PSA: A random ranger's critique fixed my tent setup forever

Back in March at Rocky Mountain National Park, a ranger walked by my site and just said 'you're gonna have a wet night with that rainfly.' I was annoyed at first but then I actually looked at it. My fly was pulled too tight against the tent body, no airflow at all. I loosened the lines, left a gap, and even in a heavy storm that night stayed bone dry. Has anyone else had a stranger's random comment change how you set up gear?

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jaken232mo ago

That ranger's comment totally changed how I look at my setup too... I used to crank my rainfly down as tight as possible thinking it meant more waterproof. @the_ruby brings up a good point though, I haven't tested it in sideways rain yet. Last trip I had mine gaped about four inches and a steady downpour was fine, but I can see how a hard gust would mess that up. Might try staking the fly out wider instead of just loosening the lines next time.

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the_ruby2mo ago

Stick with that gap and see how it holds up in wind-driven rain where the angle matters. I loosened my fly the same way after a guy in a parking lot told me mine looked like a coffin, but then a nasty gust shoved rain sideways through the space I left and soaked my bag. Did you test yours with a hose or just trust that one storm?

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