Squall - High Winds

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#1

Squall - High Winds
I’m interest in the Tarpent Squall. I have a few concerns that I’ve not been able to find answers. How good is it really in high winds? Taking into consideration, location and the foot end into the wind.
The other concern is setup location. I’m going to be doing the AT again and how big of a spot/area will I need to set it up? How well can I stealth camp with it on the trail? I’m know I’m going to be in for some cold weather, (0 degrees) and just would like to hear how it has worked out.

glee

#2

I have the tarptent squall (w/ sewn in floor), and have not had difficulties in windy conditions. As with setup location, it really is no larger then any other tent floor, not a problem.

The only things I ever would change or had problems with are during a really bad rain I did get some leakage from the sides, mostly due to the side mesh folding over, and the tent can droop a bit in high moisture.

For stealthing, and groundspace issues, go with a hammock: quick set-up, quick tear-down, no groudspace needed (set up on hillside if so desire), keep it lower to the ground to keep out of site if needs be. Or, tarp it, numerous options, can set up low or tall, variable, etc.

Love my tarptent, low weight and few problems, probably best tent I ever owned.

-xtn

airferret

#3

I have the Tarptent Squall with sewn-in floor. I’ve used it along the AT many times to stealth camp. The area you will need is not very large, and should be quite easy to find a spot to pitch the tarptent. I would feel more comfortable finding an area to pitch my tarptent for stealth camping than any three season tent. The tarptent holds up very well in high winds. I spent an evening on Max Patch and just knew my tarptent was ruined. All night the winds howled and I just thought this was the end of this little tent tarp thing. But to the contrary, in the morning the Squall was 100% in tact no damage at all. I was very impressed to say the least.

The only ‘somewhat’ downside to this shelter is that is does not keep you as warm as a traditional 3-season tent. But, this is only a minor issue considering it’s a single-wall tent and needs air flow to keep condensation at bay. But, this is where a good sleeping bag comes into play. I’ve used the Squall in a snowstorm in the Smokies and was just fine, thought I have a 10* down sleeping bag. For all the shelters on the market, the cost and definitely the weight of the Tarptent… I can’t think of a better shelter to take along on a hike… especially along the AT. I haven’t touched my 3-season tents in years. Good luck!

guru

#4

The squall is the perfect tarp tent with the optional paraglider kelty triptease ropes.:cheers

hikerdude

#5

I have a Virga (the one person version of the Squall) and used it on my Colorado Trail thru-hike this summer. It sets up very taut and seems to me to be as stable and secure as most any three season tent.
As far as stealth camping is concerned, I got the Virga because of the smaller footprint. This of course makes it even easier to find a spot. I had no problems with interior space. If you’re travelling fairly light, you probably don’t have all that much stuff, so I found the Virga to be perfectly comfortable. I imagine that the Squall would be downright luxurious as far as space is concerned.
About the leakage on the side mesh… There are small loops sewn into the side of the tent. Simply put a short length of cord on each and stake it out (I usually use sticks) and the mesh is no longer exposed and the side leakage is gone. This also adds a small amount of protected space inside and a tighter pitch.
I, too, can’t recommend these tarptents enough!

zach attack