Showing posts with label msr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label msr. Show all posts

9/28/2011

Kelty Noah's Tarp Review

Kelty Noah's Tarp
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I used this tarp when sea kayaking and camping. Works great in many configurations - never had a problem getting it stretched out - highly recommend it.

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Product Description:
FEATURES of the Noah's Tarp by Kelty Taped seams Guyout points Nite Ize Figure 9 guyline adjuster SPECIFICATIONS for 9': Seasons: 3 Fly Material: 68D Polyester 450 mm Minimum Weight: 1 lb. 7 oz. / 0.6 kg Packaged Weight: 1 lb. 13 oz. / 0.8 kg Floor Area: 81 ft2 / 7.5 m2 Dimensions (L x W): 108 x 108 in / 274 x 274 cm Packed Dimensions: 5 x 23 in / 13 x 58 cm SPECIFICATIONS for 12': Seasons: 3 Fly Material: 68D Polyester 450 mm Minimum Weight: 2 lb. 1 oz./0.9 kg Packaged Weight: 2 lb. 8 oz./1.1 kg Floor Area: 144 ft2/13.4 m2 Dimensions (L x W): 144 x 144 in / 366 x 366 cm Packed Dimensions: 5 x 23 in / 13 x 58 cm SPECIFICATIONS for 16': Seasons: 3 Fly Material: 68D Polyester 450 mm Minimum Weight: 4 lb. 2 oz./1.8 kg Packaged Weight: 4 lb. 11 oz./2.1 kg Floor Area: 256 ft2/23.8 m2 Dimensions (L x W): 192 x 192 in / 488 x 488 cm Packed Dimensions: 7 x 25 in / 18 x 64 cm

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8/29/2011

MSR Zing Tarp Shelter Review

MSR Zing Tarp Shelter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I recently purchased the Zing and also own an MSR Outfitter Wing tarp. The design for both is essentially identical. The Zing is made of lighter weight ripstop material, and that makes it both lighter but also much more compact when stored. The Outfitter Wing is very heavy duty, and the fabric is opaque. That's bound to last longer for commercial users. But the MSR Zing is an excellent compromise between strength and portability. The Zing cloth is translucent, with a pleasant amber color. It's opaque enough to provide useful shade, but transmits enough light to be more cheery on overcast days.

The shape is versatile, relatively easy to pitch, and can be very wind-resistant depending on how you orient it and set up the guylines. Consider getting two additional poles. This tarp sets up really well with four poles providing excellent stand-up head clearance. The concatenary curves allow for smooth tensioning without wrinkles or sags that hold rainwater or flap noisly in the wind.

I was disappointed that the cord guylines provided are not reflectorized. Our Oufitter Wing has reflective cords that are essential to safe navigation around camp after dark. I've had to order reflective cording, and that's a signficant expense to incur on an already expensive product. I'm tempted to downgrade my rating to four stars, but I bought this at a discount from the Amazon warehouse, so I'll be generous.

For accessory poles, I recommend Kelty's Noah's Staff or Noah's poles. The "staff" is not adjustable but these poles are slimmer and lighter in keeping with the Zing's lighter weight. The MSR wing tarps and vastly superior to Kelty's Noah's tarps, so just go for the Kelty poles.

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Product Description:
Whether you're seeking shelter from the sun or rain, this ultralight, go-anywhere version of MSR's OutfitterWing is engineered as a compact refuge for up to 10 people. The Zing provides up to 200 square feet of coverage, with an inverted wing design that holds taught in high winds. As a result, the Zing tarp is far more stable than many other shelters, and creates very little noise (unlike, say, the average store-bought blue tarp). It's also extremely packable, with a single-wall tent fabric that keeps the weight down to 2 pounds 15 ounces. And the tapered poles are just as light as everything else, with a design that's engineered to provide efficient strength at a reduced weight. The Zing tarp shelter--which weighs 5 pounds 10 ounces altogether (including the poles)--is ideal for base-camp gatherings, river trips, or even as a cooking and meeting area on extended expeditions and educational outings.
About MSR
Mountain Safety Research (MSR) designs, manufactures, and markets innovative adventure gear for outdoor enthusiasts. The ever-growing MSR product line is most popular with mountaineers, backpackers, and campers. MSR is the industry leader in reliability and quality with every product it focuses on--tents, stoves, water filters, snowshoes, cookware, climbing gear, fuel, and related accessories. All of MSR's products set the benchmark in performance throughout the specialty outdoor industry. MSR is also one of the most widely distributed brands in the outdoor industry and provides products to more than 1,200 specialty retailers in North America and export to more than 30 countries.


