@kellyallen yeah same here, that frozen chicken and rice has been a game changer for my budget.

Hold on, isn't that old camping guide talking about something else though? I think the problem with a drum-tight fly isn't really about pushing condensation down. It's more about how the material gets pulled so tight that it loses its shape and can't shed water right. The water just sits there in little dips instead of running off. Plus, when it's that tight, the seams get stretched to their limit and that's when you start to see leaks. Not from the fly being too tight, but from the seams being yanked apart. So yeah, a little slack is good, but not for the reason that guide said.

That "two pizzas" comparison really puts it in perspective.

Heard someone say those ultralight pads are basically glorified bubble wrap. They just can't hold air like the heavier ones. Maybe try a half foam, half inflatable setup for longer trips.

Had a similar thing happen with me last month. I was super skeptical going in but came out totally shocked at how well it worked. Did you notice any difference in how long it lasted or was it just the initial effect?