"Today, we are going to change underwhere! Phil, you change with Mellow, ...."
Got my new air bed today! Comparo Test in near future....
Ride mag suggestions
FYI I got my new base camp tent today, a Kelty Trail Ridge 6. I camp in some incredibly hot places, like Wisconsin in the summer, and this tent has lots of real ventilation with its moon roof. This tent is also made in a 4 person but has a really big pack size for a bike. 27 x 8 x 8 vs 20 x 6 x 6 for the exquisit Eureka Midora 4. You do get real big solid aluminum poles and stakes made out of "nobendium" (sic) which are very very hard to bend. I tried. 
Let us know how it works in the wind at Quigley
it is taller by a bit than my normal cheep Quigley tent I use for sure. That is the bain for wind loading for all these non expedidition tents. We do get some impressive T storms at OSHKOSH, also. This tent does have places for added stays. I guess we shall see! I am not sure any of these non expedition tents can withstand 40 mph gusts for long.....
Phil Tarman
Site Supporter
My REI Half-Dome 4 did OK in 40-45mph gusts...until I tripped and fell onto it and bent two of the poles. After that it didn't do as well.
BTW, you said something about your new tent having solid aluminum poles. Really? All the ones I've seen have been hollow.
And, speaking of aluminum poles, I was dismayed when REI didn't have replacement poles available for the Half-Dome. But then I was relieved when they had a supplier's name and website. That guy replaced my poles for way less than I expected and very quickly. I don't remember who the supplier was, but since I don't have the tent anymore, it doesn't make me any real difference.
BTW, you said something about your new tent having solid aluminum poles. Really? All the ones I've seen have been hollow.
And, speaking of aluminum poles, I was dismayed when REI didn't have replacement poles available for the Half-Dome. But then I was relieved when they had a supplier's name and website. That guy replaced my poles for way less than I expected and very quickly. I don't remember who the supplier was, but since I don't have the tent anymore, it doesn't make me any real difference.
Sorry, I meant to say "sturdy" poles. There is nothing cheep about them. Barb and I spent an hour outside this evening using the tent as a screened in gazebo and it worked very well for that.
The REI halfdome 3 plus is a good tent for windloading, being only 46 inches high. The trade off of course is that its hard to stand up and get dressed like you can in the Midori 3 and 4 and others that are 56 inches high. I am surprised you couldnt find poles. You would have to work very hard to bend the poles on a Trail Ridge tent. Fiberglass poles are a much different story.
I find it interesting but sad to see this attitude of "exclusive distribution/ inclusive distribution. REI corporate has made the decision to no longer carry many Kelty and Eureka tents, blowing many out on clearance. Ace is trying to dump Sherwin willians paints, Cabelas refuses to carry mountain house freeze dried food as Bass pro shops who bought them has an agreement with another maker....well, there is always amazon.
NoNTnow
Guest
Cabelas also appears to have purged their database of all their old customer info. I went in yesterday to stock up on ammo during their "sale" and all our info had disappeared...
Phil Tarman
Site Supporter
Coyote Chris said: "I am surprised you couldnt find poles.'
Chris, you didn't read far enough. I did find poles. RE! directed me to a supplier who made new poles at a very reasonable price.
Chris, you didn't read far enough. I did find poles. RE! directed me to a supplier who made new poles at a very reasonable price.
What I meant was they had to direct you to a supplier who may or may not be in business or sells you who knows what. The reason we pay so much to REI is Service. I expect them to keep the poles in stock. I am a tough customer.
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As regards using the pass-through for your tool roll, I've found that applying some of the male portion of hook & weave strips to the inside (applied to the plastic) helps to keep the tool roll in place. It doesn't work 100% of the time but a lot better than letting the fabric tool roll slide on smooth plastic.
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Phil Tarman
Site Supporter
Sounds like a good idea. I stick a 1st Aid kit in the passthrough and it never stays there.