View Full Version : TarpTent Sublite in Silnylon
TarpTent now has their new silnylon Sublite (http://www.tarptent.com/sublitesil.html) in production. On sale right now for $159.20. I ordered one this afternoon. Looks like it has a lot of the same features as the Contrail I use now, but some of the new ideas and features also look great.
Wow, that's an incredibly well thought out tent. Henry Shires really knows his stuff design-wise. I absolutely love my Contrail, but seeing the Sil Sublite makes me wish I had waited a few months longer on the contrail purchase :)
Quoddy, you officially have a Tarptent addiction.
When I first saw the Contrail I did not think much of it, I was happy with the Rainbow. The more I fiddled with the Contrail the more I liked it, in fact apart from beigh a loaner tent I provably used the Rainbow couple of times since receiving the Contrail.
Then the Tyvek Sublite came out. The strength of that one was meant to be breathability and weight. Well neither bothered me with the Contrail so I sort of yawned. Sometime later I started to think that Tyvek could also offer a cooler interior for my afternoon nap when is 35-40c.... and I kind of like the idea of that window/vent for ventilation but also wild life spotting ( the side netting of the Contrail allows some of that but the bigger vent in the Sublite should be better)
Now Henry comes out with a silnylon version with a mini porch and a mesh door. Oh dear....
Now can I let go of the vestibule to gain side entry and more natural headroom ?
Quoddy let us know how you feel about them when you get it.
Franco
I'm still chugging along with a Virga I. The longer I wait to replace it, the more enticing the new models are. The Sublite looks great, especially the dripless entry.
Those who are going for it, please report back.
take-a-knee
11-15-2008, 09:18
I'm still chugging along with a Virga I. The longer I wait to replace it, the more enticing the new models are. The Sublite looks great, especially the dripless entry.
Those who are going for it, please report back.
Well, just sell me the Virga and you won't have that holding you back.
canoehead
11-15-2008, 10:35
How dry is it? I like the 2 pole idea, I've never used one, I use a TNF canyonlands or for a bit more space I use the, TNF Vortex. and they keep me dry in some nasty stuff.
oh boy.... sweet ! i still have my zoid.. which i love but it is getting old.
Yeah, that's my question. How dry are these enclosed tarp tents? I hate getting wet and usually carry a heavier tent just for that reason. I'd love to shed weight, and this is a good looking tent design wise, but I'm worried that a light drizzle would flood the bastid.
Yeah, that's my question. How dry are these enclosed tarp tents?
I've used the Contrail for about 100 nights during all times of the year and in all kinds of weather. NEVER had a problem with any wetness or condensation. The idea is to maintain adequate ventilation, as should really be done with any type of tent.
I hope Henry doesn't mind my posting much his answer to my question as to whether I'd like the Sublite as much as my Contrail, but here it is as information to anyone who's interested.
"I can tell you that the Sublite Sil has some features that the Contrail does not and vice versa. What you give up with the Sublite Sil is the separate covered beak/vestibule area. In the Sublite, there is some space at your side/shoulder area for gear as well as at head/feet but it will feel cramped if you're large and have a large pack shell you need to bring inside. What you gain is side entry--no pole to maneuver around and I find it easier to get in and out of the Sublite--as well as a nice mesh door with good views and ventilation in good weather. The best feature of the Sublite, I think, is the forward vent/window. You get great bug-protected stargazing out of it--something not doable in any of our other models. Lastly, the Sublite Sil is more stable than the Contrail out of the stuffsack and better suited for more extreme weather. The Contrail can certainly be made quite stable with extra stakes and guylines. The Sublite Sil is 3 ounces lighter than the Contrail, if that matters to you, and packs slightly smaller. Headroom is pretty comparable. The Sublite is 3 inches shorter but you can sit up under the peak whereas you have sit back from the peak in the Contrail. Venting is at least comparable in good weather with the nod given to the Contrail in bad weather since you can often leave the Contrail beak open whereas you need to to least partially close the Sublite door and forward vent".
canoehead
11-15-2008, 12:33
I understand the condensation part. It looks as if the rain will bounce right up and into the tent from what I can tell from the picture. Also the wall consturuction looks like it would not vent enough? just not familiar with this tent.
A "trademark" of the HS design is the 360 degree ventilation . This does not eliminate condensation ( nothing can...) but it does minimise it. What is not obvious from the pictures on the TT site is that there is a considerable distance (several inches) between the bottom of the fly and the floor, so the mesh that appears on the bottom right picture (http://www.tarptent.com/sublitesil.html (http://www.tarptent.com/sublitesil.html)) to be almost vertical is in fact sloping inward, see the Cutaway Dimensions page (http://www.tarptent.com/sublite2.html (http://www.tarptent.com/sublite2.html)) , the lighter grey area is the zone between the floor and the edge of the fly.
Of course if you do not set up the shelter correctly you could have problems, practice with this helps.
