Paul, have you tried a miltec recon tent yet? Their cheap and tough as nails. I bought one 5 years ago for £65. They stand up in ferocious winds that most £300+ tents would disappear over the horizon in
Nice, it even has mosquito netting in it! ☕🙂👍 That is Uber lightweight . The benefits that you can always carry it in case a storm rolls in on a day hike. Occasionally unforecasts storms do that in some mountain systems for some reason. Thanks for the special hacks like filling the inflatable pillow to keep the outer pocket usable. I'll keep that in mind. Did you know that the original Cuban Fiber was also used for satellite parachutes?
You probably think the rain is rubbish weather to camp in, but as someone who doesn't get much of it in Australia, and who loves the sound of it on tin rooves and tents alike, it's awesome to hear.
Camping in the rain is nice if it’s one night or if you’re leaving the tent up at a campsite, but if you’re packing it wet every morning for a week then it’s grim
As long as you’re warm and safe the rain is very cosy. But the problem is it makes everything more dangerous and cold! As a cold person I am really dreading multiple days in a cold and humid tent with all the clothes wet from hiking in the rain. But living in skandinavia it is very likely.
This looks so chill...a terrain of gently rolling, grassy hills. No tough terrain, bears, or cougars to worry about. The trail is super clear. Interesting how much camping and hiking vary across the world.
and soil where you normally push a tent stake into the ground with a little foot pressures instead of having to pound 'em into the ground with a heavy rock. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
From my nice comfortable city home I deeply regret the absence of large predators in the UK. Then I remember: I know I like camping, whereas I am almost certain I don't like being eaten.
I bought this tent early last year & used it on the C2C- I sold my Nordisk tent to help pay for it, which had terrible condensation problems. I'm very happy with the tent, but I bought the alternative inner specifically designed for N European conditions (only part mesh). You can set up with the 4 pegs supplied but if one peg fails there is no redundancy in the design & it can go down. I've added extra guy ropes/ peg outs on the sides & ends for really rough weather & uneven ground, although the 6 peg set up you used is good for most conditions. There is quite a big gap between the fly & ground level, which gives excellent ventilation- I've had zero problems with condensation. However in windy + rainy conditions I reduce the gap by lowering the trekking pole height to reduce the risk of rain getting underneath the fly. I have also had no problems with the DCF floor- no need to bring along a groundsheet.
For structural redundancy I've had success with feeding a guy through the vent from top of the trekking pole to fore of vent. You can also have one inside the vestibule to just before touching the inner at the head end. At the maximum that's 4 extra pegs , 2 each side, 1 inside and 1 outside. As that outer fed guy has a lot of scope for peg placement you can help solve is the main intended happens to hit rock. I also (like Paul shows) some strong Ti pegs to wack through any rock.
That tent packing tip, using your inflatable pillow, seems like a true stroke of genius 👏 I'll definitely keep it in mind, I'm sure it'll come in handy some day.
I've got to say Paul....when I worked in the outdoor industry, a Chinese tent manufacturer told me that "cuben fiber" or dyneema composite fabric isn't that expensive to manufacture. The reason they bump the price up is because of the tear strength and water proofness along with the weight....or lack of it....the manufacturer's take the piss and make out like it's some sort of magical fabric.
Not saying you're wrong but I also heard it's harder to work with, stitching, glueing is more difficult so still higher manufacturing cost to make the tent?
@@GeekfromYorkshire most DCF tents are actually bonded rather than stitched, all Terra Nova dcf (cuben fiber) tents are bonded. It still doesn't explain why a dcf version of a Terra Nova tent is more than twice the price of it's sil nylon version....£1400 for a 1 man tent!?!?!?....
DCF doesn't last forever like silnylon or silpoly. It can be deformed and weakened by stretching, including high winds, and is very prone to abrasion (and somewhat prone to puncture). It's only about 30% lighter than silnylon/silpoly (and not even that much in some cases). You cannot stuff DCF, and it is not as compact when rolled as silnylon/silpoly. So you get a small reduction in weight in exchange for short product life, large packed size, fragile fabric, and double the price. As for resale value, I wouldn't buy a used DCF product. You might "unload" it on some unsuspecting buyer, but is that really fair play? As you say, "worth it" is up to the individual. It's not for me.
@@Asdf-789 DCF breaks down proportionally to the amount of hard creasing over time. Stuffing is the quickest way to shorten DCF lifespan because it introduces so much hard creasing. Rolling is the best way to lengthen the lifespan. I agree 10D silnylon is not that durable or abrasion resistant. 30D silnylon is much more durable and abrasion resistant than DCF.
completely agree. not to mention very see-through. I don't know why people buy it. my guess it will go out of fashion soon. sil-poly a far superior fly fabric IMO
Yes I've read that too and indeed TT write that on their tech page. I've paused and not bought DCF as I can think of other less compromised ways to save weight. Including drinking less beer.
DCF tents are very expensive but they are becoming more popular in the UK. They are a specific tool for lightweight camping over multiple days and many miles. If you use it many times, day after day for thru hikes, it probably the best choice. But your everyday camper I think there are better options. What do you think?
I have the Notch and Protrail. The Protrail has masses of inner space width length headroom but only one entrance. I like the Notch for dual vestibule and dual wall for colder conditions. I'd say if you're going to do long multiple day hikes carrying your gear you need more space than that Notch as knackered and wanting to chill and cook in the tent. There are DCF bigger versions than the Notch from TT such as the SS1 Li. For now my tent is just to sleep between the pub and breakfast and I'm ok with the Notch size, you can unclip the inner and sit on it for more space on a wet day.
Love the channel Paul, just found you. What do you think about the Northern Lite 2 as a UK do it all (except up a mountain in winter) tent for 2 people wild camping?
Agreed, not needed for everyday campers and there are such cheaper options. When I have been in a regular campsite I have been so worried about accidental damage or even someone just walking off with it while I am not around.
@@grahamriley8124 I've already had a hole in my TT Protrail floor, I repaired it and made a new groundsheet. I'd have concerns with DCF groundsheets. I think TT is using just the same groundsheet as their non-Li? As for thefts at campsites, there's always that risk and TBH my £500 down sleeping bag, and my other lightweight camping kit adds to the worry. If you advertised you're a weight weeny to the campsite you'd probably be beckoning your tent and rest of your kit to be "investigated". As for damage, I've seen it multiple times. I've seen a dog run around and claws ripped a passing tent. I've found other ways to shave weight, for now. I'm probably in USA again in the autumn so may order something from TT to complement / replace my Protrail and Notch. Notch is a bit too narrow and a bit too short and some options opened up since I got the Notch 12 years ago.
Thanks for sharing. I have a poncho tarp to be multipurpose with , for example making a vestibule extension or to shield from summer dawn. These trekking pole tents save weight but I carry a 3rd pole just in case, usually a CF 115cm 100g pole in case of a pole snap (which has happened but rare) so I use the 3rd to extend or shelter the tent. And yes, ponchos are brilliant idea when it's not cold, more protective and less sweaty as it's effectively a human shaped umbrella.
That tent looks excellent. The idea of the inflatable pillow to reserve room for packing it away is superb. Thanks for the upload and sharing your opinion Paul.
They're expensive, because they're lightweight and the material costs are high...what kind of title is that? You even said yourself in the video that the machining costs are high.
I am waiting to see how the new generation of Ultra TNT laminate tents perform. Cheaper and more durable than DCF but a little heavier, lighter and stronger than silnylon/silpoly. It's a shame no companies except trekkertent use more stealthy DCF colors, white/grey DCF really does stand out.
The reasons for the high cost of a Dyneema tent is that Dyneema is sold at retail in the USA for $19.25 for a half a yard -18 inches, (1.5 feet) X 4.5 feet wide after removing about 5/8 inch on both sides. Additionally, most Dyneema tents are of sewn construction necessitating waterproofing the seams which takes additional work = additional cost. The Dyneema tents I make are made with glue, stronger than sewn construction and adhesive tape. My 4.05 ounce floorless Dyneema tent is perhaps the worlds lightest tent. My previous floorless Dyneema tent weighs 4.4 ounces, 4.4 feet wide x 9.15 feet long and 3.5 feet high. A loop is at the ridge of both tents for hanging the tent from above by about 8 different hanging methods, also used with a pole.
