Innovation and manufacturing precision defines the Lithium series. Im 62 and found it very roomy, and I had no difficulty with the entrance. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. BUT ifn I wuz a-lookin fer a single wall tent it would be the AEON Li. Henry Shies likely has more Dyneema tent models now than all the other Dyneema tent makers combined! Thanks! Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. Michael Reynolds A comment on how the Li will function in open mountain/alpine environment would be nice. If the ProTrail Li sounds like its one step up from sleeping under a tarp and in a bug bivy, thats exactly how you should be thinking about it. The four required stakes are each placed about a foot from the tent corners. I like it that TT now gives the DW fly 4 fly hem stake loops for hight wind situations.This GREATLY reduces flapping. The ProTrail Li body, a stuff sack, aluminum stakes + stake bag and the necessary guyline cording. Brilliant. The protrail I believe uses somewhat more dcf fabric and as you would expect, occupies a larger total volume. Its much more pleasant to share a tent. I absolutely believe a 7' person would fit. The DCF single wall is translucent enough to be almost transparent. It seems to check a lot of boxes. Philip Werner August 3, 2021 Tent-Reviews, Ultralight Backpacking Gear Reviews, The Tarptent ProTrail Li is a single wall Dyneema trekking pole tent that weighs 15.95 ounces. Setup is quicker than any tent I have ever owned. Join us and ask yourself the question: Do I really need that? I didnt need it but I felt better using a ground sheet; I am very careful with my gear. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. (Wad it up and wrinkle it thoroughly when you first get it. Some mid-entry tents make me feel like a contortionist as I compress my Thermarest pump sack. With more classic tent designs with long guy outs, this isnt usually an issue as you just change the length of the guy out, or alter the angle to find good ground for the stake. That said, you need to be careful with site selection (as you would with any tent) and avoid camping in low lying areas like arroyos and old stream beds. There are optional poles for non-trekking pole users that are available for purchase in the webstore. I would highly recommend to anyone getting the protrail Li to get at least 2 extra tie out guylines (with linelocs and stakes if wanted) for the sides, which are not included but very helpful in sidewinds. I roll it into what becomes a 12-inch cylinder that is about five inches in circumference. Thanks for the review and write up. I'll chime in to reiterate that the space in the protrail is worth gold. TREAD LABS INSOLES: As good as custom orthotics at a fraction of the price. This is especially challenging when pitching on rocky ground where tent stakes dont always go in where you want them to. We're excited to be new TT owners soon. Want to save $50 with no performance difference and full warranty? (Im not trying to suggest it does; since I use neither, I dont have any real way to judge this. I have a Z-Pack Alta Plex and it has a similar design in that it is single wall with a waterproof bathtub suspended from the tent fly/wall with mesh. While sleeping, reading, hanging out, and comfortably sitting up inside the. Reservation for one? Also can get the side car for kids or animals. The structure will withstand light to moderate snow loading but is not intended for true winter. I care about the space a lot, so I sold my aeon and bought a protrail and it's my favorite tent. Would love to see you do a review on the Moment DW sometime. We didn't encounter any rough weather during our testing period, but we suspect poor rigging would result in tent collapse, and this tent is less forgiving than its dual-poled cousin. But this one sets up tight immediately and stays that way. That worked, but it was a lot of modification to a tent that I think the designer should have dealt with, had there been experience with rain. The Aeon should also be a tad more storm worthy. It's our favorite solo backpacking option, making it one of our Top Picks. In short, this is strictly a one-person tent, and limited space puts a ceiling on the livability factor. A groundsheet is recommended for use on very rocky ground and desert conditions. Since the stake out points are so close to the tent body, and the angles to get a very taut pitch are rather narrow, it means theres little flexibility in the stake locations relative to the tent position. I wouldn't want to ride out rain for days on end inside, but for just sleeping etc it's great! The vestibule is equally sizeable, able to fit 2 packs easily with some usable room to spare. Havent heard of any complaints on that score. But