Try To Set Up Tent In Shady Areas

Q. I’ve been looking for a three- to four-season convertible tent. I like the floor space of three-man tent, even when two are using it. It must also use clips, have a generous fly with vestibule, and be durable. One choice is the Mountain Hardware Skyview 2. This tent seemed to have all I was looking for, but the color makes me wonder if it will get toasty on summer days. How is the reputation of this company? Is the price justified?

Brian Borowiec

Gear Guy: The Sky View 2 is a nice tent; I used one for several nights last year. And it has most of the attributes you seem to be looking for: It’s roomy (46 square feet, with a big vestibule); sturdy (Easton aluminum poles and beefy pole clips); and suited for all-season camping (a big ripstop roof panel zips out to reveal mesh for ventilation). I found it a little heavy (8 pounds 6 ounces) and kind of a pain to set up. And at $395, it’s not especially cheap. But Mountain Hardwear’s reputation is terrific, and all its products that I’ve used are extremely well-made and well-designed.

As for heat gain from dark colors (the Mountain Hardwear tents are typically gray and dark green), it’s a minor issue but no more than that. ANY tent is going to bake in direct sunlight. Best to keep them in the shade as much as possible, both to keep them cool and reduce damage from UV rays.

Another interesting tent in the “convertible” style is Sierra Designs’ new Tiros Convertible. It’s based on their popular Tiros two-person mountaineering tent, with a number of changes. A second vestibule for more space, for one. And for three-season use you can leave several poles and fabric swatches home, cutting the weight from over 9 pounds to around 7. It’s pretty clever. But then there’s the price: $550 (ouch!).

I think the Sky View 2 is probably your best bet, when you consider price, performance and suitability to the task at hand.

Q. I’m climbing Mount Rainier this summer so I need a new backpack. I need to keep the cost in the $225-$250 range. What do you recommend for someone who would like a pack that holds around 5,000 - 6,000 ci (I take a size 23-inch pack)

Mike Fogarty

Gear Guy: Couple of things to chose from in that price/size range, Mike. One solid option would be the new Eureka Intrepid ($220), a full-featured pack with four outside pockets and 6,200-cubic-inch capacity. It might not extend to quite your size, though (if you really do need a 23-inch pack, then you’re at the very highest end of most makers’ limits). There’s also the Gregory Shasta ($245) a relatively no-frills pack but one that has Gregory’s first-rate suspension and 5,700 cubic inches of space. Kelty’s La Sal ($230) is another pack with good features at a reasonable price; it has an innovative suspension system that gives you a custom fit without the sloppy feel some adjustable packs can have. Maybe best of all, though, is the REI Greatstar ($200). This is a whopping-big pack (6200 cubic inches) with an above-average suspension and easy access due to a clamshell zipper on the back. And it’s hugely adjustable, so should fit you easily. That’s probably the ticket for you.

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