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7/23/2011

Sierra Designs Origami 2 Person Ultralight Shelter Review

Sierra Designs Origami 2 Person Ultralight Shelter
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have only used this shelter in the field for a two day trip, so that is all I have to go on...

My main attractions to this style of shelter were the weight to space ratio, and to the Origami specifically, the price (I paid $111). I looked at a similar shelter called the Trailstar made by a company called Mountain Laurel Designs, which is lighter (by nearly a pound) but those weight savings are accomplished through a compromise on the ease of entry; the Trailstar must be propped up on one side to get in, versus easy zipper entry. The Trailstar also would have cost me ~$35 dollars more.

I'm too cheap to buy adjustable trekking poles so I was stuck carrying the included adjustable pole, the lightweight ski poles I use are only 45" tall and that just wasn't quite enough to set up the tent properly and have an adequately comfortable space for two people and two dogs (medium sized dogs: Sheltie/Australian Shepherd mix). One thing I have not figured out is whether the listed weight includes the pole; with most tents it usually does, but I'm not sure with this one (I'm too cheap to buy a scale). Setup does take some practice; I have done it 5 times and still have not mastered it. One of those times was out in the backcountry trying to suspend it between two trees. Though it can be done and probably with some practice it can be done well, I did not find this to be a very practical method. If you can master it, it would save some weight and open up that space in the middle (possibly for another person, or just to allow you and your hiking partner to cuddle, if you so desire).

I was somewhat worried about bugs with the open design, but camping at about 8500 feet in central Colorado mid-August, I had no problems. The only other issue I had with the open design was with my dogs. I attached their leashes to the center pole and that was enough to keep them in the tent through the night, but it did not prevent them from a seemingly endless curiosity about what was going on outside the tent, and with just enough space for them to stick their heads out, this was a problem that interfered with sleep. The solution I'm working on is a curtain of no-see-um mesh to hang around the perimeter which will act as a visual deterrent and a little extra bug protection, while maintaining crucial ventilation, and only adding a few ounces of weight.

We did experience some light rain while we had the tent set up between the two trees and though there was no problem with water getting in, there was one point where water managed to gather on the bottom edge of the tent (I could not get the cord I was using (a couple of the included guy lines) taught enough to hold the tent up properly once I staked it out (it will take some practice and perhaps a different type of cord with less elasticity). As far as moisture in the tent, I had no problem with that, leaving about a 2-3 inch gap between the edge and the ground seemed to allow plenty of ventilation and it breathed much better than my last tent (single wall Eureka Zeus 2).

Well, I hope I have covered the important issues. Overall I think this is a good shelter but it really comes down to individual needs/preferences. If you like the security of at least one layer of mesh or sil-nylon between you and nature than this is not the tent for you. It is a good choice if you are trying to transition from heavier fully enclosed tent style to lightweight open floor tarps though. I would not pay the MSRP of $175 or whatever it is, you ought to be able to find it cheaper than that on here or Google shopping, I was not willing to pay more than $125, and I think that is about the most it is worth, otherwise I would pay a little more for something like a Golite Shangri-la 3 or Black Diamond Megalight or something like that. Well, I'm not sure how these reviews work, but if possible feel free to ask me any other questions about the Sierra Designs Origami 2 and hopefully I can help you. I hope this helps you make your decision!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sierra Designs Origami 2 Person Ultralight Shelter

Product Description:
Origami tarps are everything from a full-coverage backpacking shelter to an airy sunshade for a day on the beach. Multiple guy-out and stake-out points allow you to pitch in a variety of configurations to withstand gusty winds and adapt to changing climatic conditions. Designed from five equilateral triangles with a full-length zipper down one seam, any side can be staked at ground level for more coverage, or tied up for easy access or for lots of ventilation.

