[pct-l] Notch or Contrail?

[Melanie Clarke]

I used a Z-Pack this year on my section hikes and it was WONDERFUL, and
less than a pound for a 2 person tent!  Cuban Fiber is great stuff!  I was
on the AT this year and it kept out the rain.  They will sew in the Cuban
fiber bathtub bottom instead of the mesh, if you want.  It would increase
the weight and you lose the flexibility of a separate ground tarp for
cowboy camping or to spread out on a shelter.  There are advantages both
ways but one night we were in a windy, driving rain storm and the loose
bathtub bottom moved around during the night and allowed a little bit of
rain through the mesh.  We were good,  It wasn't too bad but a sewn in
bottom would have kept us completely dry, I think..

Toga

On Mon, 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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