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#95210 - 04/27/08 10:35 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: lori]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
Because its a free site and is getting so much traffic, please be patient. I actually transfered Henry's pics to jpeg's in anticipation of just this happening...i'm glad i did, otherwise we'd never see 'em <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
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Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

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#95211 - 04/28/08 07:15 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: chaz]
finallyME Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 2710
Loc: Utah
It is really hard to find camo silnylon that is less than 1.9 oz. If Henry has a good source for silnylon, he is probably getting it less than I would be able to. Unless his source is able to supply the camo fabric, he would have to charge more for the tent, and it will probably be heavier. Just a guess. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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#95212 - 04/28/08 07:48 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: bigfoot2]
BarryP Offline
member

Registered: 03/04/04
Posts: 1574
Loc: Eastern Idaho
“I actually transfered Henry's pics to jpeg's in anticipation of just this happening”

As of this posting time, they’re still .bmp on the tyvek page. Thus each picture is 2.5MB x 12 pictures = a little wait plus lost pictures.

Can you try making them as jpegs again?

Thanx,
-Barry

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#95213 - 04/28/08 10:37 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: BarryP]
phat Offline
Moderator

Registered: 06/24/07
Posts: 4107
Loc: Alberta, Canada

Yeah, that kinda sux, I noticed a bunch were still bmp's and really slow to load - Must be Jim that's the "High Tech" in the High Tech/Old School Bigfoot/Dull Knife pair <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, I hauled 'em in here and jpeg'ed the bmp's - so have a look here:

http://bofh.cns.ualberta.ca/beck/pictures/sublight/
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#95214 - 04/28/08 01:48 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: BarryP]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
Dhoooooo! I'll try. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

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#95215 - 04/28/08 01:50 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: phat]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon


Thanks, Phat! I don't care what they say, you Canadians are OK in my book! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
BF
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

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#95216 - 04/28/08 01:56 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: bigfoot2]
hshires Offline
member

Registered: 07/23/02
Posts: 169
Loc: Nevada City, CA
I just posted this on another forum. Apologies for the cross-post but it seemed easier than re-writing it.

-H

----------------------------
Just got home from the PCT kickoff and, ok, everybody calm down...

Here's the straight story. The Sublite will be released in two versions. The Tyvek version--soft structure, 1.25 oz/yard-- is/will be pretty much as shown. It's minimal, that's the idea. You have plenty of other heavier and more expensive shelter choices if you want vestibules and mesh doors and built-in hot tubs. You don't need extra mesh in this model because the whole structure breathes so well. There's plenty of perimeter mesh and a high vent and the fabric is quite breathable. It reflects a lot of heat and light and stays cool and dry in hot sun. At 17.5 oz total including 4 stakes, you get a lot of space for sleeping plus room for gear--floor is 20 square feet and measures 86" long and 26"/42"/24" wide so there's room for gear at side or head. Love it leave it, that's what it is and will be out in June. Price will be $179.

The silnylon version is not finished yet. The final model will have more venting than the current prototype. I made up an initial prototype in a couple of nights last week as a proof of concept with patterns developed for the tyvek version. The final silnylon version will likely be an ounce heavier than the one shown--final weight of under 20 ounces including 4 stakes--and tweaked not only for more venting but also for drip-free entry/exit. It will not have a separate vestibule (see above about other shelter choices) but it will have interior room for gear and will keep you dry and bug free and resist decent storms. As above, pick a different shelter if you want more.

The Sublite requires 135cm trekking poles. We will likely offer substitute poles and the shelter will work fine without any poles if suspended from an overhead branch.

Finally, re: soft structure Tyvek, a few thoughts. Heat and light reflection is superb, the fabric is non-stretch, and it breathes really well. It is not as tear resistant as silnylon but properly reinforced it holds up and the material is, I believe, appropriate for low profile shelters like the Sublite. I'm not ready to recommend the tyvek version for thruhikes but shorter trips should be fine. Condensation potential is much lower than with a comparable silnylon/waterproof fabric. With regard to water resistance, I have been favourably impressed with the fabric for use within certain parameters. In my testing, the material is most certainly water resistant for light to moderate rains to even shorter duration heavier rains. It will absorb some water in the rain and it will get damp (much as silnylon gets damp from condensation during rain) but it has not dripped on me in my testing during light to moderate rain conditions. It does take longer to dry than silnylon not it's not a good choice for continously wet places. I'm comfortable recommending the shelter for areas with matching weather such as the west coast in summer, desert southwest most anytime (except possibly monsoon season) or anywhere else where rain is moderate and of shorter duration. In combination with a water resistant shelled sleeping bag, it will do the job perhaps beyond that but I just don't have enough data yet to say for sure. Lastly, soft structure tyvek is washable, very easily patched with scrap and glue, and seam-sealing is really easy--wipe on with your finger using non-toxic glue that will ship with the shelter.

