Meaning that you are asking to excuse the French that you are uttering? <g>



Ralph



   _____

From: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of rayestrella1
Sent: Saturday, 31 March 2007 1:02 AM
To: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [backpackgeartesters] Re: EDIT: Initial Report- Black Diamond
OneShot Tent-Ralph Ditton



--- In backpackgeartesters <mailto:backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com>
@yahoogroups.com, "Thomas Vickers"
<redroach@...> wrote:
>
> I think we should all three make a video of "How to Erect this Tent".
> After using it in the field though, I have a whole new paragraph for
> my FR that has to be edited for profanity

I have their Fitzroy (Bibler brand) that has 4 poles to get inside.
Thank goodness children are not around at 12000' elevations in
February...

Ray





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello Ted,

Thanks for the edits.

I am working on them but it may be a few days before I upload as I am
working most of today and we have visitors for tea and I'm off bushwalking
tomorrow with the two Andrews.

May get a chance tomorrow night.

Cheers

Ralph



   _____

From: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of edwardripleyduggan
Sent: Saturday, 31 March 2007 12:14 AM
To: backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [backpackgeartesters] EDIT: Initial Report- Black Diamond OneShot
Tent-Ralph Ditton



Hello Ralph,

Interesting (and amusing) report, nice tent.

One comment at the outset. Could you place some space between the
captions of the images and the following text? The two blend together.
If possible, if you could center the captions under the photo, rather
than having them flush left, that would be good.

Also, some of your paragraphs are HUGE. "Erecting the tent," for
example, is hundreds of words long. I strongly recommend breaking this
down into shorter paragraphs. Makes it hard to read when the text is
in one big chunk. However, read it I did, and the picture I get of you
wrestling with this thing is VERY funny. There should be a video... I
suspect the audio would be X-rated.

Best,

Ted.

,___



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Jamie D. BIP

At 02:11 AM 30/03/2007, you wrote:
>Apropos my DeLorme IR, just posted, I would like to ask any opinion. I
>am (and I mention the fact) a pretty experienced GPS user and a
>long-time user of DeLorme's Topoquads software. This inevitably has
>made it easy to work out how to use the GPS and the software. To some
>extent, it's impossible for me to work out how a total newbie would
>react to all this stuff (panic, perhaps justifiably)? I wrote:
>
>Putting myself in the shoes of a new user as best I possibly can, I do
>feel that the controls of this GPS unit are well laid out and are
>likely to prove fairly intuitive to new GPS users (at least after they
>have read the manual and mastered the basic concepts of GPS use). It
>is, after all, less complicated than some advanced cell phones.

Hi Ted

I haven't read the other responses but we have three testers with
differing experience. That is the strength of BGT.  You should write
your reports from YOUR experience given your experiences and
expertise. By all means include a qualification about your GPS
related background to put your reports in context but you should be
writing from your experience not what you think is someone's else's
possible experience. Oh this is a ruling BTW :-) unless Jerry smacks me.

Regards
Andrew, Sir

At 02:54 AM 30/03/2007, you wrote:
>Ted,
>
>Here is my $.02:  Though you try to put yourself into the shoes of the
>person who does not know much about GPS boxes, you really are not one.
>So to write as you do is projection - though admittedly not very
>severe.  But just about the same information is available to the person
>new to the GPS world if you say something like:"One of the things I
>really like about this box is how easy it is use its controls. There is
>plenty of information on the screen to remember which buttons to push
>and ....  "
>
>Just say it is easy, not that it probably would be easy for a newbie...
>Also, if this box is as complicated as a cell phone, I'd be doomed.  I
>never can remember all the functions on my Razr phone and it does not
>have a built in help function.
>
>Stepping down from soap box.

I feel that Rick has stated it well and much better than I did.

Andrew, Sir

At 02:57 AM 30/03/2007, you wrote:
>But if there are other testers that are new GPS users (or more novice than
>Ted) then Ted's impression of what a new user might experience is
>unnecessary.  Isn't that the point of 3 testers?  I hope there are varying
>experience levels. ;)

Yes.

Andrew, Sir

At 02:16 AM 30/03/2007, you wrote:

>
>A bit of a gray one. It is OK in my book, but only because of the  qualifiers
>you put in. It is clearly your opinion, you are not stating it as a
>'projected fact' if that makes sense.
>
>Others will no doubt have comments in addition to mine.  ; )

Yep :-) and I am sorry but I don't believe it is appropriate and it
goes against the BGT model of three different testers, three
different experiences.

Andrew, Sir

At 02:55 AM 30/03/2007, you wrote:
>I'm going with Shane's suggestion.

With no disrespect to Shane's excellent writings, Rick's approach is
preferable. You should be writing from YOUR experience and perspective only.

Regards
Andrew, Sir

At 08:51 AM 30/03/2007, you wrote:
>Arrived: Vasque Kota Mid Boots Andrew Preece
>
>Woo hoo, my first real test :)
>They have just arrived and I have them on already
>Thanks for this opportunity to test these shoes.

Way to go!  Make sure you include photos of the blisters after
Sunday's walk :-)

Andrew, Sir

At 12:32 PM 31/03/2007, you wrote:
>Thanks for the feedback Jim.
>
>That vestibule has me in a state of confusion.

