3-season vs 4-season Tents

“----- Original Message -----
From: Mary Penticoff
To: TownDawg
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2002 7:05 PM
Subject: Re: and here smarty..


On 05:37 AM 2/28/02, TownDawg wrote:

so when you hiking over this way kid?.. any time at all this spring/summer/fall?.. if you ever do a TN/NC/VA/GA hike.. let me know.. would luv to say hi..

Not sure yet. If I went over to the East Coast the three states I would probably go to would be NY, CT, and KY. Maybe Georgia. Any and all traveling that I do must be funded by moi, so there is a significant time space in between all of my big trips. The next trip I'm thinking about doing is taking a Cross Country train to NY to visit my aunt. That would be FUN!

Oh, I got some questions for ya. What are some of your favorite brand names? Also I've looked at three and four season tents, and I'm kind of leaning toward four as far as long term use, some in Idaho, mainly the AT, and probably in the Cascades. Do you think it's worth the extra weight? Weight's an especially big issue for me because I don't weigh very much, and therefore shouldn't carry as much.”

“I told her that my opinion don't mean squat.. and knew you guys would pass along better information than me.

so the question is basically.. 3-season or 4-season tent.. Is it worth the weight..”

“convertible. the extra panels can be removed for the warmer season to reduce weight.”

“It's probably more important when your friend is going rather than where (unless by cascades she is talking about climbing Mt. Rainer).

If she's mostly going in the spring/summer/fall--then she can get by with a 3 season tent. That'll help save weight and cost.

If she's going to be at really high elevations or camping during the winter, then she might want to consider a 4 season. They are expensive, but worth every penny if you are out in nasty weather.

If it's a little of both, Tarabull is right, a convertible is probably the way to go. I just bought a MT. Hardwear Skyview 3, which I have yet to test out, but gets good reviews everywhere I have seen. The only problem with it is that it is a bit heavy.”

“Typically, a 4 season tent is designed to withstand heavy snow loads and 50+ mph winds, plus the vestibule is usually a little larger.....this is where the extra weight comes from. If you plan to be in the snow occasionally, I'd go with a convertible like tarabull suggested.....if you expect a lot of snow and high winds, go 4 season.”

“Agree with all of the above.

MH makes great tents but they are on the heavy side. I've also been happy with Sierra Designs and the Kelty tents we have. All make convertibles now.”

“I have a Sierra Designs, Stretch Dome that makes a wonderful and roomy 2 person winter tent. It is a virtual bunker. It is a little on the heavy side, but usable year round if you share carrying it.

I always worried about convertibles and long term wear and tear.”

“Don't comprimise, buy one of each.”

“GS, your one after my own heart. I have the Stretch Dome 2-3 person, 4 season, Clip Flashlight CD for myself 3 season, and Aurora CD for solo 4 season. (Sierra Designs fan).”

“I have a SD older model Nightwatch convertible. The thing is bulletproof but a tad heavy at 6+ lbs. It's great when you need it and it's seen mountain use. Generally too heavy for solo but fine for a pair.

If this person is going where they are saying and they plan to do most of their trips in anything BUT winter, I would do a three-season all the way. Get the two-person SD clip flashlight and be done with it.”

“Do you guys stuff or roll your tent?”

“I used to roll, I've started stuffing.”

“bongofreek - i have the mh skyview and i absolutely love it. max and i split the weight so it's not a problem.

if i am sleeping alone, i will take a lighter tent.”

“Zeus: Most authorities seem to be in favor of stuffing. The rationale is that if you ALWAYS roll your tent, you tend to use the same points to fold, which could lead to premature breakdown of the fabric's integrity.”

“What tarabull said.”

“I also find it easier to keep it clean stuffing it. I always pick up a lot of garbage from the ground when I roll it.”

“tarabull-

Thanks for the vote of confidence...I can't wait to test it out. I have a little Kelty Zen that I would use for most extended backpacking...but am thinking of climbing Mt. Shasta this year and needed a mountain worthy tent. Plus i needed a nice big old tent for car camping and stuff.”

“yeah Ive always stuffed mine. was just curious.

thanks”

“Another problem with rolling is that it tends to force the trapped air out through the stiching punctures at the seams and can blow out the seam grip. Then you end up with tiny leaks here and there. You usually find them the hard way. Don't ask me how I know this.”

“My Stephenson's Warmlite 2R is 4 season, but bigger and lighter than most 3 season tents. I roll it, but push the air out towards the door as I'm rolling.”

“Well I think it depends on the weather you plan to backpack in. If not in the dead of winter go with the 3 season. Weight to consider.......I have several tents one is mh skyview and split the weight but for those I have to carry myself go for 3 season around 4 to 5lbs.
And I stuff my tent better for it.
It will last longer if you stuff.
Barbara”