New Tarptents

[Franco]

Well this one is not a "tarptent", just from Tarptent.
Should work well for you guys....
http://www.tarptent.com/scarp1.html
For the ones that are familiar with this design, (single hoop) the Scarp 1 appears to have a much better end support and more ventilation options, so reduced condensation.
The 2 person version will be out later on. At a guess, add another 400g for that one.
For the minimalist, take a look at the Sublite Sil, http://www.tarptent.com/sublitesil.html, just over 600g but pretty solid design. Note the mini porch, should be OK for those rainy days....
Ryan Jordan at Backpakinglight commented that during an expected storm (all tents were set up ready for it) , out of the GG The One,the Six Moon Design Lunar Solo and the Tarptent Sublite Tyvek , only the Tarptent remained standing. I have done some tests using the Contrail with the two pole set up and I do think that the Sublite is indeed very sound for that type of shelter.
Note that the Tyvek version is not suited for prolonged hard rain, a bit like Epic.
Franco

[scockburn]

Very interesting , especially given the previous comments re the Tarp tent not holding up to bad weather. Thanks for info. Good food for thought . SC

[corvus]

With no disrespect how can any tarp tent cope with Tasmanian weather, the truth is that they cannot cope with all but the best weather in any State in Australia IMHO.
From castigation received from others on this Forum I believe that some OLT Tour Guides claim to sleep under StS Tarps ,I believe there is a serious OHS situation here knowing that some Guide Companies provide the best for their employees so go figure!!

[Franco]

Corvus
There is a difference between a tarptent and a Tarptent (the brand name) . At the moment only a few people have seen the new Scarp 1 in action, but based on past models and some knowledge on this type of design, I would respectfully suggest that you take at least a look at the specs before you make up your mind.
Franco

[corvus]

Franco,
Good reply I will investigate your choice and compare with Microlite .

[alliecat]

The new Scarp 1 from Tarptent.com does look interesting. It's most similar to the the Hilleberg Akto which is a very sound all-season tent. The Scarp 1 is a true double wall tent - not a "tarp" or a "tarptent", and it can be pitched with just the one pole (Akto-style) or with two additional poles crossed over for extra strength in all seasons. I don't know if it's the lightest all-weather tent around but it must be in the top few. It'll be interesting to see the reviews over time.

The sublite is also interesting. I think it'd be considerably stronger than the contrail in windy conditions because the length of unsupported fabric is much shorter, due to the poles being near the middle of the tent rather than at each end. It is still a single wall tent though, so prolonged rain and condensation could be issues. But one of these and a lightweight bivy bag makes an interesting combination...

Cheers,
Alliecat

[Franco]

Alliecat
That is very much how I feel about them.
To have a stronger structure you need at least two poles (tunnel design) and a lot of tension, as with the Warmlites, a design that I think could be improved now...
Next , a three pole tunnel design for a good space to weight ratio, or lose some space and do a basic semi-geodesic design as with the Hilleberg Soulo/Allak. Of course as you go up in strength you gain weight...
Interestingly Bo Hilleberg (the father of the Akto...) designed both multi pole tunnel and geodesic tents; he felt that the geodesic design was stronger however in reality he was never able to see the difference. Keep in mind that most of the tests were done way up North ( Arctic Circle)
So the Scarp is not going to replace a "bombproof" multy pole tent but should do well where the Akto works, and you can expect less condensation. Henry Shires deliberatelly opted for a 10-15 cm clearance around the fly to allow air flow.
Going by various reports of side by side tests and the oppinion of people that have used several types of single wall designs, the Tarptents do very well as far as condensation management. Not easy to see from the pics on the web site, but they all have a largish covered mesh area all around the floor. If you look at the Sublite pics of the vent that appears to be starting just above the floor, is in fact about 20 cm away from it.
Now if you have good ventilation, by definition you have wind inside the tent, your choice.
You hear a lot of talk about "misting" and silnylon. For a start, a lot of it is simply condensation knocked off the walls. The remedy is to increase the ventilation, if you can and/or wipe.
Next , there is penetration. When the pressure exceeds the waterhead, about 1000-1500mm with the standard 1.3 oz silnylon ( the bigger the drops the higher the pressure) you will get some misting. I have experience both kinds, but I have survived and retained a dry sleeping bag (down). A curios effect is when you get misting rhythmically in one or two spots. It means that you have a branch overhead the drops some water on you .
The Hilleberg tents have a higher waterhead than most, I suspect that it is just a coating of silicone under the fly (as well as the silicone that impregnates the fly) . You can do that yourself if you dilute silicone with turp about 1 to 5.
Franco

[johnw]

...Bo Hilleberg (the father of the Akto...) designed both multi pole tunnel and geodesic tents; he felt that the geodesic design was stronger however in reality he was never able to see the difference. Keep in mind that most of the tests were done way up North ( Arctic Circle)...

See Geodesic Dome and related link in the WIki, which leads to some detailed information about the principles of geodesic design in various structures, including tents.

[Franco]

A better term for the often used "geodesic design" would be "dome" , nevertheless many use the term geodesic when they simply mean that the poles intersect each other. I am not aware of a real geodesic backpacking tent, but I also never seen a waterproof jacket or a warm jacket for that matter ( apart for a few that have a battery operated heating element)
This is the comment I was thinking of "As for the structural strength of a geodesic vs. hoop style, a Swedish friend of mine posed this question directly to Bo Hilleberg. Mr. Hilleberg agreed that the more crossings you have between the poles of a geodesic, the more stable it should be. But he insisted that this was in theory only. He personally had not been able to discern any real difference in practice, and other considerations had made him keep with a traditional hoop style."
from
http://www.patc.us/hiking/gear/tents.html
Franco

[johnw]

A better term for the often used "geodesic design" would be "dome" , nevertheless many use the term geodesic when they simply mean that the poles intersect each other. I am not aware of a real geodesic backpacking tent...

Yes, I think I would have to agree. Something like this "expedition base camp shelter" might qualify though. At nearly 23kg not for backpacking of course .