[at-l] Bibiler I-Tent (Good Choice?)

[mcdermot@verizon.net (McDermott)]

Robert said:
Fri, 13 Sep 2002 11:39:39
Bibiler I-Tent (Good Choice?)
Would the Bibler I-Tent be a good choice for a through hike?
Regards, Robert


I bought my Bibler I tent back in 1989 for $320.  It lasted until about 200=
0, when after much use, the floor finally wore out.  Bibler wants $300 to r=
eplace the floor, this is on a small tent that is only 29 square feet.
However, I must say that I did get a good long life out of the tent.  I hav=
e even set it up on tent platforms.  It has plenty of room for one person a=
nd your backpack.

The short comings are this:
1: a new tent now cost $600 plus tax, shipping and any options.
2: it is a bad summer tent because you will roast on hot summer nights.
3: weights over 4 pounds, not counting ground cloth (some tents are lighter=
)
4: it you are 6 feet tall or taller, you will need the long version called =
the Eldorato ($640 and up, plus tax, shipping and options, at over 5 pounds=
)

Good points:
1: It is a free standing tent, can be set up on solid stone.  I have done t=
his several times in the summer.
2: I can set up in about 4 minutes, good when it is about to start raining.
3: The tent is strong.
4: the ceiling is 42 inches high, so a tall person can sit straight up in c=
omfort.
5: It is a good winter tent
6: It is made out of ToddTex (actually GoreTex), which means there is no ra=
in fly to mess with.

Bottom line:
I spent many happy times in my I tent (even got laid a few times)
But I would not recommend it for an AT through hike, because I think that t=
here are now lighter and cheaper tents available.
For example Moonbow, nomad lite.

Be Happy,
Panzer