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Karl Myers
(kmyers1234) - F

Locale: Pacific Northwest
tarp shelter for tall guys? on 05/22/2011 01:25:51 MDT Print View

So i've been looking at different tarp shelters specifically the SMD Wild Oasis, the tarptent contrail, and the integral designs silshelter. Anyways I'm not very familiar with any of these or other tarp type shelters in general. I'm 6'6" and around 230 pounds so fairly large build. Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions on shelters that would be large enough for me to fit comfortably. Am really open to any suggestions! Thanks!
Rog Tallbloke
(tallbloke) - F

Locale: DON'T LOOK DOWN!!
Re: tarp shelter for tall guys? on 05/22/2011 02:04:09 MDT Print View

Hi Karl,
I'm 2" taller than you and have successfully used two of the tarp tents you mention. The SMD design is tight though, and the lack of a fastener on the ID doorway requires some care to prevent water ingress in windy weather.

I currently use a Golite Hut 1 which is plenty long. They are getting hard to find though, and the shangri la 1 which replaced it is a lot shorter from what I can gather.

I also have a GG 'The One' which is just long enough for me, but I keep my WPB jacket over my feet to stop the footbox of my quilt catching condensation.

Happy hunting.
Jolly Green Giant
(regultr) - MLife

Locale: www.jolly-green-giant.blogspot.com
Re: Re: tarp shelter for tall guys? on 05/22/2011 04:57:26 MDT Print View

Lightheart Gear SoLong 6 is made for us taller folks and is a nice option with a lot more room than others:

http://www.lightheartgear.com/LightHeart_Gear/Home.html

Six Moon Designs offers the Skyscape:

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com

I too have the Contrail and find it adequate as long as I'm not on any kind of slope where I slide (near impossible), but it isn't nearly functionally tall.
Todd Taylor
(texasbb) - F

Locale: Pacific Northwest
Re: tarp shelter for tall guys? on 05/22/2011 14:16:24 MDT Print View

I'm 6'5" and do fine with the Tarptent Rainbow.
Mark Hudson
(vesteroid) - MLife

Locale: Eastern Sierras
 		Rainbow on 05/22/2011 19:46:01 MDT Print View

I second the rainbow and am 6'5"

I have a contrail but agree it's tight

I did try the so long at kick off and that would be my choice if i had to buy a new one
Karl Myers
(kmyers1234) - F

Locale: Pacific Northwest
re: tarp shelter for tall guys on 05/23/2011 11:10:17 MDT Print View

Thanks for all the help everyone! I think I've narrowed it to the So Long and the rainbow. Happy Trails!
-Karl
Michael Levine
(Trout) - F

Locale: Long Beach
hmmm on 05/23/2011 11:54:10 MDT Print View

Hi Karl,

I'm in the same spot. I can't seem to find what you're referring to by So Long, and by Rainbow. Mind posting some links?
Anna O'Leary
(annapurna) - MLife
 		Re: hmmm on 05/23/2011 11:59:11 MDT Print View

http://www.lightheartgear.com/LightHeart_Gear/SoLong_6.html
http://www.tarptent.com/rainbow.html
Michael Levine
(Trout) - F

Locale: Long Beach
thanks on 05/23/2011 23:09:54 MDT Print View

Thank you Anna!
Mark Hudson
(vesteroid) - MLife

Locale: Eastern Sierras
 		one other thing on 05/24/2011 14:36:29 MDT Print View

the rainbow can be free standing with your trekking poles and I dont believe any of the others you listed can. Although its the heavier of the options as well.