[pct-l] Notch or Contrail?

[Marcia Powers]

You might want to reconsider carrying the tent in addition to the net. So CA in past years has had snow storms. I remember Henry Shire's calendar photo of his tent in snow in 1999. Ask him what his recommendation would be.

And then there is the story of hikers crammed in an old style phone booth to get out of a snow storm. 

Part of the fun of hiking is never knowing what you will get while on your journey!

GottaWalk

On Jul 8, 2013, at 8:49 AM, "Dan Welch" <welchenergy at gmail.com> wrote:

> 
> I'm thinking about a tent for a PCT thru-hike next year and I'd like to get
> it up soon so I can try it out later this year.  I am liking the TarpTent
> designs and trying to decide between a Notch and a Contrail.  The weight is
> very similar and the $60 price difference is not really a deciding factor.
> I'll tell you what I like or dislike about each and then I would love some
> opinions from those who have actually used or are familiar with either tent.
> 
> Notch - Likes: Tent netting can be separated from the fly.(I am thinking of
> just taking the fly until Kennedy Meadows.) Ventilation appears to be good.
> Better views. Good vestibule space. More storm worthy? (Tarptent says it is
> a 3-4 season tent vs the Contrail they list as a 3 season.)  Dislikes: Not
> possible to fit 2nd person in a pinch. (My wife may join me for a few nights
> on the trail.)  Less space in the tent than the Contrail (offset by more
> vestibule space.) 
> 
> Contrail - Likes: More space inside tent.  Two people can squeeze in if
> needed.  Dislikes:  Ventilation seems like it could be a problem. (Does wall
> condensation roll down inside the "bathtub"?) Inseparable - I have to carry
> the tent body even in SoCal.  Views always obscured - except for front
> entry.  Minimal vestibule space.
> 
> Anyway, thoughts from those with experience would be appreciated.  I have
> heard comments from Contrail owners that they may be a little finicky to
> pitch.  True?  How bad ARE the condensation problems?  Etc...
> 
> Thanks All!!
> Timberline
> 
> 
> 
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