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since i have embarked on the MOLLE gig w/all my gear and scamming the ILBE pack i am giving my younger son my zoomy mega big expedition pack. i did a search a few years back when i bought that pack for good rain covers. looked at mtn. smith, granite gear, gregory, lowa, etc. actually ended up with a REI x-large rain cover that works perfect and keeps everything dry as a bone. have a couple other rain covers mfg'd from very thin nylon and the problem with those is they tear very easily from tree limbs, rock abrasion etc.
the last time i went into the grande canon(grand canyon) , i decided to invest in a 4 season tent. already had one of will steigers north face antarctic expedition 6 man tents. great in a group, holds 6, can withstand 140knot winds, goretex floor, blah blah. but.............weighs in at 19 pounds with the bombproof thick as yer thumb easton poles. and i aint carrying 19 pounds period.
so once again started searching for 4 season bombproof tents that were LIGHT!
ended up with a north face mtn 25. i think it weighs like 6# w/rain fly. actually a very roomy 2 man 4 season tent, w/a vestibule to stow yer gear and muddy boots.
had it for quite some time now and not 1 complaint.
we use the antarctic hotel(himilayian hotel on steroids), for when we go places where its used as a base camp. 2 people in it , ya would think you had died and gone to heaven. 4 people in it, its still comfy. if ya go w/6 people as rated..........well your gonna get to know each other real well if the weather is crappy and your crammed in it for a day or 2.
both of these north face 4 seasons have been used in the middle of the winter w/no problems, and both have had running rivers of rain water flow under them while in it and the goretex floors work perfect. never any seams coming apart, never any poles taking a crap(easton) and never a problem.
i also have a 4 season eureka one man tent, and so does my younger son. have only used these in 3 seasons so cant tell ya how they work in a heavy snow. both of us have had the heavens open up and dump on us and never got wet.
if ya ever get by a north face outlet store...................jump on it. some screaming mimi deals to be had.
i like TNF lifetime warranty. its pretty hard to BOO-GAR their stuff up. i also like marmot and patagonia products for durability.
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if there are TROUT..........there are BEARS!
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