I have the Zpacks Altaplex which for a 1 man tent is huge, only used for bike packing , expensive but well worth the money, being made in the states means the cost is premium, but well worth it .
Hi mate. Why not just get the Durston X-Mid Pro? You clearly love the standard version (and rightly so). I know the pro is single skin at points, but it seems to do quite well with condensation, especially with the space afforded. Keep up the good work ⛰️
Wild camped up there many a time in all weathers,, tarp, tent and just a bivi bag, including weathers like that. The run off from the top looked like a river of chocolate on the worst days! Best times to be up there is on a warm day, but not too hot or snow, then it gives the whole area an added dimension to its "otherworldly" appearance especially around the woolpacks. Don't think i'd like to be squeezed into one of those tents though, looks too small and claustrophobic for my size.
Great video and reviews Paul. Great to have you back in my feed brother. Flextail pump is now an ESSENTIAL piece of lightweight kit. So versatile with lamp and battery bank backup features. Looking forward to more DCF tent reviews. How do you think this one would have been if you were 190 cm tall? Also… Flextail lamp+ midge repeller. Was it worth the weight? I think it’s excellent for your videos as an illumination source…and if it blitzes the midges then that would get rid of the downside of having a light on in the tent. Kia kaha e hoe (stand tall brother)
The lady from Homemade Wanderlust did the The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland using her Zpacks Duplex tent and came out unscathed, despite it being an environment most people would use a 4 season mountaineering tent in. So, Dyneema is pretty strong. Her post trip video reviewing the performance is titled 'Testing The Limits Of The Zpacks DupleXL - The Good and The Bad'
Watched that video and the Zpacks Duplex isn't the tent I'd pick for Iceland. It still worked though, but there are lots of tents, including DCF ones that will be much more pleasant to use in high winds.
@@frstesiste7670 As an Icelander I do most of my backpacking up in Hornstrandir where the weather is about the same as on the Laugavegur - what DCF tent would you recommend? I use Hilleberg Nallos (I have two - a Nallo 3 and a Nallo 4) but I wouldn't mind a lighter load 🙂
Hilleberg make excellent tents (I've got one - discontinued) and they're made for the fairly harsh Nordic climate, but they're not light. I don't think you have to go to Dyneema to get a significantly lighter, but still a lot less flappy than a Duplex. But since you're used to Hilleberg prices - why not. IMO better handling of wind is a combination of design and the "pole to fabric ratio". I haven't tried a Durston myself, but the design seem to allow more/better tension on the fabric than a Duplex and I believe you'll get better handling of wind even if it also two trekking poles tent. You can also take a look at Samaya tents. I believe that tents with sleeves for the poles (or poles inside the fly) is inherently better in high wind as you get contact between poles and the fabric for the whole length of the poles instead of just two (or one for a pyramid) small points. Pyramids actually do fairly well too as they are completely symmetrical, and a lot of the fabric is close to the ground. I've spent quite a few nights in a pyramid tent in high winds, but you get fairly little internal volume for a certain footprint compared to other designs so there are disadvantages - particularly if you have to spend a lot of time in the tent. I certainly don't know all models and I'm sure there are lots of options I don't know about. Btw, it would be interesting to see what Hilleberg would do with Dyneema...
@@frstesiste7670 Thanks a lot for your response. Dyneema doesn't seem to have hit the mainstream, at least not as a tent material (lots of Dyneema ropes out there - and even Dyneema gloves!). I did find a Big Agnes two-man tent with a Dyneema flysheet and groundsheet - but it appeared to have been discontinued (perhaps the $1,700 price for a 2-man tent had something to do with that). It was, however, incredibly light. I'll try exploring the brands you mention - but the problem with buying direct from manufacturers is that they tend not to ship globally. Still, thanks again. I agree that Hilleberg + Dyneema would be interesting ....
Not always possible, but I like to see a tent (and a pack) before buying. UA-cam can only do so much. Samaya is horribly expensive, but you might be able to find them on Iceland. There are stores both in Sweden and Norway that carry Samaya.
great setup, though I'm always slightly amused when people shave off 10g of the sleeping pad and then add a pump to their bag. What I like about the tent is the room between the inner and outer which should help in rain.
I have both the notch li and the stratosphere li. For UK conditions I would go with the solid inner rather than the full mesh as you tested. Yes they are very expensive but lighter than most of the single skin style tents. Had the notch out in some pretty serious winds and extended heavy rain.biggest issue is getting a good pitch as you mentioned. I doubt you would regret pulling the trigger on one.
Also have the Stratosphere LI. Had it close to the top of a Munro in winter this year with rain / hail mix and 35-40mph winds with the odd gust measured close to or above 50 (sticking the anemometer out the vent) It only lasted for 3 hours but it was solid. Wished the fly was 5cm longer to eliminate draughty/ should have dropped the poles a bit but didn’t want to go out and retighten everything. Only 2 issues I have is that DCF lets soooo much light bleed through the fly on a summer morning. My wife also hates how transparent it is if she is getting changed but the only thing around us when we camp are either sheep or deer. Also the pitch isn’t the most straightforward, for me, I imagine that I need to rotate the fly 60degrees to line up with the patch I’ve chosen to place the inner. It’s brilliant for one person (I’m 6’4”/194cm) and fine for 2. Would love to try the DCF lite way equipment tents from Ukraine though.
I keep coming full circle back to thinking the SS Li is my next tent. I like everything about my Notch but lack of inner width and possibly a bit more headroom but the larger footprint may negate need for higher. Do you recommend the SS Li for someone wanting to space upgrade from Notch?
@@GeekfromYorkshire there is very little difference in weight between the two but a bit more bulk when packed. Compared to the notch it's a palace but getting on for twice the footprint. I use the SS when I'm out with my Mrs or out with the dog. Normally the notch is used on long distance solo stuff so it's really only a place to sleep rather than 'camp out' otherwise I always take the ss
@@GeekfromYorkshire the stratospire li stands out a lot due to size and colour. That may be a factor depending on where you camp. Scotland, no issues anywhere, but if you want to keep a lower profile the notch won’t stand out as much
I'd just stick with the hilleberg akto or the 3 season equivalent, tried and tested. The Akto is essentially weightless, dunno why you would want anything lighter.
I agree with you brand, Hilleberg, however, my preference is the 3-Season Enan - that 3 season in Nordic countries, more like a 4-season tent here in American unless your in North Dakota or Wisconsin. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
That was a great video!. As someone who used to camp as a child in a single skin tent by the beach, the condensation was an issue. But now, you can get over that problem with double skinned, sail material type of tent. The rain was loud though and would be a problem getting sleep but thanks for the honest review 😉
i took the plunge and bought the Zpacks Duplex Zip for the Cape Wrath Trail. Its typically expensive being DCF but the tent (essentially a DCF Lanshan 2 pro) was brilliant. Tough, spacious and ridiculously light. It was an absolute winner and stood up to all the conditions the CWT threw at me. But... If i were an overnight camper only, i'd stick to the Lanshan or cloud peak as they're great tents and massively cheaper. BTW - i also had the Durston XMid Pro2 in DCF, that was a nightmare. Very flappy in the wind and the DCF actually tore. i would not recommend one of those. BTW2 - Altra Olympus.... brilliant aren't they? i love mine.
That outer tent skin looked to me like a snake molt which further enhanced in my mind that it was indeed very water resistant. Super tough material if it was developed for sails. I could see where a lot of people would love this tent. Not for me though, I’m a glamper more than a camper. I loved your holiday videos with your bride and two friends! Especially the paddle boarding. God love her for trying. I would have peed my wet suit laughing if that was me.
Hike a mile away is an exaggeration, however, it does make a point. 100 yards is the distance I normally use to stash food away from my campsite. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
I got the 'standard' (i.e. silnylon) Notch for use this season, and so far I'm very pleased with it. 200g more than this Li version, and with both inners - I usually prefer the mesh. Used correctly I'm satisfied with its suitability for UK conditions, but I'll still go to my Tarptent Scarp 1 (500g more) if I'm anticipating more challenging or colder weather.
