Tarptent Thread

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Here are my "winter mods" to my Moment DW. Also (barely) visible are stakes thru loops on the fly hem holding the lower edge of the fly down.

The X-ing pole goes into the original Hypalon pockets and do touch the ground when everything is "battened down" for a storm. I cut 5 5/8" off the pole. You can see that the X-ing pole makes a "hump" in the fly. That extra supported area was my goal in putting it inside the fly.

I may rig a 2nd staked cord to the hiking/ski poles to keep them stable in high winds.

With these modifications I am confident the tent can handle heavy wet snow loads IF I keep the sides dug out during a storm.

[Michael Melo]

Nice addition's and changes Eric. I'll be copying a few of those on my newly ordered Moment DW, thanks for sharing.

I was wondering if you would mind sharing the length of the guy lines you are using for the main pole guy lines and the hiking pole tie down. Also are you using guy lines on the hem tie downs? I have asked Henry to add these guy line loops to my Moment DW as well.

Thanks,

Michael

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Michael,

>The side guy lines coming from the main hoop are 5 ft. long before I attached the end clips and Line Loc adjusters.
>The end guy lines are 8 ft. long before attachments. I use a clove hitch around the hiking pole. It's fast, adjustable and stays in
place.

HEM STAKE LOOPS> If I need to use them I will put the stakes right through the hem loops (no additional cord loops). This is to keep the hem as close to the ground as possible to keep out wind and snow. For snow camping I'll tie the deadmen cord to the loops in deep snow camps.

Normally I use MSR Ground Hog stakes, the newer curved blade type B/C they hold a bit better in forest floor loam.

Also I've coated the top 1/2 of the fly with a 5:1 ratio of odorless mineral spirits to clear GE Silicone caulk. Applied with a narrow, short knapper paint roller. The excess is then wiped down evenly with blue paper "shop towels" B/C they are absorbent and don't leave paper lint behind. I did the same for the outer surface of the floor. OK, it adds maybe two oz. but gives total waterproofing.

[Michael Melo]

Thanks Eric! I have a better idea on accessories to purchase now.

Re the water proofing work, great instruction. I thought TT switched out the Silnylon they were using a few years ago to one with a higher HH than previously used, effectively solving the misting issue?

M

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Michael,

You're right about the better silnylon coating on the newer Tarptents, it is much better, but I did it anyway "just to be sure.

I also sprayed the outer side of the inner tent with Revivex. It helps shed condensation that falls from the inside of the fly.

Always "belt & suspenders", ya know.

[John Mc]

I didn't know this….. I had a Contrail about 5 years ago that I took out on two very wet weekends. Both times I was misted on the entire night. I woke up to everything being wet. This wasn't a seam sealing issue or condensation issue. It was misting through the fabric. After this experience I never bought another Tarptent, and that's been hard, especially with some of their great designs.

So if they have a higher HH silnylon that's great news for where I live. I may have to try again.

[Andy F]

Nice mods, Eric!

[John Harbison]

Your modifications got me thinking about this tent. I will be looking to buy a shelter next year for a through hike of the AT. Unless something dramatic changes (in the next year!) I will probably go after a Moment DW. I am trying to get a better feel for the geometry and can't find specs on the poles.
Could someone tell me the length & diameter of those poles? Also, I see that they are now available in either AL or Carbon Fiber. Hopefully, it won't start a war, but what does this community think about this option? Thanks!

[jimmer ultralight]

Eric's TT Monent now has it's OWN thread!!!
Seriously Eric, very smart and savvy tent mods.. Who need a 5lb Hilleberg ,anyway..?;)

[Ken Thompson]

If you only had a color choice with Tarptent… Thanks Eric, and jimmer.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Guess my "enthusiasm" for Tarptents (some may call it obsession) meant a TT thread had to happen.

So send in your shots of Tarptents "in action". I'll look for a few of my own and post.

And post any suggestions you have for Henry Shires.
My most recent suggestion to him was to make MSR Ground Hog stakes an option, like the CF poles. He responded that he is looking into possibly using the mini Ground Hog stakes. Of course cost is the determinant, as Henry likes to keep his prices within reach.

And Franco, keep posting those nice TT photos and interesting comments.

[Alex Wallace]

SW:

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Alex, thanks!

Now that is what I meant when asking for photos of Tarptents. Those are all NationalGeo. shots.
I'm curious, what sleeping bag and mattress did you use in those frigid overnight temps?

BTW, I recognize that last photo as a single wall Moment. I owned one for four years before I got the DW.

[BlackHatGuy]

On the Superior Hiking Trail earlier this month.

[Alex Wallace]

You're welcome, Eric and thanks for the kind comment. I have a bunch more photos, but these are what I had readily available (already uploaded to my photo hosting account). When I have a moment (couldn't resist!), I'll upload some more.

I think the lowest temp. from those trips was about 15°F, so the pictures may make it seem colder than it was. I used a Moonstone Lucid 800 (20°F, 16 ounces of 800FP down) sleeping bag on top of a Therm-a-rest combo (1) short Prolite and (2) regular length RidgeRest (CCF). Also, I supplemented with a Mont-bell Alpine Light down parka (4.3 ounces of 800FP down) and Cap 2 base layer tops and bottoms.

With respect to single/double wall Moment, photos 1-5 are of a DW and 6-7 are a SW. I like both, but the DW is the obvious winner to me.

[Franco Darioli]

My favourite Moments :

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Thanks for posting your "favorite Moments".

[Roger Caffin]

Eric B has asked me to change the title of this thread to Tarptent Thread, like the Hilleberg tent thread. Well, OK.
That does not mean all tarptent posting have to go here: it's up to you where you post.

Cheers
Roger Caffin
Online Community Monitor
Backpacking Light

[kevperro .]

I have not owned one but I think the Moment is probably my favorite of Henry's designs.

[Christian Denniston]

First and only Tarptent. I haven't used it enough to tell how I like it just yet.

[Ken Thompson]

Even I will play along. Here's my Cloudburst on the Lost Coast in '06. My last end entry tent.

Back on the Lost Coast with my Double Rainbow. Tarptent was well represented on that trip. My last trip with conventional backpackers, in '08.

[Franco Darioli]

My other Tarptents
Another Moment (I swapped my original with a mate) :

The original Contrail :

Contrail MK III :

StratoSpire 2 :

the original Rainbow :

Scarp 1 (MKII):

Notch (MK1 with DIY MK2 upgrade):

Scarp 1 Mk 1 :

[Sean Passanisi]

Lago del Desierto, Patagonia. Sunrise over Cerro Fitz Roy.

[Roger Caffin]

Hi Franco

What's the hut with the Stratospire II? I am sure I've been there, but I can't put a name to it.

Cheers

[Franco Darioli]

Hi Roger,
That is Bluff Spur hut, Mt Sterling, about 3 weeks ago.

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