[pct-l] Notch or Contrail?

[Dan Welch]

Just to be clear, I will carry the fly and a polycryo ground sheet, so I
should stay out of the wet.  What I will sacrifice is the netting (but I
don't expect many mozzies in SoCal) and the bathtub floor.  I expect I'll
stay as dry as others doing a tarp shelter...

Timberline

-----Original Message-----
From: Marcia Powers [mailto:GottaWalk at pacbell.net] 
Sent: Monday, July 08, 2013 2:11 PM
To: Dan Welch
Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Notch or Contrail?

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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