GoLite Shangri-La 2Person Tent Floor

Great, but too long for my system
January 04, 2011

I purchased this bathtub floor to use in a system that includes an 8'x10' equinox silnylon backpacking tarp as the roof. I am new to tarp backpacking(so far, so good) and I wanted to protect myself from getting wet from the ground if I chose a poor location to shelter(ie. low spot). The GoLite bathtub floor was exactly what I desired; a great balance of durability, quality and lightness. Unfortunately, neither Altrec or GoLite listed the length or width of the floor (or the Shangra Li-2 shelter) and it turns out it is too long to fit under my tarp, meaning in a rainstorm the floor would have literally functioned as a bathtub. I am impressed with the product and it was almost exactly what I was looking for. I considered cutting it down the middle and sewing it back together to make it shorter but decided that I would probably ruin it since I would first have to learn to sew. After getting hands on with the seams, stitching and fabric I am confident that the floor will last many years, though I have only had it for a few weeks. For what it is worth, I am now planning on purchasing the Shangra-Li 1 shelter for my upcoming solo, winter AT hike and I already own a GoLite Roan Plateau Down Jacket, it is amazingly warm and lightweight and packs very small. My experience with the GoLite brand has been very positive and they are fast becoming the company I look to first for gear.