Tent Review: Exped Vela I Extreme

[Son of a Beach]

Yes, OK, it wasn't just a simple copy/paste, as the forum tries to abbreviate it. It was a matter of click on it, then copy/paste the last bit (or retype the last bit). Here's 'tis in an easier to copy/paste form:

Code: Select all

http://www.bikefeeling.nl/images/100729%20Exped%202011%20News%20LowR%20(1).pdf

Actually, here it is fully and correctly URL-encoded so that you can just click on it:

http://www.bikefeeling.nl/images/100729 ... 281%29.pdf

[samh]

Yes interestingly a very quiet release. According to http://biwakscharte.de it will be available from 1. March 2011, so maybe that's why.

It's also interesting that the fly is silicone/Pu coated and has taped seams. I wonder if it would be even lighter with an all silicone coated fly.

[Franco]

Sorry about the link. I have come across that problem before but forgot about it..

Joe, I was having a bit of fun.
As a camera buyer I had to sign non-disclosure agreements to see/hear about upcoming gear only to see the info on the net not long after...

The easiest/cheapest way to be able to tape siliconised nylon is to add a PU coating. Tape sticks to that and the coating adds some waterhead.
Note that it is listed as 1500mm, the "standard" silnylon is around 1200mm.*
One of the reason some manufacturers choose not to do that is that PU is organic and can perish. When you read about "sticky" tent material, that is the PU perishing.
Franco
*On some not very scientific tests, I have applied a thin silicone coting on the TT type grey silnylon resulting on a waterhead increase to between 1500 and 2000mm.
( I have a 3m long 5 cm wide pipe for that...) My estimate for a single shelter would be an increase of weight of around 80-100g. ( I won't bother...)

[samh]

As a camera buyer I had to sign non-disclosure agreements to see/hear about upcoming gear only to see the info on the net not long after...

Ah so you can tell me when I can buy my Nikon D800 then

[davids]

JB - From earlier in the thread what are cup hooks for making a fixing point on platforms?
David

[corvus]

Screw them into the platform and use them like tent pegs
c

[Jellybean]

JB - From earlier in the thread what are cup hooks for making a fixing point on platforms?
David

Hi David,

The hooks in the attached photo are cup hooks (available from the local hardware store in various sizes, this is the size I use). I take some of these whenever we are planning on camping on platforms. I keep them in the zip lock back in my cooking pot until needed so that they don't pierce anything. They're great for ensuring that guy tie down points are where you need them to be for the perfect pitch. As Corvus said, you just screw them into the platform where you need them and attach the guy to them. Don't forget to remove them when you leave!

Cheers,

JB

[Nuts]

The bigger, plastic coated ones are a bit easier to get it, especially for daintier fingers. They also come on an extra large size. Might be an idea to screw them into some pine before you leave and make sure.

[kanangra]

I looked at the Aries Mesh at Mountain Equipment the other day. I must say it looked quite a good tent. they were asking about $485 for it which sounded reasonable to me? I see from this thread that a lighter version is coming. what do people think about it?

K

[rwfox]

Hi....
....I have just ordered a Terra Nova Laser a similar tent that fits 2 (1 and a close friend) it weighs 1.24kg packed.

Backcountry gear have them on special at the moment US $336 and moontrail have them, its cheaper than a rain coat! ( http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/ ... cfm/TER105 ).

The vestibule is a bit small but it should make a good emergency shelter? when using huts. These English tents are normally quite expensive.

Cheers

[Franco]

If you like that style of tent have a look at the Luxe Lightwave. Very similar to the Laser but with vents (...)
Avaliable locally for $499 (?)

Franco