Mobius
02-04-2013, 10:17
Hello all. I've enjoyed reading and lurking for a while and have built up a few questions.
As background/introduction I'm introducing my 7yr old daughter to the great outdoors. I'm tickled (and proud) at her enthusiasm with our local overnight trips. We recently tested out our new 15 deg bags in the recent cold/snow in the backyard and had a blast. I'd like to up the ante a bit and get her out to the mountains for some base-camp style camping with day hikes, then progress to short backpacking trips.
My question is about tent selection. We've been using my ancient (about 20 yrs old) Eureka Timberline 4-man. It's a venerable old tank but I have no desire to lug it further than the trunk of my car.
We will most likely be in central VA, say between Roanoke and Luray, probably starting our adventures on/near trails I've run (Apple Orchard, Cornelius Creek, Spy Rock, The Priest, Crabtree Falls, Mt. Pleasant, Cole Mountain, etc). Like most families, the summer is our most likely "get out there" time.
I've been focused mostly on Henry Shires tarp tents. The designs appeal to me. I've been bouncing back and forth between the Rainshadow2 and the Stratospire2. My concerns are:
1) Foot print size on available camp sites in the area. Are they too big? Am I going to have issues getting a good pitch? The Rainshadow strikes me as an easier-to-pitch solution but the Stratospire looks like it requires a smaller "flat spot" for the inner net. The vestibule area can be as rocky/rooty as it likes.
2) Ventilation/Condensation. As a resident I'm quite familiar with our lovely 90+ deg, 90+humidity summers. The Stratospire seems like it has more ventilation options at the cost of complexity. The Rainshadow seems like it would require a more specific pitch (not always available) to get decent ventilation and reduce condensation.
3) Wind/Storms. We've already had a surprise t-storm on one local trip which was "less fun" due to a bone headed site selection on my part. My ignorance aside, are there any pros/cons to either tent in that respect? With the Eureka we keep our gear inside the tent. It looks like the Rainshadow could accommodate that with ease. The Stratospire could not but has ample vestibule space for packs/gear that looks like it would stay as dry as we would. Is either tent more wind/storm resistant? To my eye the Stratospire looks like it can be pitched closer to the ground and has more "omni-directional" wind resistance.
This would be a lot easier if there weren't so many great looking tent designs available. Back when I was in the boy scouts the choices were heavy pup tent or heavy dome tent!
In the future I may be asking for company on a shakedown hike or two in the central VA area. I'd like to brush up on skills and etiquette before I take my daughter out too far.
As background/introduction I'm introducing my 7yr old daughter to the great outdoors. I'm tickled (and proud) at her enthusiasm with our local overnight trips. We recently tested out our new 15 deg bags in the recent cold/snow in the backyard and had a blast. I'd like to up the ante a bit and get her out to the mountains for some base-camp style camping with day hikes, then progress to short backpacking trips.
My question is about tent selection. We've been using my ancient (about 20 yrs old) Eureka Timberline 4-man. It's a venerable old tank but I have no desire to lug it further than the trunk of my car.
We will most likely be in central VA, say between Roanoke and Luray, probably starting our adventures on/near trails I've run (Apple Orchard, Cornelius Creek, Spy Rock, The Priest, Crabtree Falls, Mt. Pleasant, Cole Mountain, etc). Like most families, the summer is our most likely "get out there" time.
I've been focused mostly on Henry Shires tarp tents. The designs appeal to me. I've been bouncing back and forth between the Rainshadow2 and the Stratospire2. My concerns are:
1) Foot print size on available camp sites in the area. Are they too big? Am I going to have issues getting a good pitch? The Rainshadow strikes me as an easier-to-pitch solution but the Stratospire looks like it requires a smaller "flat spot" for the inner net. The vestibule area can be as rocky/rooty as it likes.
2) Ventilation/Condensation. As a resident I'm quite familiar with our lovely 90+ deg, 90+humidity summers. The Stratospire seems like it has more ventilation options at the cost of complexity. The Rainshadow seems like it would require a more specific pitch (not always available) to get decent ventilation and reduce condensation.
3) Wind/Storms. We've already had a surprise t-storm on one local trip which was "less fun" due to a bone headed site selection on my part. My ignorance aside, are there any pros/cons to either tent in that respect? With the Eureka we keep our gear inside the tent. It looks like the Rainshadow could accommodate that with ease. The Stratospire could not but has ample vestibule space for packs/gear that looks like it would stay as dry as we would. Is either tent more wind/storm resistant? To my eye the Stratospire looks like it can be pitched closer to the ground and has more "omni-directional" wind resistance.
This would be a lot easier if there weren't so many great looking tent designs available. Back when I was in the boy scouts the choices were heavy pup tent or heavy dome tent!
In the future I may be asking for company on a shakedown hike or two in the central VA area. I'd like to brush up on skills and etiquette before I take my daughter out too far.