seriously, good write up and reviews. All Tarptents are designed, assembled, hand-checked, tested and approved at our Nevada City, California office then shipped to you. The fly weight is 0.51 oz / yd 2 The Tarptent ProTrail Li fly is made with a spruce green 0.51 oz/yd-2 Dyneema DCF, while the grey floor is made with 1 oz/yd-2 Dyneema DCF. In terms of weight savings alone, the Aeon Li blows the competition for solo tents away. Most impressive is the fact that the light, flimsy thing you pull out of the box will set up into an incredibly sturdy weatherproof shelter. The flat door and back window are non-starters for wind. The overall footprint of the ProTrail is larger than other one-person tents (REI Quarter Dome, for example); when staked out it occupies more area. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. David Huycke That thing is just enormous inside. Packs up small and lite and is super comfortable inside. I prefer the double Rainbow Li, because it is amazingly easy to set up, and with my trekking poles is free standing. Your email address will not be published. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. There is a small internal clip on the non-vestibuled side of the tent that allows you to raise the side a little. Just my two cents. I still nave my Moment DW and Scarp 2. I agree though, some mainstream and cottage tent companies generalize on weights but not Tarptent/Henry Shires. Its also easier to set up and only requires 4 stakes to pitch. Troy, Ive had both the original Moment single wall and for the past 5 yeas the Moment DW. I love to make hot tea in a tent when its raining. Im 6 4 and the room is perfect and the walls will not sag like my wet nylon tent. Todd Bennett I underestimated my hate for the front entry and sold it. Biggest difference is the stratospire is double wall. If you're quickly covering a lot of miles and need full bug or weather protection, this is the lightest, most comfortable option for those flying solo. So the question for any Pro Trail owner/user is, how many times have you had it out in a good, solid rain, and what was your experience with water migrating from the stitching of the mesh to the outer, onto the mesh, as opposed to water dripping directly off the outer onto the ground. Its a single person shelter that you can use for narrow stealth or pre-existing campsites. This arrangement makes the tent feel less stable, so save this configuration for windless nights. I fold it in to and roll it along with the stakes into the fabric. Its included on the silnylon version to counter sag. Both it and the Protrail are comfortable, easy to pitch, and sturdy in bad conditions, but the aeon excels where the protrail suffices. I'm 6'1 and most frequently use an xlite and a quilt in the wet areas of the PNW. This is a wonderful tent. It's a perfect option for pack rafting, bike routing, and just about any solo mission you can think of that requires you to go as light as possible. You can also unzip the front door, roll it up, and tie it back using a magnetized version of a door toggle that Tarptent first introduced with their Dyneema Aeon Li Tent last summer. A night or two out each year means you'll be sleeping outside for the price of a decent hotel room. The 1-oz Dyneema flooring is tough and does not usually require a separate groundsheet as long as the ground is clear of sharp objects. Im now realizing what complete nonsense it is to have a wall mere inches from my face, not to mention having not sweating condensation on the footbox of my quilt. Never liked the front entry on the Bushnell, but hadn't used it in years and decided to try a Protrail. Both my tents were velcro models and weighed slightly less than newer zippered models. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. The Strat is better for condensation, being double wall, and has more versatility (you can do just the tent, just the fly, or both). (verified owner) August 2, 2021. Jeff Dionne Well priced, easy on the eyes and strong in the wind. That will help you decide if the ProTrail Li is as right for you as it is for me. (verified owner) August 25, 2020. But the ProTrail Li can be folded and rolled up quite narrowly, so it can fit horizontally in any backpack. The protrail is more intuitive, but once you get the heng of them, the Aeon goes up one pole faster. They are located closer to each end because you can pull as hard as you like and tension directly against the adjacent pole. Great review! It has the same floor area as a duplex, although less volume. Our 5'10" tester (with the hair standing up) has plenty of headroom in this small shelter. Both are phenomenal. It's a true 1+ tent design from a roomier era, and its length is substantial. If you have pitched it properly youll have no worries about rubbing up against walls or ceiling. Thats a big deal for me, which is one reason why I purchased this particular tent. Unless its raining, I usually sleep with the front door open, but you can also close it for privacy. Switched to a Moment DW, and while heavier, I love the 2 stake setup and 2 doors/vestibules. , You will need: 2 x trekking pole 107-120cm (42-48in) or optional front and rear poles. Tarptent is legit! (verified owner) November 26, 2021. