[pct-l] Notch or Contrail?

[Edward Anderson]

I have not had experience with either of those tents.  I have ridden the PCT from Mexico to Canada.  I brought an MSR Hubba.  I only used the rainfly if it was raining, snowing, or if it seemed as though it might during the night.  I also used it if I wanted privacy, which was not often a consideration since I almost always camped alone with my horse. So. for me, need for the rainfly was pretty rare.  Most important was that with just the netting I could see outside and the ventilation was great. Even with the rainfly on, condensation was never a problem since that tent is designed to favor ventilation and there is good separation between the netting and the rainfly.  The Hubba would not be large enough for two - but, they also offer the Hubba-Hubba two person tent.  The MSR tents are very easy to set up and are free-standing until staked - you can easily move the Hubba to a different location if you wish.
 
From your description of the two tents under consideration I would go with the Tarp Tent.
 
Have a great hike,
 
MendoRider
 

________________________________
 From: Dan Welch <welchenergy at gmail.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Monday, July 8, 2013 8:49 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Notch or Contrail?
  


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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