Sounds like you need to come along on the next backpack Ralph so I
can show you how to put up a tent LOL

Andrew, Sir

At 12:55 AM 31/03/2007, you wrote:
>I think we should all three make a video of "How to Erect this Tent".
>I didn't mention it in my IR because I wrote it off to "Dumb Monkey
>hasn't learned to use new toy" syndrome.
>
>After using it in the field though, I have a whole new paragraph for
>my FR that has to be edited for profanity

This is what happens when you give some "experienced" testers a new
toy .... they just don't have the skill sets .... maybe we need to
review the tester selection process ... LOL

Andrew, Sir

At 10:16 AM 31/03/2007, you wrote:
>
>
>In a message dated 3/30/2007 8:52:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
>apriest@... writes:
>
>A big thanks to Jim S for transhipping this to me. We need to talk
>cost Jim as it cost more than was necessary. Looks like the post
>office lady recommended a more expensive option, no doubt in good faith.
>
>Regards
>Andrew
>
>###################
>
>I have no idea what you are talking about.  ; )

mmmm I will get you back you know :-) I have the means and the way
(or something like that anyway) :-)

You are a red drinking, no?

Andrew

At 10:24 PM 30/03/2007, you wrote:
>OK.  So I have a resolution in mind.  What (if any) is the formal
>procedure for making changes to an approved test series?

Hi Ben

I assume from your comments you are planning to change the format or
layout of your posted report rather than the content? If so, that is
no big issue. You may want to ask your Test Monitor to look over it
in case some errors creep in but.

If you are making a substantive change to the content of your report
then this will normally need a more formal approach. Again it depends
on what you have in mind. More testing post the test coming to an
end? Changing existing reporting? More details are needed to give you
a more definitive response.

Regards
Andrew, Sir
Senior Edit Moderator

At 01:23 AM 31/03/2007, you wrote:
>Gear:  Outdoor Research Logic Jacket
>Tester: Rick Allnutt
>
>The html file is here:
>http://snipurl.com/1ehbs

We should grab photos such as these for the mugs gallery :-)

BTW you are looking good Rick.

Andrew

At 08:13 AM 31/03/2007, you wrote:


>A copy is in the Test Folder and can be found at the following:
>
>http://tinyurl.com/yrt335

Still there? I am getting a 404 error.

Andrew, Sir

I'd love to read this review and see what all the fuss is about :) but
I keep getting a "not found" error.
Andrew_P2

