View Full Version : Tarptent
Does anyone know anything about the Tarptent line of shelters? They seem extremely light in weight but this is the first time I across the brand.
Rene
Skidsteer
07-06-2006, 21:09
Does anyone know anything about the Tarptent line of shelters? They seem extremely light in weight but this is the first time I across the brand.
Rene
Do a Whiteblaze search. Lots of info. Here's what came up when I simply typed 'tarptent':
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/search.php?searchid=983889
hikerjohnd
07-06-2006, 21:22
Ditto on the search - you can not go wrong with Henry's tents!
otterman
07-06-2006, 22:01
I was always a little concerned about the single wall concept, but my Virga went through an unbelivable thunderstorm last week. Winds 30 to 40 mph and rained as hard as rain it can possibly come down. Stayed bone dry. Thanks Henry!
bigcranky
07-06-2006, 22:38
I love my Tarptent -- the Rainshadow will actually hold three adults !!! And it's a palace for two people, and weighs 2 pounds 6 ounces total. Wow.
That said, you might also look at http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/ at the Lunar Solo and the Europa.
Great tent easy pitch easy takedown 4 pegs 1 stiffener (if you use hiking pole) stay dry as a bone - Nice Job Henry - BTW second season with it
Amigi'sLastStand
07-06-2006, 23:24
I gotta thank whoever posted the formula for making your own silnylon. I made my tarptent for around $15.
Do a search to find threads on Henry's new Rainbow. Saw it in person last week. Sweet!!!
orangebug
07-07-2006, 00:22
Earlier today, I posted a brief review of my new Rainshadow 2 that my bride and I bought for our honeymoon section hike. It is amazingly huge. Even before I had a chance to seam seal it, I was in a heavy summer rain a couple of weeks ago. Very little leakage thru a couple of needle holes, cured with silicon sealant in mineral oil,
For the weight, this is a great value. It is probably not appropriate for cold weather service, as feeding the back bow/stiffener would be very difficult in mittens or gloves. The size would make heating it difficult unless you slept at least 2 folks in it.
Purchasing it involved a call with Henry Shires. A very nice chap and very efficiently run shop. Prior experience with Wanderlust tents left me dubious of small suppliers. Henry has his act together.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
07-07-2006, 00:23
I've looked at many, many tents. Henry Shires tarptents are among the finest both in design and workmanship. The only negative thing I've ever heard was that the single wall tents sometimes allow a fine mist to come thru in very heavy rain. The new rainbow has a double wall option that will likely eliminate this problem and make the tent a true four season tent. The one person model is currently offered and a two person model is expect to be available soon.
hikerjohnd
07-07-2006, 00:38
The only negative thing I've ever heard was that the single wall tents sometimes allow a fine mist to come thru in very heavy rain.
Misting - some people experience it, some do not. There is a post here on WB by Henry (maybe Ron from Six Moon...) that addresses the issue of misting. I have experienced it, but the spray was so fine that after a whole day and night of rain (being tentbound stinks) the inside of the tent was still dry. I think the theory was that the impact of the raindrop outside the tent caused condensation inside the tent to 'mist' and fall and that no water was actually coming through.
The new rainbow has a double wall option that will likely eliminate this problem and make the tent a true four season tent.
I did not realize the double rainbow was going to be a double wall tent... :-? I just assumed it was going to be big enough for two people...
Frolicking Dinosaurs
07-07-2006, 00:44
It is big enough for two and has an optional second wall per Shires' post in another thread (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=215294#post215294)
and don't forget the new Spinn Squall sold by gossamer gear. 1.5 lbs total..the original squall tarptent made from spinnaker fabric..no stretching..holds 2 people.
hopefulhiker
07-11-2006, 19:16
I thru hiked with the tarptent Squall two last year. It was excellent.. The best...
I'm using a Squall 2 on my 1300-mile section this year. 430 miles into the hike, I love the tent. It's light, totally watertight, and there's great headroom. For just me and my gear, it's palatial - and just 2 lbs.
BTW, if you're going to go with a tent that has a silnylon floor, check out this link: http://jwbasecamp.com/Articles/Silnylon1/index.html
vaporjourney
08-02-2006, 13:06
are the squall tarptents more stable than the rainbow? I like the Rainbow's look because it has side entry, which is always nice, plus more headroom. I've noticed however that the pics on the site seem to mainly show the squall or virga on open balds where they can sustain hard winds, never the Rainbow.
