 Check the link - he runs(is) the company.
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Hi all, Contemplating taking the plunge and buying an SL3, but would appreciate some advice. Previously I have only used double skinned tents (most recently the Nallo II) and the odd bivvy in an ex-army GTX bag. Mrs AC is very dubious about it, primarily because she's a bit of a cold sleeper. The primary motivation is to reduce pack weight for a 16 day trip in Zanskar. So, my questions: 1) I'm contemplating just using the outer, together with a ground sheet and bivvy bags. I'm concerned about the weight building up with the latter 2 items to the extent that it negates any benefit over taking the Nallo II. So, what do people generally use for a grounsheet and bivvy bag? 2) How drafty is the tent in single-skin mode? I know thats a bit subjective, depending on site, wind speed etc, but in general do people find the SL3 a windy tent to sleep in? Is it possible to lower the tent perimeter right to the ground? 3) Are we likely to notice an appreciable temperature difference inside the SL3 compared to the Nallo II? The SL3 has larger internal volume and only a single skin, so the temperature inside will be lower (all other things being equal) - but is it significant, or measurable only with a thermometer? 4) Heavy rain and condensation - buttoned up in prolonged rain, condensation is almost inevitable in any tent. Do rain drops hitting the outer cause appreciable "spattering" of condensation inside the tent> Apologies for another long list - any advice or comments welcome
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| Edited: 15/06/10 11:04 |
hi have bought some sil-net to leak leaking? seams on my shangri-la any tips for doing the job ???? was planning on just rubing it into seams with my finger from the inside any info?? thanks peter
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 I used an SL3 continuously in the Highlands through February and March (and again since mid-May in Galloway and, the last three days, the Lakes); single skin and groundsheet, bivi bag carried in winter but not used. I'm still not entirely convinced it's a tent for UK conditions, but think it's spot on for the Zanskar trip you have planned. I actually bought it for the Chinese Tian Shan (I'm flying out in two days for the summer); they're lower than the Indian Himalaya, but experience somewhat similar weather conditions due to the latitude. Only problems I've had have been: a) the icing up I mentioned a few pages back, at -19C. b) one cool, still night that suddenly brewed up VERY windy towards dawn; the inevitable condensation ended up misting within the tent, bounced off the inside of the fly by gusty blasts of wind. It didn't last long (once all the condensation had been knocked off!) and wasn't a big problem. I should say that I've experienced far worse problems with condensation in small two skin tents of a similar weight. It is colder and draughtier, but that didn't bother me. I wouldn't bother with a bivi bag again, personally. (Oh, and it turns out those plastic plates on Ebay are just slightly too small for the SL3 pole, never mind, back to the coffee jar lid).
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| Edited: 16/06/10 14:09 |
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Tried one of those and didn't like it - too heavy, too smooth - the pole slid around on it, and the low lip means it isn't too secure. The coffee jar lid is lighter and works better.
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 Was wondering about that slipping about specaily if you have the pole angled, was thinking a plastic disk cut from a milk bottle with some scraps from an old foam mat stuck to it might do a better job.
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 R.E. Apple Crumble I have used my Hex 3 in Zanskar twice and is indeed spot on and have found it the best out of any I have used  somewhat mimics the locals parachute tents on a minor scale I have used it just with the groundsheet between 2 of us but would almost go for an ultralight bivi (e.g. equinox 180grms or equivalent instead)so you have the sleep out under stars option with a bit of dust protection>. I also went with the original walking pole extender which is very effective and cuts the weight right down. Maybe one of those bpl half groundsheets would be a light compromise? It would certainly be out of the ordinary to expect rain>
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| Edited: 16/06/10 18:27 |
.JPG) fair enough - I've not felt the need myself - the pole (or walking poles) has enough extra length to sink in a bit ...
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 Pole sag's never been much of an issue for me either. Oooer.
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Its a bit of a step away from the more usual style tent for me but i'm getting very tempted to try an SL 3. The weight to space ratio and modular options are swinging it for me. As well as a lot of good opinions about them. The downside being the lack of porch! Add in a nest price/weight and some of the plus points (for me) go down though. Having read this post all the way through it appears there are a few out there making their own half nests (or bigger). If i was to take the plunge and purchase said SL 3 i'd be keen to have a go at making my own nest... but as i have no tailoring exp would anyone be able to supply me with dims, extra photo', material choice/supply for their versions?? I particularly liked Sean's yellow solid wall version!  A nest/inner that would accommodate 2 but still offers a porch/cooking area would be ideal if its possibe? A nest for1 still useful though! Also - Wind. I know from what i've read they'll take a fair old gale but does anyone have any idea how one compares to a TN Laser? Especially noise. I had a rather sleepless night recently in the Carneddau in a Laser. It stayed up but moved around rather alarmingly!
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PM me if you want dimensions etc, Neil. It's a fantastic shelter. Split between two nothing comes close on the weight/space ratio. The headroom is a revelation after grubbing about on your knees in normal tents. The lack of a porch has never been a problem in two person mode. There is ample space inside to cook safely, or if you're worried you can unhook one pegging point and pull the inner back. With a custom half nest you have a shelter that weighs in around at sub 1.3kg with a porch you could house an elephant in. Almost. It will take serious weather without a problem, but it can get noisy in high winds. That's the only downside. Ear plugs. Wonderful things
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 The secret to a good nights sleep in a tent on a windy night is to wear earplugs I'd say the Hex is comparatively quite in the wind, I do always have all 11 pegs in. There's no pole to flex, just a bit of deflection of the sides. There's nothing to flap really.
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ear plugs used them for years,ask someone who works at a factory,they should be able to get you lots.i take two pairs off the orange foam ones on a blue string .ditch the string and enjoy perfect sleep.the sl3 is amazing for space i use mine with dog or two off us and dog great for space.at present i'm using an inner from an atko which works ok,i see there is a mesh version now as well but its not any different in weight from the solid one so i'd stick with a solid one to help with drafts
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Sean - cheers for the offer of PMing you for dims etc if (when?!) i join the SL3 club... Sean/Pt/PD2 - already use earplugs as the other half snores!  (sorry, i mean is a heavy breather!) Was using plugs on my recent wildcamp in the Carneddau but the wind/tent movement still kept me awake till bout 2 am. It was so windy that there was no chance of cooking safely in the tent and the air inside the inner was being buffeted so much that i couldn't get a lighter lit anyway!  (similar conditions to a certain Mr terrybnd's video of a windy night) Sooo talking myself into buying one!! Cant afford a nest as well though (unless anyone knows of any deals anywhere, '09 inner would do) hence needing to diy one. Selling my Laser would help make my mind up too! Cheers for your comments guys...
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This too; 10g lighter  - but not so nice colour scheme...
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 How can anyone not want one...
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 I agree with Jamie  , Who wouldn't want one! "Wait 'till it rains..." Silicone seam sealant, white spirits, an old jam jar, a small paint brush and an hour or so of time to"bond" with one's tent is all that's needed to solve that little problem.
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