--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph Ditton"
<rdassetts@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Ted,
>
> I attach my Initial Report on the Black Diamond OneShot Tent for your
> scrutiny.
>
> A copy is in the Test Folder and can be found at the following:
>
> http://tinyurl.com/yrt335
>
> I hope you enjoy the report and that the red ink stays sheathed.
>
> Best
>
> Ralph Ditton (there are two Ralph's kicking around I have noticed)
>
>
>
> INITIAL REPORT
>
> Black Diamond OneShot Tent
>
> Review by Ralph Ditton
>
> Date: 29th March, 2007
>
>
>
> Personal Information
>
> Name: Ralph Ditton
>
> Age: 55
>
> Gender: male
>
> Height: 1. 76 m (5 ft 9 in)
>
> Weight: 71 kg (156.5 lb)
>
> Email: rdassetts at optusnet dot com dot au
>
> City: Perth. Western Australia. Australia
>
>
>
> Backpacking Background
>
> Mt playgrounds are the Bibbulmun Track and the Coastal Plain Trail. I
>
> aim to become an end-to-end walker of the Bibbulmun Track. I am nearly
>
> there as it is 964 km (603 mi) long. My pack weight including food and
>
> water tends to hover around 18 kg (40 lb) but I am trying to get
>
> lighter. My trips range from overnighters to five days duration.
>
> OneShot Tent
>
>
>
> Product Information
>
> Manufacturer: Black Diamond
>
> Manufacturer's URL: http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com
>
> Year of Manufacturer: 2007
>
> Made in: China
>
> Model: OneShot
>
> Sleeping capacity: 1
>
> Number of poles: 2½
>
> Type of poles: DAC featherlite
>
> Pole diameter: 9 mm (0.35 in)
>
> Fabric of tent:  Water resistant Epic
>
> Colour: Maize
>
> Fabric of floor: Double silicone coated nylon ripstop
>
> Colour: Light olive green
>
> Fabric of windows/vents: No-see-um mesh
>
> Door configuration: 1
>
> Factory seam sealed: No
>
> Zips: YKK
>
> Number of tent pegs: 6
>
> Tent peg material: Aluminium
>
> Tent peg style: "V" cross section, triangular
>
> MSRP: USD $289.95
>
>
>
> Manufacturer's listed weights and measurements
>
> Listed weight of tent and poles: 1.04 kg (2 lb 5 oz)
>
> Listed weight of Ground cloth: 200 g (7 oz)
>
> Packaged weight: 1.28 kg (2 lb 13 oz) This includes tent, poles, stuff
>
> sacks, tent pegs, guyline, Seam Grip, Monoject syringe applicator and
>
> instruction manual.
>
> Tent area: 2 m² (21.25 sq ft)
>
> Dimensions of tent: 216 x 91 x 91 cm (85 x 36 x 36 in)
>
> Packed size: 15 x 23 cm (6 x 9 in)
>
>
>
> My weights and measurements
>
> (I used my "Salter" electronic scales)
>
> Tent: 698 g (1.54 lb)
>
> Tent stuff sack: 24 g (0.85 oz)
>
> Tent poles: 388 g (13.7 oz)
>
> Tent pole bag: 20 g (0.7 oz)
>
> 6 tent pegs: 78 g (2.75 oz)
>
> Guyline: 44 g (1.55 oz)
>
> Ground cloth: 174 g (6.14 oz)
>
> In my backpack : 1,388 g (3.06 lb) This is made up of the tent, poles,
>
> stuff sacks, tent pegs, guyline and ground cloth.
>
> Dimensions of tent: 2 m 10 cm x 81.5 cm (6 ft 10¾ in x 2 ft 8 in)
>
> Height inside tent: 85.6 cm (2 ft 9¾ in)
>
> Tent area: 1.71 m² (18.4 sq ft)
>
>
>
> Expectations from the web site
>
> I was very curious as to what to expect as I was unsure because the
>
> picture on the web page for OneShot comes up as the "Guiding Light Tent"
>
> when I held my cursor over the picture. In addition, I was also unsure
>
> as to how many tent poles I would receive. In the blurb next to the
>
> photo of the tent, it states that the tent uses two-and-a-half poles but
>
> in the "Compare" section it only mentions two poles. With regards to the
>
> vestibule, the manufacturer states that it is a clip on. To me that
>
> means an extra which could be an optional extra that clips onto the main
>
> body of the tent. Upon receipt, there were two-and-a-half poles, the
>
> awning/vestibule is stitched to the body of the tent and does not clip
>
> onto it and the photo on the web site is in fact the OneShot, not the
>
> Guiding Light.
>
>
>
> Product Description
>
> The manufacturer states that the OneShot (hereinafter known as the tent)
>
> is a three season, freestanding solo shelter that is roomy enough to sit
>
> up in. It has one full side-opening door with a built in window and
>
> another window on the opposite side with awnings over both. The canopy
>
> is constructed with highly water-resistant and breathable Epic fabric
>
> and the trapezoidal floor is made out of double silicone coated nylon
>
> ripstop. There are two interior pockets in addition to four loops in the
>
> ceiling to attach a gear loft.
>
> The tent came in a stuff sack made out of Epic. Sewn to one of the side
>
> seams are two elastic loops which house the tent pole stuff sack that
>
> contains the tent poles, tent pegs, guyline, seam seal and applicator. A
>
> very neat arrangement. Inside the tent pole bag, there is another pocket
>
> that contains the tent pegs, guyline, seam seal and applicator. I found
>
> the fit very tight to extract the packet containing the above. Both
>
> stuff sacks are closed by way of a drawcord with a spring loaded toggle.
>
> As far as information goes, there were two "booklet"  type documents.
>
> One with a picture of a hiker wading through water with his poles is all
>
> about Black Diamond's superlight tents with a section on "Use, Care and
>
> Maintenance". There are three languages in the "booklet", English,
>
> French and German. The other "booklet" which when unfolded is very close
>
> to an "A3" sheet of paper. This document contains the magic pitching
>
> instructions with diagrams and it comes in six languages, English,
>
> French, German, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. There is a "Here's How"
>
> section on how to seal the exterior stitching and it is made to sound so
>
> easy. Quite frankly, I am very hesitant to undertake the seam sealing as
>
> I have never done this before and I have visions of a botched job. In my
>
> opinion, the manufacturer should have this done in the factory even if
>
> it adds a few dollars to the purchase price as I would not be in the
>
> minority in undertaking this task. Thinking outside the square, there
>
> could even be an option; for "x" price the tent is seam sealed and for
>
> "y" price the tent is a do-it-yourself seam seal.
>
>
>
> A. Exterior of Tent
>
> The four corners of the tent are strongly reinforced with a black
>
> synthetic patch on the outside with a pliable plastic inside. Attached
>
> to each patch is a tent stake loop which can be seen in the above
>
> photos. At the base of each patch is the base of a snap into which the
>
> tent pole sits on the inside of the tent. Along the bottom edge of the
>
> doorway are two yellow loops spaced 925 mm (3 ft) apart which are used
>
> to tie the rolled down door with the matching spring loaded toggle on
>
