03/25/2015
I've been working on the next tent. The air beam tent is in the works, but taking longer than anticipated.
I've shifted gears and working on a mesh tent with a tarp style fly.
I'm looking for some input.
The tarp is prototyped and pictured. There are two poles, 44" (111.75cm) at the head and 36" (91.4cm) at the foot. The poles break to 10.5" (26.67cm) sections.
The tent will have a bathtub style floor with a 6" (15.25cm) side wall and mesh side to the peak under the tarp. The floor will be 56" (142.25cm) X 90" (228.6cm).
Upside: The target is 2 pounds for total weight. It should pack to 11" (28cm) long and 5" (12.7cm) in diameter. Tiny and light. Fly and ground cloth will work on their own, or the mesh tent can be set up without the fly for those clear yet mosquito filled nights...
The tarp/fly can be strung up over a table or bike/gear.
Downside: It will not be freestanding. The tarp and tent will need to be guyed out. The head and foot lines can be tied to a tree, rock, a tent stake, or pinched between the ground and a motorcycle tire.
I'm working on some other innovations to add to it, like a pocket that becomes a stuff sack. No need to search for your tent bags when breaking camp! just fold the tarp into the pocket and stuff in the tent, ground cloth, stakes and poles.
Now is your chance to offer opinions.
Freestanding, OK or not?
Give up some head height for floor area? (90% of the time your sleeping anyway.)
What else would you like to see?