View Full Version : Contrail in high wind- for anyone contemplating the Tarptent Contrail
I came across this today on BackpackingLight.com and found it useful. I have a Contrail myself and find this experiment to be what I have experienced as well.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=17299
FamilyGuy
12-13-2008, 13:00
Amazing, actually. Very nice.
Of course I am surprised that you beat Franco from posting his own post here:D
Creek Dancer
12-13-2008, 20:01
Thanks for posting those pictures. I have never used my Contrail in a storm or high winds, but at least I know how to pitch in now, just in case.
What would you guys recommend to use for the third strut?
What would you guys recommend to use for the third strut?
I had a couple of two piece shock corded poles custom made by Fibraplex. 20" long when full length and very inexpensive ($6 each + $5 total shippiing).
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq164/Quoddy1/ContrailPole.jpg
Creek Dancer
12-13-2008, 20:16
Thanks Quoddy. How do you attach the pole to the tent?
The only problem I've had with this tent is water getting through the mesh at the footwell. I think if I use the third strut set up that might not happen.
Thanks Quoddy. How do you attach the pole to the tent?
This is the Contrail center-rear raised to the extreme. The line comes off the center rear grommet or tab, a clove hitch around the top of the pole, then staked out from there.
http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq164/Quoddy1/IMG_0565.jpg
Creek Dancer
12-13-2008, 20:33
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!
So if you don't want it raised to the extreme, I guess you would just put the clove hitch at the desired height along the pole. cool!
Next question: have you used the Contrail in the snow?
Creek Dancer
12-13-2008, 20:33
More precisely, have you used while it was snowing? How does it hold up under the weight of snow?
I have used mine while it snowed, but only about 3-4 inches. Had to get out and knock some off....but I was getting out anyway.
More precisely, have you used while it was snowing? How does it hold up under the weight of snow?
I've used the Contrail in light snow, but never in a serious snow storm. I'd guess that if it was left without any banging off of snow it would probably begin to sag somewhere along the top surface even with the "V'd" configuration, particularly with a wet snow.
Although similar to my Contrail, from what I've observed with my new Sublite, it would probably hold up better under snow conditions since it has shorter runs of material from the double pole, more centrally located support, to both ends.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Contrail/Contrail-full-help.jpgA couple of pictures...plus one or two
I tried to do this last w/e at 5250' but the wind wasn't strong enough apart from a few gusts before night time. Stll I should have taken some shots because I had the only non 4 season (or would be 4 season) tent apart for one Hubba Hubba and was the only one to have it set up in the open (on purpose) and not behind a rock or trees.
Anyway, the top pictures shows the tent with the wind hitting it on the side . The tent is in full tension ( a did later manage to pull one front guyout point about 1 cm further out)
The second is under similar wind but using the front/rear and side guyout/ tie down points. It was up like that for about 15 min, then I removed the rear (could not pull it any tighter than it was) but it started to flap about , removing the front as well made it worst and undoing the mid point tie down peg made it look again like in the first shot. It still was standing but I don't think that I could sleep inside set up like that.
BTW I have spent nights under heavy rain and or wind and in the morning it still looks like in the second shot...
(obviously y I try to point the end into the wind and take advantage of natural wind breaks...)
Quoddy has gone all high tech, I just use a pole section from a bargain bin with the ferrule inside out, but you can also use a walking pole or a stick...
Franco
I too would expect the Sublite Sil to stand up to some snow. You could use the Contrail lower again with two trekking poles but it is not designed for that...
(the pics loaded in the wrong order..)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Contrail/Contrail-wind-2.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Contrail/Contrail-strut.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Contrail/Contrail-not.jpg
garlic08
12-14-2008, 10:38
Hi, Creek Dancer. Shortly after Pickle and I met you at Winding Stair Gap, we had several inches of wet snow in the Smokies, and more on Mt Rogers. Franco's pitch worked great, didn't even know it had snowed until I looked outside in the morning. We used sticks picked up on site. Pickle liked it so much (extra foot room, he's taller than I am) he continued to use the pitch most of the trip. He never had a problem with rain in the foot area, either.
Thanks again to Franco for the idea--I saw in on a forum just before the AT trip and it really made a difference.
I use a stick for the third strut. Usually find one along the way before heading to camp.
Have used the Contrail with sleet- just knocked it off a few times through the night. Glad to hear I could use it in 3-4" snow in a pinch.