> the inside of the tent. On each edge seam about 370 mm (1 ft 3 in) from
>
> the bottom corner is a reflective tag making a total of four. These four
>
> points double up as guyline anchor points. The black material is of a
>
> light webbing type. The base of the tent is a double silicone coated
>
> nylon ripstop which has the feel of silnylon. The base is reasonably
>
> transparent as I can see my hand through the fabric. The fabric Epic of
>
> which the main tent body is made out of, has a soft silky feel to it,
>
> but I noticed that small bits of grass tends to cling to it after it has
>
> been laid out in readiness to erect and after it has been taken down
>
> prior to being folded up. The grass is not easily removed by a brush of
>
> the hand. It takes a number of attempts to remove the offending grass.
>
> B. The Doorway
>
> The tent has a full side-opening door that has two zippers with loops
>
> for easy operation when wearing gloves. The reason for the wide door
>
> soon became apparent when I first erected the tent. The two long tent
>
> poles have to be inserted through this door and if the door was any
>
> shorter in length, the poles would not fit through the doorway. Around
>
> 480 mm (1 ft 6 in) from the base of the door is a mesh panel that is
>
> crescent in shape. This is one of the windows and ventilation ports. It
>
> is 1m 13 cm (3 ft 9 in) long along the base and at the highest point is
>
> 20 cm (8 in). The window can be closed off from the inside by way of two
>
> zippers that are attached to a matching panel of Epic. When the Epic
>
> window panel is unzippered it can be stowed in a rolled up format and
>
> tied off by the spring loaded toggle and loop system at the base of the
>
> window which is situated at the halfway point of the window. On the
>
> opposite wall is another window with the same set up as the door window
>
> and very similar measurements.
>
> C. The Awnings
>
> Over the two windows are small awnings that are stretched into position
>
> by the half pole. The awnings stretch out 22 cm (8¾ in) at their
>
> furtherest point above the window. From the base of the tent where they
>
> extend out 10 cm (4 in), the awning fabric cambers to the above maximum.
>
> There is no way that these eaves form a satisfactory vestibule to store
>
> gear in out of the weather. To start the erection of the tent, the
>
> awnings must be done first and the short tent pole is inserted through
>
> the grommet above the door, passed through the grommet on the other side
>
> and out to the grommet in the eave. Lastly, the pole is locked into
>
> position by putting the end closest to the doorway into the grommet on
>
> the end of the eave. Attached to the grommet tags on the eaves are
>
> another set of black webbed loops that can be used to guy out the tent.
>
> D. Inside the Tent
>
> On the inside of the roof there are four little loops that can
>
> accommodate a small gear loft measuring lengthwise 40 cm x width 38 cm x
>
> 16 cm (1 ft 4 in x 1 ft 3 in x 6½ in). Sewn to a seam that is 4 cm (1½
>
> in) from the door entrance are five hook and loop tabs that wrap around
>
> the tent poles to keep them in place. Conversely, on the other side of
>
> the tent running along the edge seam from floor to ceiling and back down
>
> to the floor, there are another five such features.
>
> tent pole hook and loop closure
>
> tent pole hook and loop closure
>
> Sewn to the edge of the Epic where it meets the tub floor there is a
>
> warning label written in English and French. Basically, the label states
>
> never to bring a naked flame into the tent or store flammable liquids
>
> inside the tent. Beware of carbon monoxide as it can kill you. Maintain
>
> adequate ventilation. Anchor the tent properly (it is very light and a
>
> slight breeze will take it away as I found out when practicing how to
>
> pitch it) and choose a safe spot where to pitch the tent. Last, but not
>
> least, a section on tent care. All in all, a very cherry notice.
>
> warning label
>
> warning label
>
> On the same side as the warning label, but at opposite ends of the tent,
>
> are two mesh pockets with a yellow tape border. They measure 25 cm x 10
>
> cm (10 in x 4 in). They will be handy to store small items in so that
>
> they are readily to hand like a small torch.
>
> pocket
>
> pocket
>
> The final items inside the tent are the four corner snaps, one in each
>
> corner. They have the appearance of the cup part of a press stud. These
>
> are the bedrock that the tent poles sit upon when the tent is erected.
>
> Getting the tent pole to stay there when trying to erect the tent is a
>
> different matter. This will be covered in the erection of the tent
section.
>
> reinforced corner with snap and pole
>
> reinforced corner with snap and pole
>
> The highest point of the tent is 85.6 cm (2 ft 9¾ in) and I find that
>
> when I sit upright at the highest point, my head does brush against the
>
> roof. I will have to be careful when condensation is present.
>
> This completes the tour of the tent.
>
> E. Tent Poles
>
> The tent poles came in their own designer stuff sack. There is an
>
> additional internal sleeve that contains the tent pegs, one guyline that
>
> is 9 m (29 ft 6 in) long, the silicone tube of 42.5 g (1.5 oz) and
>
> applicator. No guyline runners are provided. Logic tells me that I have
>
> to cut the guyline to the appropriate lengths to help guy out the tent.
>
> There is no mention of this in the instructions.
>
> Ok. The poles. Well there are three of them. Two of equal length
>
> supposedly, but one is shorter than the other by 5 mm (¼ in). The third
>
> pole is horizontally challenged as it is only 92 cm (3 ft ¼ in) long
>
> when assembled whereas the longer poles when assembled are 3m 45 mm (10
>
> ft) long. The short pole is for the awnings and when assembled has a
>
> gradual curve to it. The poles are basically a male and female set up.
>
> The male end of the pole section is reduced in diameter as there is a
>
> noticeable gradient from the original diameter to the narrower diameter.
>
> This gradient acts as a block for the female section of the next pole
>
> from slipping up the shaft of the male pole too far, The three pole
>
> section is shock corded to give a nice tight pole assembly. When I
>
> erected the tent a couple of times at home to see how it went up, I was
>
> most assiduous in ensuring that the curvature was right when I
>
> positioned the pole. Another time I just put the sections together and
>
> inserted the pole. By itself the pole sections self corrected themselves
>
> into the correct position. Mind you, they were not too far out of
>
> correct curvature when I inserted it. The same story applies to the
>
> longer poles as they have a curvature to them when assembled. They are