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. The issues: Because its an A-frame design, the ProTrail is not free standing and you must maneuver in and out of a front entrance which took me some getting used to after backpacking with side-entrance tents for decades. Of course there will be condensation. During a hike, the rainwater seeped through the ground, I discovered 3 holes. Tarptent provides a Dyneema stake bag, and I like the provided Easton stakes, too. 15% Off New Customer Discount with Coupon Code SECTIONHIKER15. Like a lot of people attracted to Tarptents products, I love using minimal gear. r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! There is adequate room in the vestibule for storing some gear; dont expect to bring large items into the interior with you. When crawling in and out on all fours, where is the magnet relative to your head and chest? Nevada City, CA 95959 USA. I liked the original Protrail, but this is just so much better. TL;DR: Both tents are excellent, and if you're choosing between them, you'll be happy with your decision. The protrail stuffsack is slightly larger and uses a thicker dcf. Any insight there that I haven't seen before? There is plenty of sleeping space for me, and I have space from my head to waist on each side to lay items I dont want to leave in my pack. The Protrail Li is one of those perfectly-designed tents. I loved that idea and now set my sil Protrail up that way. I just love this tent. Disclosure: The author purchased this tent. Philip Werner Youll probably want to sleep with your head at the door end because thats where the most headroom is, but you dont have to. I thought I wanted either the Tarptent Aeon Li or the ZPacks Altaplex. I like it, but would be tempted to add a side pullout on each side. Im absolutely loving this thing. Im an idiot and even I could put this gorgeous tent up. A sheet of new, stiff Tyvek is as loud as rattling sheet metal.) I dont ever want to sleep in another tent! Adding a line to the rear is a good idea! When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Under a pound, bombproof dyneema construction, ultralight stakes included, Expensive, single pole set-up takes a little practice, Measured Weight of All Included Shelter Parts. The Aeon was 15.9oz with cordage but without stuffsack. My only complaint is there is no side tie down, I hit a lot of wind one night and the side kept blowing in despite pulling that side really tight, But overall the best UL tent I have tried. I bought a Protrail Li (dyneema) in 2020, I used it 14 times, with care. Both tents handle rain beautifully, although when pitched in an actual puddle, the smaller dimensions of the aeon make it possible to get misted by splatter. Yes, have the same thoughts on the door, the back end I cannot get my head around. This lets you pitch the fly high so that air can flow through the mesh or low to prevent windswept rain from being blown inside. Which Dyneema fabric weights do you use? Just used the corners and the one at the peak and added a line to the rear peak. I've owned both, and deciding between the two seems to be a pretty common struggle. Gear loft for the all Tarptent models with interior clips (except Moment DW). Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Love my protrail li but not everyone digs the front entry. Now do the double rainbow Li vs. the stratospire Li. they are much easier to use in the dark than traditional hook and loop closures. I have found that invariably, rain will collect at the seam where the wall and mesh are sewn, then the water will pool on the mesh, and from there its a quick trip into the bathtub. ProTrails sturdiness in wind and proper ventilation depend on near-perfect staking of the corners; if your geometry is off, even a bit, the sides wont be taut. I like the ProTrail Li because its easy to pack in narrow ultralight type backpacks, its absurdly lightweight, and its easy to find well-protected and forested tent sites for it because its relatively narrow. Got feedback? Copyright 2007-2022, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Setting this tent up in the soft pine duff could be frustrating. Free Shipping and Returns. Used this for the first time this summer on 90-mile sections of AT and surrounding areas in NC/TN. The