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Post by cweston on Jan 5, 2017 18:06:09 GMT -8
www.tarptent.com/saddle2.htmlThis is a relatively new model--uses two sets of trekking poles. (For solo usage, you'd buy the optional rear poles which only weight a couple oz. instead of the second pair of trekking poles.) It's about 9 oz lighter then the Strato-Spire 2, and a bit smaller and less headroom, with a fairly similar design. I was seriously considering a SS2 before summer--this one is intriguing as well. franco: I was surprised to see that Henry said he thought that the SS2 was the most stable model. Given its large footprint and tall height, I found that a little surprising. Thoughts on SS2 vs Saddle2, Franco, or anyone else? I'd have to buy the optional rear poles for solo usage, so the cost would be about the same. No zipper on the vestibule of the Saddle 2 worries me a bit--seems like it might be prone to leakage with rain + wind. My biggest concern about the SS2 is that the overall footprint seems huge--could make finding a suitable site challenging.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Jan 5, 2017 18:27:54 GMT -8
It's about 9 oz lighter then the Strato-Spire 2, and a bit smaller and less headroom, with a fairly similar design. Not sure I'd agree with the "fairly similar design" part. It's much more like the Notch. In fact, it's practically a Notch2. I questioned Henry about the velcro too (on another BPing site) and was assured it holds well. I don't doubt it; my main worry would be if it got dirty, picked up a bunch of crud. The door flaps overlap a bit, so they're probably resistant to leaking even without the velcro in calm rain anyway. I really like the little metal hook at the bottom, at least compared to the wimpy little plastic clip on my Notch. I wish I needed one. |
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Post by cweston on Jan 5, 2017 18:45:11 GMT -8
Yes, it is basically a Notch 2, you're right.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Jan 5, 2017 20:11:37 GMT -8
Yes, it is basically a Notch 2, you're right. That was my first impression, which I've been wishing for. It looks a little higher at the head and foot, which is good, too. I would prefer a zipper, though. I really like the zipper on the Notch vestibule compared to the velcro on the old Contrail. I was planning to replace my Double Rainbow with an SS2, but the Saddle 2 looks like a contender. I'm staying tuned for user impressions. |
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Jan 5, 2017 20:56:54 GMT -8
That was my first impression, which I've been wishing for. It looks a little higher at the head and foot, which is good, too. I would prefer a zipper, though. I really like the zipper on the Notch vestibule compared to the velcro on the old Contrail. By the specs, the peak of the Saddle2 is a couple inches lower than the peak of the Notch, but the ends are obviously a lot higher and there's a LOT more shoulder room. And even the peak height is probably adjustable if you don't need to batten down for storms. I'm actually thinking I might like the velcro'd door with the fat metal clip at the bottom. The Notch's zipper sometimes seems to take way too much load, and that little clip at the bottom feels like it came from Playskool. But for only 10 oz more than the Notch, this could accommodate two or, in my case, make long tent times tolerable for a tall guy. Too bad I like the Notch most of the time and can't really claim a need... |
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franco
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Post by franco on Jan 5, 2017 21:18:03 GMT -8
Henry chose the name Saddle because it is a sort of larger Notch (in geomorphology) but different enough not to be called Notch 2. I think that the SS2 gets the very solid structure from having the two PitchLoc corners as well as, at the other two cardinal points, the two apex guylines effectively pulling the shelter in tension in all directions. The overhead shot should also give a much better idea on how the many panels can split the wind Looks to me to be the closest two pole mid to a semi-geodesic design.  The Saddle was designed so that the two vestibule fly panels can be tucked in if on a small site (either or both sides) but you can also not stake out the SS1/2 vestibule/s and use the apex guylines to tension it on the long side around rocks or bushes if those are what stops you from using the vestibules. Leaving the vestibule panels hanging down will not work with strong winds but you would be doing that only if against an obstacle and that would transform itself into a wind barrier anyway. Please ask if the last comment does not make sense. BTW, on a campsite because it only needs two guylines (not needed in reasonable weather) the SS2 takes less floor area than may LW shelters that use multiple and very long guylines. So the protected area is rather large but in effect the footprint isn't . For example I could not set up this type of shelter :  in the same space I used in the SS2 photo above. franco@tarptent |
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Jan 5, 2017 22:26:08 GMT -8
How long ago did the Saddle 2 come up on the website? I checked just recently (maybe 2 weeks ago) to see if there was anything new for 2017 and didn't notice it.
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franco
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Post by franco on Jan 6, 2017 2:32:30 GMT -8
The new shelters are announced first in the What's New section (and on Face Book) , under products and then Extras (within Products).
The Saddle has come available only in the last few days.
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