Phil, Tehipite, or Dunk: Tent Advice Fo r the JMT

“And specific brand and model recommendations for a tent for the JMT? Starting July 2002. Need to pick a bag, too. Thanks!”

“Tent: Stephenson Warmlite 2R (lotsa room for 2 of us)
Bag: Marmot Pinnacle w/DL (15 deg down)
Pack: Mtnsmith Chimera (me)/Kelty Cloud (SnowDude)
Food Caches: Tuolumne, Reds, Muir, Charlotte Lk
Bear Canister: Bearikade Expedition (holds 10 days of food)
Stove: SnowPeak Ti (carried a Pocket Rocket as a backup but didn't need it)
Water Filter: PUR Hiker (Iodine as backup but didn't need it)
Days: 30 days, hiked on layover days, four 14ers, total 270 mi/JMT is 211 mi...why 30? we wanted to enjoy it!
Bears: none
Rain: 1 day
Snow: 1 day (we were on Split Mtn/14,058', whiteout and snow .... the WTC was being attacked, and didn't find out til 3 days later)
Pack weight: 29-39 lb (me) and 32-45 lbs (SnowDude). Took 2 years to plan this, getting our pack weight down from 49 lb (me) and 57 lb (SD)
Photos: over 1000, but couldn't upload them all

Snow Nymph's Webpage
Click on JMT (upper left)

2 weekends ago I was putting photos in the album (I'll be doing this for awhile) and as I was thinking it, SD said "I want to do it again!"”

“Ogregon:
Will you be going solo or with a partner? That plays alot into what tent to use. As far as sleeping bags go, get the lightest 20 degree bag you can find and you should be okay for all the conditions along the trail.”

“Go for it guy!

These people are the best.

Auntie M”

“Auntie M, Auntie M!!!”

“Don't know the Stephenson. I have a Flashlight (Sierra Designs) that didn't cost too much and is fine for everything I need to do. It's great for one, a little cramped for 2.

Otherwise, I'm not the best person to ask about gear. I'm constitutionally averse to spending a lot of money on outdoor stuff--I'm more of a make-do-with-what-I-got kind of guy. ;-)”

“Snow how much are the SnowPeak Ti's?? Must they use SnowPeak cannisters, or can general fuel cannisters be used?”

“nekkid, technically, you can use the primus, msr, or other screw-on type cannisters.”

“SnowPeak Ti Gigastove is 3 oz. I've used Primus and MSR canisters with it. Cost was $79, and the piezo (sp?) lighter attachment was another $15 (I'm taking it off, never works for me on this stove. Was really reliable on the Gaz...)”

“SN, my piezo igniter works perfect. i wonder if yours has slightly too much gap?”

“I took it back to A-16 3 times. After playing with it they always got it to work. I took it home last time and it worked. But....everytime I try it out in the woods, it doesn't work. I don't want to lose all the fuel from the canister. Maybe I should carry an extra canister next time!”

“Toto.....?

I don't think we're at Towson anymore....

Did you bring the beer?”

“Wow! Called out by name!!

Snow Nymph & Snow Dude have the experience and seem to like the Stevenson-- so that is a definite conderation.

As far as I am concerned, the tent is one of the most critical pieces of equipment because you spend 8-10 hours a day inside and it could save your life in bad weather. I used a different tent each of the last three years on the Llama Trips looking for a good combination of weight and features.

1999 - Timberlite 3 - Great shelter, but too heavy (8 lbs).
2000 - Eureka Zephyr - light and free-standing (< 4lbs), but lacks a full rainfly. Way too much condensation/wetness inside.
2001 - Kelty Assault - Awesome 4 season, freestanding 2-person tent for under 5 lbs. (the vestibule was a bit small). However, this tent will survive almost anything. It is a little pricey ($450 retail, but they do go on sale).
2002 - If I can't borrow the Kelty Assault again, I will probably use my Coleman Exponent Inyo II (same as the Cobra). Not free standing, but light and lots of doors, etc.

My bottom line is to have something that you could hole up in for a day or two if necessary...even if it means an extra pound or two.”

“Stephenson Warmlite 2R:
2 lb 13 oz (light)
4 season (wanted to be prepared for anything)
42 sq ft (roomy enuf for 30 days together)
$500+”