News that You Can Use-Tents!

Dear Trekkers and Adventurers and Parents,

​While at the grocery getting the obligatory bread and milk in advance of another Snowmageddon pandemonium,  I thought I would take a quick moment when I got home and pass on some helpful advice on tents. First off, as we discussed in the clinic last week, the MSR 2-person Thunder Ridge tents are provided by Philmont. While these are excellent tents, you will still need backpacking tents for training. The question here really is will we bring our personal tents to Philmont to use? While this post will really not address this question, I did want to give you some points to ponder regarding your tent selection for training and possibly the tent you will also be using at Philmont. Here are the best general guidelines in tent selection I can give you before you pull the trigger:

• Avoid a tent that weighs north of four pounds. Choose a tent as close to three pounds as you can afford. 
• Tents with fiberglass poles are not acceptable gear for Philmont. Generally tents with fiberglass poles weigh an absolute ton and invaribly, the poles break. Choose a tent with aircraft aluminum poles that are shock corded together. 
• While a single walled tent is not a bad choice for the arid Southwest, expect condensation inside your tent even there, but most assuredly in the more humid, Southeast. A double-walled tent may be a better choice.
• Philmont requires all tents to have floors.
• It is highly unlikely that Philmont will allow three in a tent. It's really best just to not even go there. The issue here is getting a good night's sleep.
• Most 2 peep tents are really cozy for two peeps. Thats why my personal tent I use for two peeps is a three peep tent. Confused? Just choose your tent buddy well! 
• Research before you plunge. Read consumer review on the tents you are considering. High marks often can mean its an excellent choice. Let those that have gone before you lead the way! Choose wisely. 
• Footprints are important. 

And now for some more news you can use! Like sleeping bags, now is a great time to shop the gear outlet sites for tents!  Last season's perfectly fine tent gets may have gotten a facelift and is now relegated to the outlet store in advance of the new camping season. If you are an REI Co-Op member, dividends for last year's full price purchases will be coming your way in March along with or soon followed by a 20% off coupon on a full-priced item. REI's annual spring sale in April usually brings a spectacular deal on a great two peep backpackng tent as well. An no, I have absolutely no clue as to what will be offered in the sale! :o)  Here are some great deals on tents I found on a quick stroll on the REI outlet. Be on the watch for a "take an additional 20% off" outlet coupon on the on the REI web site and then plunge! 

Here are some excellent tents to consider from the REI Outlet:

• The REI Dash 2 tent is on sale for $199 on the outlet now. This is a great tent at a great price. Check it out! This tent may also be available at the REI Charlotte store. 
• Big Agnes Scout and Scout Plus. Trekking poles are required for set up. 
• REI Quarter Dome T2 Plus tent. This is an amazing tent. I packed it for years.
• North Face Mica FL 2
• MSR Nook 2
• Marmot Amp 2
• Nemo Veda 2P. Trekking Poles are required for tent set up.

Don't forget that you may find a better price on another outlet site-so shop it! Once again, I hope that this is news you can use!

Blessings,
Mr. Brown