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6/05/2011

Black Diamond Skylight Tent 3-Person 3-Season Review

Black Diamond Skylight Tent 3-Person 3-Season
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This tent has a very nice design, and is very light. It stands strong in moderate winds and rain. I would have rated it 4.5 stars if it wasn't for the seams that are not taped or factory sealed.For a tent in this price range I would have expected a tent ready to use out of the box.
I use it mostly in sea kayak trips, along with a Golite Hex 3.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Black Diamond Skylight Tent 3-Person 3-Season

Product Description:
The amazingly versatile Black Diamond Skylight 3-Person 3-Season Tent is equally at home in pouring west coast rain or sweltering desert heat. This tent so impressed the editors at Outside Magazine that they gave it the 2006 Gear of the Year Award. When the weather assures a tent-bound day, the EPIC canopy fabric fights off the water and provides excellent breathability. Stash your packs under the vestibule to keep them dry while you play cards inside. When the weather is so hot that you're afraid of melting, pull back the attached fly to expose the mesh half canopy of the Black Diamond Skylight Tent. This ability to drastically adjust ventilation makes the Skylight and excellent choice for nearly any weather short of winter storms.

Product Features

    Material: EPIC with SilNylon floor and mesh section
    Freestanding: Yes
    Poles: 3
    Pole Material: DAC aluminum poles
    Doors: 1
    Clip/ Sleeve: Internal
    Floor Space: 88 x 69in (224 x 175cm), 36.6sq ft (3.4sq m)
    Interior Height: 42in (107cm)
    Vestibule Space: 10sq feet (.93sq m)
    Seam Sealed: No
    Bathtub Floor: Yes
    Ventilation: Half of the tent is mesh
    Packed Size: 7 x 12in (18 x 30cm)
    Weight: 4lb 2oz (1.88kg)
    Recommended Use: Ultralight camping in variable climates
    Warranty: 1 Year
    Country of Origin: China


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5/29/2011

MSR E-Wing Solo Tent Review

MSR E-Wing Solo Tent
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The E-Wing is definitely small and certainly solo. I have used it with (and plan to always use it with) a bivy sack and although the weather has been mild (so far) I trust it will block the weather when required. There are many ways to configure this with poles, stakes, ties to trees, and all combinations.

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Product Description:
The minimalist MSR E-Wing Solo tarp shelter is designed to provide a bare minimum of protection and also as an emergency shelter that you can carry with you at all times. It comes factory compressed in a stuff sack that's smaller than a soda can and can be stowed virtually anywhere. Use as a poncho, minimalist shelter or in combination with a bivy sack for added protection. Nicely versatile, it can be set up with trekking poles, sticks or tied-off overhead with guy cords.
Specifications:

    Capacity: 1
    Weight: 6 ounces
    Floor dimensions: 44 square feet
    Interior peak height: Variable
    Packed size: 4.5 x 3 inches

