Tarptent Notch Li – zipper add?

[Flat Hat]

I’ve purchased a Notch Li on the gear swap, thinking about switching the velcro door closures to a #5 waterproof zipper.  Anybody thought about that or done the mod?

 

 

[Roger Caffin]

Waterproof zippers are pretty horrible in the cold.
I have been using standard #3 coil-coil zips on my tents for over a decade without problems. Needless to say, I treat them with suitable care.

Cheers

[Flat Hat]

Thanks!

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

I like waterproof zips, even in the cold. Note that nearly every high end ski jacket and mountaineering shell uses a waterproof zipper (e.g. Arcteryx).

I think a waterproof zipper would be a nice improvement to your tent. Note that the StratoSpire Li uses one. The clips are lighter but IMO quite a bit more fiddly.

[Flat Hat]

Thank you Dan, this makes sense to me.  I bought an unused TT Notch Li thanks to this forum and practiced setting it up yesterday a dozen times in a local park.  I think one reason TT decided against zippered doors might in part be to try to keep the weight down – it weighs under 19oz in it’s stuff sack!

 

I must say that at 6’4 180 on a long wide mummy Therm-a-Rest pad, it seemed a bit snug inside to me.  Today it’s raining so unable to do more set ups – need some more set up practice before I decide to keep it or do a catch and release.

 

It has the handle up adaptors and I am using a ground cloth.  Even so, it is noticeably lighter than my duplex camo and smaller as well in it’s DCF stuff sack.

 

Jonathan

[Todd T]

Being 6’5″, 210, I can speak to the size/fit concern.  I have an older Notch, and it’s definitely snug for us trees.  You have to be willing to do the scoot-sit thing to sit up, and occasionally you’ll find your head touching the inner as you sleep (it only takes a tiny bit of sliding to get out of the clear zone).  That said, I’ve never slid into anything that would get me wet, and I’m quite happy with the tent, at least for 3-season trips.  For winter trips with long nights, I find it a bit tight for the long hours.

Mine has a zipper, and I’ve often envied the newer models without it.  I hear complaints that it’s difficult or fiddly to close and open the clip, but have to lean just as far into the vestibule to zip mine all the way shut, and there’s a clip there as well to keep pressure off the zipper, so I don’t understand the clip consternation with the new model.  I have no idea how the velcro’d overlap does in the wind.

Good luck.

[Flat Hat]

Thanks for the input, Todd

[Flat Hat]

I’ve set up the Notch Li 20 times in 2 days and climbed in and out and laid in it on my pad enough to know it’s not for me.  Now listed in Gear Swap as a catch and release.  I would very much like to try out a Moment DW!

 

Jonathan

[bradmacmt]

I’d be willing to pay a weight penalty for a zip system on the Aeon…

[Franco Darioli]

Zpacks Plexamid alteration from Ultralight

[HkNewman]

Yeah was just about to post the reddit thread but Franco beat me …

May depend where the magnets are on future shelters (there needs to be a debate vs zippers for long term ownership), but also whether we want shelters to tackle high mountain ridges .. or more protected areas with trees (complicating this is the number of beetle or fire weakened trees in the US west .. i.e. “widowmakers”).  Maybe retrofit kits in the case of wanting more magnets?  Thinking a specialist would have to add a zipper (I’ll let someone else experiment with that first on a DCF shelter).

[Franco Darioli]

i thought it was funny because all too often we tend to think that our own way is the best way.

[Steve H]

Hi, new member here looking for some hard data use case on whether the Notch Li can indeed accommodate a long wide (25×76) sleeping pad (Nemo Alpine).  Henry tells me it can, but it would push the corners a bit but won’t hurt it.  Not saying I don’t trust Henry – seems to be a genuine standup guy & gifted designer – just trying to vet it out a little more.

The Alpine would be my preference, but they don’t make it in regular wide like Ryan’s
Tensor Insulated.  Which would be my second choice if the long wide doesn’t “really” work.

Also, I’d appreciate any input (also considering the SS Li or even Aeon Li) your thoughts on if the Stratosphere Li footprint size would be OK where I do most of my backpacking (Pisgah, Smokies, AT).  The extra room would give me versatility re taking my wife, dog, etc., & still be a manageable weight.  But my primary use would be solo so Notch Li or Aeon Li are in play as well.  Finally, would you recommend the DW Notch Li over the Aeon Li for the Appalachian mountains & where I do most of my wet/damp/chilly camping?

Thanks in advance.  I’ve finally found an Nemo Alpine rectangular long wide in stock & have it in my shopping cart but am hesitant to pull the trigger given Notch Li (preferred shelter) fit.  Thanks again.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

BTW, I put silicone zipper lube on my Gen. 2 Notch Li zippers – just in case. I think I’ll be fine even in sub zero temps, if that happens by some odd weather system.

Normally I use my TT Moment DW for winter camping and yes, all those zippers are lubed too, just like those on my SCARP 2.

[Scott S]

Hi, Steve. Just curious if you came to any conclusions. Other than my hiking location (PNW) I’m in a similar boat. I like the Aeon Li for decent wind performance, but concerned about single wall. I like the Notch Li for weight and weather, but concerned about room. (At 5’9” I’m not as tall as you seem to be but it’s almost 25% less space than my current Copper Spur UL HV 1. Not that I couldn’t get used to it in time….) And I like the SS Li for room, weight is meh for solo hiking (although great for a double), and wondering about its footprint (even with pitching one of the vestibules straight). Someone else on these threads mused about a Notch Li “1.5” or SS 1 Li. Either would be perfect!

[Steve H]

Scott S, Sure a Notch Li 1.5 or SS 1 Li I think would find a ready market & be quite appealing, but not holding my breath.  I expect next Henry will come out with a Notch Li w Sil Inner w a roof (he has a sil inner now but only the DCF inner has the roof).  My mind is pretty made up on the Notch Li as is.  My primary focus is super light, solo, decent hydrostatic head, easy pitch, small footprint shelter.  I think the SS Li is too much/too big given these requirements, & although I’d consider a single wall – I do not want to brush up (or worry about brushing up) against a wet wall with my bag/quilt.  I suspect the inner is fine for the Notch Li, especially considering the generous vestibules.  And if I went single wall it’d probably be the Protrail Li over the Aeon Li to significantly reduce the likelihood of touching the walls.  I’ve considered the BA Tiger Wall UL1 since it’s so so cheap on sale right now – but the HH is poor & much of what Ive read is it’s a pretty ‘tender’ floor & shelter overall.  Too bad, $261 is tempting.  I’m 5’10” so we’re similar – I think the Notch Li is plenty long, wide enough since it’s the inner wall not the single wall you may touch.  Haven’t pulled the trigger yet, but that’s my #1 right now.  Interested in any other thoughts/options.  I do like the Aeon Li but not much weight diff & as a restless sleeper I’m pretty sure I’d be up against that wet wall some.  Thanks, Steve

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Rainy days are good “set-up practice days”. Never waste a rainy day.

[Author]

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