I’ve been camping for more years and owned more tents then I care to think about. Back in the 50s, while on fishing trips in northern Maine, we slept in canavs lean-tos created by canoes on three sides and paddles for support. Since then, I’ve had an aversion to floorless shelters that lack bug netting. I still remember the whine of incoming battillions of mosquitos and black flies. Beleive it or not, the Maine Guides used to boil cigarettes and paint themselves with the juice because they said that was the only thing that “repelled the bastards”. (They also wore wool long underwear 12 months a year.)
Fast forward to last week as I wrapped up my annual trip on the JMT in the Sierras. My present shelter is a Six Moons Luna Solo . Because I am petrifed of getting caught in a backcountry storm that dumps 3 feet of snow on me,I am thinking that I need an ultra-light 4 season tent. In my mind, I am also rhapsodizing about how nice it would be to not be crawling around inside a tiny shelter trying to organize and re-pack a myriad of gear each morning. (Now where is that bag with my toothbrush anyway?) The prospect of cooking inside the tent and not worrying about going up in smoke is also appealing.
That said, I need to choose a shelter which satisfies the requirements outlined above.
A Tipi style tent should be the answer. After looking around and considereing Mids, alphmids,Hex 3 and the Titanium Goat Conical Tipi. I am only considering Hex 3 and Ti Goat and strongly leaning towards a Ti Goat made with DWR.Not many people read have heard of them, but it received great reviews on BackpackGearTest.org. It performed well in extended rain and high winds, while affording lots of room within. All for only 22 ozs plus stakes. Bugs were not much of an issue becauase the tent stakes so closely to the ground. I only camp in the Sierras, mostly above 8000 ft. during the Spring, Summer and late fall. The insects are nothing like Maine so I am willing to try a shelter without floor and netting.
I have not physically seen either tent. I have only experienced them virtually through reviews and photos, compliments of the web and this wonderful site. I am wondering if anyone has first hand knowledge of the two tents and would care to make a comparison?
Any comments would also be very welcome.
Thank-you – Larry
