Trailspace Blog Q&A
Q&A: Tent Condensation
Occasionally we receive outdoor gear questions from readers. Since we figured others would find them useful too, we’ll share some of those Q&A’s here. If you think we missed the mark, let us know by leaving a comment.
Q:
What is the best way to keep moisture from gathering on the inside of
your tent at night? I'm new to camping in general so this was a bit odd
for me.
Any help would be nice.
Steven H.
A:
Overnight condensation is a common problem. Most of the moisture you find inside your tent in the morning is coming from you and your tentmates. When you breathe and perspire you're adding moisture to the air inside the tent. That's a good thing...we know you're alive! But without some way out of the tent, that moisture will condense on the cool outer surfaces of the tent in the same way that humid air will condense on a cold glass of water.
The key to preventing condensation and moisture build-up is to provide adequate ventilation and airflow through your tent. By allowing some air to flow through the tent all night, you'll give the moisture a way to escape. You'll also find your tent less stuffy. How exactly you achieve this ventilation will depend on the type of tent you own, but the basic idea is to have an opening low on one side of the tent and an opening high on the other. The easiest thing to do is just open up the doors and let the air flow. If your tent has two doors and it's not raining out this is usually pretty easy to achieve. Some tents even have built-in vents -- many with only one door have a high vent located on the opposite side. If you're camping in particularly humid conditions, you'll also want to pitch you tent so the the vents are able to catch the prevailing breeze and draw fresh air through your tent.
Q&A: How to Find Discontinued Gear
Occasionally we receive outdoor gear questions from readers. Since we figured others would find them useful too, we’ll share some of those Q&A’s here. If you think we missed the mark, let us know by leaving a comment.
Q:
Five years ago I bought an Arc’Teryx Volt for my boyfriend in the States. He dearly appreciated it, yet a few weeks ago it was stolen and I have not been able to find a substitute for him here in Germany. Can you help me find this special rucksack again? It would be a wonderful surprise for him.
Andrea S.
A:
Hi, Andrea. I’m sorry to hear your boyfriend lost his favorite backpack. Unfortunately the Arc’Teryx Volt has been discontinued, but there are a few possibilities for finding specific models of discontinued gear.
If you’re set on finding a particular item, like the Volt, you can search gear closeouts online at REI Outlet, Backcountry Outlet, and Sierra Trading Post. Individuals on eBay and GearTrade sell used and new gear. You also can post a "Want To Buy" message in Trailspace’s Classifieds, a free forum that matches individual buyers and sellers of used gear.
If none of those options turn up a new or used Volt, I’d take a look at Arc’Teryx's current daypacks. Find out specifically what features your boyfriend liked about his old Volt and see if any of Arc’Teryx’s current urban daypacks (such as the Arro 16 or 22 or the Spear 20 or 24) offer the same features and capacity and are designed for the same use and conditions. According to one reviewer, Arc’Teryx recommended the Spear 24 as most similar to the Volt.
If your boyfriend was happy with the fit, features, and quality of his previous Arc’Teryx pack he’s likely to be happy with a similar new one. However, since proper fit and personal preference is so important, it’s always good to buy from a shop with an excellent return policy if you’re buying a pack or any outdoor gear as a gift.
Good luck!
Q&A: How to Buy Green Gear
Occasionally we receive outdoor gear questions from readers. Since we figured others would find them useful too, we’ll share some of those Q&A’s here. If you think we missed the mark, let us know by leaving a comment.
Q:
I want to buy some professional outdoor wear and gear. I’m preparing for my mountain guide certification, so I do need serious pieces of equipment. I not only want to work in nature, but also for it. So for me it’s basic that for a big investment I want to buy green, environmentally-friendly gear, and support those companies that make it. Is it possible to get a very complete list of companies that produce “green” gear and wear?
Paul S.
A:
Paul, it’s great that you’re considering your environmental impact on the outdoors. For many people it’s inconvenient to consider that our outdoor activities and gear have negative impacts on the very places we love. Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible to create a definitive list of green gear and clothing.
While green outdoor offerings continue to expand, especially with clothing, green equipment is much harder to find. As concerned consumers like you demand and choose more environmentally-friendly options I hope those offerings will grow. Just as important, I hope verifiable or certifiable standards will be established so consumers won't have the full burden of making environmentally-friendly choices. The outdoor industry is leading the way in developing these types of standards, but they're still in early discussions.
In the meantime, here are a few things you and all hikers, backpackers, and climbers can consider to make your outdoor activities and gear choices greener:
Travel Wisely
The biggest environmental impact from most people’s outdoor activities is getting to the trailhead. Airplanes are the worst offenders, so consider sticking closer to home for your adventures to reduce your fuel consumption. Drive or rent a hybrid. Don’t forget to carpool. Whenever possible (and we know this one is difficult to impossible depending on where you live) use public transportation for all or part of your travel.
While somewhat controversial, you also can reduce your carbon footprint by buying carbon offsets, which offset other greenhouse gas emissions through tree plantings and purchases of renewable energy. Carbon offsets should not be used as a guilt-free way to indulge a jet-set lifestyle though. You still need to find ways to reduce your own emissions.
