So...had the thought that rather than discuss existing gear...what new piece of gear would you like to see somebody make?

For answers like weightless canoes powered by Unicorn dust, start a different thread.

Looking for things that are in the realm of possibility given today's technologies.

So for me - I really like the CCS Screen Tent & the Nemo Bugout, but given my Ultralight roots and tendencies, I'd like to see someone make a minimalist version out of Cuben/DCF. I would think it could shave a pound, maybe a pound-and-a-half off the weight.

Anyone else have an idea/wish?

I've played with the idea of rigging up sponsons to the canoe gunnels several times when we've been on bigger water.

I think there is a PFD called - sospenders that uses a ripcord to discharge a CO2 cartridge and inflate integrated bladders for flotation. I can conceptualize a similar inflation mechanism with long, thin bladders that run along (or slightly below) the gunnels of a canoe, and could be easily deployable by either the bow or stern paddler in cases where things got ugly.

Campfire- powered convection oven.
Sits on fire grate.
Something like a biolite stove generator to power the fan.
Electronic temperature control via servo venting/flue/etc.
Titanium and foldable.

Maybe it's out there and I just haven't found it but I would love an ultralight tent big enough for 6. Before everyone gives me the get 2 or 3 smaller tents hear me out. Right now I'm carrying in (a long ways) a Cabela's Alaskan Guide geodesic 6 person tent with aluminum poles that comes in a little over 20 lbs after swapping out the heavy stakes. While being really heavy the thing is virtually wind and rain proof which is a major plus. I need a tent of this size because I trip with my wife and small kids and splitting up into small groups just isn't an option. They would stay home before they slept in their own tent no matter how close to mine it was. I like some of the models on the market but 4 person is the max in the ultralight lines and we all know 4 people in a 4 person tent is tight.

OK, I had an idea but,... posting in the Unicorn Dust thread instead.

sns: "So...had the thought that rather than discuss existing gear...what new piece of gear would you like to see somebody make?

For answers like weightless canoes powered by Unicorn dust, start a different thread.

Looking for things that are in the realm of possibility given today's technologies.

So for me - I really like the CCS Screen Tent & the Nemo Bugout, but given my Ultralight roots and tendencies, I'd like to see someone make a minimalist version out of Cuben/DCF. I would think it could shave a pound, maybe a pound-and-a-half off the weight.

Anyone else have an idea/wish? "

That would be super cool! It would also be a bit pricey.

muddyfeet: "Campfire- powered convection oven.
Sits on fire grate.
Something like a biolite stove generator to power the fan.
Electronic temperature control via servo venting/flue/etc.
Titanium and foldable.
"

LOL! That would also be pricey!

DeanL: "Maybe it's out there and I just haven't found it but I would love an ultralight tent big enough for 6. Before everyone gives me the get 2 or 3 smaller tents hear me out. Right now I'm carrying in (a long ways) a Cabela's Alaskan Guide geodesic 6 person tent with aluminum poles that comes in a little over 20 lbs after swapping out the heavy stakes. While being really heavy the thing is virtually wind and rain proof which is a major plus. I need a tent of this size because I trip with my wife and small kids and splitting up into small groups just isn't an option. They would stay home before they slept in their own tent no matter how close to mine it was. I like some of the models on the market but 4 person is the max in the ultralight lines and we all know 4 people in a 4 person tent is tight. "

I'm with DeanL.. I could use an ultralight 6 person tent for the same reasons.

I feel like there is room for improvement in the blue bear barrels. I'd like to see something similar in size and function, only lighter and perhaps with a better clasp system.

DeanL: "Maybe it's out there and I just haven't found it but I would love an ultralight tent big enough for 6. Before everyone gives me the get 2 or 3 smaller tents hear me out. Right now I'm carrying in (a long ways) a Cabela's Alaskan Guide geodesic 6 person tent with aluminum poles that comes in a little over 20 lbs after swapping out the heavy stakes. While being really heavy the thing is virtually wind and rain proof which is a major plus. I need a tent of this size because I trip with my wife and small kids and splitting up into small groups just isn't an option. They would stay home before they slept in their own tent no matter how close to mine it was. I like some of the models on the market but 4 person is the max in the ultralight lines and we all know 4 people in a 4 person tent is tight. "

Tough one.

Expensive, but there's a 5-person available from Stephenson's. These are mountaineering tents, have been up all the biggest peaks of the world. So wind & weather not a problem. I own one of their two-mans that is almost 40 years old and still going strong.

