2007 Tarptent Contrail Changes

Mine is in the mail to me as we speak… I probably don't need the adjustableness (is that a word?), so I guess I don't have to worry about whether I got an '06 or '07 model :)

The adjustment method looks pretty good though, glad this was thought of.

Ryley

OK, so what does this do for you? What does it correct?

There is a saying in Australia "If your on a good thing stick to it" that is don't change if it works. And I think the point Bob is trying to make is, why change, what is the purpose? As a contrail user I agree with Bob

I'll stake a stab at explaining this because, well, I can! I think that for most users the modification isn't really necessary. You can always drop the back struts if needed and there's still clearance between the roof panel and the foot of a sleeping bag, at least if you can skootch forward a bit. For taller users that is a bit harder/more awkward so the mod does make it better for them. The other reason the mod makes some sense is that it allows the struts to stay vertical and thus give more support at the rear as well as provide a fixed location from which to tension the rear floor corners. Otherwise, angling the struts inward means that you loose rear floor tension and rear panel tension unless you also untie/unclip the rear floor and panel corners and stake them independently.

-H