 TENTS
WIND TUNNEL TESTED:
Further, harder, the objectives of modern mountaineers, Arctic and Antarctic trekkers now require equipment designed to stringent parameters as the balance between success and failure becomes ever more delicately balanced. To meet these demands, Force Ten tent design is now an exact science that utilises ruthless testing by independent scientists and engineers. The result? The Spindrift, Assault and Ascent, whilst the definitive Vortex blew everyone's expectations to the wind, withstanding an unprecedented 130kph! But even in higher winds they simply bend and weave returning to their original streamlined shapes ensuring a comfortable home from home in the harshest conditions.
CONSTRUCTION & PITCHING:
GEODESIC
Through the crossover configuration of poles, a Geodesic design
is recognised as an exceptionally strong and stable structure. The
inner tent fabric tension is spread evenly between the pole configuration
providing the strongest frame for the flysheet. With the flysheet
in place, the pole configuration is further compressed, increasing
its structural strength.
TUNNELS
The less poles used in a tent design, the less the tent is likely
to weigh, an advantage that multiple pole tunnels have over other
tent designs. As well as low weight tunnel tents are extremely spacious
(living area and storage) as well as being fast and easy to pitch.
RIDGE
The most traditional of tent designs, used within the famous F10
series for over 30 years. Still a great favourite with groups because
of their ruggedness and ease of pitching.
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POLES AND POLE SYSTEMS:
Arguably the most important part of the tent - without them you
will struggle to provide a shelter for the night. We have undertaken
extensive research and testing to ensure that the right blend of
materials are incorporated into each tent design for it's particular
requirements.
DAC FEATHERLITE (T6 - 7001 ALLOY)
An innovation in aluminium pole design that improves a tent's strength-to-weight
ration, these poles are recognised as one of the lightest and strongest
alloy poles available. Uniquely designed, structurally sound connecting
pole sections dramatically reduce pole weight by eliminating the
need for a connecting insert.
Found on all new generation F10 models, DAC Featherlite poles shave
up to 15% off the weight of standard alloy poles. Actual weight
saving will vary depending on the length and number of poles used.
DAC 6000 SERIES (T6 - 6061 ALLOY)
Utilised on our large structures, this high quality, anodised aluminium
alloy is perfectly suited to oversized tubing. The anodising process
protects the surface from scratches and corrosion. The oversized
tubing ensures the inherent stability of these structures. The DAC-6000
Series provide a well-tuned balance of strength, durability and
weight.
Tri-Support-System
A pole stabilising system used on our wind tunnel tested Expedition
tents, which are essentially a tri-pod configuration attached to
the lower corners of the tent. The Tri-Support-System is a fully
removable structural element that strengthens and supports the longest
poles, eliminating rotation of these poles at their tips. In practice
this innovation improves tent stability in side winds by over 25%.
Flysheet-Support-System
Wind direction is as changeable as the weather, therefore a tent
is only as strong as it's weakest side. All tents have a weak spot,
usually along the broadest side offering the greatest fabric surface
for the wind to "catch". A new development for our Expedition
tents, the Flysheet-Support-System improves lateral strength by
over 10%. This is achieved by changing the angle of the guy-lines
to the most efficient and strongest position.
Bi-Support-System
A smaller and lighter pole stabilising system evolved from the proven
Tri-Support-System. The Bi-Support-System is an integral part of
the inner tent, forming a "brace" against the relevant
pole.
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PEGS:
Alloy
The performance of the alloy used in our poles is such that we have
incorporated it into our pegs. The pegs come in Y, U and pin shapes
depending on the pegging point usage. For example Y-pegs are used
on anchor straps where there will be the greatest force pulling
on the pegs, U-pegs are superlite weight and pin pegs are relatively
common in tents. However these alloy pegs are stronger, lighter
and more durable than most others on the market.
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FLYSHEET FABRICS:
SPU Application (see fabric below)
The outer surface is coated with Silicon Elastomer, which acts as
an initial barrier to UV degradation, water absorption and soiling.
It also enhances water repellancy and tear strength of the fabric.
The secondary, waterproof barrier, is a flexible Polyurethane coating
which is applied to the inside fabric surface. This PU coating also
bonds strongly with the hot seam-tape used for sealing the stitching
seams, thus making it an ideal compound for using on tent flysheets.
Hytex SPU - Xtreme
The fabric used on our Expedition tents is a premium performance,
durable fabric ideal for use in severe climates where your tent
will have extended exposure to harsh conditions. Such conditions
are often experienced high-altitude mountaineering expeditions and
extreme adventures. Incorporating a 70D nylon yarn with a high 210T-thread
count, the SPU-Xtreme fabric is exceptionally strong and durable.
Nylon is the fabric of choice in preference to polyester on our
Expedition range as tear-strength of nylon is significantly greater
than polyester.
Hytex SPU - SL66
The combination of ultra-light weight, strength and waterproof qualities
makes the SL66 fabric one of the finest lightweight performance
fabrics on the market. The use of an exceptionally fine by extremely
strong 30D nylon 6.6 yarn with an very high 250T-thread count has
enabled us to create a series of tents that are incredibly lightweight
yet super strong.
Nylon is the fabric of choice in preference to polyester on our
Expedition and Mountain Lite range as tear-strength of nylon is
significantly greater than polyester.
Hytex Super-Dura - Polyester
Polyester fabrics, if compared to similar nylons, have less stretch
because the fibres absorb less moisture. It also has a consistently
higher UV resistance and an exceptional colourfastness. Therefore
polyester fabric is utilised on our larger structures. The 150D
polyester taffeta is waterproofed on the inside with multiple coats
of polyurethane and has a water-repellent external finish.
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Pole Sleeves:
Continuous pole sleeves stabilise the tent by maximising contact
between pole and canopy. Used on F10 tents in conjunction with Fast-Clip
attachments to optimise performance.
Pole Clips:
The use of Fast-Fit Clip attachments (inner tent or flysheet to
pole) in combination with pole sleeves saves weight and offers free
air-flow between flysheet and inner tent for maximum ventilation.
However the greatest benefit of the Fast-Fit Clip attachments is
the faster and easier set-up, which in a harsh environment, can
be vital to a comfortable night under canvas.
Seam Sealing:
All seams are hot-taped during construction for maximum waterproofing.
There is no need for the messy application of seam sealant to ensure
flysheet is totally waterproof.
INNER FABRICS:
Utilising two forms of ripstop nylon (70D and 30D) to achieve maximum
strength and appropriate weight ratio's, the inner tent fabrics
are treated with a water-repellent coating to help disperse rain
during set up or condensation in certain conditions.
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GROUNDSHEETS:
HD Nylon
Groundsheets come under extraordinary abrasion through contact with
the ground, especially when occupants are moving about inside the
tent. Because of this we only use the toughest 70D 210T nylon groundsheet
fabric for all tents in the range. The waterproof PU coating is
applied via a "multi-pass" application and varies in thickness
depending on the desired end use of the tent (see individual specification
details). This application is significantly more durable than a
single, thicker pass.
Super-HD Nylon
Only used on the F10 HQ, the heavy duty Oxford nylon fabric is ideal
for using in this tent to enable prolonged life.
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TOTAL WEIGHT/MINIMUM WEIGHT:
We quote 2 weights in our workbooks and catalogues. The total weight
includes all pegs, bags and guylines. The minimum weight, for those
requiring to transport their product, removes unwanted pegs, bags
and guylines. The tent will remain a protective, safe haven.
REPAIR KIT:
The repair kit supplied consists of fabric swatches and components
suitable for each specific tent.
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