| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
Backpacker Magazine – November 2008
At right around two pounds per person, these three-season, double-occupancy shelters do everything but weigh you down.
Best All-Around | Storm Ready | Top Single-Wall | Big-Guy Favorite | Customizable | Lightest
CUSTOMIZABLE
Big Sky International Convertible 2P Shelter

Tailor your tent to suit the conditions where you typically hike. The double-wall Convertible 2P has winter and summer options for the tent body, plus your choice of lightweight or winter-weight poles. We paired the silnylon fly with the mostly mesh summer canopy for a tent that tips the scales at just 3 pounds 10 ounces, yet delivers poker-night floor space. The 42-inch peak height allows even tall hikers to sit up in comfort. Two doors allow fuss-free exits, and two vestibules offer just enough space for packs and boots. The gauzy fabrics are super-compressible (the rainfly packs down to pint-glass size) and the tent shed rain, graupel, and moderate winds. So why didn't it score higher? The delicate pole-sleeve fabric showed early signs of wear, and the stakeout cords shredded easily. Ventilation was adequate so long as the fly's numerous rain flaps were rolled up (a tedious process involving lots of tiny toggles). Stowed, the flaps collected rain water, so packing up without soaking the interior required unbuttoning each flap. Verdict: Best for ounce-counting tinkerers. Reader service #105

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READERS COMMENTS
hi to all of you... i am clven troy.. a local guide to the highest peak in the philippines.. MT.APO!!! if ever you want to come and experience the Majestic Mt.Apo this APRIL-MAY season climb, just contact me... take care!!!
Hi, Although i'm a gear nut i think that there are far lighter and better tent out there for the same or less money that where not included in this survey- also better versions- The North Face Spectru 23 is far superior and lighter than the Vario- Just a thought-
Being able to travel far and fast doesn't mean you have to sleep on the cold, damp earth. Weighing just over four pounds, the Spectrum 23's lightweight design allows outdoor enthusiasts to remain unencumbered by bulky equipment but retain the comfort of protection against harsh elements. Withstanding winds of 130.2 mph, you'll be blown away by how resilient this tent just is.
Features Wind-tunnel-tested for those on the move
DAC Featherlite™ NSL aluminum poles using reverse-combi technology
Two Nano-Knuckle™ swivels
Fusion pitch with ultralight MicroClip™
Fully seam sealed canopy
Fully taped ultralight floor
Freestanding design with pull-out vestibule
High-low venting with overhead vents and zip closure
Ultralight 1' pole sleeve
D-shaped door
Color-coded poles
Reflective guyline and zipper cording
Compression stuffsack included
Hi, I just wanted to say that I really enjoy the Backpacker Magazine on line. I am 64, love the outdoors and have learned a lot from your many informative departments. I live in Tucson,Az and enjoy the dessert climate and learning about all of the different aspects of this area.
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