6.5 lbs for the 5-person full-loaded 5R. But again, very expensive.
www.warmlite.com/product/five-person-tent/

DeanL: "Maybe it's out there and I just haven't found it but I would love an ultralight tent big enough for 6. Before everyone gives me the get 2 or 3 smaller tents hear me out. Right now I'm carrying in (a long ways) a Cabela's Alaskan Guide geodesic 6 person tent with aluminum poles that comes in a little over 20 lbs after swapping out the heavy stakes. While being really heavy the thing is virtually wind and rain proof which is a major plus. I need a tent of this size because I trip with my wife and small kids and splitting up into small groups just isn't an option. They would stay home before they slept in their own tent no matter how close to mine it was. I like some of the models on the market but 4 person is the max in the ultralight lines and we all know 4 people in a 4 person tent is tight. "

And there's one other - 12-13 lbs, 6 people:

www.bigagnes.com/Big-House-6-Deluxe

Probably not as robust as the Alaskan Guide; you can add a huge vestibule for another 3lbs. And it is relatively affordable.

user0317: "I feel like there is room for improvement in the blue bear barrels. I'd like to see something similar in size and function, only lighter and perhaps with a better clasp system. "

The blue barrels are not "bear proof". They are just common shipping containers that people have repurposed for tripping food storage. Don't know how one could be made lighter but I'm with you on some of those clasps.

If someone could make a bear-proof 30-60 liter barrel that costs less per liter than existing options, I'd be a happy camper. I can't believe how long we've gone re-purposing Mauser barrels without someone in the know deciding to make a better product for us.

I'm also on the look-out for a soft dog crate/tent that is made of strong, quality materials, not overpriced to prey on ignorant pet owners, and light/packable enough to actually use. Currently I strap our Noz2noz Sof-krate onto the back of my CCS Guide, but it's bulky, heavy, and has no weather resistance whatsoever. I'm not holding my breath on this idea, though. It would be a pretty niche product.

AmarilloJim: "

user0317: "I feel like there is room for improvement in the blue bear barrels. I'd like to see something similar in size and function, only lighter and perhaps with a better clasp system. "

The blue barrels are not "bear proof". They are just common shipping containers that people have repurposed for tripping food storage. Don't know how one could be made lighter but I'm with you on some of those clasps."

I didn't mean to imply they were 'bear proof', but they are better then a seal line or similar soft pack at slowing a bear down. Heck, given enough time, bears are pretty good at breaking into cars, cabins, etc... I'm glad I'm not the only one who dislikes the clamps.

muddyfeet: "Campfire- powered convection oven.
Sits on fire grate.
Something like a biolite stove generator to power the fan.
Electronic temperature control via servo venting/flue/etc.
Titanium and foldable.
"

This honestly sounds like a fun little side project...

As an engineer, this thread is great. Keep it coming.

How about a tent that has D-rings built into the inside and outside so you can suspend a hammock inside of it. The D-rings would be waterproofed into the tent wall so you could clip into it and it would have opposing rings on the outside to connect to trees for support. This way you could have the comfort of a hammock but still keep the tent for windy/crappy days where you don't want to be stuck under a hammock tarp or just a tarp in general.

I have a mountain hardware that is 6 person that is 12 pounds. Also I use my Lean 3 with as a family tent that is 5 pounds.

For inventions a syl-nylon tepi tent 8 person. Would be sweet. They use to make it, but the golite company went bankrupt.

A canoe seat providing gel padding for the butt and a short lumbar support for the back.

sns: "
So for me - I really like the CCS Screen Tent & the Nemo Bugout, but given my Ultralight roots and tendencies, I'd like to see someone make a minimalist version out of Cuben/DCF. I would think it could shave a pound, maybe a pound-and-a-half off the weight."
"

Do you mean something like this? Or do you want poles with it?



Sea to Summit Box Net

sns, thanks for the heads up on those tents. I've seen the BA before but never heard of the one from Stephenson's.

tashit: "

sns: "
So for me - I really like the CCS Screen Tent & the Nemo Bugout, but given my Ultralight roots and tendencies, I'd like to see someone make a minimalist version out of Cuben/DCF. I would think it could shave a pound, maybe a pound-and-a-half off the weight."
"

Do you mean something like this? Or do you want poles with it?





Sea to Summit Box Net "

My ideal would be no poles, and the screen walls integrated into the tarp. Pretty much exactly like the Bugout...(I believe the CCS version needs a center pole, correct?)

With the Bugout, two opposite corners go high, forming a ridgeline, the other two go low, and the screen is differentially cut to be level at the bottom when it is hung this way.

sns: "My ideal would be no poles, and the screen walls integrated into the tarp. Pretty much exactly like the Bugout...(I believe the CCS version needs a center pole, correct?)


