The first time out on an overnighter I started setting up camp as it was getting dark, I was at 9,735' just off the Rim to Reno trail. As I set up my tent, thanks to lots of practice in my backyard, I realized the ground was soft humus under a long-standing tree canopy. Fortunately, I had the good sense to gather up heavy rocks while there was still enough light to see & place them on top of all 10 stakes. Shortly AFTER accomplishing that task, Mother Nature starting blowing some strong gusty winds that shortly turned ferocious & lasted for hours. My tent did its job of protecting me from the cold gusty winds. I have no idea what the wind chill was except to say had I been out in the open & exposed to the cold wind I would have experienced hypothermia is short order. I was v-e-r-y happy that the tent didn't flap & sway in the wind. I should add, my Magma 10 Sleeping bag which was on my inflated NeoAir Thermarest XLite - Womens, kept me warm & cozy although I didn't sleep very much because of all the noise the gusty winds were making. Shortly before the sun came up the winds died down & the day turned out to be calm with a nice gentle breeze all morning & afternoon until I reached the Thomas Creek Trailhead. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for designing, engineering, & manufacturing two pieces of equipment that were essential to me comfortably getting through the cold gusty windy night.
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