Franco
Rowdy Yates
11-15-2008, 20:13
TarpTent now has their new silnylon Sublite (http://www.tarptent.com/sublitesil.html) in production. On sale right now for $159.20. I ordered one this afternoon. Looks like it has a lot of the same features as the Contrail I use now, but some of the new ideas and features also look great.
:confused: Where did you find this tent on sale for $159.20? I checked the website and it is list at $199.00. I am always up for saving $40 bucks.
:confused: Where did you find this tent on sale for $159.20? I checked the website and it is list at $199.00. I am always up for saving $40 bucks.
If you click on ORDER then SINGLE PERSON you'll get the 20% off sale price as shown here (http://www.tarptent.com/cgi-bin/surfshop/shop.cgi?ud=AAkODA8FAQYFCRQUHR***wUCBAwDBwgJBgISEQ AA&t=main.htm&storeid=1&sortby=categories,itemid&cols=3&c=search.htm&categories=00008).
TarpTent now has their new silnylon Sublite (http://www.tarptent.com/sublitesil.html) in production. On sale right now for $159.20. I ordered one this afternoon. Looks like it has a lot of the same features as the Contrail I use now, but some of the new ideas and features also look great.
IT'S old in tech...so what is the BIG DEAL NEW SIL.:-?
The NEW bit is not about silnylon itself is about the SUBLITE now available ALSO in silnylon as well as the original Tyvek version.
Franco
When you add WT to the same product with changes...your in trouble,if you want to sell U.L.:eek:
Yes you are correct. I really don't know what HS was thinking when he decided to market a fully enclosed, 3 season , 600g shelter for $199. Maybe he is not aware that the market is already awash with much better products than that.
Slow, if you can find any more negative points please let us know.
Franco
DID The house siding tent sell well.....Franco?
I am stripping paint in my bathroom and look at this during some necessary breaks (fumes....) so I am not too sure right now what you mean about the house siding tent
Franco
T.T. makes fine gear hands down.But to use tyvek that builders in the USA use to cover homes but in lite grade for tents and then go to sil,just dont get it.
Oh I see...
There are 16 different types of Tyvek, the one that HS is using is the clothing grade Tyvek, so nothing to do with wall insulation.
I know that some pretend that one shelter can do it all but you may notice that around the world people use different style clothes and fabrics to cope better with their weather. For example the much maligned cotton happens to work very well in the desert.
Tents (to me) are the same. The Tyvek in question is the best compromise between weight/strengtht/waterproofness and breathability that is available now (in Tyvek....). So for the ones that want a very light but not claustrophobic fully enclosed shelter that has good condensation management (at a reasonable price) the Sublite is a good option. However others like that design but want a more waterproof fabric. Silnylon of the 1.1oz variety is not as waterproof as some other fabrics but it is "enough" and still light and affordable. But it does not breath at all, hence the extra ventilation options, mesh door and bigger head vent. So HS did not take a design and made it heavier, he simply made another option.
Franco
Short and sweet IT DID NOT SELL.NOW PLAN B.
Well, just sell me the Virga and you won't have that holding you back.
Ah, well, you'll have to wait in line. Someone else has already put in a standing offer to buy, should I ever be inclined to sell.
Yeah, that's my question. How dry are these enclosed tarp tents? I hate getting wet and usually carry a heavier tent just for that reason. I'd love to shed weight, and this is a good looking tent design wise, but I'm worried that a light drizzle would flood the bastid.
They're pretty doggone dry. It is possible to pitch one incorrectly, so that the roof drains onto the bathtub floor--then you've got a mess. But most of us will only do that once.:D
This past weekend it rained solidly all afternoon, sleeted for a while, then turned to snow and snowed all night. Because of the rain and sleet, the snow was sticking to the top of the tent more than it usually does. I woke up a few times during the night with the snow pressing down on my legs. I'd kick my feet a bit, sending the snow sliding off the roof, and go back to sleep. In the morning, the roof was hanging quite a bit lower than normal. The snow had built up along the sides the tent, blocking the mesh. I didn't get any water in the tent.
Mind you, I've got an older, unimproved model Tarptent. I really like the sound of the dripless entry on the Sublite.
Slow
"Short and sweet IT DID NOT SELL.NOW PLAN B."
My fault for not having been clear enough. At least three times I mentioned (and others have too) that the silnylon version is on top of ( as well as, also, another option, a different model) the Tyvek version. Unfortunately English is not my first language so I really do not know how I can convey the idea to you more precisely. For whatever reason you have chosen to criticise I product that you obviously haven't a clue of what it is all about, and that is fine. So I would suggest that you look at other shelters and let the ones that are interested in these products enjoy them for what they are.
Franco
FUNNY,the quick setup BOY.:rolleyes:
No Belay
11-18-2008, 14:28
FUNNY,the quick setup BOY.:rolleyes:
Now we know why they call you "Slow".
No Belay
At 53 I take the "boy" comment as a compliment
Franco
Now we know why they call you "Slow".
