Caution....Gear Thread

“I know Backpacker Magazine gave the Meteor Light rave reviews , but it's more tent than I want to carry... Backpacker magazine weighed it at 7lbs 8oz the Orion is 2+lbs lighter and a $100 cheaper ... Personally that is why I chose it.
I'm sure the Meteor Light is an awesome tent though!

My old tent doen't even have a vestibule
so ten sq. feet of vestibule space is way more than I'm used to.”

“I am also looking to get a new tent. I have narrowed it down to NF Roadrunner..the Timberline...or a Sierra Design Meteor light. Any thoughts on these three?”

“My Timberline survived years of minimal care. Sturdy and inexpensive, if a bit heavy compared to newer designs. Sides slope enough to limit usable space, but headspace isn't bad. A vestibule (extra) really helps.”

“After 10 years of Wal-Mart & Sears tents, I've upgraded big time. For car camping I now own a 20ft x 12ft tent (I think by Kelty) that includes a giant rainfly too, & cost around $875. This thing is sooo impressive people come by just to have a closer look at it. Besides having options that you would never imagine, this thing is perhaps literally bombproof.

For backpacking, just last week I picked up the Kelty Vortex 2 - my first aluminum pole backpacking tent. It's a much more spacious 2 person tent then others that claim to be for 2 people. Campmor has a great sale price right now ($129), and across the web I've read nothing but glowing remarks on this tent. Can't wait to get out there.”

“WW...you & I really need to hook up. Have you considered getting rid of the tent for either a Bivy Sack or a Tarp? A few of us went to a bivys a couple years ago, haven't regretted it much, but a few weeks ago we were camped in a big-time wind/rain storm, and really would have appreciated some additional shelter to change out of wet clothes, etc. Now we're looking at tarps...maybe in addition to bivy, maybe in place of, haven't decided yet, will let you know.”

“I started with a bivy
went to a tarp traded them both in on a 4 lb Sierra West tent 20 years ago. At five and a half pounds this will be the heaviest tent I have carried, but I like having the room especially when the weather is nasty.
Much of the time I used that 4 lb tent
as a solo shelter.
Mosquitos can drive you crazy camping in a tarp

Come on Friday!!!!!!”