Patrol Shelter Pitching Options?

Anybody? :)

I have not used one, but I got to look over one in spectralite. It is a very specialized tarp. You have some adjustment in terms of height/width, but that is about it. If you want versatility, go with a flat tarp. If you know that you will only be using one pitch, get a tarp that works in that configuration.

It's a nice shelter design, a huge improvement over the golite lair.

I wouldn't use a cat cut tarp as a lean too either, as the center ridgeline won't hold that much tension.

Thanks for chiming in. I'm fine with the speciality of the tarp I think. Good to know it can't be pitched lean-to style. I figure for the times it's nice out I'll be cowboy camping anyways, having the tarp setup just in case. I guess my real question is – what are the views like when setup at a normal height (like for a light drizzle with no wind)?

Kari,

I had the patrol for a season. Its a great shelter and very storm worthy. I could go on and on about the positives but here are my observations on the negatives as compared to a flat or caternary cut tarp.

* Must use hiking pole handle up for the front… more likely to slip out. I never had this happen, however.
* Setting up the front is fussier than a flat tarp. You need to get the pole in the right place and adjust two lines versus one for a flat tarp.
* Harder to get in under the beak but still not that bad.
* Views and end to end ventilation impacted by the beak and rear wall.

Advantages – I stayed dry in a NASTY downpour that would have definitely misted under a normal flat tarp. With that said, I'm using a MLD Grace Duo currently.

……..before I sold it, and ordered another in Spectralite(Cuben fiber)

I don't think you could or would even really want to pitch the Patrol as a lean-to. If you want pitch versatility, then I'd go with a tarp.

If you want increased weather protection, especially at the front & rear, then go with the Patrol.
The closed-off rear, and front beak, were the main reasons I chose the Patrol.

I believe that the Patrol will be my shelter of choice for years to come.