[at-l] Tent ideas.....

[baltimorejack@hotmail.com (Jack Tarlin)]

   To Josh Wilikins:

      Don't know how much feedback you've received re. your request for tent 
ideas.... it's one of those things where you ask 10 thru-hikers what worked 
for them and you'll get 10 different answers.  Anyway, here's mine:

     I'm a very loyal Mountain Hardwear customer---I've been using a 2 
person. M.H. tent since the spring of 1997; so far it's got around 11,000 
miles of use, including outstanding performance on five thru-hikes.
     The problem with most 2-person tents is they're not generally 
considering that one of people in question is gonna be as big as you; I 
think you'll be OK as far as length of concerned (I go about 6 feet, 200 
lbs. and there was plenty of extra room down by my feet); the problem, I 
think (I'm tryin' to be tactful here) might be with your width or girth or 
whatever---you might have to go with a tent that is "designed" for 3 folks, 
or at the very least, don't worry about length; instead, find the WIDEST 
tent you can.

    One advantage, of course, is that you're with a partner, so even tho you 
may end up going with a tent heavier than you'd originally planned, you can 
split it up---someone carries the tent, the other hauls the fly, poles, and 
stakes, or whatever.

    Anyway, I know Mountain Hardware, among other companies, makes a bunch 
of good 2-3 person tents; you can check em out at www.mountainhardwear.com 
and see for yourself.  In any case, great company, great stuff, superb 
customer service record.  With the possible exceptions of MSR and Outdoor 
Research, I cannot think of a gear company that I've been happier with.  
Hope you find something you can use.


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