TT Contrail vs. SMD Lunar Solo (SE US)

I've been looking into UL tents for when I have the occasion to go on multi-day trips or when weather conditions are variable/unpredictable. I've pretty much narrowed down to two options, the Tarptent Contrail and the SMD Lunar Solo (I briefly looked at the GG The One, but decided it was a bit too narrow at the ends). Both are pretty much identical in terms of specs, but the TT is a front-entry shelter, whereas the Lunar Solo is side entry.

I'm curious if anyone has used a similar shelter, one with ventilation netting on all 4 sides, in the Southeast US. Where I'll be using it for 3 season use, humidity and nighttime temps can both be pretty high, 'specially in the summer months, and I'm wondering if the larger surface area of the side entry will make a ventilation differance vs. the front entry. Any experience or thoughts?

I have used both a Tarptent and SMD tent. The TT I have is a squall 2. It has fairly good ventilation depending on the pitch. It has weathered a snow storm and heavy rain with no problems. Since the squall 2 is bigger i cant comment on the space, but just the quality of the tent.
I bought the SMD Gatewood cape, which is kinda like a lunar with a hood on it. I liked the idea of the shelter also being rain gear. I really like the Gatewood, you can adjust the pitch to allow more ventilation. Though the tent does take practice setting up, and figuring out how to change the pitch.

Both tents ventilate well but i think the lunar would have more, depending on how you pitch it. The lunar's door faces away fro the wind, where as the contrails you point the door to the wind(?) Though I think the Contrail would shed the wind better, i haven't had any problems with the gatewood and wind yet. For bug resistance the Contrail would win because it has a floor, you can always add netting to a tent. oh yeah i hike in the sierras so ground bugs aren't a big problem.

I have slept in a cloudburst (the older model tarptent), and I own a lunar solo. I can't give you a solid opinion on hot and sticky climates because I don't hike in them However, ventilation being a concern for me, both tents vent very well when pitched properly, and if you pitch them high you get plenty of air in both. I personally like the lunar solo side entry, but it's a matter of personal preference, both are very good tents. One thing possibly in favour of the tarptent in hot weather is a slightly lighter color, and the ability to set it up as a tunnel shotgun-house style with one end *facing* the wind to get breeze through the shelter.

Having said that I don't think you'll find a lot of difference, and either way, I don't think you can make a bad choice between those two, so don't sweat it. pick one and go with it, spend your time worrying about how to get out more rather than worrying about which tent

They are both good tents but here in the SE you are going to have condensation problems. If you are OK with that, you will be happy with either one.

My TT Contrail only got condensation twice, both times at the same campsite close beside a stream in the high Sierras at 8,000 ft.. Both times the condensation froze inside (temps in the mid 20s F. by morning). Never had condensation in rainy weather.

The warm stream and cold air did it. Companions camped 30 feet highter on the hill had no problems at all in their single wall tents.

Eric

Down here in the SE with the humidity we have, you're going to get condensation. Most of the time it's not too bad, you just to wipe a few times. If it rains, you're going to have problems. Both tents are good designs, we just have really high humidity.

Recently I have had two hikes over there (the US) . The first night on the PCT camping at around 5000' I was expecting some wind but it turned out almost a still night so I had some condensation (minor) from then on I always left the Contrail fully opened (mesh door zipped up) to remain nice and dry for the rest of the trip.
Franco

Franco, I've always guyed out the side loops of my Contrail for extra stability. I notce you eschew that practice. Ever have to use the side stake points?

Eric

I have owned both the Contrail and the Lunar Solo. I prefer the Lunar Solo because of the side entrance and generally more usable footprint. I still have the Lunar Solo; I sold the Contrail.

I have had condensation problems with both of them, mostly on cool, clear, nights in places like the high Sierra. The condensation was not too bad but was definitely a presence. Because the sleeping position of the Lunar Solo puts ones face nearer the fabric, you can get a face full of cold water if you don't think about it before you try to sit up.

I now mostly use a Big Agnes Fly Creek. It is only ounces heavier than the Lunar Solo and has the double wall feature. It is a bit more snug than the Lunar Solo but also a bit warmer. I wrote a review of the Fly Creek on Trail Space if you are interested in this tent.

Hi Eric
Yes I do if I suspect that it will be windy or I am in the mood to put the extra pegs in...
See this picture taken at Spectacle Lake. For a view of the lake itself turn your head to the right.
Franco

Tried looking but still couldn't see the lake. . .

I'm amazed at how much the Contrail looks like my Gerry tent from the late '60s.

The Contrail was inspired by a much earlier tent, the A.S. Comstock from 1891 (!)
However I prefer the catenary curve look, hence the extra strut in the rear...
Franco

It’s a tough call, both shelters are excellent. I live in the SE and chose the Contrail. I think it may have a slight edge on ventilation over the Lunar Solo. The nice thing about the Contrail is its quite roomy, and less likely to come in contact with the condensation. But when it comes to wind shedding and light snow, I would give the edge to the Lunar Solo.