TarpTent MoTrail

I love my Duplex…truly, deeply love it. But it was danged expensive and I’ve often wondered if faced with the need to replace it, would I buy it again?  Every alternative shelter I am aware of has too many negative trade-offs to make their reduction in price worthwhile.

This is the first tent that would make be consider not buying another duplex.

I don’t see the benefit over the Squall 2. Am I missing anything?

@Theo – yeah it looks pretty similar. I think I’d rather not have that little pole at the foot end but the entry looks very similar.

Looking at the comparative specs: MoTrail is slightly taller, rectangular bathtub rather than tapered wider at head/narrower at foot, and a couple of ounces heavier.  And maybe a little more storm coverage (flap at rear, beak comes down lower in front?).  But yeah, pretty close to the Squall 2 as far as I can see.

I don’t see the benefit over the Squall 2. Am I missing anything?

I’ll try to list the benefits/improvements

1. It’s hard to appreciate how much roomier it is until you get in but the difference is noticeable especially with regard to sleeping width and direction. Not only does the floor fit two wide, long pads–the Squall 2 does not–but it’s quite feasible to sleep with your head at the low end now as that end is 8 inches higher than it is on the Squall. That can be a nice thing when you’re sleeping next to someone who snores or whom otherwise you would rather not be sleeping face to face.  I took great advantage of that feature last fall using the MoTrail during a Wind River High Route traverse with a friend with whom I am not “that” close.
2. Front mesh door design is a huge improvement. Circular zipper makes is easy for either occupant to get in and out his/own side and door stores high and completely out of the way.
3. Vestibule space is dramatically larger and more protective.  Note that it’s now a real vestibule and no longer a beak with high edge.
4. Rear storm flap cuts off winds and windblown rain not otherwise possible in the Squall
5. Rear floor edge lifter/protector prevents feet from rolling into a wall.
6. Much, much better bathtub and lower fly edge makes for no worries about sidewall splash.
7. Full perimeter can be lowered to ground if you need/want to suit conditions.
8. No worries about breaking the rear arch pole.
9. Packed size is shorter and smaller (16in compared to 18in on the Squall ) and the top strut is much easier to take in out if you want to stuff it to whatever dimension you want.

-H

This Henry guy sounds suspiciously familiar with the tent considering it was just released yesterday…

Well I’m intrigued. It looks like a good two-person choice.

This Henry guy sounds suspiciously familiar with the tent considering it was just released yesterday…

It’s almost as if he designed the tent himself…

Great looking tent Henry!

According to the TT  Facebook page, one Henry Shires has made himself President of Tarptent, so I guess he gets to see the designs the TT CAD system produces before everybody else.

Congrats Henry! Yet another intelligent design. Do you ever stop dreaming of new designs?

Now there is a tent that has been very successfully tweaked (refined may be a better term). I once had a Contrail. This looks like a Contrail on steroids. I have a Scarp 2 for 4 season camping but if I needed a 3 season, 2 person light tent this would be it.

The fully enclosed vestibule is great for bad weather cooking in a tent this well ventilated.

Thanks Henry for explaining the advantages of the MoTrail! Makes a lot of sense, I just didn’t see it at first, not having an eye for details as I have used neither tent.

Has anyone picked one of these up yet and care to share their impressions?

I considered buying one for an upcoming hike with my wife but have not pulled the trigger, as I too am awaiting a bit more user feedback from the trail.

Someone has to be first.

Any feedback on the Motrail yet? I am thinking about going this way for my CT trip in July.

Wondering how it handles the wind.

isnt it just a 2 person protrail?

;)

But it’s mo.

I’m curious if it’s possible to not use the strut if set up with two front poles.  Franco?

So the MoTrail was released more than 6 months ago, and most of a summer has passed (all in the PNW :-( ). How is it? Anyone care to share a review?

Thanks!

Sorry I missed Chad’s question :

Is it  possible to not use the strut if set up with two front poles ?

Both the ProTrail and MoTrail can have a stick holding up the back or it can be tied to a tree or a shrub.

So if any of those options are available  and you want to use two poles at the front, it can be done.

I have one coming for a North Georgia extravaganza next weekend. Can’t wait!

Don

Last year I bought my first light weight tent, a Big Agnes Scout. Its okay but it has a few quirks that I really dislike.

It wasn’t until after I bought it did I find out about Tarp Tents. Wish I would have sooner, because I’ve been pining over the Motrail ever since. Its very similar in design to BA Scout but apears to fix all of my issues. Not to mention its cheaper and its made in the USA.

I have a Squall 2 and really like it, but don’t really care for the velcro system on the beak.  I think that the Motrail has a zipper.  That would make it nearly perfect shelter.  I will probably replace the Squall with a Motrail if the damn thing ever wears out!

Here is a user review from a link posted on the TT Facebook page :
http://www.bergreif.de/2016/10/04/tarptent-motrail-einwandzelt/
it is in German.
On Chrome right click on the page , a Translate to English will come up.