Tarptents

[Where's Bruce?]

I am looking at the https://www.tarptent.com website as an UL alterative to some comparable Kifaru shelters. For the money these appear to offer considerably more design benefits like bug netting, dual walls w/o seriously adding weight. Anyone here use both? Whaddaya think? I like the idea of a floor and built in vestibule for packs but that rules out a stove.

 

[bandit1]

I've owned a tarptent moment for 4 years now and really like it for it's simplicity on a solo hunt. It is very well made and would definately recommend it. gotta be honest though, I'm having a hard time saying no to my SL5 when it comes time to throw a tent in the pack. But, the tarptent is a phenomenal design and is WAY EASIER to pitch quickly. If I way buying a new tarptent, I would buy the Stratosprire 1 or Notch, both look sweet.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

I used the contrail all year last year. Great early season shelter for the weight.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I was actually contemplating the Stratosprire 2 which can be adapted for 2 or 3 people. I like the added height and carry trekking poles anyway. It looks like it would provide two people a great deal of space so ya could play board games and stuff during nasty weather. Do you use a Tyvek Groundsheet?

 

[castandblast]

Another happy Contrail user here. Henry's designs are pretty amazing.

 

[Rocky]

I used the Scrape1 for a couple of years and switched to the super tarp last year. I really liked the scarpe1 my main reason for switching was my hunting partner and I had difficulties finding a spot level and large enough to pitch two tents (he uses the akto). One feature about the scarpe1 that is really nice is the dual vestibules. I used one for storing gear and keeping it out of the weather and the other one as my entrance and exit.

 

[dirtytough]

I have a couple tarptents and for the weight they are great. They hold up to nasty weather pretty well also.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Well I pulled the trigger, 2-3 man UL, not a bad deal for $400. and at 43ozs I won't mind carrying it for solo trips. Thanks guys. This site is beginning to really add up!

 

[Matt Cashell]

I have posted this before, but I really do like my Contrail in its natural habitat:

 

[Stresd]

I was actually contemplating the Stratosprire 2 which can be adapted for 2 or 3 people. I like the added height and carry trekking poles anyway. Do you use a Tyvek Groundsheet?

I have the Stratospire 2 and just love it. Fantastic little tent that was excellent even in the really heavy weather. Considering the little extra weight the oem poles add, You may want to consider ordering the poles with it as well though. First sheep trip out I also never considered taking tent poles because we could use our hiking poles. Worked great until we got into an area where we wanted to stay a couple days with no need to break camp. Guess what. The terrain I was heading into would be a real pain without both my B. Diamond Compacts. Ended up just dropped the tent with gear in it and weighted down with some rocks so had access to my compacts. Fortunately the weather was dry on those days. Got back from that trip and I phoned Henry up and ordered the correct tent poles. Next trip out, I had the proper(extra)tent poles and it was so much nicer being able to leave the tent erected without having to rely on my hiking poles.
Excellent purchase of the Tarptent. Enjoy your newest Diggs.

 

[Archelk]

I have both the Rainbow 2 and Stratospire 1 tents from TarpTent. I could not be happier. I use the Stratospire 1 for my elk hunts and the Rainbow two when I take my son camping. Both are great. Henry Shires makes some quality gear. He can custom stitch extra guy points if you want them in additional places. Good customer service. Can't go wrong. I have no experience with the Kifaru shelters.

 

[Browtine]

You'll like it. I really like my Rainshadow 2.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I have the Stratospire 2 and just love it. Fantastic little tent that was excellent even in the really heavy weather. Considering the little extra weight the oem poles add, You may want to consider ordering the poles with it as well though. First sheep trip out I also never considered taking tent poles because we could use our hiking poles. Worked great until we got into an area where we wanted to stay a couple days with no need to break camp. Guess what. The terrain I was heading into would be a real pain without both my B. Diamond Compacts. Ended up just dropped the tent with gear in it and weighted down with some rocks so had access to my compacts. Fortunately the weather was dry on those days. Got back from that trip and I phoned Henry up and ordered the correct tent poles. Next trip out, I had the proper(extra)tent poles and it was so much nicer being able to leave the tent erected without having to rely on my hiking poles.
Excellent purchase of the Tarptent. Enjoy your newest Diggs.

That crossed my mind and I ordered those poles so the tent would be erect when I was out using my trekking poles. Mama always said, better to have it and not need it...

 

[Eagle]

I've used a rainbow 2 for the last 4 years, no complaints at all. It fits my dad and I both pretty tightly, but it works well for us and the vestibules have enough space for a fair amount of gear.

 

[luke moffat]

I have used both the Cloudburst 2 and the Double Rainbow. They are a great value and very functional. Not super burly in the wind, but if you are careful about where you pitch ( I usually am regardless if I have a 4 season burly tent or not) it could be a great lightweight and relatively inexpensive option.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I can't believe my order is shipping within 24 hrs. Wow!

 

[JeremiahH]

For those who are considering a TT and you don't mind blemishes. I suggest going to the contact page and emailing Henry before you order. He may have one you are looking for with a defect.
I did this and picked up a blemished Notch at a discount. Helps you save and helps him get rid of blemished inventory, win win !

 

[Where's Bruce?]

FYI: The optional collapsible tent poles are for use when you are outside the tent and are not replacements for trekking poles when camping. The poles are too weak to maintain the shape and causes the interior mesh liner to touch the tent creating a condensation drip problem. Trekking poles are mandatory when inside thus tent. learned this lesson the hard way.

 

[wetzel]

I made one of those rayway tarps. I used it last year on a backpack hunt with two other guys, we are all short enough that we fit diagnal. It worked great and only weighs a pound or so. You can sew doors and nests for them also. I would like to sew up some doors and put a stove jack in. They are reasonably priced (I think I paid a 100 dollars for the wide long kit). I tried to order a door kit twice from them and was not impressed with the way they handled that situation but whatever. If you are interested I think I could dig up some pictures.

 

[drake7]

FYI: The optional collapsible tent poles are for use when you are outside the tent and are not replacements for trekking poles when camping. The poles are too weak to maintain the shape and causes the interior mesh liner to touch the tent creating a condensation drip problem. Trekking poles are mandatory when inside thus tent. learned this lesson the hard way.

I purchased the poles to use instead of the trek poles. Are you saying this will not work? I have yet to use the tent in weather but they seem substantial enough. ??