With the Bugout, two opposite corners go high, forming a ridgeline, the other two go low, and the screen is differentially cut to be level at the bottom when it is hung this way.
"

Maybe someone like Jared of Simply Light Designs with their resources and willingness to do custom work would put one together for you.

mschi772: "

sns: "My ideal would be no poles, and the screen walls integrated into the tarp. Pretty much exactly like the Bugout...(I believe the CCS version needs a center pole, correct?)



With the Bugout, two opposite corners go high, forming a ridgeline, the other two go low, and the screen is differentially cut to be level at the bottom when it is hung this way.
"

Maybe someone like Jared of Simply Light Designs with their resources and willingness to do custom work would put one together for you."

Funny, I did contact him early last year about it. Really helpful and knowledgeable guy, though he thought this would be a difficult project and we agreed not to pursue.

OCDave: "OK, I had an idea but,... posting in the Unicorn Dust thread instead.
"

So, I looked closer at my original idea... What I assumed was ridiculous is actually available, just very exspensive.

The idea? A spotting scope or binoculars with some form of infra-red or heat sensor to determine if a campsite is available while still halfway across the lake. They are available for hundreds to thousands of dollars; far from the price range I'd consider comfortable. I'll continue to paddle the entire distance and hope the site is available.

DeanL: "Maybe it's out there and I just haven't found it but I would love an ultralight tent big enough for 6. Before everyone gives me the get 2 or 3 smaller tents hear me out. Right now I'm carrying in (a long ways) a Cabela's Alaskan Guide geodesic 6 person tent with aluminum poles that comes in a little over 20 lbs after swapping out the heavy stakes. While being really heavy the thing is virtually wind and rain proof which is a major plus. I need a tent of this size because I trip with my wife and small kids and splitting up into small groups just isn't an option. They would stay home before they slept in their own tent no matter how close to mine it was. I like some of the models on the market but 4 person is the max in the ultralight lines and we all know 4 people in a 4 person tent is tight. "

See if you can find a golite (out of business) shangra-la 6. It's a 6 person tipi. I've used it camping in alpine tundra, and the bwca. It's a great tipi, and is really nice when you want a lot of room. It would be tight for 6 people, but would be a snug fit for 4. It's a castle for 2. I think it only weighs 6lbs. I use tyvak for ground cloth, and had a custom bathtub/bugnet made by bearpaw wilderness.

SammyN: "

DeanL: "Maybe it's out there and I just haven't found it but I would love an ultralight tent big enough for 6. Before everyone gives me the get 2 or 3 smaller tents hear me out. Right now I'm carrying in (a long ways) a Cabela's Alaskan Guide geodesic 6 person tent with aluminum poles that comes in a little over 20 lbs after swapping out the heavy stakes. While being really heavy the thing is virtually wind and rain proof which is a major plus. I need a tent of this size because I trip with my wife and small kids and splitting up into small groups just isn't an option. They would stay home before they slept in their own tent no matter how close to mine it was. I like some of the models on the market but 4 person is the max in the ultralight lines and we all know 4 people in a 4 person tent is tight. "

See if you can find a golite (out of business) shangra-la 6. It's a 6 person tipi. I've used it camping in alpine tundra, and the bwca. It's a great tipi, and is really nice when you want a lot of room. It would be tight for 6 people, but would be a snug fit for 4. It's a castle for 2. I think it only weighs 6lbs. I use tyvak for ground cloth, and had a custom bathtub/bugnet made by bearpaw wilderness.


"

While trying to find you a link for the golite, I found out BA had bought it (after golite went out of business), and started making it again, calling it the Big Agnes Yahmonite. But, now it looks discontinued. So, you might want to watch ebay for either of those.

DeanL: "Maybe it's out there and I just haven't found it but I would love an ultralight tent big enough for 6. Before everyone gives me the get 2 or 3 smaller tents hear me out. Right now I'm carrying in (a long ways) a Cabela's Alaskan Guide geodesic 6 person tent with aluminum poles that comes in a little over 20 lbs after swapping out the heavy stakes. While being really heavy the thing is virtually wind and rain proof which is a major plus. I need a tent of this size because I trip with my wife and small kids and splitting up into small groups just isn't an option. They would stay home before they slept in their own tent no matter how close to mine it was. I like some of the models on the market but 4 person is the max in the ultralight lines and we all know 4 people in a 4 person tent is tight. "

Not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. Have you checked out the Kifaru 8-man tipi? 7lb 9pz including poles, pegs, and bag. Also, can add a stove later..

Besides the cost, those infrared binocs might have you skipping a site when it’s not taken and there’s just a bear or two are hanging out.