Blissful
08-02-2006, 21:18
I thru hiked with the tarptent Squall two last year. It was excellent.. The best...
How did you pitch it for rain? I notice that when the front door is fully extended by the hiking pole, there is quite a bit of netting there not covered by the outside door, and I'd think rain would come through the netting in a wind (?). Or did you shorten your poles and anchor down the outside door to the ground? Doing this, of course, means you are basically living in a cave with little head room and cuts down on ventilation in the summer. Just want to know how you pitched in various weather. And did it ever snow or sleet on it?
And did your pack go in with you or did you leave it outside?
Thanks!
Frolicking Dinosaurs
08-02-2006, 21:23
Blissful, look at the pic at the lower left on this page (http://www.tarptent.com/squall2.html) - It shows the Squall with the beak deployed.
EarlyBird2007
08-03-2006, 11:48
Does anyone know anything about the Tarptent line of shelters? They seem extremely light in weight but this is the first time I across the brand.
Rene
Tarptent is a line of tents that are handmade my a gentleman named Henry Shires. I got a Squall 2 with the floor last year and I plan to use it on my thru-hike in 2007. Only weighs 35 oz., INCLUDING THE FLOOR!!! I've had it out on the AT for section hikes about 3 times now. I absolutely love it. One caveat - I haven't had it out in significant rain yet. Reports from others are that it keeps you pretty dry if you have waterproofed the seams and pitch it correctly.
Re: Orangebug's 7-6-6 post. Stay with Henry Shires! The Wanderlust website does not come up any more and that is good. Wanderlust burned me for the amount of a down payment on a tent. Sad story. Look for reviews of your potential supplier. Henry is # 1. Bob
QHShowoman
08-04-2006, 10:01
I have a Cloudburst tarp tent and it rocks!
I've had a Squall tarptent and have used it for the past 2 years. It has performed flawlessly, and I particularly appreciate its light weight.
My one small complaint is with the stuff sack. I found it cumbersome to use, so I trashed it and replaced it with a more traditional, square-ish stuff sack which makes it easier for me just to jam it in in the mornings.
I have a buddy who has the new Rainbow tarptent. It looks to be just outstanding and has tons of headroom. If I were to replace my Squall, I'd give serious consideration to Shire's new Rainbow tarptent.
hikerjohnd
08-04-2006, 10:46
My one small complaint is with the stuff sack. I found it cumbersome to use, so I trashed it and replaced it with a more traditional, square-ish stuff sack which makes it easier for me just to jam it in in the mornings.
Just out of curiosity, does anyone use the stuff sack a product came with anymore? I used to use the factory stuff sacks then switched to my own and saved about 10 ounces with lightweight bags.
Footslogger
08-04-2006, 10:49
Just out of curiosity, does anyone use the stuff sack a product came with anymore? I used to use the factory stuff sacks then switched to my own and saved about 10 ounces with lightweight bags.
================================
YES ...the Lunar Solo-e (Six Moon Designs) comes in a really small silnylon stuff sack that I use all the time. Off trail I store it in a much larger sack though.
By the way ...I have a Squall too and never use that long silnylon sack that it came in.
'Slogger
RockyTrail
08-04-2006, 11:30
I have an original Squall, and it came with that silnylon stuff sack (shaped like a sausage). I use that stuff sack on the occasions that I'm carrying my external frame pack as it straps nicely across the bottom with sleeping bag.
With internal frame however, it does better in a looser, more squarish stuff sack.
DrewNC2005
08-04-2006, 13:29
Though it takes a little more time, I still stuff mine in the original stuff sack mine came with. I like the fact that when packed, the weight is more of a vertical cylinder than a square mass in the bottom of my pack. Feels lighter that way. Maybe I have OCD.:-?
If anyone is interested, as of 8/4, we finally have some Double Rainbows "in stock" (meaning not yet sold, still needing to have cording added and final QC inspection) that can be shipped next week.