Tarptent models that have these struts can be impossible to pack horizontally into narrow backpacks because they have a fixed length thats wider than the pack bag. I took it out on an overnighter shakedown the other night in the Montana mountains before a multi-night trip next week in the Utah canyons. However, I never close the vestibule unless its raining from that direction. I just thought it might be worth asking.). Trekking poles are preferred but an 5.1 oz / 144 g pole set is available. The ProTrail Li also has a mesh-backed back window which can be closed with solid panels or left open for ventilation. Thats all for now. Have you visited Tarptent site since you purchased your model? As a Pacerpole trekking pole user, I also really appreciate that trekking poles are inserted into grommets in the ceiling, tips up, so that the tent can used with any style of trekking pole handle. However, it has no struts and can be stuffed any old way. I found that setup does take practice before it gets foolproof and then its extremely easy and quick. Quite possibly the perfect solo shelter. Just to be clear, there are two perimeter hem tabs per side. Youll want a shelter with angled doors and walls for that. It comes down to packability (protrail) , interior space (protrail) , and front vs side entry (aeon) . Do I need trekking poles for general use? My first tent was a non DCF Protrail, using an Aeon now. Im so happy that I did as I love the Cirriform. Speaking of which, on your review of the sil version, you used the front guyline behind the vestuble to tension it from billowing. However, there are some tents perfectly designed for their intended purposes. It seems to have more "dry" space, but that might just be a side effect of the rectangular floor shape of the vestibule. Ive never seen condensation bead inside my Protrail Li. This tent is a complete game changer! You can take the struts out but it's a huge pain and I can't recommend it. We promise not to fill your inbox with stuff you dont want! Required fields are marked *. I also just got this tent and have had it out on its first couple weekend trips. Is the vestibule of this tent big enough to cook in it or not? An inch of standing water, combined with some unconscious tossing and turning, could lead to a wet awakening. Initially, it took our testers about 10 minutes of finagling, adjusting, and re-adjusting to get this tent livable. Its one of those products so well designed its hard to imagine how it could be improved. We needed to use rocks to keep the stakes in place which made micro adjustments more difficult. Not a deal breaker by any means, but something I hadnt anticipated. Before I bought the Protrail Li, I researched Dyneema single person tents that would fit my 62 frame. (verified owner) April 13, 2022. The zippered door is a far cry better better than the velcro closure on the old sil version. The aeon is adequately roomy for a 1p,and should fit taller folks on an inflatable up to 6'4, realistically. They list the exact weight of every component so you can compare with other models and competitors. I might be wrong, but I did not se the word wind at all in this writeup, rater well protected and forested. You can set the tent up at a lower, wider pitch for stability in windy conditions. And much easier to setup than putting out 9 stakes, trying to find a spot without rocks or roots for each. I went home with the intention to hit Add to Cart on an Aeon, but then I saw the Protrail Li on the Tarptent site. If you do manage to wear a hole in the floor, Dyneema DCF is very easy to repair with a patch (supplied free from Tarptent) or tape. Henry used them on the Aeon Li too. Thats not needed at all with the ProTrail Li sidewalls which stay drumhead tight all night and/or when it rains. BTW, Im a tarptent fan. Tarptent has a lot of UK customers where Pacerpoles are popular and I wouldnt be surprised if this design choice was deliberate for that reason. When its open, it also helps prevent condensation from forming on the footbox of your sleep insulation. Magnet tie backs are a stroke of genius with frozen fingers. Had we watched Tarptent's excellent instructional video on their website, our first attempt would have gone much smoother. There are no perfect tents. Weather resistance is why you buy a tent in the first place; looking at the low sided, bathtub style floor, we were a little skeptical if we'd stay dry in a real torrent. Thanks for the reviewLooks as though it would be perfect for stealth camping in northern forests! Compared to other single wall Dyneema options, its economical. Personally I would do the aeon if it didn't have the struts but like the way the protrail packs small. Furthermore, as a 220 lb, 63 dude I thought it wouldnt fit. It