View Full Version : TarpTent or Six Moon Europa II
Kerosene
03-08-2004, 18:11
Okay, I did a bunch of research and thinking this weekend and I think I've narrowed my choices for a 1/2-person tent down to a Henry Shires TarpTent or the Six Moon Designs Europa II.
The Virga TarpTent is the lightest, but I was leaning toward the 2-person Squall to give me more room for gear, provide more air space and help reduce hitting the wet interior. I would purchase with a sewn-in floor and extended beak, and use a hiking pole for a net weight of 30 ounces ($225).
The Six Moon Designs Europa II comes in at 33 ounces ($250), but I like the all-around rainfly-protected mesh and bathtub floor.
I've heard great testimonials about both vendors, but I'd like to hear advice from anyone out there who is familiar with both tents or has a cautionary tale about either one.
StoveStomper
03-08-2004, 20:15
I LOVE my TarpTent Squall. It's one of about 7 tents and tarps I own. I use it by far the most of any.
Best gear money I have ever spent.
I've been thru several high wind rainstorms and stayed dry each time.
I've used this very light tent from the Rockies to the AT to Florida.
Supereasy and very fast to put up.
Slip the hoop rear pole in, one stake in back, put trekking pole in front, stake out front, one stake for each front corner. Done!
Cheers,
StoveStomper
illininagel
03-09-2004, 00:11
I think I've narrowed my choices for a 1/2-person tent down to a Henry Shires TarpTent or the Six Moon Designs Europa II.
I am interested in the very same question. I am also thinking about the TarpTent Squall with the sewn in floor. For those with experience with these tents, would you please also let me know if they can easily accomodate a tall hiker? I am 6'3" and don't particularly want my feet smashed against the wet walls.
And, how are these tents in a driving rain with gusting winds?
:)
I am interested in the very same question. I am also thinking about the TarpTent Squall with the sewn in floor. For those with experience with these tents, would you please also let me know if they can easily accomodate a tall hiker? I am 6'3" and don't particularly want my feet smashed against the wet walls.
And, how are these tents in a driving rain with gusting winds?
:)
I can't speak for the Squall, but my Cloudburst does is great in the driving winds. I have not had a combination of driving wind and rain. It's handled some really though heavy rains, but nothing sideways yet.
Kerosene
03-09-2004, 14:24
Well, it looks like the choice has been made for me. Henry Shires is unable to ship any tents in March due to a problem with his custom pole supplier, and I leave for my hike in early April. So, I'm placing an order for a Europa II unless someone has real reservations and posts soon!
I used the Europa I last year and was very happy with it. Plenty of room, especially for the weight. Easy to set up and tear down, and stayed solid in some pretty foul weather.
You do need to figure out a bit of moisture control on the cold wet nights, as with all single-wall tents. Although the Europa II looks like it has more ventilation and the mesh sides will help keep your bag from getting wet if you roll up on them on a particularly nasty night. I usually put a few things on either side of my bag to keep me from rolling into the walls, and once I figured out the best way to set up for rain I didn't have any further problems.
Overall I was very pleased with my tent, and have the II on my wish list.
illininagel
03-26-2004, 21:47
I used the Europa I last year and was very happy with it. Plenty of room, especially for the weight.
When you write "plenty of room," do you think it would comfortably accomodate a 6'3" person? I'm still not certain if the Europa II will work for me.
Kerosene
03-28-2004, 18:04
I ended up purchasing the Europa II. I think that the airflow might be a touch better than a Squall, but in the end my decision was based on the fact that TarpTents were unable to ship until mid-April due to a problem with the pole supplier. I'll post a review when I return from my Amicalola to Franklin section on April 12th.
Iliniagel: At 6'3" you shouldn't have a problem. Take a look here (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/products/Europa2.asp) for the tent schematics, showing a 90" (7.5 feet) length, of which at least 7 feet is usable in a bag.