New Equipment Field Test

So how did the inaugural trip go with the new equipment?

The tent went up relatively quickly, even with the rain-fly and the main pegs installed. I was a little apprehensive that the heavy rain would get the better of a new tent--I hadn't had time to seal the seams--but after two nights of downpour we didn't notice anything coming into the tent until we were packing up to leave. I noticed a couple of small wet patches--not enough to call them puddles--on the floor. It could have been caused by the cot being pushed up against the fabric or because I hadn't got around to pegging the rain-fly--mental note for next time.

Rebecca Spit, Quadra Island...looking across to Cortez Island

The tent came down easily and I even packed ALL the parts back into the carry-bag, which is a first--every other tent I've ever owned refused to pack down small enough to be re-packed completely--usually the poles and pegs would be in separate--and looseable--bags.

The LED light was cool but a tad fragile--the clip to attach it to the ridge is quite flimsy and I manged to snap one of the clips off--I can probably rig-up a Velcro work-around, not a big deal. It was handy having a light source in the tent regardless.

The MEC bags were great--warm enough for Mary and not too warm for me, but very cozy. Mary opted for the mummy style, I went for more of a barrel style--reflecting our personalities, I guess...

The cots were great! A good investment, I think. Very well made and confidence inspiring--the frames are steel with a heavy duty polyester fabric--the unfold in seconds with no 'assembly required'--the downside is that they are quite heavy, but for car-camping, definitely worth the weight and space.

The other unnecessary, but quite cool piece of gear didn't make it in time from the supplier for this trip--a folding Coleman 'kitchen'--I really hate taking up the picnic table space with all the cooking paraphernalia, so having the kitchen will eliminate all that clutter. I tried it at home and it sets up quickly and packs into itself--the top folds and acts as the carrying-case--nifty design. The other thing I like about it as that it is at right height for working, whereas I feel like I'm stooping with a picnic table--no big deal, but just something else that makes the experience that much better. I am looking forward to testing it in the field, so to speak.

So all the new equipment seems to works as expected and we are looking forward to getting back out there is  the spring!