Danehunter
Well-Known Member
With steady 30 mph. winds and highest gusts to 65 mph. here in the 'Vegas valley today it is a good day to test tents for wind-worthiness.
I've found that most backpacking tents can withstand a lot of wind IF they have proper guying of the fly and stake loops sewn to the hem of the fly so it can be nailed down to avoid damaging flapping.
TRICK: if you need to guy the fly in a place where there is no guy point sewn on use a rounded quarter size pebble, ball of paper, etc. beneath the fly at the guy point and tie it off with the guy line. Loosen the fly to wrap under the stone and then re-tighten and guy out.
This should spread out the stress enough to prevent tearing the fly - unless you have apocalyptic winds, that is.
I recommend you take the time to test your tent in high winds at home, before it is shredded in the mountains. And no, Wally Mart tents won't cut it.
Also flapping along with wind noise can keep you awake so take yer foam ear plugs Bucky. (Good defense against snorers too.;o)
Eric B.
I've found that most backpacking tents can withstand a lot of wind IF they have proper guying of the fly and stake loops sewn to the hem of the fly so it can be nailed down to avoid damaging flapping.
TRICK: if you need to guy the fly in a place where there is no guy point sewn on use a rounded quarter size pebble, ball of paper, etc. beneath the fly at the guy point and tie it off with the guy line. Loosen the fly to wrap under the stone and then re-tighten and guy out.
This should spread out the stress enough to prevent tearing the fly - unless you have apocalyptic winds, that is.
I recommend you take the time to test your tent in high winds at home, before it is shredded in the mountains. And no, Wally Mart tents won't cut it.
Also flapping along with wind noise can keep you awake so take yer foam ear plugs Bucky. (Good defense against snorers too.;o)
Eric B.