Buy Wisely
The easiest and most effective way to be a greener consumer is to buy less stuff. Yes, many of us are gear junkies who love to try out the newest equipment and clothing, but before making any gear choice (green or not) you should consider whether you really need an item or if you already have something that does the job safely and effectively.
When you do need a piece of clothing or gear, look for items that contain environmentally-friendly materials, like recycled polyester and plastic and natural fibers such as bamboo, modal, hemp, coconut (Cocona), and organic cotton and wool. Some environmentally-friendly outdoor clothing brands to consider include Patagonia, which has pledged to close its recycling loop by 2010, Ibex, Prana, Nau, and Teko. GoLite, Marmot, and Sierra Designs also use natural and recycled materials in some of their clothing and outerwear.
Finding environmentally-friendly technical gear is still very difficult, but inroads are being made (read Green Hiking and Backpacking Gear). As with clothing, look for products that use recycled materials and fewer chemicals. The outdoor industry is just starting to talk collectively about eco issues and I hope they will soon develop product standards and ratings for the benefit of concerned consumers like you.
If you can’t find a green version of the clothing or gear you need, remember that buying a high quality, dependable item that will fit you and your needs for years to come is preferable to buying a low quality piece that you’d need to repair or replace sooner. So consult gear reviews and consider your specific needs and preferences, along with your budget.
Lastly, consider how you buy gear. If buying at a local shop, try to do your shopping errands in one fell swoop, rather than making lots of little runs in the car (or better yet park the car and use public transportation or foot or pedal power). Consider pieces with less packaging. If buying online, try to bundle multiple items together from one retailer and choose ground shipping instead of expedited air delivery.
Reuse and Recycle
Whenever safely possible, have gear professionally repaired rather than buying a brand new version. Tents, backpacks, clothing, and footwear can often be repaired, altered, or resoled by experienced specialists.
Still usable gear, clothing, and footwear also can be bought and sold secondhand (Trailspace's Classifieds, GearTrade, eBay), donated to a charity or thrift store, or passed on to a friend or family member.
Some companies will take back old garments. Patagonia’s Common Threads Garment Recycling program recycles worn out Capilene, Patagonia fleece, Polartec fleece, and Patagonia organic cotton T-shirts. Nau’s Product Afterlife Program accepts worn out clothing for recycling or composting. And parents can return outgrown children's clothing to Molehill to be donated to homeless shelters and safe houses and get a coupon for 10% off their next purchase.
Practice LNT
Lastly, once on the trail, rock, or water, understand and practice Leave No Trace principles. Even the best-intentioned hikers, backpackers, and climbers can cause significant impact on land, water, vegetation, and wildlife through ignorance or neglect.
In short, reduce your fuel and resource consumption, repair and reuse clothing and gear whenever safely possible, and recycle old gear and clothing.
Q&A: What Makes a Tent Four-Season?
Occasionally we receive outdoor gear questions from readers. Since we figured others would find them useful too, we’ll share some of those Q&A’s here. If you think we missed the mark, let us know by leaving a comment.
Q:
I own four tents. Three of those tents are three-season, and one is a four-season. One tent is a child's tent that is waterproof, without a fly. I have yet to find a definition of what qualifies a tent to be three-season and what qualifies for a four-season. My four-season is a Eureka K2-XT, with dome fly and vestibule. One of my three-season tents also has a dome fly with vestibule and the other has a fly that is heavy duty but is open in front of the door, without a vestibule.
Sincerely,
Richard S.
A:
Four-season tents typically have more and/or stronger poles and a rounded dome to withstand heavy snow loads and high winds. They are the heaviest and sturdiest of tents, expedition versions being the strongest of all. Four-season tents can be used year-round, but are generally too hot and heavy for warm weather due to their lack of ventilation.
Three-season tents are designed for spring, summer, and fall use and may be a dome, tunnel, hybrid, or single-hoop design. They’re not designed to withstand heavy snow loads, but most should hold up to a light early- or late-season snowfall. Three-season tents are designed with more ventilation than four-season tents, so they stay cooler and are less likely to build up condensation. (Warm weather tents have the most ventilation of all though.)
If you want to bridge the gap, there also are 3-4 season convertible tents that convert from four-season to three-season use with the removal of a couple of poles or zip-off panels. They tend to be heavier than standard three-season models, but offer greater versatility than a three- or four-season tent alone.
Q&A: Hooped Bivies Under $250
Occasionally we receive outdoor gear questions from readers. Since we figured others would find them useful too, we’ll share some of those Q&A’s here. If you think we missed the mark, let us know by leaving a comment.
Q:
I have been looking for a bivy sack. I backpack four to six times per year. I would like a bivy that would function well in temperature ranging from fifteen degrees to sixty degrees. I would like it to be good in a rain. It does not have to be that good in snow as it rarely snows in my typical trips. I would like to be able to read and not be to aggravated by a drizzle while reading in the bivy. I would like it to be less than 3 pounds and less than two hundred and fifty dollars. I would like it to be reasonably large as I am six feet one inch tall and weigh two hundred and thirty pounds. I recognize that all of these details may not be possible but when you do not know it is time to ask. I would really appreciate advice.