ventilates well and does fine in light/moderate wind (havent yet experienced strong winds in this tent). The ProTrail Li model youre viewing is fabricated from USA-made Dyneema fabric and produced in China at one of the worlds leading tent manufacturing facilities and home to many of the worlds major tent brands. I wasn't in conditions to see the aeon collect snow but the protrail handles it well despite sagging. This tent packs down smaller if you remove the struts. (Dont ask). Thanks. Lots of interesting info in your newsletters and accumulated on the web site. Following the logic of the ultralight backpackers, a lighter kit means easier going, less weight in your pack, less pain on your back, thus more days of happy ambling out in the backcountry. For a one-person tent, there is plenty of head and foot room. I have two Notch Li tents, one that I use and one that I share, since I dont like sharing a tent. The Dyneema fly is entirely waterproof. What's the length on that rear pole? While very easy to set up, you must practice. Do I need a footprint? I realize that some folks are so weight aware that theyd carry the stakes w/o the bag but thats not the majority of the world so give us real world weights so its easier to do comparisons between shelters. Interestingly, with the Protrail Li, even on rainy nights and on nights below 25-degree F, other portions of the inner walls have remained completely dry. Boost your trekking pole to increase peak headroom. Pitching both tents is fast and fairly easy. I had a site where the good tent site had big tree roots at the ends of the tent, which made the pitch tricky. I usually dont post gear reviews. The front pole can be offset at an angle to make getting in and out easier. Your email address will not be published. The fly is strong enough for use in protected campsites without high wind, while the floor is thick enough for use without a footprint if youre sleeping on top of forest duff and not on sand or more abrasive surfaces. New for 2020, the ProTrail Li is our simplest, lightest, and least expensive Dyneema shelter. I picked it over the aeon because it also works for me and my gf! Here is a question for anyone with time in this tent, especially in rain. The total Protrail Li footprint is very close to the extent of its pitch. Everybody talks about condensation. Mesh safety nets at the feet to keep your feet from touching the sides. Yes, but the usual caveats apply. Hello, I am a little disappointed. Beware of full moons shining from without . You don't need a master's in tarpology to set-up this tent well, but practice makes perfect, and we'd recommend setting it up a few times if your first adventure out calls for grim weather. Dyneema has a hydrostatic pressure rating of over 8,000 mm. The tarp tent Stratospire is the right shape. Elegant and sturdy, the ProTrail Li will fit the confines of any pack and gives you the freedom and security you want for a wide range of conditions. I hope youll do a long term follow up review. Why not just put on longer guy lines. You'll be very close to the damp sides, and heavy rain, a poor pitch, or snow accumulation will make the sides touch. I'm guessing not inflatable because it doesn't seem wide enough. No big deal on this or any other tent. Both are great shelters. Eric, if you see this reply Id like to hear about your experience with the Notch Li. Its actually helped me set up my old tent better because now I can feel for where the stakes are supposed to go. A mid side tab has nothing but fabric to pull against and all that does is distort the canopy. I was going to get a Protrail but then found a Yama gear Cirriform 1P DCF and took a chance since its a very similar design. The door at the end is far more convenient for inflating my air mattress (try sitting in middle of a tent trying to inflate a 78 mattress). With the optional Crossing Pole shortened 6 and run UNDER the fly It supports much better in heavy snow of high winds. If you want to buy me a stratospire li, I used to own a DR li. The good: This tent is remarkably lightweight; it practically levitates. We had to re-adjust our stake placements and re-tension guy lines many times before the tent felt satisfyingly bombproof. If pack weight isn't a concern I use a silnylon Stratospire. Perfect tent. All the details are so well thought out. The Protrail Li deserves your consideration if you are looking for a lightweight backpack tent for longer treks. If your needs include any combination of the above, the Tarptent Protrail Li is worthy of your consideration. These are much less frustrating to use than the dowels and elastic loops you find on other tents. One point Id like to add which I hadnt previously considered. Thats good, as are the 2 main pole guy points as opposed to one guy point on get gen. 1 version. If you can swallow the initial investment, you will be happy with it. Does the ProTrail Li accommodate tall people (over 6 ft 3 in / 190.5 cm)? No sponsored content. The lightweight and durable Dyneema rain fly and carbon fiber struts also keep the weight to a minimum (though not the price). Material on GearLab is copyrighted. But a few things potential buyers should know: I always had mine up before my two buddies that carried a notch li and an Altaplex. Held up perfectly to strong winds and 2 of snow overnight. and from within (!). I have, and use both. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. (verified owner) March 7, 2021. The quality is as good as you will find in the industry, which is to say, its excellent. Can I use this for winter? For example, when Ive used the silnylon version of the Tarptent ProTrail, Ive found it necessary to guy out the center of the sidewalls to counteract sagging in wet weather. Its basically a very simple A-frame style rainfly with a floating bathtub floor that is attached to the sidewalls and ends with noseeum mesh. It rolls up into a compact bundle and easily straps onto the outside of my pack. The sloped design of the shelter makes sitting up harder. We sell optional Tyvek groundsheets which are very tough and great for sleeping out or taking a break, but generally heavier than you need for floor protection in most conditions. It's also much lighter than any of the other solo tent options discussed and tested for this purpose in this review. Got lucky with not much rain so it wasnt truly rain-tested but I have no doubts it would be great. Easy-peasy. Will there be condensation? Greg McKinley-Powell Best of all is sleeping with my head and feet not rubbing against the ceiling. "The Aeon is better, but I prefer the Protrail". OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! Entering and exiting isnt a problem once you get in the habit of repositioning your front pole to the side. Few tents have short guys. Have a X-Mid and a Helsport Ringstind SL so I am well set up in that weight range. Ive never used a front entrance tent. The ProTrail at least this style of tent is considered to handle wind quite well, by many. The Pro Trail is the successor to the early Contrail, which was my 1st Tarptent. This comes in handy for smaller tent sites. That said, you do get extra width on the middle for some gear or your enormous gut. Take care and until next timebe well. I've contemplated the Protrail for a long time but am concerned about a crawling entry. On warm nights, you can take out the stake that holds the vestibule down and roll back both sides for a wide-open (but still bug-free) view of your surroundings. Plenty of room at the head (I usually keep my pack inside) where you need it and less room at the feet where you don't. New Customer Discount. The magnetic tabs hold the door and bug netting out of the way for easy entry. The Protrail packs small. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Adjustable carbon vertical support pole for all Tarptent trekking pole shelters. Taught and secured (with some help from river rocks, the ground here was very soft), this tent is ready for wind and rain. . I've had a duplex, plexamid, various other sil tents, etc Been with the protrail 3 seasons now. The Protrail Li offers taller people a relatively spacious footprint with a greatly reduced risk of brushing against the side walls when sleeping at night. Being a single wall tent, this extra airflow helps to significantly reduce any internal condensation, even on hot and humid nights or in the rain. Is it as inconvenient as people say? I like double wall ents so I have the TT Notch Li. Tarptent makes two compelling dcf shelters, the Aeon Li and the Protrail Li. My only meh thing is the transparency, yes it lets a lot of light in and out, set up away from other campers if you sleep naked and pull your beanie over your eyes if the moon is out. I've used the protrail as a 2p tent and it will work for 2 average-sized humans, barely. Press J to jump to the feed. I love my Protrail. Sitting in the entry facing outside the tent allows convenient cooking opportunities in the open vestibule area. I used Tyvek foot print once. Finally, the perfect tent for my needs (after 3 miss-steps). If for some insane reason you ever decided to discontinue the Protrail Li, please please let me know because Id go into debt to buy a couple more beforehand. Any idea why they dont do that ? I eventually purchased some Dyneema and tape so I could attach a skirt around the exterior to give the water a point of drip lower than the mesh attachment. 12213 Koswyn Ct. The one trekking pole set-up, in this tent, is not as easy to stabilize as the dual-pole design.