Tent, Sweet Tent
Well, we did it - finally bought a new tent. Of course, it’s replacing the 15-year old one that has a habit of trying to drown my feet. And we tried out the new REI Half Dome tent. I say “we” meaning my son and his camping buddy tried it out. I got his old one, an REI Flyte, complete with footprint and odd tent stakes. It’s a great tent for one person, but I can’t imagine squeezing two adults into it.
Anyway, the new REI Half Dome seems to do the trick. There are two doors, so the guys aren’t jabbing each other with elbows and knees getting in and out. It’s a nice compact size and weight and fits in well with the small tent city the troop pitches at campsites. My son’s 6′2″ and his bunk mate is 5′6″ and they both fit comfortably, they report. It didn’t rain this weekend, and though they hiked over 10 miles up and down some steep inclines, they only did it for one day. It will be different in Philmont, where they’re hiking day in and day out for 10-11 days. I hope they’re still friends when they return!
The tents are drying out now, and I’m relieved the sun is shining and it’s not too windy. Airing and drying them out is a critical step in maintaining their health and fresh smell. Even if they haven’t been rained on, the likelihood of them being completely dry when we pack up in the morning is close to zero.
Drying them out also means a flurry of activity in the evening, when we realize they’re still out in the backyard and have to be packed up again.
