Tarptent Protrail cheaper alternative?

[Eamonn]

I'm about two days always form purchasing my new shelter. 26 oz and $225 the Tarptent Protrail

About 2lbs is my limit. The goal is something I can set up with trekking poles and has bug netting and a floor. I have a DD tarp that I love, but again- it's not good about mosquitos.

I'm looking for something cheaper. I know that's a stretch seeing how $225:26oz is a great cost to weight ratio.

Also if you've had bad experience with the Protrail let me know before I buy it.


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[MuddyWaters]

I know you got a limit
But youll probably never stop thinking about a 18 oz shelter
And when you do buy it finally, you will have spent more
Just how it goes

[HooKooDooKu]

I don't think you can find something cheaper for the weight than TarpTents... unless you move away from tents and only use a tarp. But even then, if you want a really light weight tarp, you could get Cuban Fiber tarps from Zpacks where tarps still cost ~$200-300.

I've loved my Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 and used it for a JMT thru last year. It's about 3.5lbs and I thought it was a steal when I picked it up on clearance for $275 (with ground sheet).
But now as I think about trying another thru hike with one of my kids along, the CS UL2 is too small for two people. But the CS UL3 retails for $500 (no ground sheet) and weight nearly 4lbs.

By contrast, the Tarp Tent Double Rainbow is about $300 @ 2.5lbs. Looks like actual interior floor space if 50"x88" compared to the effective average of 60"x85" of a CS UL3 and 47"x82" of a CS UL2.

[Venchka]

I've never seen a ProTrail so I'm no help there. I do own a TarpTent StratoSpire 1. The workmanship is flawless. Henry reinforces stress points like none of the other brands I looked at. Henry also uses 30D fabric for durability and long term waterproofness. In my old feeble brain, buying a tent on weight alone is a mistake. Seam sealing yourself is super easy. I bought Henry's bottle of seam sealing liquid. I set my tent up in the yard and covered the seams of my SS 1 in less than an hour. Let it sit in the sun all day. Done.
Wayne

[Franco]

Re : seam sealing.
The SS1 and 2 take the longest to do (for me) of all the TT models.
The ProTrail can be done in 10 minutes if you want because only the top seam has to be done.
I do the lot, the ones from the apex to the door base and the two at the rear, even so it is a half an hour job.
franco@tarptent

[boshettee]

I have the Double Rainbow and love it! Ample room for one; with two, even if it is your kid, would be great for week or so but a thru hike? Hope your child doesn't mind dad being so close all the time; no privacy! If significant other then the Double Rainbow is an excellent choice.
Back on topic.....I second the Double Rainbow or tent from Zpacks. No way to avoid the cost but both are excellent tents. If Double Rainbow is considered, don't forget to include the liner,$30. Condensation can be heavy.

[Venchka]

Re : seam sealing.
The SS1 and 2 take the longest to do (for me) of all the TT models.
The ProTrail can be done in 10 minutes if you want because only the top seam has to be done.
I do the lot, the ones from the apex to the door base and the two at the rear, even so it is a half an hour job.
franco@tarptent

The SS 1 does have about a mile of seams including the floor corners. I went over all of the seams 3 times. I used all of silicone. I like my seams sealed well.
Wayne


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[Praha4]

Tarptents are fine single wall silnylon shelters, if that's what you want

I have a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 tent for sale here on WB. (separate thread)
new condition
weight ~ 2 lbs. and if you replace the BA aluminum tent stakes with titanium hook stakes you can shave a few ounces off that weight and get it under 2 lbs.

great UL double-wall tent
my price reduced, much less than that TT Protrail

[mitch]

The Notch is a double wall, great solo tent

[Venchka]

The Notch is a double wall, great solo tent

Bingo! 1 ounce more than the ProTrail. Sets up as a unit thereby staying dry when set up in the rain. Available with a solid wall inner tent for winter use. 2 doors. 2 vestibules. If insects aren't a problem, the fly can be pitched alone. Fly only pitch is lighter than the ProTrail. Win. Win. Win.
Wayne


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[MtDoraDave]

Bingo! 1 ounce more than the ProTrail. Sets up as a unit thereby staying dry when set up in the rain. Available with a solid wall inner tent for winter use. 2 doors. 2 vestibules. If insects aren't a problem, the fly can be pitched alone. Fly only pitch is lighter than the ProTrail. Win. Win. Win.
Wayne


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Yes!