Smart enough to know ,the prod didn't sell,and went to sil.
Also when somone post's to let all know his setup time ...being the fastest show's he is a true H.S. boy.:D
From a another recent thread:
after reading the majority of stuff you write slow, i understand why you don't understand.About says it all.
From a another recent thread:About says it all.
From what i've seen on this and other boards....you have 5 of all ,and then sell cause your so smart.Maybe you should be slow in buying to save some money...and not lose on resale?
FamilyGuy
11-18-2008, 22:05
Slow:
when the original Sublite design was shown in pre-production form there were two versions shown at that time - one made of the Tyvek and one of Silnylon. The Tyvek version went to market first but I suspect Henry could have pushed the Silnylon version first to market. Realistically, his resources are limited and likely a choice had to be made. Both versions are being produced but there are some functional differences between them (which are listed on the Tarptent home page). There is and has been no failure of the Tyvek version. In fact, should you choose to do some further research you will find threads on backpackinglight.com which provide some real world use of the product that have proven very successful.
For the benefits of the ones that are interested in the Sublite, here are some comments from Ryan Jordan, co-founder of Backpackinglight.
Peter,following the very detail and extensive review of single wall shelters (you need a subscription for this) was asking some clarifications about the Sublite. Here are Ryan's comments :
"Peter, I have a Tyvek version of the Sublite and I love it for its condensation resistance as much as I'd probably hate a silnylon version for its lack of condensation resistance in cold weather.
It's also very comfortable in hot weather. Tyvek reflects light and so the tent retains very little heat. You could never go inside your silnylon tent on a hot day and escape the bugs, or take a nap. You can do this in a Tyvek tent even when it's 80 degrees out. It's cooler in the tent - a glorious feature of the fabric.
My only gripe with the design is its lack of views. I would happily take the weight of a netting door in the tent with the ability to leave the solid fabric flap rolled up and out of the way - that little front window vent leaves a little to be desired when it comes to views!
In a real storm, the Tyvek Sublite is superb - very stable - and the Tyvek fabric does not shrink when wet or cold like silnylon, so it doesn't sag. I weathered a pretty harsh t-storm this summer with companions who had the Gossamer Gear The One, the SMD Lunar Solo, and a two man tarp. I had the Tyvek Sublite. The tarp and the Sublite remained standing -- the other two blew down in 40 mph (measured) gusts, and The One's spinnaker fabric suffered a rip, not unexpected with that fabric, certainly. (Disclaimer: all of these shelters were pitched very well - we knew the storm was coming). Now, keep in mind that Tyvek has a lower tear strength than The One's Spinnaker -- so it's a testament to the stable design of the Sublite."
Note that BPL had on hand a prototype of the Sublite Sil, without the mini porch and amplified vent.
Franco
thecaptain
12-11-2008, 22:15
My sublit sil arrived Tue.....i seam sealed it Tue....living in SW virginia 30yards from the AT it has rained the past 2 days and the sublite has been set-up in my yards during the entire storm....arriving from work today I checked the tent about 6 drops of water inside....due to me missing 2 spots seal sealing......the sublite was easy to pitch the first time out....it seems very stable....i have a rainbow and loved it but the lighter weight, the sale price, the lack of a wife, grown kids and a good job...i bought one.....the only thing I noticed is the door opening is smaller the my rainbow but what the hell light is lighter.....i solve the problem of the slick bathtub floor by placing those sticky tricks people put in the shower to pervent slipping on the tent floor...they wre white flowers.....pretty trick and attractive......field report to come later.....henry shires...brain of ULA....western mountaineering....and the boys at trail dsigns have made my pack weight 19 pounds with 3 days food which my 61 year old body approves of
The Captain
PS nope not sellin the rainbow keepin it as a loaner for newbie backpacking friends
skinewmexico
12-11-2008, 23:01
I want a tyvek sublite with the dripless entry, and a screen door. It doesn't rain very often where I am, but it's hot, and sometimes buggy.
Doesn't this forum have a feature where you can ignore members? I mean, if you have a hard on for a product, just don't buy it. Pretty simple.
Skinewmexico
"I want a Ttyvek Sublite with the dripless entry". Yes you are not the only one, that is the first thought that crossed my mind when I first saw the design and others have commented about this as well. The problem here is that HS is already selling two versions of the shelter, a third one could be a rather expensive exercise since most do like the sub 500g weight of the Sublite . I haven't seen one as yet but (maybe) adding a hanging screen door could be doable, as for the dripless entry maybe just a piece of Tyvek that works bit like the one on the sil might work. Note that to use the "dripless entry" you need a stick or a long guyline to make it work.
Franco
Thank you for the last comment. I have seen several new members beign scared away by the usual suspects ( IE they ask a question, get insulted for doing so and disappear) . It may be fun to the gang but I really don't see the point. But yes, I too don't like many products but I respect the fact that others do