-H
Creek Dancer
08-04-2006, 17:01
Oh no, don't tempt me!
what is the best way to put the tarptent back into its sack? I know some who roll it up and others who just stuff it back in. Is there a right or wrong way. I know with my reg tents I stuff it back but didn't know if the same applied with this tent
Whistler
08-19-2006, 21:46
I like to roll up my Squall. This is mostly just because I know how it will come out and it is easier to find the corners and sleeves. And that makes the already super-quick set-up just a few seconds quicker and less troublesome.
-Mark
Big Dawg
08-19-2006, 23:33
what is the best way to put the tarptent back into its sack? I know some who roll it up and others who just stuff it back in. Is there a right or wrong way. I know with my reg tents I stuff it back but didn't know if the same applied with this tent
No, there's no right or wrong way, IMHO. Whatever works for you is the right way. For me, I stuff my Double Rainbow into a 9"x17.5" stuff sack-(pole stored separate in my side pack pocket), then compress is down to a small ball, and shove it in the top lid of my Osprey Atmos 50. It works for me!!
minnesotasmith
03-08-2008, 01:52
I used one of your Virga IIs on my 2006 thruhike, and was happy with it.
Now, I'm in the market for another tent, this one for two people. I figure either your Double Rainbow or Cloudburst is what I should pick.
I'd like some guidance here on which to go with, if you don't mind.
1) Which one handles high wind better?
2) Which one is better ventilated for summer heat?
3) I take it both have no-see-um mesh?
4) Are either available as a double-walled option? How much weight and cost would that add?
5) I'd definitely want a sewn-in floor, which for the Virga was an option, not standard. Do both have that?
6) My partner and I use hiking staves, not trekking poles. Are we out of luck for making the Double Rainbow freestanding?
7) We will be facing some chance of snow during much of the time we'll use it. Which one would you suggest for the possibility of camping in significant snowfall?
Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.
Matteroo
03-08-2008, 03:43
Having used a Squall 2 that was borrowed during our 2007 hike, we are in the market for a new lightweight 2 person tent.
would like to see the Cloudburst 2 and Rainbow 2 and the Squall 2 all setup side by side.
I like the peak on the Virga being so sharp, sometimes had water kind of 'rest' on the peak of the squall 2 - wasn't exactly problematic but I'm sure it doesn't happen on the Virga.
Ramble~On
03-08-2008, 04:50
I picked up a Rainbow in January? or February and have had it out a few times so far.
I have the Rainbow- one man.
Yeah, you probably aren't supposed to use it in the abusive manner I like to subject my gear to or 4 season but why not!
So far it has seen a hulluva thunderstorm, sleet and snow...freezing temps and this past weekend it survived high wind gusts some in at least the 50 mph range (I learned later that this storm did damage all over) plus a long period of heavy rain. Had I not used my trekking poles as added support the wind probably would have murdered the tent...and the pole did bend. There are grommets under each apex vent for trekking poles to be used as extra support for high wind and snow load. I set up on the side of a pond with no wind protection on one of the windiest nights I've experienced in years...not something I'd intentionally do to a new piece of gear, especially a lightweight sil shelter. I could've moved into the treeline but I didn't and the Rainbow got to prove itself
This is my first experience with a Shire's Tarptent and I am really, really impressed. The craftmanship is excellent, design is excellent and the weight and pack size are unreal. The usable space is too good to be true.
I easily fit myself and all of my gear inside with room to spare. I pack the poles seperately and the tent body packs down to the size of a Nalgene.
I figured I'd be buying another one after this past week's trip...The winds were so strong that I figured the tent wouldn't survive..I really thought it would be torn apart! At some point during the night one of my trekking poles was blown or knocked down and one gust was strong enough to collapse the tent in on me, bending the single pole. This was easily fixed with some guy lines attached to the trekking pole and in the morning...Viola! the tent had survived without so much as a torn seam...
Conditions like this are ideal for "strong" 4 season tents that weigh a lot and have multiple poles (Mountain Hardware Trango 2 for example) The Rainbow survived this storm and kept me dry. Nice for a tent the weighs a fraction of a true four season tent
This is one of my better purchases and is a piece of gear that has earned my respect after having only spent 5 nights in it.
It might not be my first choice for high wind, winter use but I now know that it can handle it.
If all Tarptents are as well constructed you can't go wrong.