About MSR
Mountain Safety Research (MSR) designs, manufactures, and markets innovative adventure gear for outdoor enthusiasts. The ever-growing MSR product line is most popular with mountaineers, backpackers, and campers. MSR is the industry leader in reliability and quality with every product it focuses on--tents, stoves, water filters, snowshoes, cookware, climbing gear, fuel, and related accessories. All of MSR's products set the benchmark in performance throughout the specialty outdoor industry. MSR is also one of the most widely distributed brands in the outdoor industry and provides products to more than 1,200 specialty retailers in North America and export to more than 30 countries.
MSR Materials & Workmanship Guarantee
MSR warranties the materials and workmanship in every MSR tent to the original owner. If your MSR tent has received proper care, but fails due to a defect in manufacturing, the tent will be repaired or replaced at MSR's discretion. Repairs due to accident, improper care or negligence where MSR is not at fault--including sun degradation, mildew, wear and tear due to hard use--will be performed at a reasonable charge. MSR offers a lifetime warranty to the original owner on all MSR tent framework. If your tent pole breaks, MSR will repair or replace it--free--for the lifetime of the tent, upon postage paid delivery to the MSR Product Service Center. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser. Proof of purchase is required.
Amazon.com Tent Guide
Selecting a Tent
Fortunately, there are all kinds of tents for weekend car campers, Everest expeditions, and everything in-between. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Expect the Worst
In general, it's wise to choose a tent that's designed to withstand the worst possible conditions you think you'll face. For instance, if you're a summer car camper in a region where weather is predictable, an inexpensive family or all purpose tent will likely do the trick--especially if a vehicle is nearby and you can make a mad dash for safety when bad weather swoops in! If you're a backpacker, alpine climber or bike explorer, or if you like to car camp in all seasons, you'll want to take something designed to handle more adversity.
Three- and Four-Season Tents
For summer, early fall and late spring outings, choose a three-season tent. At minimum, a quality three season tent will have lightweight aluminum poles, a reinforced floor, durable stitching, and a quality rain-fly. Some three-season tents offer more open-air netting and are more specifically designed for summer backpacking and other activities. Many premium tents will feature pre-sealed, taped seams and a silicone-impregnated rain-fly for enhanced waterproofness.
For winter camping or alpine travel, go with a four season model. Because they typically feature more durable fabric coatings, as well as more poles, four-season tents are designed to handle heavy snowfall and high winds without collapsing. Of course, four-season tents exact a weight penalty of about 10 to 20 percent in trade for their strength and durability. They also tend to be more expensive.
Domes and Tunnels
Tents are broadly categorized into two types, freestanding, which can stand up on their own, and those that must be staked down in order to stand upright. Freestanding tents often incorporate a dome-shaped design, and most four-season tents are constructed this way because a dome leaves no flat spots on the outer surface where snow can collect. Domes are also inherently stronger than any other design. Meanwhile, many three-season models employ a modified dome configuration called a tunnel. These are still freestanding, but they require fewer poles than a dome, use less fabric, and typically have a rectangular floor-plan that offers less storage space than a dome configuration. Many one and two-person tents are not freestanding, but they make up for it by being more lightweight. Because they use fewer poles, they can also be quicker to set up than a dome.
Size Matters
Ask yourself how many people you'd like to fit in your fabric hotel now and in the future. For soloists and minimalists, check out one-person tents. If you're a mega-minimalist, or if you have your eye on doing some big wall climbs, a waterproof-breathable bivy sack is the ticket. Some bivy sacks feature poles and stake points to give you a little more breathing room. Also, if you don't need bug protection and you want to save weight, check out open-air shelters.
Families who plan on car camping in good weather can choose from a wide range of jumbo-sized tents that will accommodate all your little ones with room to spare. A wide range of capacities is also available for three- and four-season backpacking and expedition tents. Remember, though, the bigger the tent you buy, the heavier it will be, although it's easy to break up the tent components among several people in your group. It's also helpful to compare the volume and floor-space measurements of models you're considering.


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5/24/2011

Coleman Tent Pegs Review

Coleman Tent Pegs
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Use these to hold down a chain link fence in a dog park to prevent dogs from going under.Cost about 1/3 of the price of "fence anchors" sold by the fence company. Easy install. first set still working after 5 years. Need to place 18" or closer on outside of fence

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Product Description:
Features:Perfect for stony or hard-packed ground Heavy-duty plated steel High-impact polypropylene tops Easy thread-thru tops 4 per package Features:Perfect for stony or hard-packed ground Heavy-duty plated steel High-impact polypropylene tops Easy thread-thru tops 4 per package Features:Perfect for stony or hard-packed ground Heavy-duty plated steel High-impact polypropylene tops Easy thread-thru tops 4 per package Features:Perfect for stony or hard-packed ground Heavy-duty plated steel High-impact polypropylene tops Easy thread-thru tops 4 per package

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4/10/2011

Kelty Adjustable Tarp Pole Review

Kelty Adjustable Tarp Pole
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Before this pole I had tried a cheaper one that I got at Wal-Mart for only seven dollars. It worked, but not particularly well, nor was I very convinced in its sturdiness or longevity. The Kelty pole on the other hand is very nicely made of heavy duty aluminum, it actually looks like it might be anodized. The three sections are connected with a bungee to keep them together when folded and for ease of assembly, much like tent poles. I use two of these poles when camping with my truck - one end of my tarp attaches to the topper over the bed of the truck, the other end is held up with the two poles and then staked. Works great, and they've held up in heavy rain and very strong winds.

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Product Description:
Adjustable from 80 to 99 inches, this 25 millimeter aluminum Adjustable Pole is great for use with tarps in varying conditions and locations.

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