Why does the Mountain Shelter LT look

[Camo]

so much smaller than the Mega Tarp? The published dimensions on average seem very similar (from a volume standpoint) and in some instances larger for the LT. I recognize the angle of the walls is a big deal and the Mega Tarp excels here. And I am not trying to "compare" the two per se, as budget minded as I am, I have enough experience to know "you get what you pay for". However, the video Aron did makes the Mega look huge, and what I have seen from the LT, considering what seems to be similar sizing, it looks significantly smaller. Anybody able to help me wrap my head around this?

 

[SHTF]

Sure you bet Camo. I did a bunch of Photos of my Mountainsmith LT with me in it also Im 6 foot 240# to give you an idea. Im not a small guy. Check out this post to see the photos http://www.rokslide.com/forums/show...tain-shelter-lt/page4&highlight=Mountainsmith

The LT is a big shelter. 54 sqaure feet to be exact. I can move comfortably inside of it. Im not sure how it compares to the Mega Tarp but for me this thing is a palace and only 2.3 lbs.

 

[luke moffat]

The main reason it looks/feels much bigger is useable space. Non-sloping lower side walls if guyed out, full 52" the length of the shelter and two exits all make it have MUCH more useable space. The Mountain Shelter is a neat little piece but the 54 sq ft of it is kind of misleading in that its not as useable space as the Megatarp. It'd say its more akin to the Supertarp in design than the Megatarp. As both the Supertarp and the Mountain shelter have a taller front pole, smaller rear pole, slopping sides and only one exit. Granted the Supertarp is nearly half the weight of the Mountain Shelter, but the price reflects that as well. Up to the consumer to choose which shelter suits them best given their budget.

Hope that helps.

 

[SHTF]

Luke great break down. and I completely agree. I cant see dropping 400$ on a tarp Id love to have one though. So the Mountainsmith LT suites me and isnt as hard on my wallet.

 

[Camo]

SHFT, your thread is actually what prompted my question when the dimensions were not adding up for me. Looking at yours and the other pics with the stove, I was concerned that with two guys and a stove for a week it might get a bit intimate. My partner is built like you and I'm 6'3", so I am not going to gain any space that way.

Luke, I think you are spot on, now that I pay a little more attention to the pics in SHFT's thread. If I imagine that sidewall pulled vertical (or close too) at the guyout in SHFT's pic that he is sitting in, it creates a lot of area. I tried to take that into consideration but apparently not as much as I should have.
Thanks for the help guys.

 

[crumy]

Camo, I purchased a megatarp with annex. I can tell you that it looks huge because it is GIGANTIC. Majority of the time it will just me using it but at the same time there are going to be 1 or 2 times a year that it will be a 2 person shelter with a stove. I went on a trip with a few guys on here and crzytrekker stayed in the tarp since he only had a bivy. It was almost laughable putting this thing up because it is so big. But extremely easy. But it was bullet proof..(bomb proof is so over used ) I am glad I got it and have no buyers remorse.

 

[SHTF]

Yeah I didnt use the Guy lines in those pics. if you want I can setup again and guy it out for you to see it. For 2 plus stove in the Mountain LT it would be intamate but doable at the same time. My Primary use was for myself. I dont intend on having guests unless she fits my criteria =-)

 

[Camo]

SHFT, no need for that but thank you for the offer. If I decide to change my solo option, I think I would definitely go this direction.

Crumy, thanks for the perspective, now your making me think about having room for the footprint...there's always something isn't there?

 

[ScottP]

I have the LT and am in the process of putting a stove jack in it. Having spent several nights in it, I would suggest sizing up a bit if you are looking for a 2-guy plus gear plus stove for a multi-day hunt. I got the LT because I wanted a shelter similar to the megatarp, and my use for 2person + stove will be when my wife is along, so the coziness isn't a problem... I do wish it had two doors though...

 

[hammer0419]

I grabbed my Mountainsmith LT for $109. I don't think it can be touched at that price. Obviously there is better out there but I am quite impressed with it for the price and then some.