New Contrail set up

Franco:

If you want this much structure, don't you think you'll be happier in a 'real' tent? (heh heh)

Hi Ben
I am really happy with this latest version because it is still under 700g and by using the 2 poles at the front ( that I have with me anyway) I have an unobstructed entrance, a vestibule to keep the boots and pack (if wet) and with the middle guyline at the front extended (like the Squall) some decent space to use for cooking (boiling water….)
When I finish playing with the poncho/tent combo from Luxe, I might post a side by side picture of the standard set up and my (maybe) final version.
You should add one of these to your collection.

Franco

Franco, which do you prefer, the Contrail or the Rainbow? (evil sniggering laugh while frantically rubbing hands together)

But really, do you have a preference?

The Double Rainbow
Franco

Well, I guess there's always that possibility, too!

.

Howdy. Looking at pics and all, the DR certainly provides more convenience and space, etc. — but isn't it kind of 'extravagant' for solo use? Umm, you think I should get one too? :)

Franco,

Sorry to steal your thunder but John Haley already discovered pitching the contrail this way:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/reviews/display_reviews?forum_thread_id=4472&cat=Shelters%20%2D%20Single%20Wall%20Tents&cid=16
(I apoligizie for the cut and paste I do not know how to inbed links into posts)

Thanks for all the postings you have done on this site about the contrail and rainbow. You are part of the reason I bought a contrail and am considering buying a DR. Henry should really pay you a consulting fee.

Actually I gave credit to Franco in my post for the idea of the double poll front, and the idea for the rear poll came from Franco's use of a line from a hiking pole to support the rear. I guessed at the height of the pole I ordered for it, and I actually like the slightly shorter pole Franco is using a bit better.

I've had the opportunity to use this pitch on quite a few occasions now, and it's been a pleasure to have such a tight ridgeline. I've also continued to use the Theraband tensioners from the side/center stakes and they work extremely well in both keeping the fabric taut, and also keeping the sides well beyond the mesh.

Hi Stuart
Thank you for your comments.
The complete thread of my Contrail experience is at Practical Backpacking. The first pictures were posted on the 09/07/06 and the set up that John is using was posted on the 09/07/06 using a trekking pole. John, who also was inspired by my pictures to purchase the Contrail, ordered a carbon fiber pole to do that. As mentioned, because I now use the two poles at the front, yesterday I was trying to come up with an easy and light guyline holder to put on top of the pole. What I did was to reverse the end of a pole connection and to leave that attached to the guyline. Simple and effective. Note that my pole is a bit shorter than Quoddy's (!) and preserves the shape of the Contrail better.
Franco

Great idea. My one complaint about the Contrail is that water has pooled around my feet. Luckily it did not seep through.

with your added middle pole, which I like, why are the two outside corner poles still required?
It appears to me that you could lengthen the corner guylines and eliminate the corner poles.

– Klas (who has an old Virga with the arched foot and still loves it)

Hi Klas,
Yes with all those poles I thought that either Russia or Germany would invade.

A couple of reasons why.
1) it keeps the geometry of the floor, meaning you still have a "bathtub floor"
2) it increases rather than decrease the volume.
Both of the above are not really necessary so this is what you could end up with:
(To save time I had prepared this picture earlier on)

Looks like a different shelter, doesn't it ?
Franco

nice photo, thanks.
– k