Shelter Journal
My experience with different shelters is not extensive, but I find them fascinating and have some thoughts about what works well for me. I needed a place to put those thoughts besides the notes on my phone, so this is that.
Unneeded 2013-2015
-no rain or mosquitos in the desert. Scorpions, yes. But I'm still unscathed
Alps Mountaineering something - 2015
-brought it whenever water was in the picture
-got wet every time due to pooling on the roof soaking through
MSR Hubba Hubba - 2016
-went for the holy grail straight away
-not the lightest, but a traditional freestanding tent never will be, so if we're going to have one of those, this is still the one I want
-Joelle and I's first purchase together, and it's served us well for a long time
Hyperlite Ultamid - 2020
-i started becoming UL-curious and wasn't sure which Mid I would go for. Then, this came up at SMR for $300 with the drape net included
-dope. Bomber, room for 3 barely, light, versatile
-if it had come with the bathtub inner, I'd probably still have it. But that became a mandatory option, and it cost $400 because HMG are snobby assholes
-$400 is more than some entire tents cost, and I became less sold on DCF. This, I sold it for profit and moved onto the next
REI Flash Air 2
-I was working at REI so I gave it a try
-too short for me
-not versatile due to: inability to use natural anchors. Single wall design. I want a 2p to be double wall so the components can be used individually
Durston Xmid 2p - 2020
-this is it. Cheap, light enough, versatile, well designed and made. Still love it completely.
Gossamer The One - 2021
-I wanted to try out a UL 1p for summer. Worth it. Love the weight and ease of use. I always bring it, and always need it. Integrated bug protection is a win for the summer mountains.
-it's not a forever thing. I'm not a big solo tripper, and won't be doing that so much post-summer