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A Camping Adventure: Testing the RAB Ridge Rider Tent

Camping adventures often come with mixed experiences, especially when it involves testing gear that one holds with a degree of skepticism. Today’s focus turns towards the RAB Ridge Rider tent, a small and arguably uncomfortable piece of camping equipment, through the lens of a recent escapade involving a trek into remote wilderness.

Unpacking the Setup

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With a few essential items stuffed into a 25-liter backpack, the journey begins. This adventure unfolds near a semi-secret cave that previously gifted the narrator one of their worst camping nights. Eager to test the RAB Ridge Rider, the trek up to the Bion Ridge promises challenges both physically and mentally, especially with the pressure of camping in a tent the narrator is not fond of. Despite claiming it to be akin to a coffin due to its limited space, the writer decides to give this tent another chance.

The Search for the Perfect Campsite

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Time is of the essence as the sun begins to descend. The search for a campsite that offers protection against the wind without becoming a breeding ground for midges (a type of biting insect) intensifies. After a short but scenic hike, a spot is chosen—sheltered yet airy, offering potential for a stunning sunrise observance. Finally establishing camp and sharing a glimpse of the surrounding beauty through lively descriptions, it’s time to unpack and set up the inadequate yet intriguing tent.

A Brief Overview of the Gear

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Inside the compact backpack lies an assortment of essentials: a drone for capturing scenic views, cooking gear, a meal of dubious culinary merit, hygiene products, and of course, the much-criticized RAB Ridge Rider itself. The bivy of the tent is presented with an amusing twist, showcasing how everything is crammed into an impressively small package.

Cozy Yet Cramped

One notable element of the Ridge Rider is its surprising coziness. As the narrator settles in, a feeling of warmth begins to overshadow the initial complaints about its restrictive space. The design incorporates a built-in bug net and zips completely, ensuring safety from the elements while allowing for some breathing room.

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The materials used in the tent are praiseworthy; despite being on the heavier side for a bivy sack, it boasts impressive waterproofing and durability. Yet, these features come with their own set of challenges. The small stature makes activities like cooking or changing clothes within the tent an awkward performance, and the cramped setting can easily turn uncomfortable if weather conditions worsen.

Culinary Adventures Gone Awry

Amidst the camping experience, the evening meal—a dehydrated stew—proves to be less than appetizing. Packed with beans and a mystery vegetable known as cavolo nero, the offering becomes a comedic highlight of disappointment. Despite minimal expectations, the meal doesn't hold up, and the narrator isn’t shy about sharing their thoughts on its inadequacies.

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Fortunately, dessert offers a saving grace. A local chocolate brand, with its origins rooted in quality craftsmanship, revives spirits with its rich flavors complemented by crunchy cocoa nibs. Such indulgences momentarily mask the discomfort of crammed living conditions inside the tent.

Nightfall: The Reality of the Tiny Tent

As night falls, the enclosed nature of the bivy takes over; it serves as a barrier to the chill of the outside air, yet the compactness exacerbates sleeping difficulties. Wind seems to amplify within, as its movement causes the tent's fabric to press against the sleeping bag, drawing warmth away and leading to a restless night. Despite the amenities provided, it's hard to ignore the difficult reality of trying to sleep in such close quarters.

The Morning After

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Dawn brings an unpleasant awakening. The anticipated sunrise is obscured by clouds, adding to the narrator's woes. As they pack up, the mixed feelings pour out: the Ridge Rider's small foot print and stealthy pitch are its pros, but they don’t outweigh the struggles faced during the night.

Returning down the mountain, the narrator reflects on the tent's qualities: it’s bombproof in severe weather, cozy on good nights, yet it demands far too much compromise on comfort and utility. As concerns about the lingering aftereffects of last night's meal create the urgency to descend, the thoughts dwell on whether or not the tent has a place in their outdoor gear collection.

Conclusion: To Keep or Not to Keep

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The RAB Ridge Rider presents a convoluted debate for any outdoor enthusiast. It possesses unique features that cater to specific camping conditions, yet it equally offers frustrating limitations. As the experience unfolds, the narrator decides it's time to part ways with the tent, listing it for sale, but not before a final acknowledgment that some adventures teach valuable lessons about balance, necessity, and the whims of outdoor gear.

Those following this journey might soon find a second-hand RAB Ridge Rider online, as the narrator hopes to find a model more fitting for future escapades. This camping experience showcases both the simplicity and complexity of outdoor adventures, captured lovingly through the lens of humor, growth, and a dash of culinary misfortune.