Did JMT with 1 lb tent? or 18oz tent

Roleigh,

The Tyvek tent you specifically requested info about has been discussed here at length. The following link is just one of the many:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=16926

You are welcome to pm me.

John, I read your thread, I did not see mention of JMT or "John Muir Trail". I am interested in a prolonged use of these tents, 15-22 days, in the high sierras in the july/august timeframe. I expect to be using them for 24 days this coming summer. I'm curious how people feel about all three of these tents under such long term use conditions.

For instance, how well did the Refuge-X hold up after this long of a use in the High Sierras. The soil gets quite hard in many spots and it's got to be harder on a tent floor than soft ground in forest land.

I haven't used The One on a JMT thru-hike. But I have used it on a section of the JMT and the equiv of a JMT in terms of nights. Honestly, I don't see any signs of obvious wear. No experience with the Refuge-X or Tyvek Sublite.

I will also note that the conditions on JMT during the summer or early fall are typically nice enough that you could cowboy camp many of the nights without discomfort.

–Mark

As far as the floor goes, I think they all have the same silnylon fabric. I know for sure the Refuge-X does. Silnylon is plenty durable enough for three weeks in the sierra summer.

Gee Roleigh, I've just never heard of someone wearing their tent floor out in three weeks. After all you won't be moving around or dragging it once it is on the ground and staked out. As pointed out above, they all are very similar. Take your pick, i.e. whichever one you like the best and buy it. You might eliminate this concern altogether and consider a floorless tent, e.g. Wild Oasis or other such model.

I was curious about the degradation of the no-see-um fabric near the guyline corners of the refuge-x; I was curious about any rain being a problem with the tyvek sublite; didn't really have any specifics about the silnylon sublite. You saw the review here at BPL on the Refuge-X, did you not? The review, I quote: "A couple of durability concerns did come up with the Refuge tents. First, mesh is used at the base of the corner stake out positions. When adjusted too low, the mesh comes in contact with the ground, where dirt can get into the material. In one corner, the abrasion caused a small hole. I would recommend additional reinforcement in these corners. I have a similar concern for the entire mesh perimeter – if the tent is staked too low, the fragile mesh comes in contact with the ground, causing a potential durability concern. While proper pitching with long corner guylines can alleviate this problem, rolling onto the mesh also has the potential to cause damage."

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/sixmoon_refuge_refugex.html

I was wondering if the points of concern they brought up were any issue on the JMT.

I'll give a firsthand experience positive review; I used the Gossamer Gear Squall Classic last year for 16 days on the JMT with no problems — I did bring a spinnaker ground cloth that GG sells.

I am wondering if it is worth going lighter than 1.5 pounds for the tent for 2009; I'm tempted. I bought a used Tyvek Sublite here at BPL and might just use that as it is within 2 oz of one pound. When you're out on the trail, you always appreciate reduction of another 1/2 pound or more. I remember at Muir Trail Ranch last year mailing home about 1.75 pounds of stuff and I really appreciated that poundage drop.

.

Dave, I'm thinking the same as you, just wanted real confirmation from those who have used them. You do know the SixMoonDesigns web site says there is no warranty on the Refuge-X versus their other tents. You do know the BPL's concerns about the Refuge-X floor, near the no-see-um near the floor. Just wanted to know if either of those precautionary concerns mean anything after 20 some days in the high sierras.

Roleigh,

I have a home made tent with whatever the lightest coated nylon was 25 years ago (1.8 +coating?). Since I made it myself I had no worries about replacing the floor if it wore out, so I have never used a ground sheet. After hundreds of nights use in the high Sierra, I have yet to repair the floor. Although silnylon is lighter, I wouldn't worry. Worst case is you get some tiny holes and patch them with silicone caulk. I think pine cones are harder on tent floors than rocks.

Also, the rocky soil in the Sierra tends to drain well, so a few holes in your floor probably won't allow any water in anyhow.

The refuge-X must be pitched properly to keep the mesh off the ground. If you're using it as a solo tent, there is little risk of rolling onto the mesh. When used with two people its a real concern. If you go with a Refuge-X make sure those side guy-outs are properly re-inforced. I Don't know if Ron's made this design change on the newest tents or not…might pay to ask him. He may also have re-inforced the corner mesh as well?