Name: John (Jack) Corrigan
Age: 40 years old
Gender: Male
Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.8 meters)
Weight: 175 pounds (79 kilograms)
Torso: 20 inches (51 centimeters)
Email: jack@jackquest.com
Region: Fredericksburg, Virginia (Spotsylvania County)
UTM Coordinates (NAD27): 18S 283312mE 4227231mN
Report Date: 28MAY2004
Background:
I have always been one to do the outdoor thing as compared to the organized sport thing. It started as a youngster in the Boy Scouts and continues today as an adult. The majority of my experience has been in Pennsylvania but I have hiked, camped or paddled in New York, California and even Alaska. I am also currently a volunteer search and rescue canine handler. Although search and rescue doesn't always result in an overnight or multi-day trip, I am required to be prepared, equipped and trained for it. Training a search dog results in many hours of trekking through the outdoors.

My "style" is best described as recreational camping, mid-weight backpacking (2-3 day treks), day hiking, flat water paddling, hunting and canine search and rescue activities. My last extended (more than 1 week) outing was the summer of 2001, as a volunteer for the Armed Forces Eco-Challenge in interior Alaska. I also include two of my four dogs in most of my outdoor activities.

Product Information:

Manufactured By: GoLite
Manufactured Date: 2004
Manufacturer URL: http://www.golite.com
Listed Weight (body + 11 stakes): 2 pounds 15 ounces + 6 ounces (1330 grams + 165 grams)
Delivered Weight (body + 11 stakes): 2 pounds 13.5 ounces + 5.8 ounces (1290 grams + 164 grams)
Note: Weighed on a digital 0-25 pound postal scale.

Additional Product Information:

MSRP: 199.00 US Dollars
Color: Stone/Lignite
Listed Height: 4 feet (122 centimeters)
Listed Area: 33 feet² + 13 feet² (3 meters² + 1.2 meters²)

Field Information:

Location:
Testing locations will be in the Mid-Atlantic region primarily northern Virginia and northeastern Pennsylvania. Base Camp VA (home) is conveniently located near many local, state and federal recreation areas. In addition the Appalachian Trail and Shenandoah National Park are only a few hours away. Base Camp PA (cabin), which is located in the Endless Mountain Region of Pennsylvania is also located near state parks and state forest areas, as well as lesser known trail systems such as the Loyalsock Trail.

Now that I am living in Virginia trips to our cabin are less frequent, maybe once or twice every three or four months. But Shenandoah National Park, Washington National Forest and Jefferson National Forest are soon to be regular trekking spots.

Description of Location:
The terrain of the testing locations is varied, and ranges from flat low grass and lightly forested regions to mountain "elevations" of 200 to 3500 feet (60 to 1100 meters). Trail systems range from established foot paths to undeveloped logging roads and even the occasional bushwhack.

Weather Conditions:
This test series (initial report through long term report) will be conducted from approximately June into December.

I have lived in Northern Virginia for almost a year now. Spring has proven to be very changeable, with very cold to very hot and everything in between. Summer averages 85°F-98°F (29°C-37°C) with humidity. Fall is by far the most enjoyable season, starts out mild and eases in nicely to winter. Winter averages 35°F-55°F (2°C-13°C) with frigid nights and a couple of snowfalls a year. Then again, I'm not a meteorologist! However, I am an all season, all weather tester and will record actual weather conditions in the specific test reports.

Product Experience:
The GoLite Trig 2 arrived in excellent condition. The single-wall pole-less shelter was shipped rolled in its own stow sack. Eleven Y-stakes with stake sack were also included. Attached to the stow sack was a hang tag with manufacturer and product specific information. Inside the stow sack, there was also a single page (weather proof printed sheet) of setup and care instruction in English and one other language. This sheet stated that nine stakes were included when all other documentation lists eleven. The shipping box also contained a very informative and sharp looking product catalog. To top it off, there was a personalized and very BGT friendly letter from Kim, a co-founder and CEO.

The Trig 2 canopy is made from 30 denier 1.76 ounce/yard² (60 gram/meter²) SiLite™ (silicone-impregnated ripstop nylon). The door and side panels are made from 20 denier 1.6 ounce no-see-um nylon mesh. The bathtub floor is constructed of 70 denier 2.2 ounce/yard² (75 gram/meter²) 3000 millimeter waterproof polyurethane coated nylon. Both the tent's stow sack and the stake sack are made from the SilLite™ and have a drawstring/toggle closure, nice touch. Visual inspection did not show any rips, tears or workmanship errors. All the zippers worked smoothly. The stake loops and guy lines are reflective.

Initial backyard setup was completed according to the enclosed instructions without any trouble. I used two 48 inch (122 centimeter) wooden dowel rods for this setup. The Trig 2 is flexible and can be setup with and without poles. My test plan will include using both options. Inside the Trig 2 there are two (one on each side near the door) small mesh pockets. The mesh goes all around the base and the nylon side panels can be rolled up when storm protection is not needed. This shelter also has an integrated vestibule.

The GoLite Trig 2 surprised me with its lightweight materials and canopy with integrated floor and vestibule. At this point, I do not foresee any changes in my test plan. I along with one four-legged companion will be using this shelter exclusively during the test period. I will however be paying particular attention to the durability of materials, ventilation and rain protection of this integrated "one-piece" shelter design.

TEAM JackQuest

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Initial Report

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