Both it and the Protrail are comfortable, easy to pitch, and sturdy in bad conditions, but the aeon excels where the protrail suffices. I could put my size 12s in the vestibule and the rain did not touch the shoes or my pack and I still had room to exit. The protrail is more intuitive, but once you get the heng of them, the Aeon goes up one pole faster. The DCF single wall is translucent enough to be almost transparent. I've had two tents with a front entry; an older Bushnell bivvy tent and Protrail. This model isn't a free-standing tent, so your spot selection is limited to where you can get stakes in the ground, or find appropriately sized rocks. I just thought it might be worth asking.). Have you visited Tarptent site since you purchased your model? Outstanding tent, one of my all time favs. What does my purchase include? Greg McKinley-Powell Michael Reynolds Can I stuff the ProTrail Li to make it smaller? It's a true 1+ tent design from a roomier era, and its length is substantial. It's large enough for people up to seven feet tall. The one trekking pole set-up, in this tent, is not as easy to stabilize as the dual-pole design. I'm carrying the tent for 2 pp and cannot decide between these! Like a lot of people attracted to Tarptents products, I love using minimal gear. I fold it in to and roll it along with the stakes into the fabric. I really wish that all these companies would list the actual carry weight of their shelters. The Tarptent ProTrail Li is a 15.95 oz ultralight, single-wall, Dyneema DCF trekking pole tent sized for one person.
I also really like this shape and style of tent for forested, more protected terrain.
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. I have a collection of tarps and lightweight tents, and test gear a lot. Take care and until next timebe well. The protrail vents well when open, but got pretty soaked when closed up. 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. TREAD LABS INSOLES: As good as custom orthotics at a fraction of the price. GOSSAMER-GEAR: Take 15% Off all Gossamer Gear Backpacks, Tents, Tarps, Trekking Poles and Accessories with Coupon Code "SECTIONHIKER22". Two tripod struts on either end plus an additional strut on the non-vestibule side of the tent effectively increase the height - without increasing the size of the footprint. (Dont ask). It rolls up into a compact bundle and easily straps onto the outside of my pack. Thanks again and keep up the good work. The front pole can be offset at an angle to make getting in and out easier.
Trekking poles are preferred but an 5.1 oz / 144 g pole set is available. I recommend buying the custom-sized Tyvek ground sheet that is offered with the Protrail. 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. I also just got this tent and have had it out on its first couple weekend trips. Thanks! Will there be condensation? Tarptent provides a Dyneema stake bag, and I like the provided Easton stakes, too. This tent is a complete game changer! Here is a question for anyone with time in this tent, especially in rain. The fly is translucent and lets in a fair amount of light and heat if you set up in direct sunlight. r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! Oh, and on a less important note, its architecturally elegant to boot :). they are much easier to use in the dark than traditional hook and loop closures. It forms as a thin film on portions of the inner walls. Lying down is no problem. Your email address will not be published. However, it has no struts and can be stuffed any old way. Yes please. When crawling in and out on all fours, where is the magnet relative to your head and chest? I thought I wanted either the Tarptent Aeon Li or the ZPacks Altaplex. The Protrail Li deserves your consideration if you are looking for a lightweight backpack tent for longer treks. Overall, the Aeon is the better 1p tent. You can set the tent up at a lower, wider pitch for stability in windy conditions. The key elements are the PitchLoc foldable corners that increase the tent's stability while also increasing its height - all while not requiring a larger footprint and additional material. (Im not trying to suggest it does; since I use neither, I dont have any real way to judge this.
