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Author	Message Text
fitgers1	12/22/2011 08:05AM   I have no pictures of it here with me, however, I found one that looks similar on the web. This is pretty much what it looks like only it is a forest green. It is a White Stag. Isn't there some type of lubricant that could go on the zipper to assist in proper operation in colder temperatures? I take it those fancy white things don't have zippers. Just flaps that are tied?
ripple	12/22/2011 12:17AM   Looking forward to the "House and Garden tour".
PortageKeeper	12/21/2011 06:47PM   Use it! Cut out the floor where the stove goes or put something down to protect the floor. Sew in a stove jack and try it out near home to see where you're at. Or, sell it to me! 10x10 is a nice size for two.
fitgers1	12/21/2011 01:00PM   So, I have an old mid/late 70's heavy green tarp Stag (White Stag??) tent with poles. Size is about 10' X 10'. Do the winter camping experts here think that would work for winter camping? Or do I need to have one of those fancy white things?
butthead	12/21/2011 01:27PM   No expert here, but I see no trouble with it. I bought a used Laacke & Joys 10/12 with the intention of hot tenting. Just haven't set it up for a stove yet. I did cut out the floor and left 12 inches of sod-cloth of it, a big improvement in weight and useability even in the summer. I wonder if the door zipper would be a hassle? butthead
Soledad	12/21/2011 02:18PM   if you can you add a Stove Jack and do not mind the extra weight of a heavy canvas tent you should be a happy winter camper!
ripple	12/21/2011 04:00PM   quote fitgers1: "So, I have an old mid/late 70's heavy green tarp Stag (White Stag??) tent with poles. Size is about 10' X 10'. Do the winter camping experts here think that would work for winter camping? Or do I need to have one of those fancy white things?" My pocketbook is SUPER jealous!!! I can't imagine why any canvas tent with a stove (add the stove jack for safety) wouldn't work. The canvas we have is likely less weight/less able to hold in heat compared to yours. If you can haul it- use it!!
ripple	12/21/2011 08:04PM   quote yellowcanoe: "WHERE is the snow?" It's all 'cause I got my tent... the weather pattern is taunting me- freakin' evil jet stream!!!
mrgreen	12/23/2011 09:02PM   You can use bar soap to lubricate a metal zipper. Just rub it along the teeth.
fitgers1	12/21/2011 11:01PM   Thanks all! Looking forward to putting it to use. It has no rotten areas. Family tent from when I was a kid. Used many, many times and has been well maintained. Hasn't been used for about 15 years but set up every summer to air out. Now to learn about stoves, stove jacks, cutting the floor etc. Thanks again!
mellowyellow	12/23/2011 02:00PM   quote fitgers1: "I have no pictures of it here with me, however, I found one that looks similar on the web. This is pretty much what it looks like only it is a forest green. It is a White Stag. Isn't there some type of lubricant that could go on the zipper to assist in proper operation in colder temperatures? I take it those fancy white things don't have zippers. Just flaps that are tied? " I forgot who I am. My Snowtrekker has zippers that are not bare metal..some sort of heavy plastic, and velcro. Some other tents have ties. You can s call it fancy! but it does have better snowshedding that yours is going to. So start thinking of how you are going to handle a snow load that is sure to depress the roof. It doesn't have much of a pitch. Either you will have to keep clearing it off or consider a tarp over the tent. White. Blue works but makes everything in side look gloomy. So don't worry bout the zipper for now. But a zipper lube is a good question. My drysuit zipper (its not metal either) is a bit balky in the cold but still works....uuuungggggf\h
SevenofNine	12/21/2011 07:18PM   I say use it. My only concern is whether it has had a fire retardant applied to it? If not you need to take a little extra care but I wouldn't worry. Of course you should take care no matter what the material is if you have a fire inside a tent.
ripple	12/23/2011 11:38AM   quote fitgers1: "Isn't there some type of lubricant that could go on the zipper to assist in proper operation in colder temperatures? I take it those fancy white things don't have zippers. Just flaps that are tied? " The zipper on the Montana Tent is neoprene- then there is an overlapping flap with ties. I think a metal zipper would need some type of treatment to prevent it from freezing with the moisture and cold combo that might make it hard to operate.
PortageKeeper	12/22/2011 02:15PM   I've heard of using graphite lubricant for zippers, along with bees wax. Of course there are a number of things if you search them on the web. Looks as though you could put the stove jack just off center on the back wall, close enough to the back pole so you could tie the stove pipe to the pole and not need a prop behind the tent to hold it up.
yellowcanoe	12/21/2011 07:21PM   Yes of course you need one of those expensive white things! NOT. I have friends who have taken old canvas tents and replaced rotten parts with bed sheet material or even nylon( but cotton is better if you want to keep the stove going all night; humidity control is important). The stove jack is crucial as well as clearance from the walls for your stove. Are you guys familiar with www.wintertrekking.com? Its a great resource and geared toward the general principles of keeping warm and comfortable in the winter without frost in your tent. I know there are a couple of winter camping symposia in MN too but I only can attend the one in VT. Its taught me alot. I have a lot to learn. I have an expensive white thing..recycled. I got it off ebay. Otherwise I would not have had the resources to start. And barely started am I ( or are we). We are still car camping in plowed campgrounds. Beware over baking. Baking is waay too easy to do as you sit around the stove. I mean cinnamon buns for tea and pancakes and cake.. Canvas is a marvelous heat holder I have found. So far every time we have had to run out and roll in the snow. We don't have a floor and use minicell workshop flooring under our sleeping mats for extra insulation. I am not sure what the consequences of having any floor in the tent are..except it might get stuck to the snow (freeze). It gets pretty toasty inside. Just watch the snow loading. I left my Snowtrekker up all winter two years ago in the yard when we were in the super beginner stage and the snowdrifts caved it in. 8 X 11.5 was quite a bit less. I am not familiar with the OP's tent so that might not even be an issue. If you get to attend anything with Don Kevilus or Mors Kochanski you will learn how to keep warm with anything you have ..or don't have. WHERE is the snow?