Wildcat Hollow / Double Rainbow initial impressions
I'm not sure if it was the mud , downed trees , or me getting old , but I was sore after 16 miles averaging a 2.9 mph pace. I've hiked this trail enough times, I don't need to review it.
I did pick up a new tent that I've wanted forever. Henry Shires Tarpent Double Rainbow. Aside from seem sealing, this is it's first trip. I've owned the Squall 2 for a few years and the Double Rainbow fills some gaps in features missing from the Squall.
1. Freestanding. Although I haven't tested this capability yet, it's possible using trekking poles. This comes in handy in the sand ,snow, or tent platforms.
2. Possible 4 season use. The double rainbow isn't advertised to handle snow loads , but checking out the design , it should handle moderate amounts. It also has peak vents in case the bottom venting gets clogged.
3. Double vestibules , side entrance. With this feature theirs plenty of room for gear storage and kitchen space. This also makes it an easier to use 2 person tent. These awnings can be pitched multiple ways. I had it set up with double awnings and it has unbelievable ventilation.
I'll be using this tent exclusivity for a few years and have no doubt it'll meet my expectations given my use of the Squall 2. One small quibble could be the slightly higher weight than the Squall. It also may require extra line. Total weight , including extra line , stakes, a breathable liner, and seam sealing ends up being 3lbs 1 oz.
Here's a view with one side rolled up. Gossamer Gear Marisopa plus pack in front.
This shows the porch/awning setup with tie-downs to trees.I originally had the other side set up the same way with hiking poles. This thing looked like a spaceship with both awnings out.
Random hill shot.
Sunday Creek about 1/2 mile from main trail head. This is were camp was set. It's kinda soggy.
Tarp Tent Squall 2
I've been beating the heat by staying inside , but figured I'd shake out , and clean out my favorite tent. I did some research before buying the Squall 2. It's a non-freestanding single wall tent. Non-freestanding tents have a disadvantage of needing a place to stake. Sand , rocks , and hard dirt present challenges. I've used large rocks , logs , and burying my stakes sides-ways in the snow to get a taught pitch. It's advantage is weight.
This thing is light , 2lbs 6 oz's with seam sealing , and silicone beading on the floor to prevent slippage. I choose to seam seal it myself , but they'll do it at the factory for a nominal fee. I recommend using the same seam sealing mixture of 50/50 white gas and GE silicone 2 on the floor (recommended by the manufacturer). If you pitch this tent at an angle , you'll find yourself scooting down to the lowest point without it. I used a a tic-tac-toe pattern to accommodate vertical and horizontal baffled pads.
Handing 70 mph gusts , the Squall 2 is a little shaky but held it's ground. To be honest , if I wasn't more worried about logs blowing down and killing me, I'd of fretted more. This isn't a 4 season bomber and it wouldn't handle a snow load. I've never had it in a driving rainstorm , but imagine, and have heard the tent has an issue with misting. I can't say for sure , but I suspect this has to do with it's phenomenal ventilation. Having ventilation all the way around; humidity and condensation shouldn't be a problem , unlike most single wall tents.
Packs down fairly small with the rear aluminum poles removed I can halve this size.
Front half requires 1 or 2 hiking poles. I prefer 1 for ease of entry . 2 is supposed increase stability , but requires yoga skills I don't possess. Their is a carbon fiber strut between the front guylines. The beak is rolled up in this picture but extends out to the front.
Inside front. The bathtub floor un-clips for more space , clips up for weather protection.
Rear. This end should be placed into the wind for maximum strength.This isn't staked out and perfectly taught. In actual use I find it's nice to get it set up , let it stretch for an hour or so , then tweak it.
Check them out @ http://www.tarptent.com/products.html
Zaleski South Loop
Hiking the south loop with minimal gear. Nothing is really new to review , just putting old gear through the paces. The Tarp Tent Squall 2 did good job with 50 mph gusts. I plan on doing the whole north and south loop in 2 days sometime before the heat of summer. Total weight is 21.5 lbs , including food and water & 1 PBR.
Old charcoal furnace used in the production of iron during the civil war.
Swamp at the start of the south loop.
Backpack is taking a break in a cave.
Terry on top of a cliff.
Worlds best energy drink after an 8 mile hike.