>
> also shock corded and have the same male/female characteristics so that
>
> the sections can be inserted into one another. There are nine pole
>
> sections to the longer poles. Oh, the poles are black in colour and
>
> there is no coding on them for order of installation as it is not
necessary.
>
> F. Erecting the Tent
>
> It took me the first time around twenty minutes to erect the tent as I
>
> was assiduously trying to keep the tent poles in the correct curvature,
>
> keep the end of the tent pole in the snap inside the tent in the rear
>
> far corner, as it had a mind of its own and wanted to poke the base of
>
> the floor away from the reinforced corner. The first step I found very
>
> easy, the insertion of the short pole into and through the respective
>
> grommets. After that things got interesting. I read up on the
>
> instructions and placed the end of the first long pole into the snap at
>
> the far left rear corner, did up the first hook and loop closure and it
>
> stayed there for a short time while I watched it. I then proceeded to
>
> bring the other end into the tent through the very wide door, but in
>
> this exercise wasn't wide because I did not bend the pole up far
>
> enough. I had to put a good bit of bend on the pole to get it through
>
> the door. When I took my eyes off the far left corner to guide and work
>
> the other end through the door, the far rear left hand snap decided that
>
> it did not want to play ball and let the pole end slip out onto the base
>
> of the floor away from the reinforced corner. When I got the right hand
>
> end in through the door I had a quick check on the other end of the pole
>
> before attempting to place it into the front right hand snap. Noticing
>
> that the left hand end was not where it should have been I quickly
>
> brought the right hand end back out through the door and dropped the
>
> pole to go to the end causing problems. I married the two recalcitrants
>
> and retried again and I successfully erected the pole into the
>
> respective snaps. I was feeling a bit elated because one pole was in
>
> position and there was no hole punched through the floor. I then moved
>
> onto inserting the second pole and it behaved itself also to a point.
>
> When I got inside the tent to attach the hook and loop closures, I found
>
> that the tent poles had other ideas as to where they wanted to be and it
>
> was not near the correct hook and loop closure to give me the beautiful
>
> symmetry as shown in the instructions. I had to push/shove the poles
>
> into position so that I could attach the closures. I found that trying
>
> to hold the tent pole in position after pushing it there with one hand
>
> and fumbling in trying to open the closure with the other hand and then
>
> wrap it around the pole an exercise in frustration. The main reason was
>
> that the closure wanted to snap close before the pole was inside the
>
> arrangement. The closure has a memory and any slip of the fingers it
>
> will snap closed and the pole is left outside its warm embrace. The next
>
> practice erection was relatively incident free except for the position
>
> of the poles versus the closures. A lot of pushing and shoving to get
>
> the poles into position so that I could lock them away. Same as before,
>
> the closures wanted to be difficult as possible and would snap shut at
>
> every opportunity before the pole was inside its curvature. I won in the
>
> end. Conclusion, this is not an easy tent to erect and haste will be in
>
> vain. It is so different in its pitching system to other tents that I
>
> have, such as bringing a pole inside the tent through the doorway under
>
> stress, ensuring that a good curve is formed, so as to get it past the
>
> far edge of the door and ensure that the other end behaves itself and
>
> stays inside the snap. I would recommend that two of  the snaps be
>
> adapted to accommodate a screw- in centre pole of a few millimetres (
>
> for a better word) for the tent pole to sit over when placed onto the
>
> snap so that it will not slip off when trying to place the other end
>
> into position. Why screw in? The item would have to be removed when
>
> stowing the tent away as this would avoid any possible damage to the
>
> fabric when rolling the tent up. There may be other materials that are
>
> robust enough but supple so as to not cause damage to the fabric such as
>
> rubber which possibly does not have to be a screw-in.
>
> Ground Cloth
>
> Black Diamond was kind enough to supply a ground cloth to protect the
>
> floor of the tent. The ground cloth is custom made for the OneShot tent.
>
> The dimensions of the ground cloth are 2 m 6 cm x 79 cm (6 ft 9 in x 2
>
> ft 7 in). In each corner and half way along each side is an eyelet to
>
> secure the ground cloth to the tent. Each eyelet is reinforced by a
>
> triangular patch. At one end there is an elastic cord looped and tied
>
> off through one eyelet only. At this stage I haven't worked out why this
>
> is so. In the testing phase I hope to find out. Having said that, I have
>
> just discovered another three elastic cords that fell out of the package
>
> that contained the ground cloth. They each measure 405 mm (1 ft 4 in)
>
> long. Taking a guess, they go into the other three eyelets and the tent
>
> pegs catch onto the elastic when pegging the tent. I will confirm this
>
> in the Field Report.
>
> Testing Strategy
>
> I will bite the bullet and seam seal the tent with the supplied silicone
>
> and comment on how easy/difficult the procedure is. The OneShot will be
>
> my main means of shelter when walking the Bibbulmun and Coastal Plains
>
> Tracks for the next four months in lieu of the shelters provided. I
>
> prefer to sleep away from other hikers as I am not fond of snorers,
>
> being one myself. Overall, I will be looking at the roominess or lack
>
> thereof, set-up after a bit of practice and conversely the dismantling
>
> which to date has been incident free, packing, ventilation, sunlight/uv
>
> effect on the fabric, sturdiness of the floor material, how easy is it
>
> to clean the tent and stability in winds.
>
> At this stage I will not comment on "Likes" and "Dislikes" as I have not
>
> had a genuine field test. Mind you, I did have some initial thoughts
>
> which have been discussed above, but I want to be fair and accurate over
>
> the long term.
>
> End Piece
>
> This concludes my Initial Report. The Field Report will be amended to
>
> this report in approximately two months from the date of this report.
>
> Please check back then for further information.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Try here, I had a look and found it.
http://tinyurl.com/34akkb

