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Post by markweth on Sept 16, 2015 16:20:01 GMT -8
So, while sipping some coffee this morning and flipping through a magazine I saw an advertisement for the Big Agnes MtnGLO tent series (the tents have LED lights in the poles, and you can buy a kit to retrofit other tent poles). I know these tents have been out for a while and got a bit of discussion on the old forum, but something clicked in my head this morning for me that hadn't before. I'd never really given the tents too much thought, but knew that they weren't for me and that there was something about them that in general just made me roll my eyes, but I think I figured out something specific about them that bugs me.
It seems to me that these tents are in violation of the Leave No Trace principle relating to being considerate/respectful of other users. The scenario that came to mind is if I'm backpacking and see someone's tent glowing across the lake, it's going to have a negative impact on my experience. Kind of the visual version of shouting or playing music too loud.
Just thought I'd throw that out there . . . I know equipment manufacturers have to be innovative (which often borders on being gimmicky), but I think it is unfortunate when their innovation comes at the expense of the outdoor experience of others.
Am I being too picky? I haven't seen one of these in use yet, but I typically go out backpacking to get away from light sources I can't control.
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johnnyray
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Post by johnnyray on Sept 16, 2015 16:38:23 GMT -8
Have not seen them in use myself ( saw one in REI). I don't see how it's any different from a lantern, flashlight, headlamp or whatever used to light a tent, not anything to worry about IMO.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Sept 16, 2015 17:01:45 GMT -8
How's that any different from a standard lantern in a tent? Which, btw, likely is putting out a lot more lumens than those tiny LEDs.
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BlueBear
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Post by BlueBear on Sept 16, 2015 17:02:27 GMT -8
I think the "MtnGLO" tents are a gimmick, and I'm not really interested in them personally.
But I don't know that it really violates LNT any more than a headlamp does. If someone's heating up a cup of tea on their stove across the lake and has their headlamp on the whole time (or a lantern), I'm obviously aware they're there. I'd have to try pretty hard to get upset about it. The MtnGLO tents have an "off" switch, I think?
If I want to get away from others' lights I go where they aren't. As long as they're not setting up stadium concert lighting to illuminate the entire valley I'll be hard pressed to get too upset about it.
- Mike
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 16, 2015 17:39:05 GMT -8
According to the video below, there is an on/off switch. I have no wish to own one, for multiple reasons. But if the lights are not left on all night, I don't see any particular LNT issue — from what I can see in the video. I would hope that those who camp with the tent would be considerate enough to turn the lights off overnight.
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Post by markweth on Sept 16, 2015 18:11:18 GMT -8
Valid points all around.
I guess for me it just seems like a bit more of a distraction than headlamps, etc. It's just not something I'd want to see on for a few hours after dark when I'm laying on the other side of the lake stargazing . . . but I'm making a bigger deal out of it than it is.
Thanks for your opinions without making me feel like a total curmudgeon.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Sept 16, 2015 20:31:13 GMT -8
It's not for me. However, it did remind me of a couple times when, after stumbling into the darkness for a late-night pit stop, I found my tent again only because of the reflective guy lines.
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Post by ecocentric on Sept 17, 2015 2:48:57 GMT -8
I think that they would look great with my disco ball and laser pointer while listening to Pink Floyd. No, not really for me either. I like things that are versatile or multipurpose. I suppose in a pinch it might work, but I don't want to light my way down the trail during an emergency evacuation with my tent. I'd put it in the gimmick category.
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FamilySherpa
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Post by FamilySherpa on Sept 17, 2015 4:11:23 GMT -8
I've seen them in action and they aren't near as bright as they are portrayed in magazine ads. I don't know what sort of camera/photoshop tricks are used, but they make the tents look like a massive glowing lightbulb. However I know there are 2 different brightness settings, so maybe I've only seen them on low.
I actually think it is a pretty decent idea. I always end up putting my illuminated headlamp into the gear loft thingy when I am getting ready to lay down, sometimes when I am reading, and when I wake up early. Not trying to sell them or anything, but I think saying they violate LNT is a pretty big stretch.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2015 4:46:13 GMT -8
Just to stir the pot a bit, the part of LNT that could apply might be Principle 7: Be Considerate of Others. This statement is included: When shopping for gear, such as tents and backpacks, I've declined to purchase several items based upon the color. But it is not just me being rigid about LNT. As a personal preference, I don't like to see any color at my campsite that does not blend in. But gear manufacturers and many backpackers are quite a bit more colorful than my preferences. And to stir the pot a bit more, there is "hunter orange," another topic in itself. On something of a tangent, there is this note of guidance on cell-phone use: The problem is that with GPS units, digital cameras, iPods, cell phones, and so on, where does one draw the line? If I use them, does everyone around me have to know about it? Or would that distant neighbor have to park his LED-lighted drone above my campsite to figure out what sort of technology is inside my pack or tent? I have mixed feelings about it all.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Sept 17, 2015 5:40:16 GMT -8
"MtnGLO" tents are a gimmick, I'm with BB on this one. Marketing wiz bangs at it again. And to TNW point regarding Principle #7 of the LNT Code: No worries. My take, who ever buys this tent probably won't have that many backcountry nights.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Sept 17, 2015 5:42:46 GMT -8
I think the phrase "Hike your own hike" applies to this topic as well. If a few led lights are enough to ruin someone's experience, then I guess they'd completely lose it if someone fired up a chain saw.
I actually found a led light clipped onto a tree branch once way out in the middle of nowhere.
I was surprised, but it didn't ruin the day for me.
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Sept 17, 2015 5:59:20 GMT -8
I'm all for LNT in general but, I must admit, I find the bit about bright-colored clothing/gear and "no game playing" to be unreasonably dogmatic.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Sept 17, 2015 6:32:36 GMT -8
bright-colored clothing/gear Backcountry gear advertisements for tents, packs, clothing not to mention observation of users in the field often reminds me of Mr. Coney's, the General Manager of a manufacturing facility I worked at. Mr. Coney's was color blind. He would come to work with the most bizarre color combinations of shirt, pants, jacket and tie imaginable. Backcountry fashion faux pas generate nice internal LMAO moments for me that remind me of Mr. Coney's.
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gabby
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Post by gabby on Sept 17, 2015 7:41:17 GMT -8
I find noises more irritating than lights. I can look away from a light, but a sound - well, earplugs only go so far.
Some time ago, I was pretty much alone (or so I thought) reading in my tent when I heard voices. Though I was never able to distinguish actual words, I gathered it was a couple "nightwalking" and playing a playful game in the dark on a nearby trail. Lots of giggles and squeals. They eventually moved along and I continued to read.
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