Field Test [ IN THE PACK ] Take Shelter GOING INSIDE WHEN OUT TO WIN THE WAR ON BUGS Coleman Instant Screen
We love Coleman’s all-new, giant screened-in shelter. Given the 13- by 15-foot Instant Screen’s 17-pound weight and extra long carrying case, it’s best suited to car camping. There are no parts to put together with the Instant Screen, just unfold and extend its poles—set-up and takedown take two minutes. The roof peaks just over seven feet, giving even tall campers room to stretch out. While it easily fits a picnic table in- side, the slanted mesh walls of the shelter may require ducking to move around a table. The netting offers some sun protection, but for any rain protection you’ll need to rig a tarp overhead.
www.colemancanada.ca | $154.99
MEC Hootenanny
An ideal cooking shelter, at nine by nine feet MEC’s Hootenanny is big enough to fit over a picnic table and still have room to move. We loved the airy feel of its almost all mesh walls, which provide a great view too. Its polyester roof is water-resistant enough for a sprinkle, but we’d add a tarp overhead during rainstorms. With proper pegging, the 13-pound Hootenanny easily stands up to strong winds. It’s surprisingly compact when packed and assembly is quick and straightforward thanks to shock-cord poles.
www.mec.ca | $239
Therm-a-Rest Slacker Hammock with Bug Shelter
Kick back and enjoy a bug-free siesta. Therm-a-Rest’s hammock and bug shelter combo is heavenly, whether in the backcountry, campground or even my own backyard. I can’t wait for stargazing this summer. The bug net clips onto the Slacker’s suspension points and a large zippered entry makes get- ting in and out a breeze. The ridgeline offers a place for clipping lights or gear. Capacity is 400 pounds
and the entire system weighs in just over a pound. Tree-friendly webbing for suspending the hammock is an optional add-on.
www.thermarest.com | Slacker Hammock: $69.95 / Bug Shelter: $79.95
Eureka Backpacker VCS 13
For paddlers who are looking to travel light, Eureka’s VCS 13 versatile tarp and bug shelter combo offers excellent protection against wind, rain and biting fiends. The VCS 13 is designed to protect a small group—two paddlers can easily cook dinner under it, four paddlers would be squishy. The whole system weighs about five pounds. The insect netting attaches to the tarp via plastic buck- les, so we can detach it and pack only the tarp during less buggy conditions. A perfect set-up can require some fine-tuning.
www.eurekatentscanada.com | $119 WORDS BY KAYDI PYETTE
www.canoerootsmag.com | 51
PHOTOS: COURTESY COLEMAN, MEC, THERM-A-REST, EUREKA
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