A:
Take a look at the Bibler Bipod and the Integral Designs Unishelter EXP. These both seem to fit all of your requirements. The Bipod is one of the few hooped bivies significantly under $250, and at 92 inches should be plenty long (though I don't know about girth). The Unishelter EXP costs a bit more but is specifically designed for larger occupants (up to 6'6").
Other alternatives are the Bibler Tripod and the Black Diamond Lightsabre. The Bibler Tripod is a little bigger than the Bipod, but also heavier and more expensive. The Black Diamond Lightsabre is less expensive, but its Epic fabric isn't as good in the rain as the ToddTex used in the Bibler bivies.
Q&A: Queen-Sized Sleeping Pad
Occasionally we receive outdoor gear questions from readers. Since we figured others would find them useful too, we’ll share some of those Q&A’s here. If you think we missed the mark, let us know by leaving a comment.
Q:
I am having the hardest time. I am trying to find a way for my girlfriend and I to sleep together while camping yet not having to buy one of those inflatable mattresses. I would love to find a self-inflating sleeping mat that is queen sized but I can't. Any suggestions? What are my options?
A:
Thema-a-Rest makes a little strap system that will hold two sleeping pads together. They call it the Universal Couple Kit.
Using a couple of those to lash together three full-size sleeping pads should get you pretty close to a queen size mattress, and you'd still have the flexibility of using the pads individually when needed.
Q&A: Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack 45
Occasionally we receive outdoor gear questions from readers. Since we figured others would find them useful too, we’ll share some of those Q&A’s here. If you think we missed the mark, let us know by leaving a comment.
Q:
I am considering purchasing the Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack 45 backpack. We are going to Central America for 7 weeks and once there, we will travel by bus/boat. We will be traveling in 5 countries. Is this the kind of pack for this type of trip? Will this pack do okay putting it in the luggage section on a plane/dumping it in the back of a bus?
A:
The Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack series packs were designed for alpine mountaineering and are probably not the best choice for general travel. They should be rugged enough to take the abuse, but they are pretty stripped down in terms of features (e.g. few pockets, minimal suspension and padding, etc.) and not really made with that type of travel in mind.
I'd suggest a somewhat larger pack, either a travel-specific or general backpacking design. The right pack for you will depend largely on how much you're planning to carry, where you're staying (hotel vs. hostel vs. tent) and how often and how far you'll actually be carrying the pack.
You may want to post your question in the Trailspace forums, where you're likely to get good suggestions from a number of people who've done similar trips.
FAQ: Writing Reviews
Recently several people have asked me how they could review products that aren't already listed on the site.
As it turns out, you can review any piece of outdoor gear -- whether or not it's already on Trailspace -- by going to the main Write a Review page.
The review form is accessible by clicking "Gear Reviews" at the top of any page on the site, and then clicking "Write a Review" in the upper-right corner of the Gear Reviews main page (or any other page in the Gear Reviews section). Then just select the type of gear you want to review (backpack, tent, etc.) and away you go.
On a related note, if the brand you want to review isn't listed, you can select "Other..." from the list and just include the brand in the "Product Name" field.
Have you run into similar roadblocks? What could we do to make the review process more obvious or easier to use?
Q&A: Who Makes the Longest Sleeping Bags?
Occasionally we receive outdoor gear questions from readers. Since we figured others would find them useful too, we’ll share some of those Q&A’s here.
Here's a question I got this fall that, although being 5'4", I immediately had to find the answer to:
Q
Read your article on Trailspace about sleeping bags, which gave a mention to extra-long bags. Any idea who makes the longest? I'm trying to track down the longest 20F backpacking bag I can find, as I’m about 6'9", and carrying a rectangular bag is becoming a real pain in the butt...
Any ideas are appreciated, if you've got any.
Thanks!
Dean J
A
That's a great question, Dean. I'm sure there are others like you looking for more legroom, so I did a little research.
If you like down bags, I think your best bet is to check out Western Mountaineering and Feathered Friends. According to Western Mountaineering’s sleeping bag spec chart, they have the following 15-degree bags in 7' long:
Badger Super MF (mummy)
Badger Super DL (mummy)
Ponderosa MF (semi-rectangular)
Western Mountaineering bags get really good reviews from users, but that comes with a higher price. So you'd need to decide if they're worth it for your use and budget. You might consider finding a used one.
Feathered Friends makes high-quality, custom length bags that measure up to 7' for the standard model or 6’3” for the women's model. Feathered Friends is another company that receives great sleeping bag reviews. And with four standard and four women’s lengths, they cover the height spectrum down to a custom short (5'6") or an extra small women’s (4'9").
Lastly, in the more affordable category, Sierra Designs’ extra-long length fits users up to 7'. Their synthetic, 10-degree Paul Bunyan (mummy), is available in extra-long.
Good luck!
Alicia
« Previous blog posts | Later blog posts »
