Non-freestanding tent?

[Anna-Marie]

Hello,

I have a question about the Gudbrandsdalsleden in Norway.

Basically, I've been having tent troubles. (It was hard to decide on one in the first place, and then the one I ordered was heavier than the reviews said, as I guess it's been recently updated.) So a friend said he'd sell me his older but unused Eureka Solitaire, which also seems to be lighter than the new version. I tried it out last night and it seems survivable, but it's not freestanding. It takes 4 pegs to stay up, and more to keep out rain well (and I think to minimize condensation). And I've read that a freestanding tent is better in Norway's rocky soil.

So ... am I likely to regret taking this one on the Gudbrandsdalsleden? The price is right, the reviews are fairly good if not glowing, and the weight (1.4ish kilos) is quite decent for a relatively inexpensive tent. And I'm not sure I really have time to order a new tent anyway. But I'm worried about having trouble setting this one up.

I just seem to be going round and round in circles on this decision, and would really appreciate any advice.

Thank you!
Anna-Marie

 

[kelleymac]

I I have a 2 person tent that can use walking poles as tent poles, that is not free standing. It works fine as long as I can stake it out. It's fast to set up, and is light. -- I also have a one person tent that is really light and is free standing. But there is hardly room enough for me and my pack. f you are going someplace rocky or sandy I'd take a free standing one. If rocky, you may have to pack a hammer.

 

[Stroller]

On rocky ground if you can get pegs do so. If not tie to rocks and use loops of thinnish, strong cord on the eyelets and use rocks. On sand, sand pegs are OK but heavy so you can use buried sacks filled with sand attached to guy lines. Neither is perfect in a gale but they do work.

 

[Purky]

Tying to stones or rocks is a good one. But I also bring just one heavy duty tent peg, like a thick nail. Use a rock to slam it into the ground, then wriggle it out and use the hole to put your normal lightweight pegs in.

 

[Anna-Marie]

Thanks for all the suggestions!