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Posted by Bill S on October 18, 2006 at 11:36:50 am EDT
In reply to Re: Knotty question! posted by Blackbeard on October 17, 2006 at 5:01:10 am EDT

Clue - terminology like "thingie" defined as a "technical term" Or "you can even tie a turk's head if so inclined" (Really? Would anyone actually go to the effort of tying such a fancy, albeit artistic and decorative, knot for just pitching a tent?)

Well, yes, there is some "truth" buried in the delivery. But I look at woodsy things as fun, although I know there are some folks out there who are "deadly serious" (threatening super deadly consequences for even minor glitches). We see them post here from time to time. Like a certain fellow who kept insisting that only a certain brand of outdoor gear was any good and that all others (his words) "are lying" about their gear and methods of making it. Sigh!

My serious point is - whatever works for you is perfect for you (until you try something that works better for you). If you think about the possible consequences of something not working and include plans B, C, and D in your preparations, you are unlikely to suffer serious consequences. (example - what if I leave my rain gear at home, but the forecast is wrong and it dumps a major thunderstorm? Well, maybe I can use that plastic garbage bag as an emergency rain cover. Or maybe I just get wet, which doesn't matter much, since it is summer and I will be only a half mile from the car. OTOH, if I were to be 20 miles out on a 50 mile loop and it is late Fall, where the "rain" might turn into snow, then Plan B better be more sound than a plastic garbage bag. In other words, if the consequences would be minor, then don't sweat it. But if they would be major or catastrophic, then Plans B, C, and D better be very robust).

The idea of "there are lots of ways to guy a tent" is to say that there is no "official" method. There are numerous ways, all with advantages and disadvantages. The little metal and plastic "thingies" are an alternative that adds cost, and I find break or get lost a lot (especially for the Scouts). So use one of the knots (tautline, for example) that will always work and won't get lost (unless you lose the whole guyline - gulp! - or worse, the whole tent - gasp!). Take your choice. It doesn't really matter.

Oh, about your questions - ya know, there are at least a hundred lurkers out there with the same question. If you don't step forward to ask it, then potentially hundreds of people out there will continue in ignorance. To quote someone "the only stupid/dumb question is the one not asked."

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