A roof over my head (my new tent)

Strategic planning.  Right up there with faith and courage, good decisions up front will help me go the distance this summer.  And strategic planning is ideal for a long, cold, snowy Maine winter anyway.  One goal has been to reduce the weight, volume, and sheer number of items in my gear.  Even eliminating a tiny unused item reduces the number of things to scramble through in the search for whatever I am looking for (usually found at the very bottom of the dry bag).  Today’s focus: Tent, fly, and footprint (another term for a groundcloth)

• Old: Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight, purchased in 2000 for a backcountry camping trip with my 7-year-old son in Shenandoah National Park (weight 5 lbs., 6 oz. including footprint.; packed size 6″ x 18″; peak height 43″, 2 poles)
• New: Sierra Designs Flashlight 1 UL…yes, it’s the same model, updated and in the one-person version (weight 2 lbs., 15 oz. without a groundcloth; packed size 5″ x 13″ without poles; peak height 46″, 3 poles)
• Major changes: Lighter (good), smaller stuff sack (good), poles too long for stuff sack (bad), attached fly (good), side entrance (good), plastic sheet replacing footprint (untested)
• Cost: $178 from REI with member’s discount and free shipping (Christmas present anyway…thanks, Dad!)
• To do list: Seam sealing is recommended, cut plastic sheet for inside tent rather than having a footprint, figure out where to pack poles

One winter evening, we had fun setting up my new tent in our living room, staked out to furniture and some metal weights Dad had in his workshop.  I crawled inside and was delighted that it felt roomy and there was plenty of space in its long length to put my gear bags.  I like to bring as much as possible inside my tent at night to keep it dry and clean (everything but food, cooking gear, and boat stuff).  The side entrance makes for easier access and creates a small vestibule similar in size to my old tent’s.  For future backpacking, trekking poles can be used in place of 2 of the tent’s 3 poles.  Lastly, the color works for me.  I was afraid it would be too bright, as I like to blend in with my surroundings.  My little tent will be the color of bright green baby leaves or grass…she sighs wistfully, thinking that is has been months since she has seen any green grass…