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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: WILDWALKINGUK on 06:44:54, 25/06/20

Title: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 06:44:54, 25/06/20
I've included a link to my review of Tarptents updated Notch Li walking pole supported dyneema one person tent. I have been using a Tarptent Stratospire Li two person tent for a while, when hiking with my family. And Love it. It's light weight enough to carry when camping on my own but it's sometimes hard to find a pitch for it due to it's large footprint. The Notch is still a good size for one person but smaller and even lighter weight. So when Tarptent updated it and made it much more suitable for UK condition, I just had to buy one. I wasn't disappointed and think it's the best tent I've ever used. If you don't walk with hiking poles you can buy tent poles to support it and it would still be a good weight.  https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/06/24/tarptent-notch-li/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/06/24/tarptent-notch-li/)
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:06:29, 25/06/20
Good review - looks like an excellent 3 season tent. But there is no way that I could justify the cost.
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: watershed on 11:14:58, 25/06/20
Interesting review Wildwalking.
This is the tent that I spoke about buying, a few months ago, on this forum. To use on a multi day hike I had planned for this spring.
I held of buying it because of the virus and the imminent update.
I will definitely get one if I decide to attempt my walk next year.
I will watch your longer term reviews with great interest.
I see that you think it is probably the best 1 man tent you have had, as that was also the impression that I had, having trawled what reviews I could find and read between the lines with regard to my personal requirements.


 
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 16:23:53, 25/06/20
There is a standard Notch that is nearly half the price of the dyneema version. Tarptent have updated it but from what I can see, I think the solid inner is still all mesh at the top unlike the Li which has solid roof material on the inner.
The only reservations I have is will the dyneema last as long as the usual materials used to make tents.
I should be heading off shortly for a couple of months testing the tent and will update the review with my findings.
Thanks for your messages and Good luck with your walks and the weather as lockdown ends.
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: watershed on 18:13:00, 25/06/20
Hi once again Wildwalking,  
When I enquired about this tent Henry said that it could be used with "pistol grip" Pacemaker walking poles.
can you confirm that this would be feasible?
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: richardh1905 on 18:24:31, 25/06/20
There is a standard Notch that is nearly half the price of the dyneema version. Tarptent have updated it but from what I can see, I think the solid inner is still all mesh at the top unlike the Li which has solid roof material on the inner.
The only reservations I have is will the dyneema last as long as the usual materials used to make tents.
I should be heading off shortly for a couple of months testing the tent and will update the review with my findings.
Thanks for your messages and Good luck with your walks and the weather as lockdown ends.


Look forward to your update. I've just bought a new tent and I would risk divorce if I bought another!
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 20:31:39, 25/06/20
Yes. I've the same problem. She took it very well I think... and seems to be encouraging me to go off hiking for a few months.  ;)
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: April on 21:30:44, 25/06/20
The tent is a very similar shape to the Trekkertent Drift, we had the 2 man custom version and I loved it. Beefy wasn't as keen on it because it didn't have the head room all the way across the tent. Yours looks like a great tent, very light and if I had the spare money I would like to have one for solo stuff. I don't do solo trips that often so the cost rules that out.

Our Drift was excellent in strong winds; I was always sceptical about trekking pole tents but it took quite a battering and always held up. I assume your tent will do the same and I hope you have a wonderful time using it. I look forward to hearing about your trips in it.
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: beefy on 21:53:00, 25/06/20
Looks like a great tent, shame tarptent have no uk dealers  :)
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 22:04:20, 25/06/20



I thought the same, it's a shame they haven't got UK dealers, but I've now purchased 2 tents from the American based Tarptent. I've had no issues at all, both tents took 20 days from ordering to me receiving them. So it's OK with me.



Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: beefy on 22:07:12, 25/06/20
I think the added tax, and custom fees put a lot of people off,
Shame more uk companies dont make DCF tents
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: Apache on 09:06:27, 26/06/20
I think the added tax, and custom fees put a lot of people off,
Shame more uk companies dont make DCF tents