Sailor (The other one)
03-08-2008, 07:21
My wife and I bought a Double Rainbow last year and we love it. We had it on the AT for 7 days last fall and sat out 24 hours of rain in it. Even with all our gear inside there was enough space for us to be comfortable, and the situp headrooom is great. We had seam sealed every single place a thread passed through fabric, twice inside and three times outside, used the optional inner liner (whisper light) and coated the bottom as recommended here http://jwbasecamp.com/Articles/Silnylon1/index.html (http://jwbasecamp.com/Articles/Silnylon1/index.html). High winds on Springer didn't faze it. Shoulder space was a touch cramped when we lie down with our heads at the same end, but feet-to-head would solve that easy. No condensation problems. Lots of extra room at each end. We've also had it on four overnights in Florida :sun, where the ability to open both sides plus the mesh around the bottom made it much cooler. Incredibly light for a two person tent.
Now I'm trying to get Henry to makle a teepee.
Slosteppin
03-08-2008, 08:50
I used one of your Virga IIs on my 2006 thruhike, and was happy with it.
Now, I'm in the market for another tent, this one for two people. I figure either your Double Rainbow or Cloudburst is what I should pick.
I'd like some guidance here on which to go with, if you don't mind.
1) Which one handles high wind better?
2) Which one is better ventilated for summer heat?
3) I take it both have no-see-um mesh?
4) Are either available as a double-walled option? How much weight and cost would that add?
5) I'd definitely want a sewn-in floor, which for the Virga was an option, not standard. Do both have that?
6) My partner and I use hiking staves, not trekking poles. Are we out of luck for making the Double Rainbow freestanding?
7) We will be facing some chance of snow during much of the time we'll use it. Which one would you suggest for the possibility of camping in significant snowfall?
Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.
I used a Double Rainbow last summer, mid April thru mid November on at least 25 nights. I might help some.
2) The DR has the mesh all around the bottom, vents at the top on both sides and if it isn't raining with heavy winds you can open up the doors on each side as awnings for great ventilation.
3) yes
4) Option for the DR.
5) I thought the floor was standard for the DR.
6) My hiking poles are too short to make the DR free standing, not an option I would use anyway. I don't think you are out of luck - just need a little ingenuity, there is always a way.
Slosteppin
_terrapin_
03-08-2008, 08:58
I used a Tarptent Rainbow on this year's section hike. Overall, I'd give it high marks: it's light, easy to set up, incredibly roomy inside, and held up well against wind and rain. On the downside, it's prone to condensation and consequent "misting" in heavy rain. Beware of setting up in meadows or grassy areas... you're better off in the woods.
I've owned and used both the Rainbow and the Contrail quite extensively. Of the two, I found that I prefer the Contrail because of the weight (26.5 oz), the small size it packs to (14"x4"), and the speed of putting it up (never takes me more than 70 sec.). In all the nights I've had them out I've never had a condensation problem, but I do keep them ventilated... almost to an extreme. Being used to using a tarp, I tend to use them as they were intended... as a TarpTent.
I just got my "Lunar Duo" from Six Moon Design yesterday. I set it up in the back yard to see how it was. What a great tent. It sets up fast and easy. Plenty of room inside and very easy to ajust how much ventilation you want. When the weather gets better here I will post a review on the tent.
GitRdone
03-08-2008, 11:38
I've owned and used both the Rainbow and the Contrail quite extensively. Of the two, I found that I prefer the Contrail because of the weight (26.5 oz), the small size it packs to (14"x4"), and the speed of putting it up (never takes me more than 70 sec.). In all the nights I've had them out I've never had a condensation problem, but I do keep them ventilated... almost to an extreme. Being used to using a tarp, I tend to use them as they were intended... as a TarpTent.
I've owned the Contrail for about a year now and have had it out several times including a week section hike on the AT last Septermber. I love this tent. A great solo tent and not sure you can beat it, although I have not tried the lunar solo and had considered purchasing it. Have heard some good things about it also. There's a review of the Lunar Duo in Backpacker magazine's last Gear Review issue. I nearly purchased the single Rainbow from Henry but, didn't want to deal with the slide in pole. Wanted the setup to be as simple as possible and have the lightest tent I could get without going to a straight tarp. I did give up the head room though but there are always tradeoffs. Setup is right on at 70 seconds.
