High Sierra Topix

Maverick, what advantage does the Rainbow, or even Moment, have over the Notch, which is 7 ounces lighter? I'm about to order the Notch but maybe I'm overlooking something? I think I'm ok with the smaller interior room of the Notch and I always use hiking poles anyways.

I feel hoop or dome design tents are more wind-worthy than those set up with shaper angles that are required using trekking poles. In a wind you need a really tight pitch to reduce flapping noise. The Moment does produce some interesting noise in a wind - not flapping but I still wear ear plugs at night. For a long time I though some creature were outside my tent!

Also, I often use my trekking poles after I set up.

Rockroad,

The Notch is a decent tent with great new features, but using my trekking poles for
a tent is a deal braker for my style. When basecamping I would want access to my poles
for dayhikes/climbes, also my pancho/tent combo which is use as raingear and as an
emergency shelter is with me (as other gear) on all excursions and my trekking poles
would be needed for its setup.
Also my Rainbow has been through some incliment weather so it has gained my trust.

WD and Maverick,
Thanks for your input. Decisions, decisions. Now I'm seriously considering a Rainbow.

I've used my trekking poles with the double rainbow when i couldn't stake her out due to lack of adequate soil. I didn't like that approach per others comments. It got me through.

One thing to note on the trekking pole spread. The little cups on the end of the tarp tent doesn't really fit the BD cork poles. They would come off. Either not deep enough or designed against different poles. I used mini bungee cords to secure the ends. Also with the double rainbow, she was at max for my BD pole extension. right on the edge.

Kind of comes back to staked or freestanding though. both choices have advantages. Good luck with your quest.

You could just buy 2 tents. We all have quivers of gear.

Good point on the freestanding vs staked. Even with my current freestanding tent, I typically have to use rocks to stake it out as I'm not usually on good soil (or any soil at all). I might have problems getting a taut pitch on a non-freestanding tent staked with rocks. 2 new tents? I'm already splurging this year as I'm also looking at trying out a quilt.

if you can't get a taut pitch with rocks find better rocks!

Mike