Beware of full moons shining from without . Tearing down and packing up the tent is also quite simple because the ProTrail Li doesnt have any additional carbon-fiber struts (called Tarptent Pitchlocks) incorporated into the tent body. Everybody talks about condensation. Thats good, as are the 2 main pole guy points as opposed to one guy point on get gen. 1 version. Finally, packability. I care about the space a lot, so I sold my aeon and bought a protrail and it's my favorite tent. I had light wind blowing all night during my test run, so no condensation during cool rain. The flat door and back window are non-starters for wind. 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. I found condensation in the aeon to be more manageable in particular; something about the design ventilate particularly well for a single wall tent without being too drafty, and I didn't have to spend much time wiping it down in the mornings. The tripod structures at on the corners allow the tent to be pitched higher without widening the footprint. Youll want a shelter with angled doors and walls for that. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. When I considered the size differences between the Protrail and the Aeon, I thought the Protrail Li, being slightly longer, would be perfect for me.
More on this later. The floor weight is 1 oz / yd 2. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! Both are great shelters. The total Protrail Li footprint is very close to the extent of its pitch. The good: This tent is remarkably lightweight; it practically levitates. Four 6 aluminum stakes + Dyneema stake bag, USA made Dyneema fabrics for the ultimate in strength and weight savings, Fully taped and waterproof: 8,000mm+ hydrostatic head pressure rating, Rear storm flap opens and closes from inside, Interior never gets wet during entry, exit, setup or takedown in storms, Bug proof with abundant mesh netting for views and airflow, Catenary ridgeline for shape and performance, Highly adjustable and taut pitch for stormy weather, Generous vestibule for excellent gear storage space, Easy entry/exit pole can be offset and no front guyline needed, Use any adjustable trekking poles or optional poles, Fast setup Under 1.5 minutes from stuffsack to pitched, Tensioned internal mesh screen load lifters protects feet from contact with wall, Small packed size can fit horizontally into skinny packs, Reflective spectra cord guylines and integrated line tighteners, ProTrail body, fully corded : 15.95 oz / 453 g, Interior Height (adjustable) : 45 in / 114 cm, Stakes: 4 x 6 in / 15 cm Easton Nanos (included), Packed size in stuffsack (adjustable): 14 in x 4 in / 35 cm x 10 cm. 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. 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. Copyright 2007-2022, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. It comes down to packability (protrail) , interior space (protrail) , and front vs side entry (aeon) . Jeff Dionne With the optional Crossing Pole shortened 6 and run UNDER the fly It supports much better in heavy snow of high winds. I absolutely believe a 7' person would fit. Join us and ask yourself the question: Do I really need that? Taught and secured (with some help from river rocks, the ground here was very soft), this tent is ready for wind and rain. At just under a pound, it is a super light and functional shelter. These are much less frustrating to use than the dowels and elastic loops you find on other tents. The Dyneema stuff sack (dont stuff this tent, roll it) is about six inches longer than you will need. I've contemplated the Protrail for a long time but am concerned about a crawling entry. i am also curious how people get out of the protrail without getting their hands in the dirt. Easy-peasy. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Im 6 4 and the room is perfect and the walls will not sag like my wet nylon tent. I like double wall ents so I have the TT Notch Li. 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.
