Wind shelter suggestions? Snow fencing?

MMadeleine · Post by **MMadeleine** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 4:30 pm

Hi there - wondering if anyone has any suggestions on protecting tents, domes, carports, etc. from the high winds on the playa. Like a few other people, our camp fell apart last year and I'm on a mission to do what I can to prevent a repeat. I plan on using my car as a windbreak, but I don't think that will be enough.

Since I don't have a lot of extra storage space, I'm investigating snow fencing. It's the orange plastic stuff that you might have seen on the playa that some camps use to prevent people from wandering haphazardly through (sometimes dangerous) areas of their camp. From what I've read, it can also serve as a wind barrier, reducing wind speeds by 40 percent or more. Is this true? Does anyone have any experience using snow fencing around their camp? Any help would be appreciated - Thanks!

phil · Post by **phil** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:19 pm

Let me be the first to say -- there is no hope. :-> If I may suggest, instead of trying to protect your tent, use the time, energy, and money to get a better tent and get it set up and tied down better.

How did you have your camp set up last year? Did you use rebar?

slip on · Post by **slip on** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:33 pm

we started playing without black-out sheeting (the stuff they wrap scaffolding in) in '04. We created a super structure out of that that all of the tents were placed under. Worked well as wind barrier (you will still need to secure all of your shit though) by mainly limiting the exposure to dust. It also served as awesome shade structure.

Phil's right, there is no substitute for quality gear and securing camp with rebar.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 7:50 am

When covering my domes in years past I discovered the importance of using more, smaller sheets/tarps/coverings than fewr, bigger ones. Allow the wind to blow around and through your structure if it gets gusty, instead of confusing it for a box kite. If you want a dust-free zone, make it a smaller area within your shade area unless you want to embark upon some degree of engineering. A big, totally sealed environment can be cool, but it's more likely to be HOT.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 11:51 am

Orange fence is good for catching trash and snowdrifts but it's designed to let the wind through.

Poly windscreen works better. Just steal some from a tennis court.