I bought a used Scarp 1 but sold it after trying Notch side-by-side. I had more flexibility to pitch outer high+wide or nearer+lower and could peg more guys to trekking poles to make quite a rigid structure. But the Notch is still a bit of a coffin, narrow. I can mitigate it if trapped in for a day via unclipping the inner and sitting on it. But I then got the Protrail and I prefer it in the better situations as roomy and light and I sit against the pole to save an airbed chair kit. This year I had success with tuning small Ti pegs wide-high vs short-low to the conditions. I've had more success changing my cook kit. I shaved 200g so got a backpack weight saving for less cost than moving tent to DCF. Ever learning.
How do you like the mesh inner? I have the original solid inner which is solid to half way up and mesh roof. The newer solid inner has a solid roof. I'm curious if the Notch high side fly with the mesh inner gives your privacy issues? Can you see outside lying down?
@@GeekfromYorkshire You can generally get the fly wall lower by shortening your poles if need be. But I choose my Notch over my Scarp when I'm expecting easier weather, so I hope to be able to sleep with fly doors open so I can enjoy that priceless view lying down. As my preference is for wild sites in as remote a location as I can find, there are no privacy issues.
I've had the Zpacks plex solo for a while now, numerous overnighters as well as the C2C and an 8 day wander in the lakes. Ridiculously light at under 400g with guys. So easy to pitch and quite versatile as you can drop it around 7cm in height when the weather kicks in and it'll still perform. Definitely not a winter tent for the UK, but for multiday excursions it's been brilliant, I can fit me, all my kit inside and still have space. A niche market but you get what you pay for. I'm sure you've already looked and if you have the chance take a look at one or the Stratosphire Li.
Great vid Paul! I have the notch li solid inner and the dipole…am 6’5. If you’re hiking and not spending any time anywhere, the small footprint of the notch is handy… however, spending any time in the tent, I much prefer the larger Dipole with its larger footprint… my rain experience isn’t like UK but no issues noted in Tstorms
Looked like a nice outing. Tarptent has some nice designs. For my budget and style it's not worth it, but I'd definitely consider a DCF tent/tarp if I ever do a long distance thru-hike in the future.
I love my cuben fiber it is very important to remember it is Absolutely NOT cut or abrasion resistant. I never hear anyone mention this in most reviews so I thought I would once again bring it up. Thanks for the video.
You're the 2nd person to make a similar comment about the material not being abrasion/puncture resistant. RIGHT ON! Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
I own a Tarptent Notch Li. I've spent nearly 100 nights in it and walked several UK trails, the Swiss Alpine Pass Trail and the GR11 with it. I've lost confidence in the tent. The DCF is showing signs of real wear and tear. The material is becoming very thin where it has the most pressure when stretched. I have had water ingress in driving rain despite being set up correctly. I'm 6'4" and think it's perfect for someone of my height and the weight of the tent is superb. But, for the price paid with import fees, I'd like to think that it would have lasted more than 100 nights. My go to tent is currently the Terra Nova Laser Compact 2 and I'm happy with the extra weight when backpacking.
I'll wait a couple of years until long term reviews of such tents are available; meanwhile I will stick to my fjallraven abisko lite 1. I'm one who invests in a tent and want to get my moneys worth out of it. Maybe it is just me and being an old man, but I just don't like the look of these tents, especially the colour........ yuck!
Not bad at all but, look flimsy & the inners aren't tart, the entire thing packs up big too. Nothing beats the Lanshan 2 Pro imo. $ for $/weight & sturdiness & even looks.
I HIGHLY recommend buying Tarptent's optional trekking pole handle pockets. They then into the peak grommets and Velcro around your pole handle, thus KEEPING IT OUT OG THE DIRT. Since I always have rubber tips on my pole tips these keep the poles from sinking into the ground when used as a tent pole.
What poncho is the one you wear? Looking for one like that. Btw, great video! I get that it's somewhat uncomfortable with the rain, wind and water, but that foggy landscape and those rushing streams are otherwordly. Just beautiful.
That is a pretty looking area to hike in and sleep out. It’s so weird not seeing trees everywhere though, I’m still surprised by the treeless vistas in so many UK posts.
Wind and rain here wrecks everything, my beautiful garden has recently been more or less totally destroyed by the last bout of wind and rain, plus it summer over here but it feels more like February cos it's so cold, I've often said we have one of the world's worst climates, it really sucks to see our brief summers go down the drain, We have nine months of wind and rain followed by three months of wind and rain with the occasional break in the clouds 😬
This is the upland atea of the Peak District - he’s actually above the treeline here even though its not really high up - the wind and rain keep it clear ( and the deer and sheep)
Please review the Snugpac Patrol Poncho My experience is: A very reasonably priced lightweight rain coat with extensive coverage even for a smaller rucksack Not breathable fabric but wide enough to have lots of airflow
I added stake 4 loops midway on each fly edge for wind stability. To reinforce the loop attachment points I cut circles of Tenacious Tape and sandwiched them around the fly hem. Two layers is plenty. After sewing on very light nylon grosgrain webbing/tape loops I girth hitches heavy duty" women's elastic hair circles to the loops. This creates some flexibility for windy nights and keeps my MSR Ground Hog stakes in the ground.
Paul, I had a notch for a while- great tent and I would consider another one. Cant really fault it, but yes perhaps just a little small for long winter evenings to be stuck inside. Then I got the Stratospire 1. It was like a Giant Notch- much more room. Slightly trickier to pitch, but well worth it for the extra room, so I think you have to try it out.
Thanks Paul, a great video and stunning tent. I’ve used PC tents from Robens for years they look like a similar material and they are amazing too. Once you’ve used PC it’s difficult to go back. Just make sure you have a warmer bag as the single wall can get v chilly! The muddy mark should wash off easily with water and a sponge. Congratulations on 2 years since you packed in the day job, as the best wild camping you-tuber out there😅. I always trust your opinion. J
I have a single skin Z Pack triplex Dyneema Fibre tent. Excellent performance and value for money. They have overcome the condensation issue with good design. 800 grams weight.
Sadly, you don't read or reply to comments in any of your videos. Interesting & informative tent video. Hilleberg Enan is my one & only tent - truly 5-Star accommodations out in the boonies. And the 70D floor material is bulletproof. Can't say the same for your air mattress & air pump; no need for the air pump & your inflatable air mattress can & should be a thermarest XTherm thanks to its 70D underside material & its R6.9 rating. I strongly suspect the air mattress you have/used in this video will soon deflate at night & then be discarded as a piece of trash. Your "Description" doesn't even list/name the air mattress. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
I've done a review of the Zpacks Duplex and if it's any good for UK conditions. I think there are better and cheaper alternatives for all round UK use. However they absolutely have their place. If you're doing lots of long distance multi day trails or hiking in hotter conditions, I think they are amazing. Mostly down to the weight savings. The Duplex is also the easiest tent to pitch that I own.
@@PHope1111 Well, I think the Durston X-Mid 2 is a better option myself. You can get the solid inner version which is much more suited to UK conditions and whilst it's not as light as Duplex, it still comes in at only a little over 1kg, including the stuff sack and stakes.
You've got to pump it up. 🎶 I just can't get excited about DCF, a huge price tag for a circa 300g weight saving. They don't last as long as their traditional silnylon or silpoly counterparts either. Definitely suited to the UK climate with the amount of rain we get though.
I bought a silnylon Tarptent which is slightly more spacious than its DCF equivalent, is 50% longer lasting according to Tarptent, and only a few hundred grams heavier. And the colour slightly better camouflaged for wild camps in England !
So, they get to claim that their tent weighs 600g, which of course is false, as it doesn't include poles. Whilst the material is light, it isn't as robust as most other materials. Simply put I'd rather carry an extra kg in the form of a fully enclosed tent (absolutely loads to choose from), and save in the region of £500+ taking into account this one is priced about $630, but then there is the cost of the trekking poles to take into consideration too, so add another £80-£150 on top of that!!! I'm all for lighter gear, but it needs to be cost effective and have a decent expected life span too. Aimed at the gear nerds with more money than sense I think.