I used one of your Virga IIs on my 2006 thruhike, and was happy with it.
Now, I'm in the market for another tent, this one for two people. I figure either your Double Rainbow or Cloudburst is what I should pick.
I'd like some guidance here on which to go with, if you don't mind.
1) Which one handles high wind better?
2) Which one is better ventilated for summer heat?
3) I take it both have no-see-um mesh?
4) Are either available as a double-walled option? How much weight and cost would that add?
5) I'd definitely want a sewn-in floor, which for the Virga was an option, not standard. Do both have that?
6) My partner and I use hiking staves, not trekking poles. Are we out of luck for making the Double Rainbow freestanding?
7) We will be facing some chance of snow during much of the time we'll use it. Which one would you suggest for the possibility of camping in significant snowfall?
Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.
All models have full no-see-um mesh and floors. The Double Rainbow is currently our best wind and snowfall performer, especially with vertical trekking poles under the ends of the cross strut (in a really big wind/snow; not needed for most conditions). For the conditions you suggest, I would recommend it over the Cloudburst 2. The DR does have a 4-ounce optional liner that will separate you from condensation on the inside of the roof panels. For free-standing setup, you'll need "staves" or ski/trekking poles that go to at least 140cm/55".
-H
Just thought I'd mention "The One" also. Brand new design from Gossamer Gear. Very light, roomy, appears very well-made. It is brand new though, so you won't get a lot of feedback on it yet. Unfortunately, it is also expensive.
http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/The_One.html
Gossamer Gear has an excellent reputation as does Henry Shires and Six Moon Designs. If you had never heard of Tarptent, you probably didn't hear of theses others either. Check 'em all out.
minnesotasmith
03-09-2008, 00:36
All models have full no-see-um mesh and floors. The Double Rainbow is currently our best wind and snowfall performer, especially with vertical trekking poles under the ends of the cross strut (in a really big wind/snow; not needed for most conditions). For the conditions you suggest, I would recommend it over the Cloudburst 2. The DR does have a 4-ounce optional liner that will separate you from condensation on the inside of the roof panels. For free-standing setup, you'll need "staves" or ski/trekking poles that go to at least 140cm/55".
-H
Thank you for the time to answer my questions, Mr. Shires. I'll be ordering another tent from you very soon.
little bear
03-09-2008, 00:47
i have the cloudburst 2 would any of you recommend a ground sheet or is it fine without one?
minnesotasmith
03-09-2008, 01:39
i have the cloudburst 2 would any of you recommend a ground sheet or is it fine without one?
You'll not only keep dirt off your tent, you make holes in the floor less likely. And, as you'll need a groundcloth in shelters and in many hostels, it's multipurpose to have one along.
_terrapin_
03-09-2008, 03:04
Never used a groundsheet for my tent. Somehow I got by... :-?
Never used a groundsheet for my tent. Somehow I got by... :-?
No groundsheet, no tent floor, no footprint, no nothing? :eek: No bugs, no seepage?
_terrapin_
03-09-2008, 03:14
No groundsheet, no tent floor, no footprint, no nothing? :eek: No bugs, no seepage?
My tents have floors. No need to supplement or protect them. I'm sure I've put in 200+ nights in my Eureka Gossamer, never once got wet. No bugs either but that's a separate issue, nothing to do with a ground sheet.
My tents have floors.
Oh good. I can go back to sleep then. It's the wind (under the tent sides) in the cold and the bugs in the hot that get me. I think my floor must be full of pinholes, but that doesn't seem to bother me much.
take-a-knee
03-09-2008, 10:51
You'll not only keep dirt off your tent, you make holes in the floor less likely. And, as you'll need a groundcloth in shelters and in many hostels, it's multipurpose to have one along.
Put your CCF pad under the tent floor, it will do its job (insulate) just as well there and protect the floor.
minnesotasmith
03-09-2008, 11:43
Put your CCF pad under the tent floor, it will do its job (insulate) just as well there and protect the floor.
Do you mean my Thermarest? What will then protect IT from the rocks and twigs? I want my Thermarest lying directly on the ground even less than I want my tent floor there. It may be cheaper to replace, but it's also critical while on the Trail (less so than tent if I'm sheltering a lot), and is IMO easier to damage.
