Just Another (Fa)bric in the Wall
But can we make this set up any better? I think so. We could add ‘walls’ (I am thinking on two sides, leaving one side open). This would surely increase the experience, right? With protection from the rain, the sun, not to mention the wind coming in under the Stingray, along with the added extra level of enclosure and privacy, ‘walls’ could only be a benefit, surely? And here at Tentsile, we are always striving to improve the outdoor experience and to increase the usability of our range, so that you guys have the best time out in the wild, and encourage us to do more! So, walls sound good. Walls sound safe. Walls sound like a great way to enhance the Tentsile experience. Yes, please!
It’s not that simple. As is often the case with these things. Although we can see a great many advantages – those listed above, as well as the ability to use the ‘walls’ as stand-alone accessories for use as breakaway shelters, hammock fly sheets, and possibly even being hammocks in themselves! - there is a downside: MASSIVE wind load. At 4x14 feet/1.2x4.2 meters, these walls effectively become sails, catching any sign of wind, and if the wind is strong enough, this could rip loops off, cause pegs to spring out of the ground – perhaps into someone's eye - break hooks, and any other tent-ripping, camper-harming, equipment-damaging effect you can probably conjure up using your own imagination - at which point, stuck out in the middle of nowhere, in pitch darkness, a ruined Tentsile and a stack-load of soaking gear, you start cursing Tentsile with every ounce of disdain you can muster. And it is with this possibility in mind, ‘walls’ become a distinct No Thank You!
And so the question remains: To wall or not to wall? As you can see, it is not an easy answer. On the one hand, we want to up your experience. We want to get you out and up into the trees. We want to show you a new level of outside enjoyment. And to this end, we want to bring new ideas to the fore. But, on the other hand, we need to keep you safe; and we need to maintain standards. And we need to maintain your trust. So it is a difficult decision.
It's hard being a start-up with new ideas. Yes, we have had many successes, and for all your support and wonderful responses to our products we are thankful. But there is a fine line to tread between pioneering innovation and reputation. Quite simply, there are enough people waiting out there for a chance to rip you down without a thought towards how hard you have worked to get to where you are. A fine line. Our job is to walk that line, always ensuring quality, novelty and safety, without compromise. And so we put the question to you: ‘walls’ or no ‘walls’. You help us decide. And we will read your comments and thoughts in the hope that through your engagement we can together make the zero impact outdoor experience the very best it can be!
Comments
scott said:
Yes, a removable wall would be nice to protect from a side-rain. I creates a “shelter”
Horak said:
Walls would be perfect, me and my grandfather struggle to find shade where we camp and go hide in our trucks due to a small canopy when it rains. With walls, we can sit under our tent free of the sun and rain and enjoy camping to the fullest.
Bruce Kuykendall said:
Since I live in Swampy, muggy ole Florida – I’d like to see Mesh Walls! Lift the Stingray up to 6 ft. off the ground and create a 14×14×14 screen room underneath which protects from sun and bugs! Basically the same type of enclosure as a Nemo Bugout.
Andrew White said:
I’m considering purchasing your stingray package with trillium underneath. I may have somewhat of a different use than your target market, but I think walls would be great. My plan is to create a 2story, dwelling, 13-15’ tall with insulated canvas walls and possibly a heat source. Similar to yurt walls. As for the wind, it’s a concern. My thought is to drive 1.5" pipe through the 3 D rings and into the earth and wrap the canvas around. Would it work?
Tony said:
No and yes. If you need a wall up temporarily for changing purposes, rain, etc.- then yes. But, you a tent to camp in the trees to get a new perspective, a new view. Why would you want to impede that view by putting up a wall? Just my 2 cents.
Mary Jane glenn said:
Definately yes. I camped last weekend in the rain in Oregon and jimmy rigged a plastic sheet and it was great. It would be nice to have s wall that fit and attached nicely..
Scott Fleming said:
It seems like a regular tent provides great protection from most storms provided that all lines are secure. The issue of wind is as much a factor but perhaps less dangerous. But what is the plan for weathering a storm without the walls? I think it possible to make a dome that is secured to the trees independent from the sleeping platform. flat walls could be secured with a more flexible solution so they could move with the wind. One more thing, if it does rain, the slack lines could have a drip block so the water drips before it runs onto the platform. The block would be under the fly.
Ezra Wylie said:
I really love the idea of having walls! It would defiantly I think just improve the camping and Tentsile experience! I am no engineer but if you made the walls say more hexagonal shaped would that help reduce the sail effect? So like instead of the walls also being triangle what if you put a pole or something to extend the middle out so it would break the wind instead of having one large sail.
greg said:
I say no to walls. First because they add more weight to pack in and also the height I would want to hang the tent would make them useless. FYI I don’t currently own one of your tents but plan to asap.
chris said:
Bring them on boys, i’ll have a full set please
Kai Holle said:
I think the walls look great and could be a wonderful accessory. As for the wind part I would compare them to an outfitters wall tent. They seem to stay up in the wind and snow. Maybe have a pocket in the bottom so that one could fill them with rocks or dirt or sand, that would slow down the pegs flying off.
Brian said:
No way! Dont do it, if you come out with walls then people that buy them will just complain when they rip!!