Equipment Glossary
We’ve tried to provide a comprehensive list of the terminology in our site but if we’ve missed something, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information.
Tents:
Fly. The outer layer. It’s possible to pitch the tent without the fly, although we don’t recommend this in New Zealand (our weather can change rapidly).
Guy Ropes. Small ropes used to stabilise the tent, especially in windy or wet conditions. Guy ropes need to be tied to the tent fly and then pegged into the ground as far away from the tent as practical. Some tents have guy ropes sewn into seams for ease of use. To be effective, guy ropes need to be pulled tight and tied securely.
Inner. As the name suggests, the inner layer of the tent. In most modern tents, the floor forms part of the inner.
Minimum Weight. The weight of all minimum componentry required to erect the tent. Usually doesn’t include fly, additional pegs, carry bags or guy ropes. Not recommended for New Zealand conditions (due to our changeable weather).
Packed Weight. A more reliable guide to the true weight of the tent. Includes all elements supplied with the tent, even the instruction sheet!
Seam Sealed. Aids tent waterproofness by preventing water entering stitching holes on seams. It's not necessary to seal a tent with factory applied seam sealing. Tents with only partial seam sealing should be treated with sealant, available at most outdoor stores and some hardwear stores.
Vestible. Additional covered tent space, separate to the sleeping area of the tent. Can be partly enclosed (either fly protection or fly and ground sheet) or fully enclosed (a fully sealed area that’s attached to the main sleeping area). Used mainly for gear storage or shelter during patches of rain.
Waterproof rating. Indicates the waterproofness of the tent fabric. Ratings quoted in manufacturer’s promotional material relate to the fly, unless otherwise stated. A standard test is used throughout the world to measure how much water a particular fabric can handle. A rating of 1000mm or more is deemed “real-world” waterproof.
Sleeping Bags:
Down Bags. Duck and Goose down are both used. Goose down is generally of higher quality and is therefore used in more expensive, top of the line bags. Down is lighter, easier to compact and generally warmer than Synthetic fills. It is however, more expensive than Synthetic and doesn’t perform if it becomes wet.
Fill. Material used to fill the Sleeping Bag. Synthetic or Feather Down (Duck or Goose) bags available.
Loft Power. Used to measure the level of warmth a down bag is able to provide. The higher the loft power number, the more space the down occupies, providing a “fatter” bag. The fatter the bag, the more warmth there will be for the user. Look for a down bag with a loft power rating of 600 or more.
Quallofil. Developed and patented by DuPont. Used in quality synthetic sleeping bags for its compression and warmth giving qualities.
Synthetic Bags. Synthetic bags have 2 key advantages – they perform when wet and price. Not suited to extreme sports but perfect for travelers and campers looking for value for money and durability.
Click here to view our Product Range.