Absolutely pull the floor out as much as possible because it is NARROW. But hey, all I'm doing in there is sleeping or sitting to cook a meal in one of the vestibules. Otherwise this tent is great.I love that my "solid"walls are actually lighter per square meter than the netting!
Why are the most tents lower than 120 cm!? If the weather is to bad for hiking ( visibility and so on) or changing clothes when being Big like me 6 feet 2, 130 /140 would be great!
I already have the tent I always wanted but the Notch has also been on my radar for a few years. I doubt I’d actually buy one because I’d have little use for it but they are a really nice design.
Ok here's the problem I have with you lot. You all got there in a CAR. You went to find wilderness but when you got there, there s more campers than Butlin's, and what does it look like round the bottom of the hill? Wannabe wildmen car sales? Meanwhile I'm trying to get a few miles along the edge of Sheffield, aiming for the tram stop with my 3 year old grandson, of course it s possible but it won't be relaxing or conversational because of all the gits in blinkers rushing to the 'wilderness' in their CARs
Lets talk personal protection pal. What you packin out there? Tazor? Glock? Berretta. I imagine you old timers go old school. Pepper spray and a lump hammer? Give em a shot of the hot sauce followed by the old persuader for desert.
Hi Paul, I have a Zpack. Duplex and it’s fantastic, way more space and virtually the same weight as 1 person dynema tents. It’s excellent for hiking, funny I always put it up with trekking poles with tips down for better stability and to avoid risking a tear, the hand straps are great for hanging smelly clothes. Love your videos, thanks 👍
we've got a triplex and love it. fits 2 of us well with our minimal gear inside or in the entryways, simple setup, so light, handles rain and wind really well. Tough to find spots to guy sometimes in rocky areas, but eventually you get it done. Always have condensation in a humid setting, but I've never had any tent that didn't. It's manageable. I mean, you breathe out a ton of moisture -- it's going to condense. This stuff doesn't stretch and sag with the wet, which is a big help.
First time I have watched your videos and enjoyed this one. I was unfamiliar with the tent fabric that had a recycled look about it so no bad thing but disliked the bright white/ off white colour. I prefer to blend in with landscape rather than stand out. Yes it looked a good choice but not at that ridiculous price.
Pardon me. If I might make a suggestion. Think about having a dog with you. I think you would have more viewers. People generally like dogs. Also, a dog is an early warning system if anyone or anything is coming to visit.
Perfect weather for tenttesting. About the tent: Seems to work fine in that kind of terrain. Not so good in norwegian mountians (much more rocks and less grass around here). Some people hike inlow lands only, and then this tent would do fine.
Seems like a lot of money for what it does, I.e. a bit lighter than stronger fabric tents. I won’t be buying anything made from that fabric. If One thinks a few ounces makes that much difference to a multi day trip I think one needs to adjust one’s thinking, or get fitter lol.
Hiya mate great video but not a fan of the weird laggy stabilised selfie sections, its like you’ve got your phone in one of those old bulky handheld gimbals that cant keep up with your movements. 😅
I really do like the Tarp notch tent, but there needs to be 3/4 season version for the UK ie higher inner walls and lower outer walls to make it more protective and less windy. Thoughts?
Wouldn’t it be better if they could just make replacement panel segments of the tent frantic. Then that way they could lighten them even more and make them compactabke the theory being you could just glue them together and use it till it breaks and then get replacement pieces and that way the cost would spread out over time depending how often you use it instead of using and the first night you use it it gets puncture hole and burn holes in it and then you just wasted 700 dollars.
Those tents are nifty but not durable, and I've been backpacking for 20 years and ran into many situations where if I didn't have a free standing tent I would have to build a shelter, those tents are for trail tourists, not true survivalists
Unless I missed it the new sleeping pad (which looked really lightweight) isn't the sea to summit that's linked in the description - could anyone confirm which one it was?
If you want it, and you're not put off by the cost (or at the very least, not getting it on the old buy now pay later), I think it's a better fly material than nylon or polyester. The big question is, is it 2.1x as good as nylon or 2.4x as good as polyester? I don't think it is personally, but as you say: if you're spending 4 or 5 months a year sleeping in a tent and carrying said tent 25 miles a day, the weight difference to other materials becomes quite valuable. (Those price diffs are the factors the sil notch and poly notch have under the DCF notch)
I have that same Dyneema fabric Tarptent Notch Li solo tent. I've dyed my "solid" interior green with RIT Dyemore synthetic fabric dye for more shade and privacy. A full netting inner tent is not good in the western US B/C it permits dust to be blown into the tent. Don't ask how I know this. A nice feature of the Notch Li is that it can withstand a mild (6") snow storm when all zipped up. . Also I added a stake-out loop ar 4 points around the fly hem to prevent flapping in high winds here in Nevada, USA. Further, i reinforced the attachment point with circles of Tenacious Tape wrapped around the fly hem. BTW, Tarptent FORMERLY made their Dyneema tents in the US but due to a skilled labor shortage they are now made in China - and are a bit better in build quality. All their silnylon tents are still made in the USA.
You going to have to give up break the law twenty on private land come to Scotland across the border do the southern upland way from the Irish Sea find pice of 13 piece of gold to pay the fine to the national trust. And be legal in Scotland on the Scottish coast to cost collecting the treasure all it way
What I wonder is. Does the lightest of kit last long. I did meet someone who said he carried very lightweight kit and it lasted maybe 3 x 2week trips and it needed replacing or repairing.
I have a Gopro Hero 11 & Insta360 action camera bundle up for grabs over on www.messner.co.uk/ Good luck to everyone who enters the competition 🤞🏻
Paul, have you tried a miltec recon tent yet?
Their cheap and tough as nails.
I bought one 5 years ago for £65.
They stand up in ferocious winds that most £300+ tents would disappear over the horizon in
Nice, it even has mosquito netting in it!
☕🙂👍 That is Uber lightweight . The benefits that you can always carry it in case a storm rolls in on a day hike. Occasionally unforecasts storms do that in some mountain systems for some reason.
Thanks for the special hacks like filling the inflatable pillow to keep the outer pocket usable. I'll keep that in mind.
Did you know that the original Cuban Fiber was also used for satellite parachutes?
You probably think the rain is rubbish weather to camp in, but as someone who doesn't get much of it in Australia, and who loves the sound of it on tin rooves and tents alike, it's awesome to hear.
Camping in the rain is nice if it’s one night or if you’re leaving the tent up at a campsite, but if you’re packing it wet every morning for a week then it’s grim
As long as you’re warm and safe the rain is very cosy. But the problem is it makes everything more dangerous and cold! As a cold person I am really dreading multiple days in a cold and humid tent with all the clothes wet from hiking in the rain. But living in skandinavia it is very likely.
It would be nice to get a couple of nice days together in the UK.
South-west England sounds ideal for you then! (Happy to house-sit for you til you’ve had enough of our miserable weather).
Don't much in Australia!? We just had 2 years of non-stop rain!!??? ;).
Loved this one Paul. These were the sort of vids I remember you for in the past that got me hooked on your channel. Cheers, Tony
This looks so chill...a terrain of gently rolling, grassy hills. No tough terrain, bears, or cougars to worry about. The trail is super clear. Interesting how much camping and hiking vary across the world.
Peak District is very relaxed. Lovely area.
and soil where you normally push a tent stake into the ground with a little foot pressures instead of having to pound 'em into the ground with a heavy rock.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
From my nice comfortable city home I deeply regret the absence of large predators in the UK.
Then I remember: I know I like camping, whereas I am almost certain I don't like being eaten.
My tent cost 50 quid and it works perfect in all seasons, these things are just overkill
Definitely these youtube campers need stuff to constantly review for content
Excellent tip on packing the tent.
I bought this tent early last year & used it on the C2C- I sold my Nordisk tent to help pay for it, which had terrible condensation problems. I'm very happy with the tent, but I bought the alternative inner specifically designed for N European conditions (only part mesh). You can set up with the 4 pegs supplied but if one peg fails there is no redundancy in the design & it can go down. I've added extra guy ropes/ peg outs on the sides & ends for really rough weather & uneven ground, although the 6 peg set up you used is good for most conditions. There is quite a big gap between the fly & ground level, which gives excellent ventilation- I've had zero problems with condensation. However in windy + rainy conditions I reduce the gap by lowering the trekking pole height to reduce the risk of rain getting underneath the fly. I have also had no problems with the DCF floor- no need to bring along a groundsheet.