Strategic
03-09-2008, 12:09
I still have my Squall 2, even though I'm a hanger now, in case I need to use it when partnered with non-hangers. It's as good as a tent can possibly be, and Henry is a very fine gear producer. He got my tent out to me in <i>very</i> short order when I need to replace my old one a couple of years ago, with no hassle and they even seam sealed it for me. You can't go wrong with a Tarptent.
take-a-knee
03-09-2008, 15:58
Do you mean my Thermarest? What will then protect IT from the rocks and twigs? I want my Thermarest lying directly on the ground even less than I want my tent floor there. It may be cheaper to replace, but it's also critical while on the Trail (less so than tent if I'm sheltering a lot), and is IMO easier to damage.
No, don't stick your thermarest under your tent, put your Prolite 3 (13oz R-2.3) inside the tent, and place a Ridgerest (full length 14oz. R-2.6) under the tent. This combo is essential in cold temps but it is nice a comfy in warmer weather, and when your thermarest springs a leak in the middle of the night(though it probably won't because you've protected it), you still have some cushion/insulation. A piece of evazote from Gossamer Gear or Oware would probably be lighter than the ridgerest, I'm not sure about the R value.
Iv'e got the Contrail with the floor. Never a groundsheet. I try not to set it up on rocks and sticks. Set up time is still nder two minutes. Also don't worry about it getting dirty. It gets cleaned when I get home.
Ramble~On
03-09-2008, 17:39
I've been using Thermarests for years and on my 1996 hike.
I have never used a tent footprint and all that time I have had one hole in any of my Thermarests and that was caused by my cat.
I have seen many a tent footprint and have yet to figure how using one would protect against a puncture from a punji stick, broken glass or nail...as that's pretty much what it would take to puncture a Thermarest IMO.
A quick check of what I'm setting my tent up on top of and removing anything that could put a hole in my matress has been the solution that's worked for me for hundreds of unpunctured Thermarest nights.
In winter I use a combination of Ridgerest and Thermarest with a piece of Tyvek under the tent.
:D I've been a hanger for a while and all of this isn't an issue in a hammock but I am one that enjoys both tenting and hammocking equally.
take-a-knee
03-09-2008, 18:00
I've been using Thermarests for years and on my 1996 hike.
I have never used a tent footprint and all that time I have had one hole in any of my Thermarests and that was caused by my cat.
I have seen many a tent footprint and have yet to figure how using one would protect against a puncture from a punji stick, broken glass or nail...as that's pretty much what it would take to puncture a Thermarest IMO.
A quick check of what I'm setting my tent up on top of and removing anything that could put a hole in my matress has been the solution that's worked for me for hundreds of unpunctured Thermarest nights.
In winter I use a combination of Ridgerest and Thermarest with a piece of Tyvek under the tent.
:D I've been a hanger for a while and all of this isn't an issue in a hammock but I am one that enjoys both tenting and hammocking equally.
I've trashed a couple of thermarests, I threw one away in the eighties when they had the old repair kit that didn't work. The newer repair kit that uses the boiling pot works well, I've patched several holes with one and never had a leak in that spot.
Gee... there are actually a couple of on topic posts in this thread.
take-a-knee
03-10-2008, 01:33
Gee... there are actually a couple of on topic posts in this thread.
I suggest you post exclusively in the straight forward section Quod, the rest of us will pretty much do whatever we want to do. Are we infringing upon your rights somehow? Is this America...amerika maybe?
Ramble~On
03-10-2008, 03:36
Gee... there are actually a couple of on topic posts in this thread.
Tarptent ?
Quoddy...did you have a question or comment about using a tarptent such as floor, groundcloth, sleeping pad or anything else to do with sleeping in/using a tarptent? I somehow don't see how your post has to do with this thread.
Ramble~On
03-10-2008, 22:33
Does anyone know anything about the Tarptent line of shelters? They seem extremely light in weight but this is the first time I across the brand.
Rene
www.AntiGravityGear.com (http://www.AntiGravityGear.com) TinMan from AGG recently posted a few pics of a "new" tarp tent in another thread. He points out that this shelter isn't yet in production or perhaps by now it is. So, here's another option to ponder. The "O2" is listed on the site for $269.00 and "coming Soon". Looks roomy and well ventilated.