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Adjustable carbon vertical support pole for all Tarptent trekking pole shelters. This price hurts the wallet for the average backpacker. I didnt need it but I felt better using a ground sheet; I am very careful with my gear. While this is less aerodynamic, it provides more usable storage space and makes it much easier to get in and out of the tent. 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. (verified owner) August 25, 2020. I found that setup does take practice before it gets foolproof and then its extremely easy and quick. Entering and exiting isnt a problem once you get in the habit of repositioning your front pole to the side. Absolutely: the ProTrails many positive qualities substantially outweigh its few inconveniences. The fly weight is 0.51 oz / yd 2 Its actually helped me set up my old tent better because now I can feel for where the stakes are supposed to go. Philip Werner I enjoy the side entry and pyramid geometry of the Aeon a bit more, but the Protrail feels more spacious from the larger footprint. It's our favorite solo backpacking option, making it one of our Top Picks. We found leaving the struts in helps to roll the tent up (better for storage) and leads to a quick and easy packing experience. I can sit up in it and sleep comfortably. The width at the doorway is ample for an old guy to make a 180 degree turn without leg cramps. Boost your trekking pole to increase peak headroom. Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. But a few things potential buyers should know: And much easier to setup than putting out 9 stakes, trying to find a spot without rocks or roots for each. The quality of workmanship, and the details, such as the magnetic stays, impressed me. "The Aeon is better, but I prefer the Protrail". The main adaptability piece is the ability to adjust the height and angle of the trekking pole support. They list the exact weight of every component so you can compare with other models and competitors. Yes, have the same thoughts on the door, the back end I cannot get my head around. A night or two out each year means you'll be sleeping outside for the price of a decent hotel room. Magnet tie backs are a stroke of genius with frozen fingers. You can sit up directly in the morning as the top of the pyramid shape is fairly roomy. 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). The ProTrail at least this style of tent is considered to handle wind quite well, by many. . Gear loft for the all Tarptent models with interior clips (except Moment DW). I'm 5 11 175 and it's so nice to never have to think about getting the foot end of the sleeping bag wet. Just pack it vertically, it's a non issue! Reservation for one? Saying the tent is under a pound and then you have to add the weight of the stakes, stake bag, tent bag, etc. It seems to check a lot of boxes. The vestibule is equally sizeable, able to fit 2 packs easily with some usable room to spare. Great review! Disclosure: The author purchased this tent. Got lucky with not much rain so it wasnt truly rain-tested but I have no doubts it would be great. I prefer the double Rainbow Li, because it is amazingly easy to set up, and with my trekking poles is free standing. My first tent was a non DCF Protrail, using an Aeon now. GearLab is reader-supported. 12213 Koswyn Ct. Personally I would do the aeon if it didn't have the struts but like the way the protrail packs small. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a88808fcb5d9ad22cb046d112db91e73" );document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Get 15% Off Your First Order. But this one sets up tight immediately and stays that way. New Customer Discount. Your email address will not be published. This tent has many of the features from the Stratospire but paired down to a single pole support system with just enough room for you and your gear. 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. The Dyneema fly is entirely waterproof. David Huycke The four required stakes are each placed about a foot from the tent corners. Is the ProTrail Li fully waterproof? This sub is about overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, generally aiming at a sub 10 pound base weight, and following LNT principles. 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. Quite possibly the perfect solo shelter.
Downsized from a Gossamer Gear The Two which I love but 12oz lighter is a lot. 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.
Im an idiot and even I could put this gorgeous tent up. But seriously, good write up and reviews. 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. and from within (!). The Pro Trail is a more sind-worthy design than was the Contrail. When the front door is zippered closed, its flat and doesnt form a triangular front vestibule like many other front entrance tents. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
I also really like this shape and style of tent for forested, more protected terrain.
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. I have a collection of tarps and lightweight tents, and test gear a lot. Take care and until next timebe well. The protrail vents well when open, but got pretty soaked when closed up. 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. TREAD LABS INSOLES: As good as custom orthotics at a fraction of the price. GOSSAMER-GEAR: Take 15% Off all Gossamer Gear Backpacks, Tents, Tarps, Trekking Poles and Accessories with Coupon Code "SECTIONHIKER22". Two tripod struts on either end plus an additional strut on the non-vestibule side of the tent effectively increase the height - without increasing the size of the footprint. (Dont ask). It rolls up into a compact bundle and easily straps onto the outside of my pack. Thanks again and keep up the good work. The front pole can be offset at an angle to make getting in and out easier.