For structural redundancy I've had success with feeding a guy through the vent from top of the trekking pole to fore of vent. You can also have one inside the vestibule to just before touching the inner at the head end. At the maximum that's 4 extra pegs , 2 each side, 1 inside and 1 outside. As that outer fed guy has a lot of scope for peg placement you can help solve is the main intended happens to hit rock. I also (like Paul shows) some strong Ti pegs to wack through any rock.
What did you feed him?
@@FergusMooreVlogspickles and carrots?
That tent packing tip, using your inflatable pillow, seems like a true stroke of genius 👏 I'll definitely keep it in mind, I'm sure it'll come in handy some day.
I've got to say Paul....when I worked in the outdoor industry, a Chinese tent manufacturer told me that "cuben fiber" or dyneema composite fabric isn't that expensive to manufacture. The reason they bump the price up is because of the tear strength and water proofness along with the weight....or lack of it....the manufacturer's take the piss and make out like it's some sort of magical fabric.
it does sound like a magical sort of fabric, just cheap to produce, and with a crazy mark up.
Not saying you're wrong but I also heard it's harder to work with, stitching, glueing is more difficult so still higher manufacturing cost to make the tent?
@@GeekfromYorkshire most DCF tents are actually bonded rather than stitched, all Terra Nova dcf (cuben fiber) tents are bonded. It still doesn't explain why a dcf version of a Terra Nova tent is more than twice the price of it's sil nylon version....£1400 for a 1 man tent!?!?!?....
@@GeekfromYorkshire I've just looked at the current TN voyager ultra....£2200 for a 1.5 man tent is ridiculous 😳.....
Seems as if that were the case then we would see a boatload of $200 DCF tents coming out of China. Not the case.
DCF doesn't last forever like silnylon or silpoly. It can be deformed and weakened by stretching, including high winds, and is very prone to abrasion (and somewhat prone to puncture). It's only about 30% lighter than silnylon/silpoly (and not even that much in some cases). You cannot stuff DCF, and it is not as compact when rolled as silnylon/silpoly.
So you get a small reduction in weight in exchange for short product life, large packed size, fragile fabric, and double the price.
As for resale value, I wouldn't buy a used DCF product. You might "unload" it on some unsuspecting buyer, but is that really fair play?
As you say, "worth it" is up to the individual. It's not for me.
@@Asdf-789 DCF breaks down proportionally to the amount of hard creasing over time. Stuffing is the quickest way to shorten DCF lifespan because it introduces so much hard creasing. Rolling is the best way to lengthen the lifespan. I agree 10D silnylon is not that durable or abrasion resistant. 30D silnylon is much more durable and abrasion resistant than DCF.
completely agree. not to mention very see-through.
I don't know why people buy it. my guess it will go out of fashion soon.
sil-poly a far superior fly fabric IMO
Yes I've read that too and indeed TT write that on their tech page. I've paused and not bought DCF as I can think of other less compromised ways to save weight. Including drinking less beer.
@@haydenwalton2766 It's been around for years so I don't see it going out of fashion, especially with all the gram cutting fanatics out there.
@@kid5Media I certainly take your point regarding the fanatics.
but I reckon many will return to silpoly
DCF tents are very expensive but they are becoming more popular in the UK. They are a specific tool for lightweight camping over multiple days and many miles. If you use it many times, day after day for thru hikes, it probably the best choice. But your everyday camper I think there are better options. What do you think?
I have the Notch and Protrail. The Protrail has masses of inner space width length headroom but only one entrance. I like the Notch for dual vestibule and dual wall for colder conditions. I'd say if you're going to do long multiple day hikes carrying your gear you need more space than that Notch as knackered and wanting to chill and cook in the tent. There are DCF bigger versions than the Notch from TT such as the SS1 Li.
For now my tent is just to sleep between the pub and breakfast and I'm ok with the Notch size, you can unclip the inner and sit on it for more space on a wet day.
Love the channel Paul, just found you.
What do you think about the Northern Lite 2 as a UK do it all (except up a mountain in winter) tent for 2 people wild camping?
Agreed, not needed for everyday campers and there are such cheaper options. When I have been in a regular campsite I have been so worried about accidental damage or even someone just walking off with it while I am not around.
@@grahamriley8124 I've already had a hole in my TT Protrail floor, I repaired it and made a new groundsheet. I'd have concerns with DCF groundsheets. I think TT is using just the same groundsheet as their non-Li? As for thefts at campsites, there's always that risk and TBH my £500 down sleeping bag, and my other lightweight camping kit adds to the worry. If you advertised you're a weight weeny to the campsite you'd probably be beckoning your tent and rest of your kit to be "investigated".
As for damage, I've seen it multiple times. I've seen a dog run around and claws ripped a passing tent.
I've found other ways to shave weight, for now. I'm probably in USA again in the autumn so may order something from TT to complement / replace my Protrail and Notch. Notch is a bit too narrow and a bit too short and some options opened up since I got the Notch 12 years ago.
Here’s the link to the poncho after many requests amzn.to/3DJ8tAU
Thanks for sharing. I have a poncho tarp to be multipurpose with , for example making a vestibule extension or to shield from summer dawn. These trekking pole tents save weight but I carry a 3rd pole just in case, usually a CF 115cm 100g pole in case of a pole snap (which has happened but rare) so I use the 3rd to extend or shelter the tent.
And yes, ponchos are brilliant idea when it's not cold, more protective and less sweaty as it's effectively a human shaped umbrella.
Paul
Is the atom pack 50 ltr big enough for all year camping?
Thinking about investing……
Paul, when's the Oex Bobcat testing happening? I've had mine for ages but haven't used it yet, I want to see how it holds up on one of your camps 😁
Bit disappointed you didn’t post the part of the video where you were blowing out of your arse climbing Jacob’s ladder 😂
That tent looks excellent. The idea of the inflatable pillow to reserve room for packing it away is superb. Thanks for the upload and sharing your opinion Paul.
They're expensive, because they're lightweight and the material costs are high...what kind of title is that? You even said yourself in the video that the machining costs are high.
I am waiting to see how the new generation of Ultra TNT laminate tents perform. Cheaper and more durable than DCF but a little heavier, lighter and stronger than silnylon/silpoly. It's a shame no companies except trekkertent use more stealthy DCF colors, white/grey DCF really does stand out.
Bonfus offers some tents in camo DCF. 👍
The Durston XMId Pro DCF tents are green. Far roomier too.
Ultra TNT laminate tents??? where would I find those?
Hi. LIKE. LIKE. LIKE. BEAUTIFUL. LANDSCAPE. SCENERIES. AWESOME. HIKING. CAMPING.
Gosh.. the YT world has led me away from your channel Paul, just watched a load of your videos... respect... superb content. Respect.
The reasons for the high cost of a Dyneema tent is that Dyneema is sold at retail in the USA for $19.25 for a half a yard -18 inches, (1.5 feet) X 4.5 feet wide after removing about 5/8 inch on both sides. Additionally, most Dyneema tents are of sewn construction necessitating waterproofing the seams which takes additional work = additional cost. The Dyneema tents I make are made with glue, stronger than sewn construction and adhesive tape. My 4.05 ounce floorless Dyneema tent is perhaps the worlds lightest tent. My previous floorless Dyneema tent weighs 4.4 ounces, 4.4 feet wide x 9.15 feet long and 3.5 feet high. A loop is at the ridge of both tents for hanging the tent from above by about 8 different hanging methods, also used with a pole.
I have the Zpacks Altaplex which for a 1 man tent is huge, only used for bike packing , expensive but well worth the money, being made in the states means the cost is premium, but well worth it .
Great tip about the inflatable pillow I’ll steal that thank you! Happy camping
There's always gonna be "the latest thing" that costs more money.
Not for me.
Once you have decent gear, keep it & enjoy the experience (I say).
