Help me choose my Snowtrekker....

[jamieS]

I'm definitely looking at the smaller tents: 8x10 Crew, 8x10 Shortwall, 9.5x9.5 High Country.

It seems like there are two big decision points:

#1) go for bigger stove and higher ridge (79") with the High Country, or stay with smaller interior and lighter Crew/Shortwall? I haven't heard of problems with the smaller tents in deep cold (-40) so I'm leaning toward the Crew/Shortwall. And even though I'm 6' tall (72"), I think I'll be okay with the shorter hight (73"). Ultimately, I would prefer the efficiency of a lighter tent/stove and needing less wood to heat up a smaller space if possible.

#2) go with the Shortwall or High Country to give more space for me and my wife, or stay with lightest option of the Crew? I've seen two floor arrangements that couples use: the "L" shape where one person is along the side and the other is along the back, and the wide double bed along the back version. I would really like to use the wide bed along the back so that we can share a double bag. But will the sloped walls of the crew make it too tight? Would the Shortwall or High Country be better?


My goal is to gear up for moving trips (moving camp each day, not hunkering down in a single basecamp). Overall, I'm leaning towards the Shortwall, but I like the barebones simplicity of the Crew, and I'm wary of the jump up in stove/weight with the High Country but I can tell it would be a palace once the tent is up and the wood is stacked.

Any thoughts? I definitely appreciate any insights you might have. There are probably lots of angles I haven't even considered.

-jamie

[SD_Motak]

"Efficiency" considerations:

Weight efficiency: Smaller/lighter will cost less and be a tad easier to lift and move around. If backpacking, then the efficiency is very evident, but a pulk changes the efficiency equation enough that more weight isn't as much of an issue.

Heat efficiency: Smaller stoves are lighter, but need to be fed more often and may require a bit more wood processing to fit pieces into the smaller burn area....but smaller stoves are lighter.

Space efficiency: A 6' occupant of a 73" tent height will have movement restrictions as soon as said occupant wants to stray more than a few inches on either side of the ridge pole. Otherwise your beanie or hood will always be touching the tent fabric and you'll have to dance the tango when you and your dance partner want to swap spaces. If you are wearing thick-soled winter boots, you'll stand even taller than 6'. My personal preference is to have free space above my head as opposed to bending my neck all the time.

I tend to choose comfort over efficiency if efficiency means "doable" and comfort means "working a bit more, but being happier overall." You're on the right track to be considering the possible tradeoffs before you make any purchases.

[jamieS]

That's really good feedback SD_M. You are definitely helping me figure out the tradeoffs.

More data...

Weights with stove:
Crew with small stove: 34.7 lbs
Shortwall with small stove 36.1 lbs
High Country with medium stove 44.4 lbs

So just about about a ten pound difference.

Both the small and medium stoves have a ~19" length. Small can do a ~9x9 round, Medium a ~12"x12" (these are stove dimensions, so actual firebox is smaller). Need to have a large stove to get in the ~24" range.

[brianw]

I believe SnowTrekker states on their site that no one ever regrets getting the slightly larger tent. The 1.5 pound difference between the short wall and the crew is negligible when hauling on a toboggan or pulk. I know several people get the 9'X11.5' Crew tent. It is a good compromise if you do both solo trips and go with another person from time to time. For solo, it is luxurious with a full size cot.

Cheers

Brian

[jamieS]

Cheers, thanks Brian!

[Heavy Duty]

There's the big trade off...suffer in camp or suffer on trail.

If your intention is to use the tent with two people and move everyday, the shortwall would be best IMHO, decent compromise.

There is a such thing as too large of a tent if you're hauling it. Bigger tents pack exponentially bigger, bigger floor, stove, and it will allow you want to take more stuff. Bigger stoves require larger wood processing tools too.

FWIW, in a group setting, I have no problem hauling my 9x11.5 basecamp all over as long as the load is shared with at least one other person. Solo, not a chance.

[jamieS]

Thanks HD.