Tarptent Options – 1P – Opinions wanted

The Moment has served me well. It has seen it's share of wind, rain, and even moderate snow. I wanted something simple, light, reliable, and cost effective and the Moment delivered. Only downside is that condensation has been an issue but that really depends on what kind of elements you are using it in. If I could change one thing, it would be to make the carbon fiber end struts easier to remove so that the tent could be stuffed rather than rolled (although the Rainbow can do this) and have top vents that stay open better.

Here is how I would choose if doing it all over:
1. Rainbow for high humidity climates (more roomy) or base camp style trips.
2. Moment for drier climates, windy areas, or for more ease of setup.

But being I like trekking poles now, I would jump all over the new Notch which is pretty much a double wall Moment that uses my poles.

I did a lot of research in looking for a 1P tarp tent this past summer. I looked at several TT (Contrail, Moment, etc.) as well as solos from SMD, Lightheart, and hammocks. I decided for the money, weight, space, and size to go with the Six Moon Designs Skyscape. You can get the Trekker in your price range and at 23.75 oz. on my scale. You can purchase the optional poles at 2 oz. each for a minimal price through SMD. I love the skyscape and am so glad I stuck with this decision. You can also get the Skyscape Scout for $125 and at 33 oz. Same tent and the Trekker, but made of different material.If you are wanting to stay with Henry's tents, IMO, the Moment was my favorite option.

On a side note, if you are taller (6'3 +), I would look at the Lightheart Gear solo tents for some extra room. Just my two cents.

Jason

Specifically the Lightheart Gear Solong 6 if you are over 6'1" or are using thick sleeping pads or a thick winter bag. Tons of room for 1 and fits two average size people easily.

I'm 5'-11" and use a 20X72 Nemo Astro Pad if that makes a difference.

I currently use a Moment (and a Scarp and Hogback). I agree with Ryan's thoughts above. I thought about trying a Rainbow for a little more room, but decided to give the 2012 Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 a try instead. It's supposedly at 2.75 lbs, with the possibility to get it down to 2.5 lbs. When packed, it's also shorter but bulkier than the Moment or Rainbow. See the "Considering a Copper Spur" thread posted to recently.

Shelters are a never-ending compromise. :)

Already have a BA Seedhouse 3 for myself and 2 younger boys, and my Scout has a Seedhouse 2 for his monthly Scout outings. The Seedhouse 2 will hold up better for him with the stronger materials.

For my solo use, I don't want to spend what BA is asking for their doublewall tents and want to get into a Tarptent.

I'd much rather prefer picking up a slighly used Rainbow or Moment for the times I need to be solo and don't need a true doublewall tent. I want something easy to set up and will not be using trekking poles.

I'm most interested in hearing people's opinions on why they choose the Moment over the Rainbow, or the Rainbow over the Moment and why. Being here in the midwest, it's very humid. With the occasional trip to the rockies mixed in a couple times a year.

Thanks.

Dan

It's somewhat rare to see used TT's for sale, when you do they sell pretty fast usually. If you are waiting on a specific model you might be waiting a while.

I think the decision between a Moment vs Rainbow is all about space. If you can fit into a Moment it sets up faster, easier and with less stakes but a Rainbow has more room. They are both single wall so as far as humidity should be about the same except the Rainbow would have more internal volume so might be slightly better on humidity. Both are offered with optional liner so you could add that to deal with humidity.

If you can comfortably fit into it, I think the Notch is the best 1 man TT option going right now even if you don't use trekking poles and you have to add 4 oz of optional tent poles. That means for 30oz you have a double wall, double door, side entry, fully enclosed 1 man shelter with tons of vestibule space.

I was a little tight in a Notch in the shoulder area (6' tall, 260lbs, 50 jacket, slightly clausterphobic) so I ended up with a Contrail for more room (42"+ at the head/shoulder area) but if I would have been comfortable in it I would have kept the Notch.

Since you dont want to use hiking poles, consider the Rainbow. Easy to set up, not a lot of stakes needed. I use 6, or 4 and a couple rocks..They show up used from time to time. I picked a used 2006 one here on gear trade for $130 4-5 years ago, and use it a good bit. My 125 pound Great Dane fits in w/me, at 6', 190 pounds.I have no experience w/the Moment, but use to own a Contrail, prefer the Rainbow. May use my Rainbow next Sept. on 10 day JMT hike..

Hi Dan – I have had both the Moment and Rainbow. The Moment has noticeably less volume everywhere – less headroom, smaller footprint and less length. However, the Moment is easier and quicker to set up, requires fewer pegs for a good pitch, and packs a little smaller. In very windy conditions, the smaller volume, lower profile, and overall shape of the Moment puts it several notches ahead of the Rainbow. I would pick the moment if you need Tarptent's version of a single walled bomb shelter. If you need more room at the expense of some overall performance in very inclement weather, then go for the Rainbow.

Yup – both are excellent and this is kind of like picking your preferred child.

David you own the Notch too? How does that compare?

Dan,

"For my solo use, I don't want to spend what BA is asking for their doublewall tents and want to get into a Tarptent."

Then don't spend what BA is asking. ;)

I only paid $35 more for my new 2012 Copper Spur compared to my new 2011 Moment with liner. Once I add up the cost of seam sealer and sweat equity, I consider the price difference a wash.

CS: $280 (after discount I found)
Moment: $215 + $30 liner = $245 (the Rainbow is a little more I think)

Obviously used prices and availability factor into your decision too.

I'm not trying to argue, just sharing the same arguments I've had with myself. :)

I think for my purposes, I'll go with a rainbow. Thanks to a nice member, I have a line on a used one and hopefully will be completing the transaction soon.

If the Rainbow is not for me, I'll pass it along to another member and go a different route, much like everyone else here constantly updating gear.

Dan