ask trail So you’ve got a problem that needs solving, but don’t want to lose face with your mountain mates? Don’t worry, Trail’s expert team is here to help… Graham thompson
GT has been Trail’s technical editor for over 20 years, and he’s a fountain of knowledge on all aspects of walking kit.
Simon ingram Trail’s editor is a Mountain Leader trainee, and he’s been on more mountains than most of us could dream about.
jeremy ashcroft
Mountaineering editor Jeremy has a wealth of experience in the UK and overseas, and he’s here to solve your problems.
LYLE BROTHERTON Lyle is one of the world’s leading navigation experts and the author of The Ultimate Navigation Manual, pb Collins.
PeteR mAcfarlane Peter’s our lightweight expert, and he can give you all the advice you need about saving weight on the hill.
Ask us a question! If you’ve got a question about hill-walking. Get in touch and ask our team. Post your queries to: Ask Trail, Trail, Bauer, Media House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA. Even better, email us: trail@bauermedia.co.uk and put ‘Ask Trail’ in the subject box. (Sorry, but we can only answer the questions that appear in the magazine.)
50 Trail april 2012
your problems solved by our hillwalking experts
Is a 2-person tent Q
I’m considering purchasing a tent for solo backpacking, and wondered if your team could give me some advice. Many people say it is best to get a lightweight two-person tent as they allow more room for yourself and your equipment. What do you think? Clive Bontoft, via email
A
Well spotted, Clive. Not all one- or two-person tents are the same size, and often it is the porch that is reduced in efforts to save weight and packed size in your rucksack.
This is particularly difficult in winter, as the weather often prevents you from sitting outside and leaving your gear to bask in the alpenglow of a glorious sunset. Instead, wind, snow and rain will force you and your gear under cover, making a good-sized porch vital for moving around, cooking, storing gear and wet boots, and generally living more comfortably. One-person tents that have very small porches include the Terra Nova Laser Photon and the Vaude Power Tokee Ultralight. Though easy to transport, they’re not ideal for winter camping. One-person tents that have large porches include the GoLite Eden 1, Macpac Microlight, Wild Country Aspect 1 and Hilleberg