andrew_p2


--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, Andrew Priest
<apriest@...> wrote:
>
> At 08:13 AM 31/03/2007, you wrote:
>
>
> >A copy is in the Test Folder and can be found at the following:
> >
> >http://tinyurl.com/yrt335
>
> Still there? I am getting a 404 error.
>
> Andrew, Sir
>

My kids and I have decided to leave Mama at home and go on a ROAD TRIP
for spring break.
We'll probably be back by next Saturday.  No tests are effected.

We're heading South to Memphis for our first stop.  Shane and Coy, look
out - we may call if we make it all the way down there...


-r


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Okay, here's the deal.  It looks like the SD Card and reader aren't a
big deal - they'll send that out and I have ones I can use now anyway.
  But, it doesn't seem to matter because my computer won't recognize
the GPS via USB.

I'm not a knucklehead on this - I've had a couple other GPS devices
and about 4 PDAs and worked out the connection on all of those.  I'm
starting to wonder if the device itself is faulty.  It's possible to
bypass the GPS itself and only deal with the SD Card (my preferred way
anyhow) but you must connect the GPS to the computer at least ONE time.

I did use it without maps for 2 days on a trip to Central WA.  Very
cool and I can get a lot of the report done, but I'm wondering if I
should go ahead without the mapping piece (admittedly the MAIN
function of this GPS) or hold off until it's worked out?

I'll be in contact with DeLorme to try a solution.  I spent a few
hours already in their help section and on their website.  Nothing.

Please advise....

-Curt


--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "Rebecca Sowards-Emmerd"
<rebecca@...> wrote:
>
> I received the SD card and reader just now by FedEx.  I'll be
geocaching and
> route finding with the unit this weekend and hope to have the IR
ready to go
> in a couple of days.
>
> On 3/28/07, Rebecca Sowards-Emmerd <rebecca@...> wrote:
> >
> > I called Delorme customer support this morning with my 'order
number' from
> > the packing slip.  They said they will ship a SD card/reader out
to me today
> > via express mail.
> >
> >
> > On 3/28/07, nwcurt <nwcurt@...> wrote:
> > >
> > >   Same thing here, Rebecca. How did you end up handling the missing
> > > stuff? Have the mods chimed in on it?
> > >
> > > -Curt
> > >
> > > --- In
backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com<backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com>,
> > > "Rebecca Sowards-Emmerd"
> > >
> > > <rebecca@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > The Earthmate arrived today - whooo!!!
> > > >
> > > > However, according to the packing slip, I was supposed to
receive the
> > > > SD card and reader along with the GPS/software/travel package
(which
> > > > is what makes it the deluxe package). There was no SD card and
reader
> > > > included. This is not a big deal to me as I already have some SD
> > > > cards and a reader in my laptop, but since it is listed on the
packing
> > > > slip and wasn't included, I want to clarify how I should
follow up.
> > > > Hey other testers - did you get the SD card and reader?
> > > >
> > > > I'm installing the software now - fingers crossed that everyrthing
> > > > goes nice and smooth!
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

In a message dated 3/31/2007 12:34:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
rdassetts@... writes:

If there was a video of me trying to pitch it, it would have to be a
silent movie and the sight would not be pretty, mainly my backside sticking
out feeding tent poles into a supposedly yawning doorway that is a tad
tight.

Cheers

Ralph

################

Ah! That might be your problem, the view of your agitated derrier
not-with-standing.  ; )

I find the best way to set up the tent is to stake out the four corners, then
sit in the open door facing out. Awning pole goes in first. Then, with the
two main poles out in front, I run the first straight into its corner without
changing my position. With the pole seated in the corner patch (not the
grommet!) I just start bendng the pole into place. I find the far end comes to
the
opposite front corner quite naturally, with little strain. Once seated in the
corner patch (I still do not bother with the grommets) I pull the tent body over
the pole and my head. I then repeat the process with the final pole. The poles
sit roughly in the proper position.

This is when I check the grommets. I make sure the pole end is siting in the
grommet and fasten the hook&loop fastener immediately above it. I work all
four corners like this. I find that the poles work gradually into position with
a
minimum of fuss using this method, tho some fussing may be required. I finish
by edging the poles into position and closing the remaining fasteners. All
this is done from my sitting position (I lay down and to the side when
positioning the rear corners and fasteners).

Takes just a few minutes. Easy as pie. No cussing required.


Jim S.

If knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance that we can
solve them. - Isaac Asimov




************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Many thanks to Ray Estrella who managed the applications and the
application process.

Congratulations!  The following testers been chosen for the
AntiGravityGear Tarptent and PonchoVilla.  I have listed you with the
combination of size of tent and colors you requested in your application.

Andy Mytys
TarpTent 10 foot model in the Royal Blue color, and the Poncho Villa
in the Silver color.

Steve Nelson
10 foot version of the tarptent,
and the royal blue color for both the tarptent and poncho.

Pat McNeilly
10 foot model in a green color. I would also prefer to test the green
color poncho.

Please, each tester forward your shipping details to me at:
rick@...
so that I can pass them on to the manufacturer.