Hi Paul, are you using a "flextail Tiny Repel"? if so, what are your thoughts?? Many Thanks.
Hi mate. Why not just get the Durston X-Mid Pro? You clearly love the standard version (and rightly so). I know the pro is single skin at points, but it seems to do quite well with condensation, especially with the space afforded. Keep up the good work ⛰️
Paul, what is the make of your Poncho, and do you rate Poncho's in general?
It’s this one and I really like it. amzn.to/3DJ8tAU
Wild camped up there many a time in all weathers,, tarp, tent and just a bivi bag, including weathers like that. The run off from the top looked like a river of chocolate on the worst days! Best times to be up there is on a warm day, but not too hot or snow, then it gives the whole area an added dimension to its "otherworldly" appearance especially around the woolpacks. Don't think i'd like to be squeezed into one of those tents though, looks too small and claustrophobic for my size.
Love it how people at least 2-3 stone overweight worry about 100gms on gear.
Guilty as charged :)
Great video and reviews Paul. Great to have you back in my feed brother. Flextail pump is now an ESSENTIAL piece of lightweight kit. So versatile with lamp and battery bank backup features. Looking forward to more DCF tent reviews. How do you think this one would have been if you were 190 cm tall? Also… Flextail lamp+ midge repeller. Was it worth the weight? I think it’s excellent for your videos as an illumination source…and if it blitzes the midges then that would get rid of the downside of having a light on in the tent.
Kia kaha e hoe (stand tall brother)
The lady from Homemade Wanderlust did the The Laugavegur Trail in Iceland using her Zpacks Duplex tent and came out unscathed, despite it being an environment most people would use a 4 season mountaineering tent in. So, Dyneema is pretty strong.
Her post trip video reviewing the performance is titled 'Testing The Limits Of The Zpacks DupleXL - The Good and The Bad'
Watched that video and the Zpacks Duplex isn't the tent I'd pick for Iceland. It still worked though, but there are lots of tents, including DCF ones that will be much more pleasant to use in high winds.
@@frstesiste7670 As an Icelander I do most of my backpacking up in Hornstrandir where the weather is about the same as on the Laugavegur - what DCF tent would you recommend? I use Hilleberg Nallos (I have two - a Nallo 3 and a Nallo 4) but I wouldn't mind a lighter load 🙂
Hilleberg make excellent tents (I've got one - discontinued) and they're made for the fairly harsh Nordic climate, but they're not light. I don't think you have to go to Dyneema to get a significantly lighter, but still a lot less flappy than a Duplex. But since you're used to Hilleberg prices - why not. IMO better handling of wind is a combination of design and the "pole to fabric ratio".
I haven't tried a Durston myself, but the design seem to allow more/better tension on the fabric than a Duplex and I believe you'll get better handling of wind even if it also two trekking poles tent.
You can also take a look at Samaya tents. I believe that tents with sleeves for the poles (or poles inside the fly) is inherently better in high wind as you get contact between poles and the fabric for the whole length of the poles instead of just two (or one for a pyramid) small points.
Pyramids actually do fairly well too as they are completely symmetrical, and a lot of the fabric is close to the ground. I've spent quite a few nights in a pyramid tent in high winds, but you get fairly little internal volume for a certain footprint compared to other designs so there are disadvantages - particularly if you have to spend a lot of time in the tent.
I certainly don't know all models and I'm sure there are lots of options I don't know about. Btw, it would be interesting to see what Hilleberg would do with Dyneema...
@@frstesiste7670 Thanks a lot for your response. Dyneema doesn't seem to have hit the mainstream, at least not as a tent material (lots of Dyneema ropes out there - and even Dyneema gloves!). I did find a Big Agnes two-man tent with a Dyneema flysheet and groundsheet - but it appeared to have been discontinued (perhaps the $1,700 price for a 2-man tent had something to do with that). It was, however, incredibly light. I'll try exploring the brands you mention - but the problem with buying direct from manufacturers is that they tend not to ship globally. Still, thanks again. I agree that Hilleberg + Dyneema would be interesting ....
Not always possible, but I like to see a tent (and a pack) before buying. UA-cam can only do so much. Samaya is horribly expensive, but you might be able to find them on Iceland. There are stores both in Sweden and Norway that carry Samaya.
great setup, though I'm always slightly amused when people shave off 10g of the sleeping pad and then add a pump to their bag. What I like about the tent is the room between the inner and outer which should help in rain.
RIGHT ON!
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
harsh truth, but I'd say you have to use it for at least 30 nights before your review to be anything worth listening to
I have both the notch li and the stratosphere li. For UK conditions I would go with the solid inner rather than the full mesh as you tested. Yes they are very expensive but lighter than most of the single skin style tents. Had the notch out in some pretty serious winds and extended heavy rain.biggest issue is getting a good pitch as you mentioned. I doubt you would regret pulling the trigger on one.
Also have the Stratosphere LI. Had it close to the top of a Munro in winter this year with rain / hail mix and 35-40mph winds with the odd gust measured close to or above 50 (sticking the anemometer out the vent)
It only lasted for 3 hours but it was solid. Wished the fly was 5cm longer to eliminate draughty/ should have dropped the poles a bit but didn’t want to go out and retighten everything.
Only 2 issues I have is that DCF lets soooo much light bleed through the fly on a summer morning. My wife also hates how transparent it is if she is getting changed but the only thing around us when we camp are either sheep or deer. Also the pitch isn’t the most straightforward, for me, I imagine that I need to rotate the fly 60degrees to line up with the patch I’ve chosen to place the inner. It’s brilliant for one person (I’m 6’4”/194cm) and fine for 2.
Would love to try the DCF lite way equipment tents from Ukraine though.
I keep coming full circle back to thinking the SS Li is my next tent. I like everything about my Notch but lack of inner width and possibly a bit more headroom but the larger footprint may negate need for higher.
Do you recommend the SS Li for someone wanting to space upgrade from Notch?
@@GeekfromYorkshire there is very little difference in weight between the two but a bit more bulk when packed. Compared to the notch it's a palace but getting on for twice the footprint. I use the SS when I'm out with my Mrs or out with the dog. Normally the notch is used on long distance solo stuff so it's really only a place to sleep rather than 'camp out' otherwise I always take the ss
@@GeekfromYorkshire the stratospire li stands out a lot due to size and colour. That may be a factor depending on where you camp. Scotland, no issues anywhere, but if you want to keep a lower profile the notch won’t stand out as much
I'd just stick with the hilleberg akto or the 3 season equivalent, tried and tested. The Akto is essentially weightless, dunno why you would want anything lighter.
I agree with you brand, Hilleberg, however, my preference is the 3-Season Enan - that 3 season in Nordic countries, more like a 4-season tent here in American unless your in North Dakota or Wisconsin.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
Thanks for the video Paul .Not a very stealthy tent though.
That was a great video!. As someone who used to camp as a child in a single skin tent by the beach, the condensation was an issue. But now, you can get over that problem with double skinned, sail material type of tent. The rain was loud though and would be a problem getting sleep but thanks for the honest review 😉
Foam ear plugs ?
I sleep every night with 'midnight rainshower' playing so it would be heaven for me 😂
Impressive waterproofing for such a light tent. I mainly bike pack and for me pack size is more important than weight.
Hey Paul, have you ever camped at Easedale Tarn in grasmere? It’s one of my favourite tarn camps. If not I think you should do a video there 😃
i took the plunge and bought the Zpacks Duplex Zip for the Cape Wrath Trail. Its typically expensive being DCF but the tent (essentially a DCF Lanshan 2 pro) was brilliant. Tough, spacious and ridiculously light. It was an absolute winner and stood up to all the conditions the CWT threw at me. But... If i were an overnight camper only, i'd stick to the Lanshan or cloud peak as they're great tents and massively cheaper.
BTW - i also had the Durston XMid Pro2 in DCF, that was a nightmare. Very flappy in the wind and the DCF actually tore. i would not recommend one of those.
BTW2 - Altra Olympus.... brilliant aren't they? i love mine.
