Since purchasing my new WBBB XLC and WBSF a month ago, I have spent about 5 nites in the backyard. Using my Thermarest pad and DIY Ray Jardine quilt, I slept comfortably and warm in high 40's-low 50's. My hammock and tarp suspensions set up easily and no quirks. Very comfy and warm. I also sealed the tarp pullouts with the Permatex flowable silicone[works very nicely, by the way] and had my set-up pretty well sorted out. Quilts were ordered and on their way, but I was hoping for some rain to really have a good test. A good storm came our way the end of October, and I told the wife "time to sleep outside tonite". "It's supposed to storm tonite!" "That's perfect!". She just rolled her eyes with that look only a wife can give you.
Storm with 1/2 inch of rain expected around midnite, continuing next morning. Set up my hammock and tarp and went to sleep that nite. Pitter patter on the tarp around 1 am that woke me up ( I was kinda waiting for it). A good steady rain followed for an hour or so. I sat up, turned on my headlamp and checked everything inside the tarp, and all was good. No drips or leaks( didn't expect any anyway), I settled back in my quilt and went back to sleep. Woke up around sunrise. Some slight condensation on the inside tarp walls(kinda expected with silnylon in my experience), but happy as a clam. Got up with a steady drizzle, dressed and went into the house for a cup of coffee. Extremely pleased with the tarp and its performance. I had the doors kinda tied open to allow good coverage and air flow thru the nite. The storm passed thru the next day and I left everything set up to dry well before putting away. Hammock was dry with no water on suspension lines( whoopies were a little soaked near the hammock, but not much) and everything was good. It was a very good confidence builder for me and confirmed the time spent setting things up several times to become familiar with my equipment. I was very happy with everything.
With my new quilts arriving soon, I now know that my setup will keep me dry and protected. I'll play with the quilts when they arrive, and spend several more nites outside for sure, hopefully with a good rain added to it. My WBBB provides me a very comfortable lay and sleep, 100x better than on the ground or in a tent. I am looking forward to the quilts to complete my arrangement. I'll report soon on the quilts. Plenty of very helpful info in this forum. Thanks to everyone.
Novatoflyguy, out.
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