Trekking poles are preferred but an 5.1 oz / 144 g pole set is available. I recommend buying the custom-sized Tyvek ground sheet that is offered with the Protrail. 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. I also just got this tent and have had it out on its first couple weekend trips. Thanks! Will there be condensation? Tarptent provides a Dyneema stake bag, and I like the provided Easton stakes, too. This tent is a complete game changer! Here is a question for anyone with time in this tent, especially in rain. The fly is translucent and lets in a fair amount of light and heat if you set up in direct sunlight. r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! Oh, and on a less important note, its architecturally elegant to boot :). they are much easier to use in the dark than traditional hook and loop closures. It forms as a thin film on portions of the inner walls. Lying down is no problem. Your email address will not be published. However, it has no struts and can be stuffed any old way. Yes please. When crawling in and out on all fours, where is the magnet relative to your head and chest? I thought I wanted either the Tarptent Aeon Li or the ZPacks Altaplex. The Protrail Li deserves your consideration if you are looking for a lightweight backpack tent for longer treks. Overall, the Aeon is the better 1p tent. You can set the tent up at a lower, wider pitch for stability in windy conditions. The key elements are the PitchLoc foldable corners that increase the tent's stability while also increasing its height - all while not requiring a larger footprint and additional material. (Im not trying to suggest it does; since I use neither, I dont have any real way to judge this.
Beware of full moons shining from without . Tearing down and packing up the tent is also quite simple because the ProTrail Li doesnt have any additional carbon-fiber struts (called Tarptent Pitchlocks) incorporated into the tent body. Everybody talks about condensation. Thats good, as are the 2 main pole guy points as opposed to one guy point on get gen. 1 version. Finally, packability. I care about the space a lot, so I sold my aeon and bought a protrail and it's my favorite tent. I had light wind blowing all night during my test run, so no condensation during cool rain. The flat door and back window are non-starters for wind. 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. I found condensation in the aeon to be more manageable in particular; something about the design ventilate particularly well for a single wall tent without being too drafty, and I didn't have to spend much time wiping it down in the mornings. The tripod structures at on the corners allow the tent to be pitched higher without widening the footprint. Youll want a shelter with angled doors and walls for that. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. When I considered the size differences between the Protrail and the Aeon, I thought the Protrail Li, being slightly longer, would be perfect for me.
More on this later. The floor weight is 1 oz / yd 2. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! Both are great shelters. The total Protrail Li footprint is very close to the extent of its pitch. The good: This tent is remarkably lightweight; it practically levitates. Four 6 aluminum stakes + Dyneema stake bag, USA made Dyneema fabrics for the ultimate in strength and weight savings, Fully taped and waterproof: 8,000mm+ hydrostatic head pressure rating, Rear storm flap opens and closes from inside, Interior never gets wet during entry, exit, setup or takedown in storms, Bug proof with abundant mesh netting for views and airflow, Catenary ridgeline for shape and performance, Highly adjustable and taut pitch for stormy weather, Generous vestibule for excellent gear storage space, Easy entry/exit pole can be offset and no front guyline needed, Use any adjustable trekking poles or optional poles, Fast setup Under 1.5 minutes from stuffsack to pitched, Tensioned internal mesh screen load lifters protects feet from contact with wall, Small packed size can fit horizontally into skinny packs, Reflective spectra cord guylines and integrated line tighteners, ProTrail body, fully corded : 15.95 oz / 453 g, Interior Height (adjustable) : 45 in / 114 cm, Stakes: 4 x 6 in / 15 cm Easton Nanos (included), Packed size in stuffsack (adjustable): 14 in x 4 in / 35 cm x 10 cm. 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. 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. Copyright 2007-2022, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. It comes down to packability (protrail) , interior space (protrail) , and front vs side entry (aeon) . Jeff Dionne With the optional Crossing Pole shortened 6 and run UNDER the fly It supports much better in heavy snow of high winds. I absolutely believe a 7' person would fit. Join us and ask yourself the question: Do I really need that? Taught and secured (with some help from river rocks, the ground here was very soft), this tent is ready for wind and rain. At just under a pound, it is a super light and functional shelter. These are much less frustrating to use than the dowels and elastic loops you find on other tents. The Dyneema stuff sack (dont stuff this tent, roll it) is about six inches longer than you will need. I've contemplated the Protrail for a long time but am concerned about a crawling entry. i am also curious how people get out of the protrail without getting their hands in the dirt. Easy-peasy. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Im 6 4 and the room is perfect and the walls will not sag like my wet nylon tent. I like double wall ents so I have the TT Notch Li. 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.
