Tarptent Notch Vs SMD Lunar Solo/Skyscape Trekker

I've had a Lunar Solo E for many years, and my partner last year had a new Skyscape Trekker. Both are excellent shelters.

Differences I've noticed:

The LSe can be pitched at a variety of peak heights depending on the weather. Not so the Trekker.

The Trekker is better ventilated with mesh walls on two side vs. one for the LSe.

They have the same total vestibule area, but that is all in one vestibule for the LSe (great for a large pack, dog, or small child) while there are two separate and smaller vestiblues in the Trekker…..AND….

You can not access both vestibules from inside the Trekker (a design flaw IMHO) while the entire vestibule area in the LSe is immediately available and accessible.

The LSe requires only one pole to set up; the Trekker takes two.

The Skyscape is available in three different materials, including a rediculously light cuben version (the X), each with corresponding weights. The LSe is only available in silnylon.

Closed up completely, the LSe is less prone to condensation than is the Trekker, which turns into a condensation station without a good breeze. With both vestibules open, condensation is a non-issue with the Trekker.

If I had to pick one, I'd take the LSe, but remember, mine is the older version with more floor space (but less headroom) than the current LSe model. If it were not for the $450 price tag, I'd sure like to try the Skyscape X.

The Trekker beats the Rainbow everywhere but cost; it's $10 more. That said, I also have a Double Rainbow. Were I to choose between the RB and the DRB for a solo trek, I'd take the DR every time. Yes, it's 7 oz. heavier, but you get 7 more square feet of floor area and more importantly, TWO vestibules and TWO doors, tremendous cross ventilation (better than the Trekker) and you can really sleep TWO adults inside comfortably with room to spare, although your packs will live in the vestibules or under your legs. It's a palace for solos.

thanks so much for the detailed reply wandering_bob. Much food for thought.

How is condensation with the Lunar Solo with the ventilated side exposed?

Do you have any experience with the Notch?

Thanks again,
Brad

I can't imagine how one could get any condensation with both fly pieces rolled back on the Lunar Solo. At that point, it would effectively be a lean-to with a mesh curtain.

I pitch mine like that every chance I get. Waking up to a bug-free, full panorama of sunrise is one of backpacking's greatest pleasures.

NM ;^)

Hi,

I bought a Notch last week and used it for a 2 night trip. It served me but at 30f the mesh was a bit breezy as I was using a quilt, easily remedied by using a bivy or the solid inner that will be out soon.

Cheers,

Stephen

@Brad:

I have no experience with, nor I have yet seen, a "live" Notch; they're just too new.

Condensation in the LSe with just one half of the vestibule open is non-existent (for me), in part because I pitch mine 3 inches higher than normal so both end mesh walls are essentially vertical. The LSe canopy is designed to float rather than be tied into a specific configuration.

With both halves tied back, it would be very difficult to get any condensation, although I suppose anything is possible under the right atmospheric conditions.

If the air were absolutely still, the humidity high, and bug pressure acceptable, I'd tie back both halves of the vestibule and tie the mesh door open for maximal air movement. I've never seen it even close to that here in the PNW.

Was that not a stratospire 1 Stephen?

It was indeed an Ss1.

Thanks for pointing it out.

No problem Stephenm, i thought for one moment your gear buying frenzy had went into extreme overdrive… :-)

No gear buying frenzy for me, just picking up kit after moving from Europe :-)

Condensation is in a lightweight tent is a mystery to me. Last fall I did a backpacking trip with my Skyscape Trekker at Point Reyes National Seashore which is about 30 miles north of San Francisco. The first night at Coast Camp, with all four flaps rolled up, I had major condensation on the one small section of the tent that doesn't roll up. The next night at Wildcamp Camp, I had only one section rolled up and had no condensation at all. I think under certain conditions you will get condensation no matter what kind of lightweight tent you have. I accept it and wipe it down with a handkerchief.

"I think under certain conditions you will get condensation no matter what kind of lightweight tent you have."

When temperature and humidity conspire, condensation happens. Lightweight has nothing to do with it. Northern California coastal camping AKA marine layer camping is a recipe for condensation especially in the absence of breezes. I'm guessing that your first night was lower down in the marine layer and/or more sheltered and your second night was higher up in the marine layer or perhaps out of it altogether.

-H