And to the person who implied that Tarptent is a single wall tent - the protrail is, but several of them are double wall. They have a website that is sufficient to show you all you need to know - or if you still have questions, they are quick to return emails.

However, if the OP thought $225 was expensive, the $285 Notch is going to hurt his feelings a bit, and a $600 Cuben Fiber tent will seem completely impossible.

I understand budgets, but trust me on this one: buy the better product the first time and you will save money.

[Praha4]

you may want to checkout the Tarptent Bowfin 1, their newest solo shelter. Interesting looking Tarptent, combines features of the Moment with the Rainbow

https://www.tarptent.com/bowfin1.html

[Venchka]

In my experience, Henry Shires, the man who is TarpTent, answers emails with phone calls and will chat online live to answer questions and/or assist with a purchase. He did all of the above for me.
I can't say enough good things about Henry and his products.
$60 for 2 side entry doors, 2 large vestibules, the option for different inner tents and the option of fly only shelter is a huge bargain.
Wayne


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[Eamonn]

However, if the OP thought $225 was expensive, the $285 Notch is going to hurt his feelings a bit, and a $600 Cuben Fiber tent will seem completely impossible.

I understand budgets, but trust me on this one: buy the better product the first time and you will save money.

OP here, I don't find It too expensive, just sick of buying something and then finding out about some small cottage business selling something universally better and for cheaper.

Like how I found out about the ula Ohm ($210:30oz)just after I bought my osprey Atmos ($270:4.5lbs). Or after spending close to 400 on a UL sleeping bag and then finding out about quilts and the enlightened equipment revelation. I usually try and do a lot of research on gear before I buy, but this thread is proof that just asking around the community seems to be the best way.

Also I blame too much online research and not enough discussion for getting me into hammock camping. No regrets there though.


However that was quite the sales pitch on the Notch. For not too much more money, I can get a much wider range of use. Looks like it's good for bunkering down in storms too. And being able to pitch just the fly sound great. What about just the netting?

I do eventually plan on the ZPacks Duplex, just for its possibility for sleeping 2 people (or me and a 5 yr old niece or dog) while maintaining such a low weight.


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[BuckeyeBill]

I hammock camp as much as I can, but my backup is a TT Notch. I have spent many cold night in and had plenty of room. You can't go wrong with any Tarptent.

[Venchka]

OP here, I don't find It too expensive, just sick of buying something and then finding out about some small cottage business selling something universally better and for cheaper.

Like how I found out about the ula Ohm ($210:30oz)just after I bought my osprey Atmos ($270:4.5lbs). Or after spending close to 400 on a UL sleeping bag and then finding out about quilts and the enlightened equipment revelation. I usually try and do a lot of research on gear before I buy, but this thread is proof that just asking around the community seems to be the best way.

Also I blame too much online research and not enough discussion for getting me into hammock camping. No regrets there though.


However that was quite the sales pitch on the Notch. For not too much more money, I can get a much wider range of use. Looks like it's good for bunkering down in storms too. And being able to pitch just the fly sound great. What about just the netting?

I do eventually plan on the ZPacks Duplex, just for its possibility for sleeping 2 people (or me and a 5 yr old niece or dog) while maintaining such a low weight.


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Visit TarpTent.com. If the photos and printed information don't answer your questions, ask the folks who work at TarpTent. By the way, TarpTent is a cottage vendor.
My StratSpire 1 sets up either inner only or fly only. I can't speak for the Notch. I'm guessing it works the same. Verify. I do know that you can buy either or both inner tents. A friend of mine owns a Notch and both inner tents.
I'm surprised you didn't learn all of this when you found the ProTrail.
Wayne


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[BuckeyeBill]

The notch can be set up as just a fly cover or the mesh interior setup alone.

[soumodeler]

Notch can be set up either just the inner net or just the rain fly.

[Venchka]

I reckon that makes it official.
Wayne


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[Heliotrope]

You might consider a tarp and inner tent combo from Ray Jardine. $160 About 26 ounces with the urethane coated floor or 23 ounces with the sil -nylon floor. They only come in kit form so you would need to sew it yourself or have someone help you. Each component can be pitched alone and with or without hiking poles.


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