I'll post official photos on tarptent.com within a week of the tyvek version. The silnylon version is not final and I don't have a release date for it yet but I will try to finalize it over the next couple of weeks.

-H

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#95217 - 04/28/08 04:10 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: hshires]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Hi, Henry, those Sublites look really interesting!

At the other end of the spectrum, I'm wondering about progress on the 3-4 person tent that I've heard you are working on? The way my grandchild #3 (currently 3 1/2) is hiking, he'll probably be going out with us next year. We did 3 1/2 miles yesterday and he started asking to be carried only for the last quarter mile! Three grandkids (who will be 9, 7 and 4 by then) plus my 80-lb. dog plus myself (stout granny) are going to be a wee bit crowded in the Rainshadow 2! So I'm hoping that by a year from now you have the family tent on the market. It might be a bit weighty, but it would be less so than the Rainshadow plus the Squall!


Edited by OregonMouse (04/28/08 04:12 PM)
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#95218 - 04/28/08 09:58 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: bigfoot2]
lars Offline
member

Registered: 01/31/03
Posts: 152
Loc: Bay Area
Great job! Now if you could shave 16.7oz off the packaged weight, it might make a somewhat not awfully heavy tarp.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Seriously, though, congrats to you and Henry.

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#95219 - 04/29/08 09:11 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: lars]
finallyME Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 2710
Loc: Utah
lars, you need to add the weight of the waterproof bivy and a bug enclosure before comparing weights with Henry's new tent. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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#95220 - 04/29/08 09:51 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: lars]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
Way cool <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> It's giving me some ideas...... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

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#95221 - 04/29/08 10:29 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: bigfoot2]
300winmag Offline
member

Registered: 02/28/06
Posts: 1342
Loc: Nevada, USA
Nice tent...but I like the more protected entrance of my Contrail and its larger interior space. It's spoiled me.

That said the Sublite IS a minimalist's best bet for a full-on tent. And the snaller width lengthwise vents are nicer for preventing a lot of dust from entering. (I live and backpack in the Southwest.)

Can't wait for the LIGHTSPEED!

Eric
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"There are no comfortable backpacks. Some are just less uncomfortable than others."

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#95222 - 04/29/08 03:07 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: 300winmag]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
Lightspeed......hmmmm. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> So, what would everyone want in a 4 season Tarptent? Let me know, guys.

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

P>S> Here we go...again! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />


Edited by bigfoot2 (04/29/08 03:10 PM)
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

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#95223 - 04/29/08 08:19 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: finallyME]
geokite Offline
member

Registered: 01/04/02
Posts: 405
Loc: San Diego, CA
That 25g tarp is really interesting. Combined with a MLD event bivy, total weight would be about 12.5oz. Add some bug netting to hang down from the edge of the tarp, probably around 13oz. Not bad, IMO. Very easy setup too.

There are plans to make that tarp at
http://www.backpacking-lite.co.uk/diy/make-an-ultralight-solo-micro-tarp.html
_________________________
Steve

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#95224 - 04/30/08 07:45 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: geokite]
CWF Offline
member

Registered: 08/22/06
Posts: 266
That tarp is awesome. I wonder if MLD might make a custom order for me? These aren't available in the US are they?

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#95225 - 04/30/08 08:06 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: bigfoot2]
TomD Offline
Moderator

Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
Bigfoot-for 4 season, something that is 1-2 person, self supporting, big vestibule (a must), a couple of inner pockets (could be add-ons).

Current popular lightweight 4 season tent choices seem to be the Hilleberg Akto/Terra Nova designs, Hilleberg tunnel tents or the ID/Bibler/BD designs. Obviously there are others, but they tend to be heavier.