document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Adjustable carbon vertical support pole for all Tarptent trekking pole shelters. This price hurts the wallet for the average backpacker. I didnt need it but I felt better using a ground sheet; I am very careful with my gear. While this is less aerodynamic, it provides more usable storage space and makes it much easier to get in and out of the tent. 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. (verified owner) August 25, 2020. I found that setup does take practice before it gets foolproof and then its extremely easy and quick. Entering and exiting isnt a problem once you get in the habit of repositioning your front pole to the side. Absolutely: the ProTrails many positive qualities substantially outweigh its few inconveniences. The fly weight is 0.51 oz / yd 2 Its actually helped me set up my old tent better because now I can feel for where the stakes are supposed to go. Philip Werner I enjoy the side entry and pyramid geometry of the Aeon a bit more, but the Protrail feels more spacious from the larger footprint. It's our favorite solo backpacking option, making it one of our Top Picks. We found leaving the struts in helps to roll the tent up (better for storage) and leads to a quick and easy packing experience. I can sit up in it and sleep comfortably. The width at the doorway is ample for an old guy to make a 180 degree turn without leg cramps. Boost your trekking pole to increase peak headroom. Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. But a few things potential buyers should know: And much easier to setup than putting out 9 stakes, trying to find a spot without rocks or roots for each. The quality of workmanship, and the details, such as the magnetic stays, impressed me. "The Aeon is better, but I prefer the Protrail". The main adaptability piece is the ability to adjust the height and angle of the trekking pole support. They list the exact weight of every component so you can compare with other models and competitors. Yes, have the same thoughts on the door, the back end I cannot get my head around. A night or two out each year means you'll be sleeping outside for the price of a decent hotel room. Magnet tie backs are a stroke of genius with frozen fingers. You can sit up directly in the morning as the top of the pyramid shape is fairly roomy. 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). The ProTrail at least this style of tent is considered to handle wind quite well, by many. . Gear loft for the all Tarptent models with interior clips (except Moment DW). I'm 5 11 175 and it's so nice to never have to think about getting the foot end of the sleeping bag wet. Just pack it vertically, it's a non issue! Reservation for one? Saying the tent is under a pound and then you have to add the weight of the stakes, stake bag, tent bag, etc. It seems to check a lot of boxes. The vestibule is equally sizeable, able to fit 2 packs easily with some usable room to spare. Great review! Disclosure: The author purchased this tent. Got lucky with not much rain so it wasnt truly rain-tested but I have no doubts it would be great. I prefer the double Rainbow Li, because it is amazingly easy to set up, and with my trekking poles is free standing. My first tent was a non DCF Protrail, using an Aeon now. GearLab is reader-supported. 12213 Koswyn Ct. Personally I would do the aeon if it didn't have the struts but like the way the protrail packs small. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a88808fcb5d9ad22cb046d112db91e73" );document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Get 15% Off Your First Order. But this one sets up tight immediately and stays that way. New Customer Discount. Your email address will not be published. This tent has many of the features from the Stratospire but paired down to a single pole support system with just enough room for you and your gear. 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. The Dyneema fly is entirely waterproof. David Huycke The four required stakes are each placed about a foot from the tent corners. Is the ProTrail Li fully waterproof? This sub is about overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, generally aiming at a sub 10 pound base weight, and following LNT principles. 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. Quite possibly the perfect solo shelter.
Downsized from a Gossamer Gear The Two which I love but 12oz lighter is a lot. 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.
Im an idiot and even I could put this gorgeous tent up. But seriously, good write up and reviews. 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. and from within (!). The Pro Trail is a more sind-worthy design than was the Contrail. When the front door is zippered closed, its flat and doesnt form a triangular front vestibule like many other front entrance tents. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.