I agree completely! Great minds think alike no? ;-)
The ID vestibule is not so good, but better than not having one at all. On advice from a few others more experienced than me (who have/had Bibler, ID and a couple other single walls) I went with the MK1XL and compromised on the vestibule... My MK1XL is a bit customized in that I had the tube-vents removed and an extra full-size door installed (with screens inside). Evan Jones, then Production Manager (owner?) and I spoke on the phone a few times to ensure he knew what I wanted and why. Now, Integral Designs has moved from Calgary to Louisville, CO with most products available to the military/gov't sector (like their sleeping bags....).
Yes.. Great minds
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Yup. Better then nothing. Sans of course the extra 1lb and bulk one has to carry.
I didn't know ID had move to the US. I've been lazy the last 10yrs keeping up with things.
Having that 2nd door is a great upgrade. Agree with the vents, since you don't need them anymore since you can now cross vent with the doors. Also keeps you from having to crawl over all your chit thats in the vestibule each time you go in/out of the tent.
For those not familiar with these waterproof breathable singlewall tents.. They were originally designed to replace the use of 2 bivys when a pair of climbers go for an summit attempt and such, on big chit like K2, Everest, Denali, etc. 2x Goretex bivys = about 5lbs total. These tents are about 5lbs. and equate to less bulk overall then the 2 bivys. And more importantly and unlike the bivys..they can also have the luxury of extra room for change of cloths, cook, playing cards, etc, inside while completely out of the elements. They're small foot print means they require a very small patch of ground(or ledge) to be pitched. Also, since the poles go in the inside as a simple X wedge design, they can be put up and back down again, from the inside. Minimizing exposure to oneself and gear to the elements. The downside is they WILL condensate somewhat in high humidity environments(they're made specifically for cold dry conditions, but can and will do well in the other instances). And, the cost a lot.
Note door opens from the top, zipping down each side. This is to allow the climbers to be able reach out and down, and clear out snow thats built up against the door, before being able to exit. The vents that fmajor007 had removed from his tent are shown in upper right corner of pic.
On the AT in Jan. on Cheoah bald with the wife at 5300'. Its technically a 2 person, but its tight with 2..AND 2 dogs that insist in sleeping with us
. Really a perfect 1 man tent in serious weather especially.
Next to 2 floorless Golite Hex's. Note reflective guy lines. They're designed to reflect against ones head lamp so you don't trip on it. Also so you can find them easier when in use. The cameras flash made them glow. We made this camp at 2am in Nov in the mtns here in NC.
Mines in this pic at 11,600' in April. Also note Bilber Eldorado to the right.
Same trip. I cook, eat, make coffee, etc inside, easy as pie. Much easier then trying to make a fire at such a time.
View out my door while sipping hot coffee. Never had to leave the bag to make breakfast and coffee.
On another bald here in western NC near the house. At 5800' in Feb. It was around 4* and the wind was rocking. The dog is waiting to go back in the tent. Looking toward my house, its half down the ridge line just below that highest peak in the middle of pic and above the tents peak.
Same trip. It was pretty cold.
Back to the car. Wind was still buffeting me at this point.
Sunrise that trip.
My backyard.
My Megamid. They rock for dog duty.
The only pic of mine with the vest. Jan here in NC.
Same trip.
We had to hike 6-7 miles just to get to this p-lot. The Blue Ridge Parkway was gated.
. A few minutes later I'll have hot coffee, while never leaving the bag. Try that with a fire at those times.