The VAT and Import duty is fair enough. It is the outrageous £8+ that the courier charges to collect it that I object to. I did buy a watch from the US and got a prepaid import tax deal which saved money.
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 15:09:47, 26/06/20
I think the price even with the import tax, is competitive with equivalent tents available in the UK. I like to buy and review UK products, but I twice e.mailed the only UK based dyneema tent maker that I know of and never had a response, before buying from America.
The Drift tent mentioned is not anywhere near the same as the Notch as best as I can make out. But that's just my opinion, it's nice we all have such choice and our own minds to decide what's best for us individually.
Happy holidays everyone, we'll soon be free. I'm setting of to walk the length of the UK again shortly. Including the Scottish National Trail. Can't wait.   :D


https://wildwalkinguk.com/2019/12/01/my-scottish-national-trail-walk/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2019/12/01/my-scottish-national-trail-walk/)
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: April on 18:39:32, 26/06/20
The Drift tent mentioned is not anywhere near the same as the Notch as best as I can make out. But that's just my opinion, it's nice we all have such choice and our own minds to decide what's best for us individually.

I did skim read your review I have to admit, I found the adverts were very irritating. It was the apex shape I was referring to, when looking at the tent when both doors were open about the similarity between the Drift Custom and your tent. Also with it being a trekking pole tent. The equivalent 2 person tent from Tarptent, the Stratospire Li would be too small for us being only 114cm wide so we wouldn't bother with that one if we were to spend that sort of money on a tent. It is nice we all have such choice and our own minds :)
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: beefy on 18:43:25, 26/06/20
I did skim read your review I have to admit, I found the adverts were very irritating. It was the apex shape I was referring to, when looking at the tent when both doors were open about the similarity between the Drift Custom and your tent. Also with it being a trekking pole tent. The equivalent 2 person tent from Tarptent, the Stratospire Li would be too small for us being only 114cm wide so we wouldn't bother with that one if we were to spend that sort of money on a tent. It is nice we all have such choice and our own minds :)
I do like the look of the strat though, with a half solid inner, and light O0
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: April on 18:44:30, 26/06/20
More like a one person tent though, far too small for two people  :)
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: beefy on 18:50:54, 26/06/20
More like a one person tent though, far too small for two people  :)
I see the strat 2 not the Li is
Floor Width: 52 in / 132 cm (floor widens to 62 in / 157 cm)
That's big enough ;D
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: April on 18:59:45, 26/06/20
I see the strat 2 not the Li is
Floor Width: 52 in / 132 cm (floor widens to 62 in / 157 cm)
That's big enough

It is but we could get another Drift Custom and save a whole lot of money  ;)

Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: richardh1905 on 07:33:05, 27/06/20
It is but we could get another Drift Custom and save a whole lot of money  ;)


Or make do with your Hubba Hubba and Southern Cross and save even more money!  :D ;)
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: watershed on 11:54:07, 27/06/20
Or a Kyham compact 2 and save more money @£32 its only a pound per 100 grams, Bargain!
though I wouldn't care to lug it 15-20 miles a day for a couple of months in all weathers :)

Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: watershed on 09:42:29, 28/06/20
Hi Wild Walking,
I found this review of the Notch Li.
It will be interesting to see if your long term review concurs.


https://backpackinglight.com/tarptent-notch-li-review-flash-jordan/ (https://backpackinglight.com/tarptent-notch-li-review-flash-jordan/)




Ultralight camping also mentions the the Locus Gear Khufu DCF-B.
Which seems worth a look if you are into the ultimate light weight pyramid shelter.



https://locusgear.com/items/khufu-dcf-b/?lang=en (https://locusgear.com/items/khufu-dcf-b/?lang=en)
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: richardh1905 on 10:23:07, 28/06/20
Interesting in depth review from backpacking light, Watershed
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: Litehiker on 04:46:17, 03/07/20
Watershed,
I have the optional hiking pole handle "sleeves" for my Notc hLi and yes, they will work with angled hiking pole handles.


Eric B.
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: jkm on 08:34:31, 04/01/21
@wildwalkinguk and others, just wondering if after the summer you had any further thoughts on this tent?
i guess that long term durability is my biggest worry.
are there any modifications you would be tempted to make?

what is the worst weather you have pitched in?

thanks.

i already have the stratospire 1 that i have been using for the last 4 years but am tempted to get a DCF tent as it will halve the weight and avoid the condensation issues that bug me at the moment


