[pct-l] Tarptent Contrail problem

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

I had a Contrail-style tent for part of the distance. I found it's  
not the best tent in the wind, unless you set it up perfectly into  
the wind. You have to set the tail end pointing into the wind or else  
the sides bow in way too far. If the front is into the wind, it puffs  
up and will fall down if the wind is too hard. If you get it pointed  
in the right direction, it's as spacious and nice as when there is no  
wind.

I never had the pole slip out and puncture the fabric. Did you set up  
the four corners first? Set up the four corners first, even if they  
aren't in the perfect position, and then put the pole in the grommet  
and place the bottom end where you want it while holding the sharp  
end in the grommet and the front guy line with one hand. Then while  
holding the front guy line taught and with downward force, pull it  
out to where you want to put the stake in. The pole ought to stay in  
the whole time. If you slip, let go immediately so the pole will just  
fall over/out.

I found that I could use the tiny titanium stakes on the four corners  
but needed some sturdier ones for the front and back ends. I found  
these sturdy ones on the trail. I had a Y-shaped one and a large  
aluminum hook and both worked well. Enormous rocks on top of the  
stakes were also necessary in difficult conditions. Those are the  
times when I'm happy people don't practice LNT and leave their fire  
rings set up!


On Feb 7, 2010, at 5:49 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> Last Thursday afternoon, I at last took my Tarptent Contrail  
> outside to
> try it in the gusty wind and showers....  Or what is the trick to  
> pitching the tent
> without the trekking pole slipping out?