Has anyone used the notch with the large (78x25 inch) versions of the neoair xlite or xtherm that are tapered at the ends? I think I saw pictures once of the notch with the large version of the original neoairs that were rectangular. It looked rather tight at the ends. I'm wondering if the new tapered shape would fit better for us taller folks that need the longer/wider mat?

I use a L All Season in my Notch and it is a tight fit. The pad corners push the inner's corners. I think an L X-Lite or X-Therm would be a much better fit.

-Mark in St. Louis

I just received my Notch and was testing my pads in it this weekend and thought this might help.

This is an old style rectangular Large NeoAir (25X77) and it fits fine. The tapered pads would be an easy fit.

Foot end of Notch with Large NeoAir



Head end of Notch with Large NeoAir and Montbell Pillow (Note: the pillow would have to sit on top of the pad or be stuffed side-ways (on it's side) down the gap at the of top of the pad).



The Large (rectangular) NeoAir pushes very lightly on the corners of the bathtub floor but as you can see in this picture it is not causing any problem or deforming the bathtub floor. This would not happen with the tapered pad.

Edited by skopeo on 01/20/2013 17:32:53 MST.

Do you find the interior confining at all?

I guess it depends on what your expectations are...

For sleeping, which is all I've done so far in my Notch, it is just fine for me. I have the std net interior.

Mike W...How do you like the "solid" interior???

-Mark in St. Louis

Edited by buldogge on 01/21/2013 07:00:07 MST.

>> Do you find the interior confining at all? <<

This is very much a personal thing... I don't mind small shelters. The Notch actually feels fairly roomy to me but somebody else might say it feels like a coffin. With two doors and two vestibules there is certainly an impression of space.
The fact that I can get my Large NeoAir inside this shelter says to me that it's not that small. I don't often use my large NeoAir but it's nice to have that option if I feel like taking a "luxury trip" :). With the 48" NeoAir that I usually use on my trips, the Notch feels quite roomy to me (See pic below).



>> Mike W...How do you like the "solid" interior??? <<

The semi-solid inner is definitely a bit more confining than an all mesh interior but I'm used to that as well. My Copper Spur and Fly Creek have partial solid sides and I really like them. That's why I went with the semi-solid inner with the Notch. I find that the higher sides on my other tents really helps keep me warm (less wind blowing over me).

I've only just received my Notch, so I can't say for sure how it will be but based on my personal needs and my experience with my other shelters, I'm pretty sure I'm going to really like having the solid inner. I may purchase the all mesh inner at a later date if I find the semi-solid inner is too hot in the warmer months.