New Rule on Ultralight Tents

New rule: don't stuff your ultralight tents any more. You've got to fold 'em or roll 'em. 

I've come to this conclusion after a few seasons of endless tent repair on my BD Hilight, a single wall.

Dainty ultralights (made from fabrics lighter than 10 denier) have their appeal, but toughness isn't one of them. The micro holes seem to be caused by abrasion inside the pack. This is being confirmed all over the web by other ultralight tent testers. And it's something that none of us can fully prevent.

It spells good news, though, for pricey footprint sales. Buy one for all your ultralights, then wrap them up inside like burritos for travel. You've got a backup in your tent floor, after all, in case the footprint tears on a rock or a root.

Don't be wet. Just buy a footprint.

This season I'm comparing two double-wall 2P tents with double doors: the Copper Spur UL from Big Agnes and the Nemo Hornet. I'll let you know how it goes.

Rule 4: Cold? Put on a hat.

Off grid: hat city

In my last WFR recert, we looked at studies on hypothermia. I was surprised that people are losing core temperature so fast through the big muscles of the legs and gluteus.

We’ve always assumed that tights or long johns are the last insulation you need. Turns out, it’s just as important to keep your thighs and backside warm as it is to bundle up your noggin, according to timeworn principles.

As a result, you can usually find a pair of Icebreaker's 140-150 weight merino wool, 3/4 length tights in my pack on weekend trips. The temperature range is astounding. When you don't need them, you hardly know
they're there.

Mine clips into my harness, like this one

Whatever you do, never pack out without a hat. This is why I'm a big fan of hoody base layers.

But more on that later.

Maxim No. 6

Here's Adventure Travel Maxim No. 6:

It's better in a beach buggy.

Let the air out of your tires

Rule 67: Make Friends on the Road

Always bring something to trade.