Tarptent Squall 2 Tent REVIEW

An interesting review which corresponds a lot with some of my experiences: tensioning of the beak, front vent as a work in progress, … But definitely a very fine shelter.
2 question though:
1) it appears I’ve got an earlier version of the squall é withut the guyline adjusters. Can these be refitted afterwards by myself?
2) I’ve got the impression that the bathtub floor is not sewn in but that it uses some elastic cord instead to attach it. I currently have a floorless modell and use a footprint from my 4-season tent which matches perfectly but it’s pretty heavy. Is this bathtub floor seperatly available?

Hi John,

These are good comments. You are correct that pitching the rear into the wind is important during windy conditions. However, I find that pitching it low and wide with the side guyouts used and dual trekking poles is the best approach, regardless of tent orientation. When the front is dropped as low as it can with the floor at full tension, the tent does a good job of handling wind from any angle. Pitched at standard height, though, it is definitely better to have the rear into the wind.

It’s important to note also that this is no bomber tent. While it handles wind much better than the original Squall, it still isn’t designed for extreme conditions.

Thanks for the feedback!
Doug Johnson

Hi John,

Yes- when using fixed length trekking poles or the optional TT poles, I do this by angling the poles to the sides and have also dug out holes in extreme conditions. With collapsible poles it’s obviously much easier. From memory, I believe that the corners were almost to ground level but not quite due to limitations caused by the floor. I’d have to play with it again to respond more accurately.

When pitched this low, condensation becomes much more of an issue; I’ve only done this when conditions were abnormally windy.

Have a good one!
Doug

Doug

Thanks for the informative review.

I would also be interested in your thoughts concerning the Gossamer Gear/Tarptent Squall Classic.

Regards

Howdy, I am in agreement with the issue regarding the front strut. The Rainshadow 2 has the same issue.

Observation: if you roll up the Squall 2in a certain fashion, having the front strut makes it EASIER to achieve the right shape to fit into the stuff-sack tube.

However, that same feature makes it difficult to roll or fold the tent into any other shape. Did not want to attempt to remove the strut, for fear of damaging the Rainshadow 2.

Perhaps Henry Shires could make an easily removable front strut a feature for the Squall 2.1, Rainshadow 2.1, et al?