Who actually has a Tarptent and how do you like them? They look cool and really nice.

We've had 3; the original Virga and Cloudburst models, and now a Squall 2. Yes, they are excellent tents - well designed and constructed.

I had a Rainbow Tarptent, but moved it along after a trip or two - I just couldn't get the warm fuzzies with it. Oddly enough, the two tents I've used since and did get the warm fuzzies with, are both very similar to the Rainbow: the MSR Hubba/Carbon Reflex 1, and the BA Copper Spur UL1.

The Tarptent was very roomy, extremely well made, easy to pitch, light and compact. (To be fair, the Tarptent and Carbon Reflex 1 weigh within an ounce or two of one another. The Tarptent is half a pound or more lighter than the Hubba and Copper Spurt UL1.)

I found only one minor nit to pick with the Tarptent, and it was something that is somewhat idiosyncratic and probably not an issue outside of the area I hike. With the other 3 tents, I can pitch it with or without the fly; with the Rainbow, the "fly" is always on. This is only an issue when it's hot and sunny: the Rainbow tends to heat up and hold the heat a bit more (and a bit longer) than the other tents, which (without the fly) let air circulate better. Of course, after the sun goes down, that's not an issue, and the Rainbow cools down quickly. And it may very well be that I'm being way, way too picky about an insignificant "issue."

In the end, I'm not sure why I didn't take to the Rainbow; it was just me. Trying to look at it objectively, I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the Tarptent Rainbow to anyone. It's a great tent.

I have an original floorless Squall, with front pole as a add on as I don't use hiking poles, 1.5 lbs. In the right conditions can have heavy condensation. The last 8 years or whatever that I have had it, only about 3 nights that it was bad. Always would like more room, but for the weight, yeehaw! Still shows no sign of wear or fraying, the front pole is disformed from putting small rocks under it to raise the front after the shelter is staked down. I'd like to move on some time to a lighter ZPack shelter, but for the price, TT is it. ZPacks would only save me half a pound for over $400.:( Some tarps also have a large footprint by the time they are staked out.
Duane

I've been looking at the Moment and the Notch. I like them both, maybe the Notch more.

I plan to make a homemade hammock soon, but still plan to have a tent for some trips. This winter when I'm expecting snow I will be using the Big Agnes tent for those trips instead of a hammock. Maybe next spring I can grab a Tarptent. It fun to research gears. I guess there be no such thing as a retirement account for me as it will all be blown on backpacking and mountain biking.

Both the Moment and the Notch can take a bit of snow.
The Moment with the extra crossing pole and the Notch as it is.
Not my choice if it involves possible extended stay inside either ( mind you for the guys that like bivvies this does not apply) but they may do .
This is my Moment on snow:



and this in my Notch in snow


My suggestion would be that if you use trekking poles go for the Notch (you can get a partial solid inner if wind/sand is a problem where you are) if not the Moment may be better.
Franco
(I look after TT in Australia)

Tarptent.com has really expanded their models; they now make double-wall and four-season tents as well as their old standby single wall tents. They also no longer make floorless tents (I'll bet you could get one as a special request if that's what you really want).

I have their Squall 2 and Rainshadow 2. The last is actually a three-person tent; the "2" on that tent refers to the model number. Sort of confusing because on all their other tents the "2" refers to the person capacity. I also have the Squall Classic which was made by Gossamer Gear using a Henry Shires (Tarptent) design, carries the labels of both firms and has a wonderful streamlined design. This one unfortunately has been discontinued. I love all three tents! The two larger ones (Squall 2 and Rainshadow) have hardly any problems with condensation because they are so roomy and well-ventilated. The lower height of the Squall Classic renders it more vulnerable to internal condensation, so I have to be more careful where I pitch it.

While I personally dislike any tent whose ceiling is close above my head, and I need a tent with plenty of room for my 70-lb. dog as well as me and (with the larger tents) various numbers of grandkids, I highly recommend most of Tarptent's offerings.

For those who don't use trekking poles, Tarptent.com has poles available for all models. Or you can go to Ruta Locura for stout carbon fiber poles.

Franco, I definitely noticed the difference between on snow and in snow!

We have an original Rainbow and it works wonderfully. Quick to setup, take down, is VERY lite weight and roomy. I like the one piece design since we hike and camp all over the west the interior stays dry when its raining out whether it its going up or coming down. The vestibule can be setup opened up and supported by hiking poles or tied up to a tree or clamped down to keep the wind out.

We are deciding which one to get next; a Rainbow 2 or Scarp 2.

I was testing the Notch to see if it can cope with the kind of out of season snowfalls you may get on a long trail like the PCT.
The first time I only had about 1" however it was pretty wet and later on iced up.
That pics is from the second attempt , it snowed in the afternoon and most of the night.
Not that much but enough to know
That snow was also rather heavy, it was just below freezing in the afternoon down to around 22f the next morning so the fly was all iced up.
Franco

It amazing how tents this light can hold up in fair amount of snow fall.

That is a very common misconception.
People naturally equate weight with strength.
I have sold cameras (low end film cameras) that had a small lead bar in them.
(we took a faulty one apart to figure out why)
The same camera was sold with different brands on it, however the heavier one outsold the others
(apart from the bar/colour and brand the cameras were exactly the same...)
Now for tents, the important part is the fabric and the pole structure.
I can put my full weight (150 lbs) on those poles, can't do that on a couple of normal tent poles.
Silnylon is a very strong fabric (high tear resistance) , much more so than the typical (and heavier) polyester and taffeta nylons .
Silnylon is also more expensive as well as more difficult to work with
Franco

It wasn't so much of the fabric I'm concern about it, it's the position of the pole or lack-thereof. For example, the Moment looks more sturdier to bear weight because you can have poles crossing each other for more support where the Notch you just have two poles on the side.

pyramids (the hiking type...) only have one pole and do rather well.
However that pole has to be a strong pole (not an 8/9/10mm pole...) and that is the difference
Part of the reason why the Notch works has to do with the end struts (Pitch Lock triangle)
That adds considerable tension to the fabric and that is why mine does not sag under that snow.
Franco