took 100-foot loads on at least one
backpacking trip. The downside is that you only get about 20 seconds per
wind, and they aren't made for doing sound work. The weight is also
heavier than the newest lightweight 8mm video camcorders. But you don't
need batteries. Super 8 film is another (not so current) choice.
I once carried the old Sony Portapack (remember, a heavy box that mostly
filled the top part of my frame pack and a separate camera bigger and
heavier than today's 8mm or VHS camcorders and only in B&W) on a backpack
trip. My companions had to carry most of the common camping gear and food
to make it work out. Battery time was also limited, even in modest fall
weather.
If I were going to do it again today, I'd invest in 8mm or Hi-8 video
equipment and the best high-capacity long-life batteries I could find.
Keeping them warm definitely helps on winter trips. Conserve battery life
by only turning the camera on when you're really ready to shoot, for
standby takes power, too.
Has anyone used a solar-powered charger for these batteries? Surely there
must be one available somewhere.
bendersu...@gmail.com
Cheers
Andy