The tale of 2 Tarptents.

I have been an admirer of Henry Shires Tarptents for a while, in particular his recent additions to the Tarptent range, including the Tarptent Moment, and when one became available in in Denmark, I had no hesitation in buying it. However, as the Moment arrived I began to read a very long thread on BPL.com about the Tarptent Notch, a lot what I read about the Notch was appealing in particular its similarity to the Moment but without the need to carry extra poles, I was now torn between two options for summer in Lapland. So the obvious was to have both and test them in the demanding conditions that Denmark and Southern Sweden have to offer, each of which in no way will simulate conditions in Lapland. Thus this is a report of my comparisons of the two shelters.

Hallandsleden: Ätran to Knäred

Niels from Backpackinglight Dk, and myself set of on a trip along the Hallandsleden. The trail links the Coast to Coast Trail in Skåne, with the Bohusleden and forms part of the North Sea Trail. After 3 buses, 2 trains, 1 ferry and a taxi (because the train was late) we arrived the beginning the walk in Ätran, it was late in the evening as we set off under threatening skies in humid conditions, it was calm.


We followed the trail around the banks of Eseredssjön, past the shelter, and soon we had wet feet as we crossed the mossy ground then climbing past new roadworks we headed south determined to cover a few kilometres before sunset. We finally found a place to camp next to Holmsjön and after setting up camp we were rewarded with a wonderful sunset.


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Western Mountaineering Flash Vest

I am a great believer in down for warmth and also appreciate the quality of Western Mountaineering sleeping bags and clothing. Last year on my trip in Lapland along the Nordkalottleden I used a Western Mountaineering Megalite sleeping bag which in a regular size weighed 750 gms, and it provided me with sufficient "wiggle room" and length to keep me warm, and too warm some nights. I also use the Western Mountaineering Flash Jacket, this is a lovely jacket ideal for cold evenings and during winter I layer it under a BPL Cocoon Hoody.

As I started my planning for the coming trip to Lapland, I begun to look for a vest to layer under my BPL Cocoon Hoody when the temperatures dip into the single figures. I was pleased to discover that an online retailer Outnorth had the Western Mountaineering Flash Vest in stock and I did not hesitate to purchase one.

The vest is of simple construction, large pockets, no collar as well as a zip down the front, it layers well underneath a puffy hoody and the XL weighs 184 gms. I used it on my last trip along the Hallandsleden; the first evening of use was after arriving at camp in hail storm, I was chilled and it was only when I put the vest on under my Haglöfs Lim Barrier Pullover (no longer available), that I started to warm up. On the last night of the trip with a cool breeze coming off Björsjö at Mästocka I was surprised at how comfortable and warm I was wearing the vest over a shirt and woollen short sleeve shirt.

 
If you are looking for a down vest then I can recommend the Western Mountaineering Flash Vest.