First Last
Address
City, State, Zip  (or equivalent)
Phone
email

Note: the manufacturer has notified me that it may be several weeks
before he ships as he is sewing the tarptents to order.  I will keep you
up to date as I hear more.

Have fun with the test!

Curt,

FWIW, I found their customer help people quite good. On the other
hand, the issues I had were primarily related to defective disks, not
horribly difficult.

When you say the GPS is not recognized, I take it that the Topo USA
program can't find it? There are several device modes that you may set
via the Device Setup page on the USB. It's possible that one of these
might work where others don't You might also want to reset the unit
back to factory default settings, also managed by an option in that
page. I can give you specifics if that's helpful...

Pardon me if I'm stating the obvious!

Ted.


--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "nwcurt" <nwcurt@...> wrote:
>
> Okay, here's the deal.  It looks like the SD Card and reader aren't a
> big deal - they'll send that out and I have ones I can use now anyway.
>  But, it doesn't seem to matter because my computer won't recognize
> the GPS via USB.
>
> I'm not a knucklehead on this - I've had a couple other GPS devices
> and about 4 PDAs and worked out the connection on all of those.  I'm
> starting to wonder if the device itself is faulty.  It's possible to
> bypass the GPS itself and only deal with the SD Card (my preferred way
> anyhow) but you must connect the GPS to the computer at least ONE time.
>
> I did use it without maps for 2 days on a trip to Central WA.  Very
> cool and I can get a lot of the report done, but I'm wondering if I
> should go ahead without the mapping piece (admittedly the MAIN
> function of this GPS) or hold off until it's worked out?
>
> I'll be in contact with DeLorme to try a solution.  I spent a few
> hours already in their help section and on their website.  Nothing.
>
> Please advise....
>
> -Curt
>
>
> --- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, "Rebecca Sowards-Emmerd"
> <rebecca@> wrote:
> >
> > I received the SD card and reader just now by FedEx.  I'll be
> geocaching and
> > route finding with the unit this weekend and hope to have the IR
> ready to go
> > in a couple of days.
> >
> > On 3/28/07, Rebecca Sowards-Emmerd <rebecca@> wrote:
> > >
> > > I called Delorme customer support this morning with my 'order
> number' from
> > > the packing slip.  They said they will ship a SD card/reader out
> to me today
> > > via express mail.
> > >
> > >
> > > On 3/28/07, nwcurt <nwcurt@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >   Same thing here, Rebecca. How did you end up handling the
missing
> > > > stuff? Have the mods chimed in on it?
> > > >
> > > > -Curt
> > > >
> > > > --- In
>
backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com<backpackgeartesters%40yahoogroups.com>,
> > > > "Rebecca Sowards-Emmerd"
> > > >
> > > > <rebecca@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > The Earthmate arrived today - whooo!!!
> > > > >
> > > > > However, according to the packing slip, I was supposed to
> receive the
> > > > > SD card and reader along with the GPS/software/travel package
> (which
> > > > > is what makes it the deluxe package). There was no SD card and
> reader
> > > > > included. This is not a big deal to me as I already have some SD
> > > > > cards and a reader in my laptop, but since it is listed on the
> packing
> > > > > slip and wasn't included, I want to clarify how I should
> follow up.
> > > > > Hey other testers - did you get the SD card and reader?
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm installing the software now - fingers crossed that
everyrthing
> > > > > goes nice and smooth!
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Richmoor Natural High Foods IR - Jennifer Pope

Andre-
Here's my IR.  A couple days late but that was the best I could do
this week.  Too many relatives in town and too much work at work.  I
am still missing the actual weights in my table.  I'm not out of town
and away from the products in order to weigh them now.  I'll have to
catch those on the upload and hopefully Shane won't yell at me for
doing that.

Jen P.

<http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/test/TESTS/JEN%20-%20Natural%20High%20F\
ood%20IR/>

Richmoor Natural High Foods
Test Report
Last Updated: March 30, 2007

Biographical Information  Product Information  Initial
Impressions/Product Description  Summary

Natural High Foods

Biographical Information
Name  Jennifer Pope
Age  26
Gender  Female
Height  5 ft 7 in (1.7 m)
Weight  150 lb (68 kg)
Email Address  Jennifer.Pope@...
Location  Los Angeles, California
Backpacking Background
Intermediate. I've been a car-camper as long as I can remember and
started backpacking in Northern California when I was 16. I've been
backpacking for a little over a year after a hiatus during college. I
backpack in the Sierras as well as National Forests and Parks in the
Los Angeles vicinity. I also spend time in the California deserts and
the mountains and coast of Northern California. I'm a tent camper
leaning towards lightweight; but I'm also a fan of gadgets and I like
being comfortable. I also frequently day hike close to home and while
car camping.

Product Information (back to top)
Manufacturer  Richmoor Coorporation
Manufacturer URL  http://www.richmoor.com/
Year of Manufacture  2007
Claimed Weight
Spicy Thai Chicken
Cheese Enchilada Ranchero
I Can't Believe it's Cheese Pizza
Granola
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
6 1/4 oz (177 g)
6 1/4 oz (177 g)
5.78 oz (164 g)
6 1/2 oz (184 g)
4 oz (113 g)
Actual Weight
Spicy Thai Chicken
Cheese Enchilada Ranchero
I Can't Believe it's Cheese Pizza
Granola
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
XXX
MSRP
Spicy Thai Chicken
Cheese Enchilada Ranchero
I Can't Believe it's Cheese Pizza
Granola
Cinnamon Apple Crisp
$6.75 US
$6.25 US
$5.25 US
$4.25 US
$4.25 US


Initial Report
March 30, 2007

Initial Impressions & Product Description (back to top)
These meals are exactly as expected. These are freeze-dried meals in
re-sealable foil packaging.

