|
Materials |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Easton Aluminium PolesPoles are the backbone of a tent. We use poles specially commissioned from Easton Aluminium in the USA. These poles are the benchmark for technical mountain tents. Using a unique process for tempering 7075 aluminium in the T9 condition, Easton have gained an unparalleled reputation for strong, lightweight tent poles. We have chosen 9.65 mm diameter poles. 'Katabatic' High Tenacity Polyester Flysheet FabricThe Katabatic wind is caused by cold, dense air accelerating down a mountainside and is the most feared of all phenomena in Antarctica. It can reach speeds of more than 120 mph. Antarctica Tents has developed 'Katabatic' fabric especially for mountain tent flysheets. It is made from high tenacity polyester, which is very strong and is also inherently much more stable than conventional nylon, being ten times more resistant to UV degradation. A further advantage is that it does not absorb moisture. (Nylon can absorb up to 10% of its weight as water which can cause the flysheet to become limp in humid conditions, requiring it to be re-tensioned). 'Katabatic' is woven as a 50 denier single ripstop. An extra strong thread is placed at regular intervals in both the weft and the warp to stop tears propagating. This allows a lighter thread to be used for the main part of the fabric. Ripstop fabrics have the appearance of a fine grid. 'Katabatic' flysheet fabric is treated with two different waterproof layers to achieve a hydrostatic head of 6.5 metres. (Hydrostatic head is the measurement of pressure represented as the height of a column of water sufficient to cause a fabric to leak). On the inside are 3 layers of polyurethane (PU) and on the outside there is a layer of silicone elastomer which not only adds to the proofing but also actually makes the fabric stronger. Finally, all the exposed seams of the flysheet are factory seam-sealed on the inside for total protection. Inner Tent CanopyWe have chosen a superb 40/40 denier double ripstop nylon for the inner tent. (Double ripstop has two strong threads instead of one for the ripstop element). While very light, this fabric, which is protected from damaging UV light by the flysheet, is strong, breathable and treated with a fluorocarbon finish for splash resistance and fire resistance. GroundsheetThe groundsheet must be strong, abrasion resistant and highly waterproof. The weight of a heavy climber kneeling on a couple of square inches of sodden ground can produce a lot of pressure! We use a densely-woven 230 thread-count nylon and coat it with five layers of polyurethane to give a hydrostatic head of more than 10 metres. The groundsheet is constructed as a waterproof tub with eight-inch walls. All seams are factory seam-sealed and stress points are reinforced and sealed. Optional Heavy Duty Protective BaseMountain tents frequently get rough use which provides the designer with a particular dilemma. Nobody wants to carry extra weight. A heavy groundsheet fabric need not be a permanent part of the tent. Antarctica tents give you the option. We use a tough, highly waterproof, medium-weight nylon for the permanent bathtub floor, and to prolong the life of your tent we provide a second heavy-duty base-sheet to protect the tent when camping on dirt, gravel or rocky ground. You can choose whether to carry it or leave it behind. (We have also found this extra waterproof sheet useful to make protective awnings or even for use as a rope-mat when climbing). Tent PegsWe provide quarter-inch 7075 T6 tent pegs as standard. We have been using these for years. They are lightweight, very strong and suitable for most terrain. On most ground you may use a hammer or stone to knock them in - we have found that they will take a considerable amount of abuse! Two Tent BagsA good tent should be stored carefully. For normal use we provide a heavy-duty storage bag. Our 'Easypack' bag has a wide, zippered gusset which helps when striking camp in wet weather or when packing your clean, dry tent and accessories for prolonged storage. There is a second, lightweight and waterproof nylon bag for when you want to travel light. Weight and SpecificationsWhen comparing specifications remember to check whether other tents are factory -seam-sealed. Some manufacturers expect you to seal the seams yourself, which is less satisfactory. (Obviously factory seam-sealing adds a little weight to a tent). Some brands of tent quote the weight without pegs and other essential items. We quote two weights. The first is the functional (net) weight where the tent is stripped down for lightweight use, excluding non-essential accessories. The second is the total (gross) weight of your purchase including extra groundsheet, 'Easypack' bag and non-essential accessories.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
