Alaska Tim

Hi tlinn, I've also heard great things about Nallos. I've never tried a tube tent, but would like to try it someday. It seems there are many people who swear by them, especially the Hillebergs. Also, we will not be climbing during the traditional "dry" season. We are trying to hit the shoulder as much as possible, but this may not always be possible. We do have the luxury of time on our side, however, so should be able to wait out the worst weather. Still, I am glad to hear that generally weather is not too violent. This is always welcome. Thanks for your input!

Thank for the reply. I found the Guiding Light for $399 at Mountain Gear and saw the Trango 3.1 for $390 on sale somewhere too. I understand Mountain Hardwear has updated the Trango series, hence the low price on the older design.

Thanks for the reply! About huts, I assume that in Ecuador we will be spending most of our time in "refugio." For Peru, Bolivia and certainly the Atacama, I'm planning we'll use a shelter of our own. And yes, I did consider the Bombshelter, but it is out of our price range. We need to keep it under $400. Your comment about the bivy is interesting. I've been hemming and hawing about this for awhile now: why not just bring, say, the Trango 2 and my BD Winter Bivy. In a pinch, everyone can just cram into the tent for the night. Otherwise, I can stay in the bivy outside. What makes me nervous is committing to this system for four months. My standards are Alaskan, recall. What do you think? Thanks again!

Thanks for the reply! Did you use a vestibule on either of those tents? If not, did you miss it? Thanks again, Tim

Hi all, Two climbing partners and I are going to go climbing in the Andes from March through June. We plan on climbing in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and northern Chile. None of us has a 3-person tent and we are trying to choose between: Black Diamond - Guiding Light - 47 sq ft - 6lbs 4oz Mountain Hardwear - Trango 3.1 - 48 sq ft - 10lbs 9oz I already have a Trango 2 and a Lighthouse, so I am comfortable with the pros and cons of each design. However, I am not sure how bad things can get in South America, having never been there. Obviously, we won't intentionally climb in bad weather. But sometimes good intentions are not good enough. Let me know if you've been to S. America , what tent you brought and\or if you have an opinion on the choice described above. Thanks, Tim