I've included a link to my review of Tarptents updated Notch Li walking pole supported dyneema one person tent. I have been using a Tarptent Stratospire Li two person tent for a while, when hiking with my family. And Love it. It's light weight enough to carry when camping on my own but it's sometimes hard to find a pitch for it due to it's large footprint. The Notch is still a good size for one person but smaller and even lighter weight. So when Tarptent updated it and made it much more suitable for UK condition, I just had to buy one. I wasn't disappointed and think it's the best tent I've ever used. If you don't walk with hiking poles you can buy tent poles to support it and it would still be a good weight.  https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/06/24/tarptent-notch-li/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/06/24/tarptent-notch-li/)
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: WILDWALKINGUK on 09:12:44, 04/01/21
Hi all. Happy New Year and thanks for your messages.
I slept in my Notch Li every night during my 1100 mile Dover to Cape Wrath walk - Link to first instalment; https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/14/the-north-downs-way/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/14/the-north-downs-way/)  I managed to wild camp in the tent every night, that's 52 continues nights. I loved the tent, it stood up well to the wind with only a small amount of flapping. The dyneema stays taught all night and doesn't sag when wet with condensation or rain. There's sufficient room in it and I was even just able to put all my gear inside the inner and still cook on occasions due to midgys in Scotland. It was so easy to put up and take down and didn't take up too much space, so I was able to camp in all sorts of places you wouldn't have been able to put the Drift, referred to on another message. My Notch Li is still in near perfect condition after the walk and I'll happily take it on another Thru Hike without worry. There's not another tent on the market that I would rather use. An amazing tent design and well made.
Could I just say, for your information; please beware of people using these forums to advertise either their own or their friends tents, I've seen replies/messages on here and other forums trying to do this. 
I purchased my Tarptent Notch Li with my own money and don't get any personal benefit from recommending it.


Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: watershed on 18:15:16, 04/01/21
Watershed,
I have the optional hiking pole handle "sleeves" for my Notc hLi and yes, they will work with angled hiking pole handles.


Eric B.


Eric B
Only just noticed your comment, sorry for not replying sooner, many thanks for the information.


Hi all. Happy New Year and thanks for your messages.
I slept in my Notch Li every night during my 1100 mile Dover to Cape Wrath walk - Link to first instalment; https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/14/the-north-downs-way/ (https://wildwalkinguk.com/2020/07/14/the-north-downs-way/)  I managed to wild camp in the tent every night, that's 52 continues nights. I loved the tent, it stood up well to the wind with only a small amount of flapping. The dyneema stays taught all night and doesn't sag when wet with condensation or rain. There's sufficient room in it and I was even just able to put all my gear inside the inner and still cook on occasions due to midgys in Scotland. It was so easy to put up and take down and didn't take up too much space, so I was able to camp in all sorts of places you wouldn't have been able to put the Drift, referred to on another message. My Notch Li is still in near perfect condition after the walk and I'll happily take it on another Thru Hike without worry. There's not another tent on the market that I would rather use. An amazing tent design and well made.
Could I just say, for your information; please beware of people using these forums to advertise either their own or their friends tents, I've seen replies/messages on here and other forums trying to do this. 
I purchased my Tarptent Notch Li with my own money and don't get any personal benefit from recommending it.





Wildwalking many thanks for the review.


This will certainly be my next tent, when we eventually get rid of this virus!
I hope to do the TGO this year, if it isn't cancelled, that will be my Copper Spur 2 last outing on a multi day walk.
I will keep it for shorter walks where I can enjoy the space.
Started putting all my spare change in my Piggy bank.
Title: Re: Tarptent Notch Li dyneema 1 person tent review. Updated 2020 version.
Post by: Litehiker on 18:55:34, 04/01/21
MY NOTCH LI MODS"


1. 4 fly hem light nylon webbing stake loops (one layer of Dyneema repair tape under a larger layer of Tenacious Tape reinforcements where lops are seen on. Reinforcements are circles that are put over the edge of the fly hem so they form a half-circle on each side of the hem.


2. For some shade I dyed the inner tent green with RIT DyeMore dye for synthetic fabrics. Because I had to gather and securely tie the nylon fabric above the Dyneema floor to keep the Dyneema fabric out of the hot dye water. The side walls of the tent became "tie-dyed" with white and green stripes. So big deal, at least the upper areas are solid green and give some more shade. Plus it's "unique", decidedly different.


And yeah, i have the Tarptent pole handle "sleeves" too. When I talked to Tarptent owner Henry Shires he said it took him a while of experimenting to design these sleeves. I  appreciate the effort as I don't wand my pole handles and straps in the dirt and down where critters can chew on the sweat- salted grips.


Eric B.