Arctic Tent

[Phaestos]

After taking it out for it's second jaunt to the far North I decided that my self-modded Polish Laavu is not my shelter of choice. For the space I get, I feel the weight and effort to set it up is too much to be justified. I've been looking at Wayland's Adirondack tarp mod he recently designed as a future possibility for any further Arctic trips, but have also been looking at the various different types of tents and shelters available. I was wondering what people feel makes up an Arctic tent/shelter? What should I be looking for in the designs/products?

 

[ed_is_dead]

Not that I'll ever truly utilise it but the Frisort Krokskogen Lavvu I have may be up to the job. It endured a full on storm there and shrugged it off. I did fully guy it out though and adjusted them during the night.
How about a ridge tent?

 

[Squidders]

Are you looking for a tent for long term static use or something to move around with?

For static use where there is a good source of wood, I would probably go for a Helsport or Tentipi Lavvu with a wood burning stove or if space/weight is an issue, a fire box.
For a more mobile choice or where there are no trees, I would be inclined to get a proper mountain tent such as a Mountain Hardwear Trango 2, these can take a beating, have a design that will retain more warmth and have proven many times in the high peaks of the world, that you can live in them for weeks at a time.

 

[bilmo-p5]

Something like the Bisontelt Tundra 3 lavvo might suit you. It's a polycotton lavvu on a 2.7m square base and 2.7m high. It's built to take a flue parallel to the pole.
Few pics here...

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Ian/...?sort=3&page=1

Unfortunately they don't make them any more and mine is not for sale at the moment.

 

[Dave]

If you can always find cover near a forest, then how about silnylon?

 

[Imagedude]

What makes an arctic shelter? For me it must be a free-standing 5-season shelter that keeps out spindrift and can support the weight of a heavy overnight dump of snow. Ideally it will allow you to use a stove inside for those days when the wind or snowfall just doesn't subside.

 

[SGL70]

My focus would be finding any tent (I have no experience with Lavvus really) with good/great ventilation to avoid condesation.

To this I would have to add a good sleeping bag (because of no stove) and a suitable shovel (to dig in a bit or add snow to the bottom of the tent fly, to counteract wind and spindrift.)

If the weather is really bad, I would dig in. A hole in a slope of a ravine, gully or the like.

Cheers
Greger

 

[Phaestos]

This is some really great feedback. I'm aware that shelter is a matter of personal preference, so it's great to see the varying opinions

 

[Teepee]

Completely depends on what part of the arctic the shelter is to be used in. For treeless tundra, a freestanding 4 season mountaineering tent is the norm and must have the qualities Bob lists.

For the boreal forests and much lower wind speeds and with a fire for warmth, options widen considerably. Snow bombs must be accounted for. The shelter must be erectable with gloves or mitts on.

Personally, I find hammocking optimal in the winter boreal forest or in a Baker style setup.