Hi Xander,

This is a really good point. In Norway a few years ago in a one man tent I had a really bad time keeping my down bag dry because the condensation would freeze on the inside of the inner then drop onto (or fall off when I brushed against it) my sleeping bag, where it would melt. Luckily I had enough decent days that I could sun my bag for a few hours and dry it out a bit. It never occured to me a mesh tent would prevent this!

The only reservation I have is that, on the same trip, there was a bit of a hoolie and lots of spindrift blew in the outer door. It didn't get into my inner tent, because it was full nylon, but the door did have a an optional outer of no-see-um mozzie netting. The tiny flakes of spindrift went straight through the netting, getting trapped between the two doors. There was a couple of pounds by morning! I'd be scared that this would happen in a mesh tent and I'd get covered in spindrift! Have you ever experienced anything like this or was it a freakish event? I guess if you could stop the spindrift by-passing the outer, it wouldn't get in through the inner, which is where I guess that 'good design' comes in! Would appreciate your thoughts on this (or anyone elses with similar experience!).

Matt

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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!

Hey Mat, Sorry i have never experienced this. My tents have never had the no-see-em on the outer (inside yes). So i cant really advise.. Any condensation can still freeze in a mesh inner tent but it will be on the out side of the mesh so it will bounce off and not hit you (only things in the vestibules). One point that this did bring up.. if you are in snow conditions and you can.. dig the tent in a few cm or so (the deeper the better) then pack the snow around the edges of the tent's outter. It has 2 effects 1) stops anything from slipping under (cus even snow tents can move in the wind), it kinda acts as 360deg guy lines. 2) Snow is an amazing insulator so keeps you warmer. Snow caves (dig outs) can get too warm (trust me).

Indu, Yeah i know you are not talking Arctic tipis (but that is my only experience of them).. and yes it is possible to set them up solo (I just find it hard.) but I still find them too heavy .. yes it is compromise between weight and sq footage.. but my personal taste is that I will take small and light.. my tent weighs in at 0.95kg (with pegs, lines and fly and bag). My Main point is that even though they are made for it.. please be sure that you do have good circulation going if burning anything in the tent.. CO is too easy to die from.

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Yes, you are right. I think using a lavvo is like having a van: You sort of get addicted to the convenience of all that space. The lavvo in itself is not so large when packed up and fits neatly on the bike. But it's not small, and if size and/or weight is your prime concern there are other options. In winter, I have a high priority on the ability to make a fire to dry clothes and keep warm inside the tent. I do not find other suitable options than a lavvo. And I can bring in the bike if I need to ;-)

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HansP
All you wanted to know
about riding in Norway

Look at the photo, one of the guys is wearing a thermal suit bit like a ski suit. (red/black with some reflective on). Not sure what they are called but you can pick them up in larger supermarkets in Norway, they are cheap and great in cold dry conditions if it gets really cold you can sleep in them too.

If your heating packs up you can drive in them. They are a great bit of kit to have even if you only use them when in camp.

have a good trip

You're thinking of these, perhaps:



They are thermal wear and are actually quite popular among winter riders. Water repellant, windproof and very warm.

You can also buy snowmobile outfit, it works great for winter motorcycle riding too.

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HansP
All you wanted to know
about riding in Norway