Tents

I have a Cool Mountain II. I have still only slept in mine once on the escarpment (next time will be in 9 days time). That was on top of Gypaetus Pass. The wind was strong enough to break Fitness' new Hi-Tec 4 seasons tent poles - my 360 degree didn't budge at all. But it wasn't a major wind.

On GT we had a bit of bad wind on some of the nights, we also had a lot of snow the one night. Tony Marshall and John Pickup were both using 360 Degree Cool Mountain tents and their tents handled the GT just fine.

If you get one make sure you buy some extra guy-ropes and pegs, there are spots to add 4 ropes and it needs another 12 pegs.

But yes - I am still very happy with it and would still recommend it.

Hmmm, its a tough one when deciding between the K-way Nerolite and the 360 degrees Cool Mountain tent. Will be very keen to hear if anyone has some experience on how either of these (or both ) have stood up to some stronger winds.

john mark 1 wrote: Hmmm, its a tough one when deciding between the K-way Nerolite and the 360 degrees Cool Mountain tent. Will be very keen to hear if anyone has some experience on how either of these (or both ) have stood up to some stronger winds.

Hi John mark 1. I have the nerolite 3 and used it on my last hike with Ghaz, I'm my opinion it is a great tent, it wasn't tested in extremely windy conditions, was tested with rain though and 3 guys with all there gear crammed inside, so basically it is not a 3 man with full kit.
I'm most likely will be using it again in a weeks time, I made the guys at C.U.M put it up twice before I made a decision.

Hi All,

I have a home made footprint for a K-Way Treklite/Nerolite 2 that I'd like to get rid of - it's in perfect condition.

I've made it by using the standard store bought rectangular MPI All Weather Blanket -
www.capeunionmart.co.za/mpi-all-weather-blanket - and trimmed the sheet to match the size of the inner tent. I've used colour coded nylon webbing to match the colours of the webbing on the tent and I've used 0.3mm nylon thread (rot proof) to attach the webbing and nylon piping. The eyelets are brass and can slip onto the ends of the corresponding colour coded poles.

I've only used it twice and I'm giving it away to anyone who wants it and will use it - hate to just throw it away after going to all the effort of making it

PM me and I'll send you a pic

Hi, Everyone,

Can you all post some info on tents and tell what tents you think we all should avoid, and talk about some bad experiences that you have had with certain tents?

'Content, or discontent; which tent do you use?

mike

If you want to physically look at options, Drifters store at Sandton City has the best range of light tents that will cope with high Berg winds. I presume you are looking at something that would survive at 3000m for the money your are talking about.

The lightest real protection is either the Black Diamond tents or if you go big, their Bibler range of full 4 season mountain tents. The BD stuff can be below 5k but the Bibler stuff is 7k at least.

It's important to look at the range of use and environments you intend to use your tent in because light single wall tents are not good at low altitude but there are some good double wall options that are quite good 3 season options and weight around the 2kg mark.

Mountain Hardwear make some great tents which are less that 2kg and are strong 3 season options which should handle most Berg conditions if well staked out. I suggest you look on their websites to check specs and then try and get a local price. Drifter will order if you want.

Hope this helps.

www.mountainmailorder.co.za/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=2419

Any views on this?

@hasamatt. I personally haven't had experience with the First Ascent tent you refer to but while shopping for my own tent towards the end of last year with a limited budget I realized that there are good tents for less money and weight (which is important) I know Ghaz has a 360degree Cool Mountain 4 season which weighs less than the First ascent and costs less and he's had no issues with it. I have the K-Way Nerolite and have taken it on 3 hikes since getting it and I have had issues, its going to be tested in winter conditions in the next 2 weeks so I can then report back.
I'm sure others can and will comment further.
I've attached a picture of my Nerolite.