Fuggedaboudit

Guys thanks alot, especially Stephen Ramsey, Fear and NOLSe. I have decided to throw out the Stephenson and the Hilleberg so now its down to the Eldorado and the Integral Designs MK1 XL. I have checked out the Pro Mountain Sports website, and a friend who is an AMGA guide had previously told me that that was an awesome store and they REALLY know what they're doing over there. They recommend the MK1 XL with the light floor option. They also offer the tent in Event for $80 more which drops the weight 6oz. That brings the packed weight down to 3lbs 15oz!! How You Dooin? The MK1 XL in Event with the light floor sounds like the hotrod setup right there, and I wont always be worried about its durability or strength in wind like with the Stephenson. I also want to thank you guys that pointed me towards the hanging stove setup. I've never used it before but had thought of it (every time my white gas stove flares up during priming). I'm going to get an MSR hanging kit and use it on a few overnights in the Aidirondacks before I try the system for the first time in the NW. That takes care of the vestibule (thanks Fear). By the way, Integral's customer service told me the tent comes fully taped and sealed except for the eight points on the inside where the velcro straps holding the two poles are stiched onto the tent (since this happens after the tent is sewn and sealed). They supply sealer for this with the tent.

Hey Guys- Thinking about buying a top notch tent. Primary use would be for 3-4 day climbs. Obviously the big concerns are weight, weather resistance and practicality as a mountaineering shelter. The tent will be pitched on snow most of the time. I have been kicking around three options- the Nallo 2, the Bibler I-Tent (Integral Design), and the Stephensons Warmlite 3R. A few considerations are that I am 6'3" and 195#. Second, for me a vestibule without a floor is a very important feature (that boot/cooking hole). Although the Stephenson is the lightest, and extra pound or two is not going to be the #1 factor for me. Also the Stephenson is about $200 more seam sealed than a Nallo 2(which would add a few oz.s anyway right?). The big turn off with the Stephenson for me is that there isnt a vestibule without a floor for cooking. I also think the material they are made of isnt flame resistant. The turn off with the Bibler/Integral Design is that you have to buy a vestibule which, once added makes it more expensive than the Nallo 2 and weigh about the same packed. Furthermore I've read reviews by guys over 6' who are squashed in a I-Tent. All I've heard about the Hillbergs are that they are Bomber Bomber Bomber and have an awesome customer service/warranty and really stand behind their product. But all of these are assumptions by me. I'm hoping to hear from any of you out there who have used one of these three tents, especially on "up and over" climbs such as Liberty Ridge. I also feel that any tent for $500 or more should be durable, and last for a dozen climbs at least. Thanks ahead of time for you input!

Didn't see the helicopter, that would have been ominous on the hike in. We were setting up our tent between Old Desolate and Mystic Lake when you were at the Carbon terminus. No need for you to feel bad about descending from Thumb Rock, since 5/26, 5/27 & 5/28 were sleet/rain, low vis and windy. Only view of the mountain were during the first few hours of our approach on 5/25. Haven't heard any news about an injured climber when we were on the mountain, so no news is good news. We followed one set of tracks pretty much until about 6500 and then dropped down a bit to set up camp out of the wind we knew was comming in. So far I only think one solo climber has done the Ridge this year (early May).

Fear- I just replied to you e-mail you sent before you left NE. I responded to that and then found this trip report. We headed in on 5/25 when you guys were on the way down from Thumb. I think we passed you two guys now that I think about it. Did you two stop for food at around the coleman terminus at about 1pm to eat? We were the party of three headed up. If so I REALLY WISH I HAD STOPPED TO TALK TO YOU THEN. Spent the next three days and three nights waiting at 6200' for weather window that never came. Poor vis, wind and constant rain/sleet for almost 72 hours until we headed out. Returning Labor Day weekend for attempt out of White River (looks like a MUCH easier approach). I really wish I had brought my Gore Tex shell and pants. For those of you who haven't already found out the hard way soft shell water resitance DOES NOT mean water proof.