[pct-l] Pct-L Digest, Vol 47, Issue 6

[Annie Mac]

Well I hate to be the negative nancy here, but I hated my Contrail. I ended up swapping mine out 300 miles in.  I know a lot of people enjoyed theirs, but I also know of a lot of people that hated them as much as I did.  Make sure that you really want this tent, and are willing to use 47 guylines to make it tight.  I found it was too much of a hassle and wasn't what I wanted.  It was super spacious, and the front pole was never an issue, but I found that it was very difficult to pitch it so that it would remain waterproof.  And there was always a lot of condensation.  For those that kept theirs for the whole trail, it seemed to hold up fine from wear and tear, but always use a ground cloth. 

 I would strongly suggest checking out the Rainbow design instead and modify it so that you can use your poles to make it free standing.  You will have more options, and find it much less of a hassle.  

Annie

> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2011 12:01:41 -0700
> From: Russell Mease <measerp at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Pct-L Digest, Vol 47, Issue 5
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID:
> 	<CAFtt5K+e56oo2imt54DoLjDSNcAo4+jrmry4CROLoMA4OMqt+w at mail.gmail.com>
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> 
> Hello,
> 
> Does anybody have feedback on Tarptent's Contrail?  At 24.5 Oz it is the
> right weight but I have some concerns:
> - How does it stand up in the desert?  Specifically if you have a sandy
> bottom and therefore no place to drive stakes?  I suppose I would just
> sleep under the stars in that case.
> - The pole coming down in the middle of the entrance looks like it would be
> annoying.  Has this been a problem for anybody?
> - Is there enough room with the wind-flap down to store all your gear
> comfortably?
> - How did this tent hold up in wet weather?
> 
> Thanks for any feedback you can provide.  I am doing the PCT in 2012 NOBO
> and am interested is this held up for anybody throughout their thru-hike.
>  If you have other tent's you recommend I would be interested as well.
> 
> Thanks All!
> Russ Mease