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Backpacker Magazine – November 2010
Time-Tested Gear: Tents
A-frames, domes, party tents–we've tested them all.
The North Face VE-25 (Courtesy Photo)
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Tags:
- Gear |
- Tents |
- Winter camping |
- Sleeping bags |
The North Face VE-25 | Black Diamond Bibler Ahwahnee | X-ray Power |
Editors’ Choice Hall of Fame | Field Notes | Expert Wisdom |
See all Time-Tested Gear
Editors’ Choice Hall of Fame | Field Notes | Expert Wisdom |
See all Time-Tested Gear
(Photo by Steve Howe)
Editors’ Choice Hall of Fame
Rarely, a piece of gear totally surpasses even our wildest expectations, as the Sierra Designs Lightning XT 4 did on a 2008 staff trip to Wales. We pitched this four-person ultralight atop an exposed plateau in torrential rain and 40-mph winds, and proceeded to jam seven shivering bodies inside for drinking and card games. It was a trip-saver. $450; 6 lbs. 13 oz.; sierradesigns.com.
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READERS COMMENTS
Garbage
I purchased my VE24 in 1982 and used it well for a few years. Then we moved to the beach and mostly cruised a Cal 30. In 1992 we retired to Bend Oregon and I dug out my wonderful family fort. Alas, the floor was sticky. I returned it under the TNF Warranty and soon received a new VE25. I also have a solo favorite, the Black Diamond Firstlight at 2,11.
You gotta love SD tents and I'm happy to see at least one model reach the H.O.F. For many years, my first generation Lightning 2 had been my "go to" 3-season tent. Although I've recently gone more lightweight with my Tarptent Rainbow 1, my SD Lightning and SD Stretch Dome 4-season create a pretty good, personal tent inventory.
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