Tarptent Notch

I've used the TT Moment quite a bit over the past two years in the northern-central Sierra and have always been happy with it, but the two factors that you note as beneifits of the Notch, "…dual wall and ability to really open it up for ventilation," are exactly what I would change on the Moment. Like you, I do not use trekking poles and dislike the small diameter optional poles offered as a workaround due to their lack of steadiness especially when compared to actual trekking poles. I'm sticking with my Moment for now, but if TarpTent implemented the additional door for increased ventilation and double wall design into version 2 of the Moment, well then I'd be first in line to buy.

Sorry to hear about Pip, Franco.

Thanks Jacob, I miss her…

Alex
Re poles
I feel like you do about the substitute poles particularly because I use strong trekking poles (ie : not the CF type) and set my tents up very taut.
(maybe a reason why they don't fail for me…)
However I don't recall negative comments from people that use the substitute poles and judging by the Aussie orders I would say that there are several hundreds of people out there using them.
Anyway , what's up with not using trekking poles ?
Do you have an allergy or something ?
Franco

Which of the 'Shires tents has the best snow loading?

I was thinking about a Scarp, but this looks interesting.

Thanks!

Franco, sorry to hear about Pip, a good cat is a joy.
No trekking poles here either, they might be nice for high water crossings.
Duane

Now THIS is something I've been after for years! A trekking pole set up with a small, Moment-like footprint and dual doors. Fantastic!

Personally, the only thing that I'd like to add to the design is a solid or semi-solid fabric inner. One of the problems I often have here is fine dust and debris blowing in and mesh doesn't stop it. If there would be a possibility for a solid fabric inner… if not fully enclosed, then at least halfway up… then I'd spring for this design immediately. May I ask if this possibility is in the works, or if it might be possible to request it?

Miguel
Ask, ask…
but since you are asking, why the Notch and not the SS1 ?
Franco

I need the smaller footprint. That's the main reason I prefer the Notch. I already have a Duomid and can't justify another similar item at the moment.

Admittedly I haven't checked the footprints of the two in detail yet. Is there a big difference that way? Is the SS1 stronger wind-wise?

OK, I thought so…
Yes the SS1 is larger, both the floor area and the vestibules too.(35" deep vestibules…)
Not sure about wind performance.
I had moderate winds on it in the Aussie Alps (only 30kmph gusts, when I measured…) but the poles did not move one bit.
The SS1 should be as good if not better.
My mate has had his Moment in pretty strong winds in British Columbia 9Queen Charlotte Islands) and Minnesota so I am confident that having the same end and using strong trekking poles it will do well too.
I was a bit concerned about the size of the SS2 (having used almost exclusively solo shelters for years…) but figured out that all I needed was a flat area for the floor because it does not really matter if under the vestibule is flat or not.
So in spite of the uneven terrain I managed very well with that one, making the SS1 easier again to pitch.
Choices, choices…
(the fabric inner had been discussed about the SS1, Henry needed a bit more convincing to go that way too)
Franco

I need one plumbed for hot water. :) So many choices and no ones happy. You can only do so much.
Duane

For those comparing the Tarptent 1 person shelters……

When you've been around in the UL world as long as I have and you either have or have had or tried or made as many shelters as I have, then anything new had better have a good reason for what it does. We're all searching for the Shangri-La of shelters. :-)

Looks like another great TT design.

Franco wrote, "Anyway , what's up with not using trekking poles ? Do you have an allergy or something?"

I don't need them. I know this sounds crazy, but I only need my two feet to walk. Besides, I like having my hands free while walking so I can easily pick my nose, scratch myself, and flip off children on the trail.

@Bob Bankhead

Those diagrams are awesome! Thanks!

You're welcome. That's a composite I made using copies of what's on Henry's website under "Specs" and "Show Dimensions" for each item. Thought some might find it helpful and avoid a few unnecessary questions.

Thanks Bob
The yellow mat in those drawings is the standard 20"x72" L type.

Alex
well , you are weird.
"Besides, I like having my hands free while walking so I can easily pick my nose, scratch myself, and flip off children on the trail.'
If you learned to use poles correctly, you would have your hand through the straps therefore would be able to still pick your nose and scratch yourself whilst walking with them .
If you really have problems visualising this, I'll do a You Tube clip for you.
As for flipping children , I find that the shoulder bump is more effective and least expected.
It all boils down to using the proper technique.
And don't come back to me in a few years complaining about bad knees, I have no sympathy for that whatsoever.

Franco

So, Franco, if you had to choose between the Notch and the SS1 which would you pick?

Not sure if I prefer the weight and stored size of the Notch or the extra room inside the StratoSpire 1, probably the former…
Franco

Depends on how many dogs/cats you want to put inside! The SS1 has more square feet.

OK, so I've been strongly considering buying the Moment for awhile, but now the Notch is out and I can't decide!

Since I've never been in either, I'm hoping someone can help me out with these questions.
1) Which is easier to set up?
2) Which has less condensation problems (factoring in that I'd use a liner for the Moment)?

It seems like the Notch would be superior in terms of condensation, but how much better is it? Just kind of better or way way better? I live in the PNW and want to worry about condensation as little as possible. Is the Notch leaps and bounds above the Moment + liner in this regard?

Andrew, since I've never seen either one I'm in the dark as much as you are, but since the Notch has 2 doors I'd think the Notch works much better in terms of condensation management. Plus you can set it up with inner only, too, when things get really warm.

If you already use poles go with the Notch. If you like the idea of two doors go with the Notch. If you want it up with two stakes get the Moment.

How the storm flaps are fixed when closed, is there a zipper? I can not tell it from the pictures.

Are the optional poles similar to arch poles in other tents, or are they made of stronger tubes?

As for wind stability, is Notch comparable to StratoSpire 1, or is it weaker? How would they both compare to, say, Scarp 2 without cross-poles? I mean, with my Scarp 2 I usually leave the cross-poles at home and take the basic 6 stakes plus 2 stakes and guys for the arch, just in case of a less protected camp site. Will some of these 1-person tents provide similar stability?

Decided this design was just too cool and placed my order. Looking forward to getting it!