One problem with using trekking poles for support in winter, like with Henry's tents would be that if you go day snowshoeing or skiing, you have to take the tent down, so dedicated poles would be better IMHO.

I wouldn't expect a tent from Henry to compete with bomber expedition tents, but something for mild winter conditions would be interesting.
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Don't get me started, you know how I get.

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#95226 - 05/01/08 04:46 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: TomD]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
Tom:
Your ideas mirror mine <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I'll pass it on.I'd still like to see an old school "snow door"...no moving parts to break. Very simple bungie-type closure.

BF
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

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#95227 - 05/01/08 08:41 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: bigfoot2]
TomD Offline
Moderator

Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
BigFoot-do you mean the old circular snow doors like I have seen on some of the old A frame tents? I think they may have been early North Face tents, but I only remember them from pictures I saw in catalogs years ago.
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#95228 - 05/01/08 10:07 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: TomD]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
Those are the ones, Tom <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I am hoping to talk Henry into putting one on my 4 season Tarptent instead of an actual door with zippers or velcro. The old "Dandelion" that the Sublite was modeled after had one and it is way cool.
http://www.freewebs.com/bigfootpictures/unknownorthfacetent.htm

The only problem would be wiggling my big butt through the portal <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

BF
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

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#95229 - 05/01/08 11:43 PM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: bigfoot2]
TomD Offline
Moderator

Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
Yep, that's what I was thinking of too, the one in your picture. I have a big vestibule on my tent-an EMS Pompero, which I got on eBay. That one has two zips on the vestibule.

It stakes down at one point in the center, then zips open in sort of half circles, which isn't the best setup. You can see it in the pics on my trip reports for Yosemite.

I have been looking for a website with pics of older tents, but haven't found a really comprehensive one.

This one is interesting though-
classic gear stories
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#95230 - 05/02/08 02:34 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: TomD]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
Tom,
Your EMS looks very much like TNF VE-24 series of mountaineering tents. I have an old 1983 TNF VE-23 (3 1/2 season version of the #24). Great tents. My VE-23 does very well in snow, even though it is not rated a full on winter tent. I think 4 season tents are long overdue for a weight loss plan. One idea i am toying with is a 3 hoop tunnel style-- like an old TNF Westwind, but "Tarptentized", so to speak. The snow door would have a bungie cord closure...very simple and nothing to break down or freeze. I have some ...unique...ideas about a new type of floor, also. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> How did your EMS fare?

BF
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

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#95231 - 05/02/08 08:26 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: TomD]
alanwenker Offline
member

Registered: 02/04/03
Posts: 812
Rivendell bombshelter with snow flaps, tunnel door and you can see the zippered cook hole inside the door.



Zippered cook hole up close.



Optional frost liner.



With fly.



From the back, pitch this side into the wind.



Tunnel door closed.


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#95232 - 05/02/08 09:35 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: alanwenker]
OldScout Offline
member

Registered: 03/17/03
Posts: 501
Loc: Puget Sound, Washington
Great pictures. I can just smell the mildew.

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#95233 - 05/02/08 10:14 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: bigfoot2]
TomD Offline
Moderator

Registered: 10/30/03
Posts: 4963
Loc: Marina del Rey,CA
BF, my tent is also somewhat like the MH Trango Assault . I have seen Jim's TNF Mountain Tent and they are about the same size.

The fly doesn't seem to tie down as tight as it should, but the pole design (5) should hold up pretty well in a bad storm. I haven't had it out in really bad weather, so not sure. I think it if was tied down properly and totally closed up, it would be pretty stable.

My tent is fairly heavy, because it is a convertible, so there is the weight of the mesh panels and zippers. It is a clip design too, so there is a lot of hardware on it.

It also has a small door and vestibule in the back, plus three mesh interior pockets.
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Don't get me started, you know how I get.

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#95234 - 05/02/08 11:59 AM Re: Tarptent Sublites---THE WAIT IS OVER! [Re: alanwenker]
bigfoot2 Offline
member

Registered: 09/17/06
Posts: 1432
Loc: Eugene , Oregon
Now, would'nt you love that tent with a bungie corded snow door?

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
Hammockers aren't stuck up, they're just above it all.

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