Question: Venting the Bibler Fitzroy?

[lowebacker]

I used my Fitzroy for the first time this past weekend. I had the vestibule attached with the zipper unzipped at the peak near the vent. I then had the larger tent door (the one in the vestibule) vented the same way, with the door unzipped at its peak near the awning. Finally I had the small door vented not at the top near the awning but at the bottom, I had the whole bottom unzipped.

 

It was a very still and clear night, the temp dropped down to 12* F. We woke up that morning to the whole inside of the tent and the tops of our sleeping bags full of frost. Now I did not fully expect the inside of the tent to be frost free, but I didn't think it would look like a freezer inside!

 

Am I venting the tent properly? What ways do those of you that have this exact tent vent yours? Should I come to expect this on nights like these? or every cold night? What about semi-cold(>30*), damp nights?

 

Any info would be appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Lowebacker

[John Frieh]

I have an I tent and an Eldo... I tend to start the night with the vestibule shut and the door and ceiling vents completely open. If I or my tent mate wake up cold I close the door a little and continue to close it little by little until the door is shut. How many people did you have in the tent?

[backcountrydog]

i would suggest venting the back door the same as the front (at the top). in my experience this has been the most effective way of venting and results in the least amount of frost. you will still have frost inside though.

[lowebacker]

There were two people in the tent at the time.

[Nick]

With the Bibler I-tent (only one door) I have had good luck with the door shut tight and vents open. With two people in the tent body heat pumps the moist air out the vents. I have had more condensation with doors open than when they have been closed.