That outer tent skin looked to me like a snake molt which further enhanced in my mind that it was indeed very water resistant. Super tough material if it was developed for sails. I could see where a lot of people would love this tent. Not for me though, I’m a glamper more than a camper. I loved your holiday videos with your bride and two friends! Especially the paddle boarding. God love her for trying. I would have peed my wet suit laughing if that was me.
No predators must be nice. We have to eat dinner… stash food, hike a mile away and set camp. No late night snacks in the American west.
Hike a mile away is an exaggeration, however, it does make a point. 100 yards is the distance I normally use to stash food away from my campsite.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
I got the 'standard' (i.e. silnylon) Notch for use this season, and so far I'm very pleased with it. 200g more than this Li version, and with both inners - I usually prefer the mesh. Used correctly I'm satisfied with its suitability for UK conditions, but I'll still go to my Tarptent Scarp 1 (500g more) if I'm anticipating more challenging or colder weather.
I bought a used Scarp 1 but sold it after trying Notch side-by-side. I had more flexibility to pitch outer high+wide or nearer+lower and could peg more guys to trekking poles to make quite a rigid structure. But the Notch is still a bit of a coffin, narrow. I can mitigate it if trapped in for a day via unclipping the inner and sitting on it. But I then got the Protrail and I prefer it in the better situations as roomy and light and I sit against the pole to save an airbed chair kit. This year I had success with tuning small Ti pegs wide-high vs short-low to the conditions.
I've had more success changing my cook kit. I shaved 200g so got a backpack weight saving for less cost than moving tent to DCF. Ever learning.
How do you like the mesh inner? I have the original solid inner which is solid to half way up and mesh roof. The newer solid inner has a solid roof. I'm curious if the Notch high side fly with the mesh inner gives your privacy issues? Can you see outside lying down?
@@GeekfromYorkshire You can generally get the fly wall lower by shortening your poles if need be. But I choose my Notch over my Scarp when I'm expecting easier weather, so I hope to be able to sleep with fly doors open so I can enjoy that priceless view lying down. As my preference is for wild sites in as remote a location as I can find, there are no privacy issues.
I've had the Zpacks plex solo for a while now, numerous overnighters as well as the C2C and an 8 day wander in the lakes. Ridiculously light at under 400g with guys. So easy to pitch and quite versatile as you can drop it around 7cm in height when the weather kicks in and it'll still perform. Definitely not a winter tent for the UK, but for multiday excursions it's been brilliant, I can fit me, all my kit inside and still have space. A niche market but you get what you pay for. I'm sure you've already looked and if you have the chance take a look at one or the Stratosphire Li.
Great vid Paul! I have the notch li solid inner and the dipole…am 6’5. If you’re hiking and not spending any time anywhere, the small footprint of the notch is handy… however, spending any time in the tent, I much prefer the larger Dipole with its larger footprint… my rain experience isn’t like UK but no issues noted in Tstorms
Looked like a nice outing. Tarptent has some nice designs. For my budget and style it's not worth it, but I'd definitely consider a DCF tent/tarp if I ever do a long distance thru-hike in the future.
I camped up there near Kinder Downfall and a Troll pooed in my Tent
I love my cuben fiber it is very important to remember it is Absolutely NOT cut or abrasion resistant. I never hear anyone mention this in most reviews so I thought I would once again bring it up. Thanks for the video.
You're the 2nd person to make a similar comment about the material not being abrasion/puncture resistant. RIGHT ON!
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
cracking video, big up the boys north of the river for their pilgrimage.
Hope more manufactures start using thid material which in turn will drop the price. However very transparent which put me off a little.
Tarptent are bringing out ultra fabric tents in September
I own a Tarptent Notch Li.
I've spent nearly 100 nights in it and walked several UK trails, the Swiss Alpine Pass Trail and the GR11 with it.
I've lost confidence in the tent. The DCF is showing signs of real wear and tear. The material is becoming very thin where it has the most pressure when stretched. I have had water ingress in driving rain despite being set up correctly.
I'm 6'4" and think it's perfect for someone of my height and the weight of the tent is superb.
But, for the price paid with import fees, I'd like to think that it would have lasted more than 100 nights.
My go to tent is currently the Terra Nova Laser Compact 2 and I'm happy with the extra weight when backpacking.
I'll wait a couple of years until long term reviews of such tents are available; meanwhile I will stick to my fjallraven abisko lite 1. I'm one who invests in a tent and want to get my moneys worth out of it. Maybe it is just me and being an old man, but I just don't like the look of these tents, especially the colour........ yuck!
Not bad at all but, look flimsy & the inners aren't tart, the entire thing packs up big too. Nothing beats the Lanshan 2 Pro imo. $ for $/weight & sturdiness & even looks.
I HIGHLY recommend buying Tarptent's optional trekking pole handle pockets. They then into the peak grommets and Velcro around your pole handle, thus KEEPING IT OUT OG THE DIRT. Since I always have rubber tips on my pole tips these keep the poles from sinking into the ground when used as a tent pole.
What poncho is the one you wear? Looking for one like that.
Btw, great video! I get that it's somewhat uncomfortable with the rain, wind and water, but that foggy landscape and those rushing streams are otherwordly. Just beautiful.
Nice little film cheers pal
That is a pretty looking area to hike in and sleep out. It’s so weird not seeing trees everywhere though, I’m still surprised by the treeless vistas in so many UK posts.
Wind and rain here wrecks everything, my beautiful garden has recently been more or less totally destroyed by the last bout of wind and rain, plus it summer over here but it feels more like February cos it's so cold, I've often said we have one of the world's worst climates, it really sucks to see our brief summers go down the drain,
We have nine months of wind and rain followed by three months of wind and rain with the occasional break in the clouds 😬
This is the upland atea of the Peak District - he’s actually above the treeline here even though its not really high up - the wind and rain keep it clear ( and the deer and sheep)
“Midges are out”….so you leave the inner open…
If you are walking for 30+ days, weight is everything
Please review the Snugpac Patrol Poncho
My experience is:
A very reasonably priced lightweight rain coat with extensive coverage even for a smaller rucksack
Not breathable fabric but wide enough to have lots of airflow
I added stake 4 loops midway on each fly edge for wind stability. To reinforce the loop attachment points I cut circles of Tenacious Tape and sandwiched them around the fly hem. Two layers is plenty. After sewing on very light nylon grosgrain webbing/tape loops I girth hitches heavy duty" women's elastic hair circles to the loops. This creates some flexibility for windy nights and keeps my MSR Ground Hog stakes in the ground.
Paul, I had a notch for a while- great tent and I would consider another one. Cant really fault it, but yes perhaps just a little small for long winter evenings to be stuck inside.
Then I got the Stratospire 1. It was like a Giant Notch- much more room. Slightly trickier to pitch, but well worth it for the extra room, so I think you have to try it out.
Thanks Paul, a great video and stunning tent. I’ve used PC tents from Robens for years they look like a similar material and they are amazing too. Once you’ve used PC it’s difficult to go back. Just make sure you have a warmer bag as the single wall can get v chilly! The muddy mark should wash off easily with water and a sponge. Congratulations on 2 years since you packed in the day job, as the best wild camping you-tuber out there😅. I always trust your opinion. J
I have a single skin Z Pack triplex Dyneema Fibre tent. Excellent performance and value for money. They have overcome the condensation issue with good design. 800 grams weight.
Sadly, you don't read or reply to comments in any of your videos.
Interesting & informative tent video.
Hilleberg Enan is my one & only tent - truly 5-Star accommodations out in the boonies. And the 70D floor material is bulletproof.
Can't say the same for your air mattress & air pump; no need for the air pump & your inflatable air mattress can & should be a thermarest XTherm thanks to its 70D underside material & its R6.9 rating. I strongly suspect the air mattress you have/used in this video will soon deflate at night & then be discarded as a piece of trash.
Your "Description" doesn't even list/name the air mattress.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
I've done a review of the Zpacks Duplex and if it's any good for UK conditions. I think there are better and cheaper alternatives for all round UK use. However they absolutely have their place. If you're doing lots of long distance multi day trails or hiking in hotter conditions, I think they are amazing. Mostly down to the weight savings. The Duplex is also the easiest tent to pitch that I own.
