Anyone have any experience with Tarptents?

I have a lot of learning to do....and saving.

I for some reason assumed that a decent tarp ought to cost about 10% of what I am seeing these offered for...perhaps it is my in-experience and ignorance? (this is coming from the guy that had a failed backyard expedition due to a cheap tent letting rain soak my entire family and our gear:))

My sig line seems more fitting all the time...
 
LMT66 said:
Try a BCUSA tarp.
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unit said:
I have a lot of learning to do....and saving.

I for some reason assumed that a decent tarp ought to cost about 10% of what I am seeing these offered for...perhaps it is my in-experience and ignorance? (this is coming from the guy that had a failed backyard expedition due to a cheap tent letting rain soak my entire family and our gear:))

My sig line seems more fitting all the time...
Click to expand...

Looks like you guys found my thread in Outdoor gear asking about these tents :)

I'll check back on this thread too, now that it's alive :thumbup:
 
Been eyeing that TarpTent Moment. If I didn't have my bivy, I'd buy it. Only $215, and freestanding with an optional 7oz. pole. Compared to my bivy(which I love anyway), I could sit up all the way, move around more, get dressed easier, and have a freestanding shelter for a 6oz. weight penalty, and lower cost. That's a lot of pluses!
 
That's exactly why I've been eyeing the Tarptents myself, vs. a bivy :thumbup:

Owen, why do you prefer the Moment over the Contrail, Rainbow, and Sublite Sil? I do like the side entry on the Moment and other two vs. the Contrail.

Anyone think any one model is more storm worthy than the others? To me, it looks lihe the Rainbow would be the least storm worthy...
 
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Tarptent all the way. Well worth the money IMO. I've spent a few nights in a 1-person Tarptent (forget the model), and it is very weatherproof, and condensation isn't too bad. I've heard good things about Six Moons, but have never seen one in person.
 
HikingMano said:
Owen, why do you prefer the Moment over the Contrail, Rainbow, and Sublite Sil?
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Well, don't go by my wants. I'm super-picky about things I buy being a certain way(MY way:D), and snub most things at first glance. It's the lightest free-standing model that doesn't require a trekking pole, though, and looks like it would be the quickest and easiest to set up, too. Aside from sleeping, I spend zero time in camp, and want to be set up and broke down with minimal fuss, so simplicity is a big plus for me. I like the way it looks, too!
 
Haha, I know. I just like to hear the reasoning behind why people pick what they pick. Sometimes, they pick gear based on what they've learned from experience... things I'd have to learn later by trial and error :thumbup: :D Thanks for pointing out what you like about it, makes sense given what you like to do. :thumbup: I'm going to do a more thorough comparison now.

ETA: Since the Sublite Sil won't be available for the rest of the year, and the shape of the Rainbow doesn't seem all that storm worthy to me, I'm now deciding between the Contrail and the Moment. I think having to squeeze past the trekking pole dividing the entrance of the Contrail would get annoying, and I would prefer the side entry of the Moment. I also like that the Moment doesn't require a pole to set up. So far now, it looks like the Moment might be the one I'll go for too.
 
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Just me but if I'm going to buy something that looks like a solo tent, I'd just buy a regular solo tent. For a pound and a couple ounces more, you could sleep in say a Big Agnes SL1. Packs real small, plus you have the option of leaving the fly or tent home using just one or the other.
 
I thought about that, and might still go that route. I think it just comes down to how much weight you're willing to carry. The way I look at it, is if I can get the same or nearly the same square footage, weather protection, bug protection, and good ventilation with a tent that weights 65-75% as much as a conventional solo tent and packs up just as small if not smaller, for around the same price or a little cheaper...why wouldn't I take the tarp tent.

ETA: I need to do some research on BPL to see what people like to use nowadays.... Seems like one of the major issues people have with the tarp tents is that it's effectiveness is really dependent on pitching it right, unlike a typical free-standing solo tent.
 
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I've had a Squall 2. Love it. Super light, better protection than just a tarp and a rope, which is good for me and my down sleeping bag. I like to stay and keep dry. Used alone, it's got lots of room for one and enough for 2. I've used it in the winter in the Canadian Rockies (ok, early spring) and summer. Highly recommend it. Fast and easy to set up with or without a hiking pole (tie it to a tree, use a stick).
 
I just ordered a Moment :thumbup: Can't wait!

ETA: If it works out well for me, I'm going to pick up the Squall 2 or another one of the 2 or 3 person models down the line.
 
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I have a Cloudburst II for 2 years now and have used it more than a few times with great success. It's excellent quality in and out, just make sure you seam-seal it with the right stuff.

Mine has been blown around a bit on the mountain i like visiting and held up well (with adequate staking). It's superlight and roomy for a good price - was a no-brainer for me. I'd use one of my 4-season tents for fall/winter, but for spring/summer use i don't hesitate taking my Cloudburst!
 
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