Tents

@ Guardian, a bit off topic, but where do you overnight (multi-day hike) in the Magaliesberg?

I'd like to try that, even without the bivvy, but I'm a bit scared of doing it on the top of the 'berg. I'd do it in the Magaliesberg and other places though

@ Guardian, a bit off topic, but where do you overnight (multi-day hike) in the Magaliesberg?

MCSA properties mostly; Dome, Grootkloof, etc. Also did a traverse from harties to mountain sanctuary a while back.
"Multi-day hike" in magalies to be is more walk in to a pool and chill for a few days

Bivy bags have a few issues, esp ones like the MSR. Condensation is the biggest problem and can be a serious issue if you have a down bag. Seems like there are very few bivy options with ultra light poles etc. Also I am not convinced that the bags will really be waterproof. I know its a tough ask to carry but unless you hiking alone a tent is a better option. Also from a gear safety viewpoint.

On the condensation issue, all that is needed is a small air change. I'm pretty sure a micro fan would do the trick and get the air moving. www.ebay.com/itm/20x20mm-Super-Small-Brushless-DC-Fan-Tiny-Miniature-Mini-Micro-Smallest-SEPA-/181241465497?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a32d54a99

The world's lightest double wall shelter

www.terra-nova.co.uk/tents-and-spares/all-tents/laser-ultra-1-tent/

Edit: Apparently Cuben (no, not Carbon) Fibre fabrics are the future of ultra-light hiking products. Tents, backpacks and shell wear...

I'm assuming the tent is only a back up option? (caves are a good option for the GT)

Had some time to surf yesterday, and I came across the TarpTent Double Rainbow (review here ), which weighs 1.17kg, fits 2, has 2 doors and is rated for 3-season North American use, which I think would qualify for 4-season RSA use. It costs USD 289 for aluminium poles, and an extra USD 30 for the nylon liner which makes it a 3-wall tent (inner is mesh) and increases insulation in winter, ventilation in summer, and reduces condensation effects in the tent.

I'm considering buying this tent, a friend is going to the US soon.

Do you think it would hold up to a 'Berg winter?

Here is a gear review on that tent, Josh:

www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Shelters/Tarps%20and%20Bivys/Tarptent%20Double%20Rainbow/Pam%20Wyant/Test%20Report%20by%20Pamela%20Wyant/

The complete tent weighs 1,3kg. You would probably want to add a ground sheet underneath that as it doesn't have a footprint, which would add another 200-300g.

I would say its a good 3-season tent, definitely not a 4-season, as the wind would blow straight through the mesh. Good to use in the berg at any time but mid winter or heavy storms.

Thanks, I'll have a proper read of that review. (The review is of the 2007 model, I'm not sure how much would have changed since then).

With the nylon liner I think the wind situation might be better. 1.3kg with liner would still be a big improvement for me.

Ultra-light, ultra-compact tent :