@@PHope1111 Well, I think the Durston X-Mid 2 is a better option myself. You can get the solid inner version which is much more suited to UK conditions and whilst it's not as light as Duplex, it still comes in at only a little over 1kg, including the stuff sack and stakes.
Great video Ben......but sleeping in a graveyard? .....have you neveŕ seen a horror movie? If you survived the night I will look forward to part 3! 😂
You've got to pump it up. 🎶
I just can't get excited about DCF, a huge price tag for a circa 300g weight saving. They don't last as long as their traditional silnylon or silpoly counterparts either. Definitely suited to the UK climate with the amount of rain we get though.
I bought a silnylon Tarptent which is slightly more spacious than its DCF equivalent, is 50% longer lasting according to Tarptent, and only a few hundred grams heavier. And the colour slightly better camouflaged for wild camps in England !
So, they get to claim that their tent weighs 600g, which of course is false, as it doesn't include poles. Whilst the material is light, it isn't as robust as most other materials.
Simply put I'd rather carry an extra kg in the form of a fully enclosed tent (absolutely loads to choose from), and save in the region of £500+ taking into account this one is priced about $630, but then there is the cost of the trekking poles to take into consideration too, so add another £80-£150 on top of that!!!
I'm all for lighter gear, but it needs to be cost effective and have a decent expected life span too.
Aimed at the gear nerds with more money than sense I think.
Absolutely pull the floor out as much as possible because it is NARROW. But hey, all I'm doing in there is sleeping or sitting to cook a meal in one of the vestibules. Otherwise this tent is great.I love that my "solid"walls are actually lighter per square meter than the netting!
Why are the most tents lower than 120 cm!?
If the weather is to bad for hiking ( visibility and so on) or changing clothes when being Big like me 6 feet 2, 130 /140 would be great!
I already have the tent I always wanted but the Notch has also been on my radar for a few years. I doubt I’d actually buy one because I’d have little use for it but they are a really nice design.
Ok here's the problem I have with you lot. You all got there in a CAR. You went to find wilderness but when you got there, there s more campers than Butlin's, and what does it look like round the bottom of the hill? Wannabe wildmen car sales?
Meanwhile I'm trying to get a few miles along the edge of Sheffield, aiming for the tram stop with my 3 year old grandson, of course it s possible but it won't be relaxing or conversational because of all the gits in blinkers rushing to the 'wilderness' in their CARs
Cracking video paul 👌..imagine a Hilleberg made from DCF be like bugatti veron 😂 cheers all the best marra 😀 👍 🏕
Lets talk personal protection pal. What you packin out there? Tazor? Glock? Berretta. I imagine you old timers go old school. Pepper spray and a lump hammer? Give em a shot of the hot sauce followed by the old persuader for desert.
Great vid- I see you’re using a Sierra designs pack- I’ve just ordered one ….. how do you find it?😊
Hi Paul, I have a Zpack. Duplex and it’s fantastic, way more space and virtually the same weight as 1 person dynema tents. It’s excellent for hiking, funny I always put it up with trekking poles with tips down for better stability and to avoid risking a tear, the hand straps are great for hanging smelly clothes. Love your videos, thanks 👍
we've got a triplex and love it. fits 2 of us well with our minimal gear inside or in the entryways, simple setup, so light, handles rain and wind really well. Tough to find spots to guy sometimes in rocky areas, but eventually you get it done. Always have condensation in a humid setting, but I've never had any tent that didn't. It's manageable. I mean, you breathe out a ton of moisture -- it's going to condense. This stuff doesn't stretch and sag with the wet, which is a big help.
Alternatively..book in a bed and breakfast..they need peoples custom..stop freeloading where other people may want to walk..
First time I have watched your videos and enjoyed this one. I was unfamiliar with the tent fabric that had a recycled look about it so no bad thing but disliked the bright white/ off white colour. I prefer to blend in with landscape rather than stand out.
Yes it looked a good choice but not at that ridiculous price.
Pardon me. If I might make a suggestion. Think about having a dog with you. I think you would have more viewers. People generally like dogs. Also, a dog is an early warning system if anyone or anything is coming to visit.
Is the netting small weave...midge proof ?
Yes it is. I also have a solid and mesh inner too which is probably better suited to a lot of U.K. situations
Being from Texas, I just wish I could be wearing a jacket right now. 105f today, with 70 percent humidity. I watch just to cool off.
Its cold, wet and windy here right now, and has been since about a week into July, I'd swap places any day ☔
great pitch and great video...what a spot...very nice tent. I just learned about this tent. now I am torn. zpack offset solo or this. or xmid pro 1.
Perfect weather for tenttesting. About the tent: Seems to work fine in that kind of terrain. Not so good in norwegian mountians (much more rocks and less grass around here). Some people hike inlow lands only, and then this tent would do fine.
Excellent video 👍👍👍
Where about in the Peak District was you??
Seems like a lot of money for what it does, I.e. a bit lighter than stronger fabric tents. I won’t be buying anything made from that fabric. If One thinks a few ounces makes that much difference to a multi day trip I think one needs to adjust one’s thinking, or get fitter lol.
Hiya mate great video but not a fan of the weird laggy stabilised selfie sections, its like you’ve got your phone in one of those old bulky handheld gimbals that cant keep up with your movements. 😅
I really do like the Tarp notch tent, but there needs to be 3/4 season version for the UK ie higher inner walls and lower outer walls to make it more protective and less windy. Thoughts?
Wouldn’t it be better if they could just make replacement panel segments of the tent frantic. Then that way they could lighten them even more and make them compactabke the theory being you could just glue them together and use it till it breaks and then get replacement pieces and that way the cost would spread out over time depending how often you use it instead of using and the first night you use it it gets puncture hole and burn holes in it and then you just wasted 700 dollars.
too flashy for wild camping in countries were it is not "allowed".... Or do they have it in green/brown ?
Could anybody advise about any potential chemicals or off gassing?
I watched a lot of camping videos. This is the first time I've seen the pillow trick inside your bag to save room for your tent. brilliant!
Glad it was helpful!
Those tents are nifty but not durable, and I've been backpacking for 20 years and ran into many situations where if I didn't have a free standing tent I would have to build a shelter, those tents are for trail tourists, not true survivalists
Unless I missed it the new sleeping pad (which looked really lightweight) isn't the sea to summit that's linked in the description - could anyone confirm which one it was?
I have this tent and absolutely love it. I’m an older gent and have owed many tents over the years. This tent is tops. Crazy expensive though.
Fugly tent. Wonder what it's like in a storm. I'll stick with Terra Nova thanks
If you want it, and you're not put off by the cost (or at the very least, not getting it on the old buy now pay later), I think it's a better fly material than nylon or polyester.
The big question is, is it 2.1x as good as nylon or 2.4x as good as polyester? I don't think it is personally, but as you say: if you're spending 4 or 5 months a year sleeping in a tent and carrying said tent 25 miles a day, the weight difference to other materials becomes quite valuable.
(Those price diffs are the factors the sil notch and poly notch have under the DCF notch)
I have that same Dyneema fabric Tarptent Notch Li solo tent. I've dyed my "solid" interior green with RIT Dyemore synthetic fabric dye for more shade and privacy. A full netting inner tent is not good in the western US B/C it permits dust to be blown into the tent. Don't ask how I know this. A nice feature of the Notch Li is that it can withstand a mild (6") snow storm when all zipped up. .
Also I added a stake-out loop ar 4 points around the fly hem to prevent flapping in high winds here in Nevada, USA.
Further, i reinforced the attachment point with circles of Tenacious Tape wrapped around the fly hem.
BTW, Tarptent FORMERLY made their Dyneema tents in the US but due to a skilled labor shortage they are now made in China - and are a bit better in build quality. All their silnylon tents are still made in the USA.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
You going to have to give up break the law twenty on private land come to Scotland across the border do the southern upland way from the Irish Sea find pice of 13 piece of gold to pay the fine to the national trust. And be legal in Scotland on the Scottish coast to cost collecting the treasure all it way
What I wonder is. Does the lightest of kit last long. I did meet someone who said he carried very lightweight kit and it lasted maybe 3 x 2week trips and it needed replacing or repairing.