Tented life
The Thin Nylon Sheet
The berg has one wonderful advantage over most mountain ranges the world over. It has caves. So one is able to do extended treks without carrying a tent. That said, there are certain advantages to tents that make them worth all that effort. The caves, where they occur, are often full, and frankly, few are still pristine enough for one to sleep untroubled by rats or odours. And, despite the occurrence of some simply stunning high berg caves, they are few and far between. So, when you've spent a little time walking around these mountains of ours, you will soon learn to appreciate the freedom that a tent allows.
But, like anything, a good tent allows more freedom than a cheap tent. Yet, with a bit of common sense and a conservative approach to camping, its amazing how weak a structure can safely house you in the mountains. Tents, for all their weird geometry's, perform a simple function. They keep the rain off and shelter you from the wind. In fact all a tent creates is an isolated little bit of air that remains undisturbed around you. For this own personal atmosphere to indeed remain, come snow or gale, is the test of a tent. So, again, what to take to the berg. Well, unlike sleeping bags and boots, there are perfect tents. Only, you don't get them in this country. But what you do get ain't half bad, and the only piece of SA equipment I regularly use is my tent. The first thing a tent needs to be is light. The second thing is strong. And as things go, strong and light don't always meet. The best design around is certainly a dome derivative. Spacious, strong and light, domes outdo the traditional A frame design in almost every department. So no matter what Backpacker may say, if you can afford to get one, buy a dome. Buy Aluminium poles and pegs, buy UV coated Nylon and totally waterproof groundsheets. buy YKK zips and real bungi shock cords. That is, buy quality. All these little extras add loads to the price, but years to the life of the tent and strip kilo's from the weight.
As far as size goes, 3 man is about right. You can fairly split the tent as poles and pegs, fly and inner. More than a three man tent either adds loads of weight, or makes it a little big to take for two. Look at about 4kg weight for a 3 man tent, 3 kg for a good two man, and less than two, if like me, you do a lot of solo hiking. I guess I'm not being fair again though, because in this country the only tents this light are not designed to stand up to a high berg experience. Trust me, I've had one collapse.
Most outdoor gear is in fact rated by season use. These 4 "seasons" are in fact the European ones, so we don't get a true "winter" here. That said a 4 season tent is vital for high berg in winter, because the wind can get downright ugly. But, if you pay attention to where you pitch a tent in Summer, you can get away with the flimsiest of shelters.
So, where to pitch. In the little berg you will quickly discover the wonderful tufty nature of our grasslands. Don't clear the tufts, but simply arrange your body around them. It can be uncomfortable, but you'll sleep. On the high berg, camping is a pleasure, except sometimes you can't get tent pegs in. Just use rocks, there are plenty around. In fact a weight fanatic friend of mine (yes you Jun) doesn't even carry pegs, but always uses rocks. Tents all have a strong side, which should be pitched into the wind. If you are not sure which is your tents strong side, pitch the door away from the oncoming wind. That way at least you won't be as hassled by driving rain. Main doors are as a rule on the "weaker" side for the simple fact that a hurricane ripping in directly though the main door is always going to damage a tent.
Also, carry a groundsheet. I use a tough emergency blanket, which doesn't weigh too much, yet almost fully protects my tents groundsheet. Its far cheaper to replace a torn or punctured groundsheet than to replace a tent's inner. Never pack your tent wet. If you have to, stop later and spread it out. In SA, the Sunseeker CADAC range are really good. I've hauled an Isotec around the globe, and aside from zips that failed (and have been replaced free of charge!) it has been hassle free. Despite what the odd salesperson will tell you, I've seen nothing in SA to compare with the Isodome. If you want to get the best, surf the net for The North Face who set the standards in world tents. If you want the ultimate in quality, buy one of theirs. If you want to go light and fast, and like fast pitching innovative designs, is time to contact those friends of mine at macpac again.