Two items are labeling differently on the packaging and the website.
The "Spicy Thai Chicken" is just listed as "Thai Chicken" on the
website and the "Granola" is given the more descriptive name of
"Raspberry Granola with Milk". The Thai Chicken isn't drastically
different except that I would expect the "Spicy Thai Chicken" to be
spicier. Initially I thought the "Granola" was more like a trail mix
rather than a breakfast. Each of these items contains the more precise
phrases in the descriptions of the product (on the website or the
packaging).

Description

These are all two-person meals. This is This is prominently displayed
on the front of each package. None of the items require cooking except
the "I Can't Believe it's Cheese Pizza". The cheese pizza requires the
sauce to be cooked like a regular freeze-dried meal; just add hot
water. The crust requires the addition of water and then cooking on a
skillet for several minutes; then the two components are combined.
Each of the other items just require the addition of hot (or cold) water.

All of the bags are the same size despite the contents inside each of
the bags being different sizes. I found this odd and it seems to be a
waste of materials and precious backpack space. Quite a bit of the bag
is torn off when the bag is opened. This seems to be more wasted
materials. The re-sealable zipper is located at least two inches (5
cm) from the top of the bag.

Cooking instructions and nutritional information are found on the back
of each bag. Since the nutritional information for each item is
printed on the website I will not reiterate that here. The cooking
ranges from adding cold water, stirring, and eating to adding boiling
water and waiting 10-12 minutes. Each meal that requires the addition
of boiling water requires several minutes of cooking time in addition
to the regular cooking time when prepared at high elevations.

I'm not a nutritionist, but the total calories per serving seems
pretty low for a meal while backpacking. Since these meals are all two
servings I will be splitting them with my husband. We will likely be
supplementing the meals by either eating two or bringing something
else along to eat. The entrees range from 290 to 420 calories.

Sodium is often a problem in processed foods. The sodium content in
these meals seems to be a little on the high side but pretty
reasonable. The entrees range from 23% to 44% of the Daily Value.

Summary (back to top)
These meals appear to be exactly as I expected them- kind of bulky but
the cooking instructions couldn't be easier.


This concludes my Initial Report. The Field Report will be appended to
this report approximately two months from the date of this report.
Please check back then for further information.

Thank you to Richmoor and BackpackGearTest.org for allowing me to test
this item.

Fair enough. Paragraph deleted. May I have an upload folder, guys!

Ted.

--- In backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, Andrew Priest
<apriest@...> wrote:
>
> At 02:55 AM 30/03/2007, you wrote:
> >I'm going with Shane's suggestion.
>
> With no disrespect to Shane's excellent writings, Rick's approach is
> preferable. You should be writing from YOUR experience and
perspective only.
>
> Regards
> Andrew, Sir
>

> The following report folders are needed:
>
> Vasque - Kota Mid Shoes
> ....MONITOR: Jim Sabiston

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Trail%20Shoes/Vasque%20Kota%20M\
id%20Shoes/

> Richmoor Corp - Assorted Meals
> ....MONITOR: Andre Corterier

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Food/Packaged%20Meals/Richmoor%20Natural\
%20High%20Camping%20Food/

> Delorme - Earthmate GPS PN-20
> ....MONITOR: Rebecca (Becki) Rose Stacy

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Navigation%20and%20Map%20Gear/GPS/Delorm\
e%20Earthmate%20GPS%20PN-20/

Enjoy!

Shane
List Admin

> Take a look at my tester stats.  The ones listed in the lower right
> corner of the template are correct, but the dates listed in the upper
> left do not match those below and are wrong.

The blue table is the test globally.

The green table is you specifically.

Shane
List Admin

> I am pleased to advise that I have received the Black Diamond Mesa
> tent and footprint.  All is okay with the items.

Excellent.

> I do assume the footprint is part of the test?

Yes, since the item is provided, it is agreeable to include it in the test.

Of course, the Test Moderator should chime in...

> I should have the IR up within seven days, but do have to go to
> Singapore this week which may throw out my timing.  Trying to get it
> down before I go.

Acknowledged.

Shane
List Admin

> I did use it without maps for 2 days on a trip to Central WA.  Very
> cool and I can get a lot of the report done, but I'm wondering if I
> should go ahead without the mapping piece (admittedly the MAIN
> function of this GPS) or hold off until it's worked out?

The Initial report doesn't actually require any use of the item.  Please
proceed as you think best, but the report should be posted at the earliest
opportunity.

> I'll be in contact with DeLorme to try a solution.  I spent a few
> hours already in their help section and on their website.  Nothing.

There is probably a setting on the GPS unit itself.  There are two modes for
USB connections.  Try switching between modes, if they exist.

One trick I use with USB devices is to pull the USB plug and the plug it
into a different USB port.  Sometimes ports get 'hung' for some reason.

YMMV.

Shane
List Admin

> I find the best way to set up the tent is to...

...chunk it far off trail and hang a hammock.

Shane

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