Tarptent - StratoSpire Li

Same kinda-awkward experience with packing the SS2li. The other thing is if I haven’t set it up for a while I’ve got to think a bit about the process/shape. But the thing is awesome in heavy weather and those palatial vestibules rock.

>One of the main critics about the StratoSpire series was the required pack space caused by its fixed struts. The MesoSpire seems to eliminate this, because the struts can easily be removed. This seems to be the main advantage of the Mesospire, in addition to the improved interior volume. The triangle struts are always fiddly to set up on my Stratospire 2 Li. That said, it's still a single-walled tent, so it seems like a minor design update. The Stratospire 2 line is fully double-walled and at comparable weights, or even lighter (it comes in three different fabrics). My usual observation is that tent model differentiation is driven by production and the market, and much less by backpacker's needs. In other words, I don't quite understand whose needs this tent serves. Like... rolling up the corners for ventilation is nice, but are backpackers clamoring for this feature? It has no struts... but so do most tents, so "no struts" would only be a benefit to current/prospective Stratospire buyers? And who really wants a heavy, single-walled tent? Maybe its use case is couples hiking together who want more interior volume?

An X-Mid 1 or 2 would be a fine choice as well. Yeah, the Stratospire is a little finicky to pitch until you get the hang of it. (Although I own both an X-Mid 2 Pro and a Stratospire Li, I don't know if the struts help with stability all that much—so I'd say these two are comparable in stormworthiness.) My personal opinion is folks worry about footprint size a bit much. I'm about 70% done with the PCT and footprint size has been an issue for maybe 2-3 nights. Even then, I ran into trouble because I hiked into the night and should have been finding a campsite. With single-walled tents, I really like Tarptent's Rainbow line, but they don't perform as well in rain and wind, in my opinion, as the X-Mid/Stratospire-style design.

Love my stratospire 2 li, but that's not an endorsement over the x-mid 2 since I do not have experience with that tent. My only complaint about the stratospire 2 is that the struts make packing it more cumbersome. In my 30L pack, it takes up the full height of my pack. That makes stuffing my quilt and whatnot *around* the tent kind of a pain.

What is your main drive for a 1p tent? If it is mainly due to weight savings, I’d urge you to rethink and go with a 2p for a minor increase in weight. If it is mainly because you’re going to be backpacking in areas that have minimal space and you’re worried you can’t fit a 2p, then maybe go with the 1p, but even still a 2p will likely be fine. This is coming from a guy that had the Tarptent Notch Li, then changed to Double Rainbow, then to Stratospire. I’ll never use a 1p coffin again…the minor increase to weight and volume is well worth having space to dry out wet clothes / gear, or bring a partner.

I have Slingfin Portal 2 and it is my go to now. I settled on it after going through the Tarptent Notch Li, Double Rainbow, and Stratospire Li, as well as Nemo Dagger. Love how easy it goes up, ventilation is amazing, and stability is high - especially if you use trekking poles to reinforce the apex. My only complaint is that I wish the footprint was a rectangle instead of tapered.

I bought a Tarptent - I think it's a Stratosphire 2 LI (Which is dynema and expensive) It's wonderful. When I punched a hole in it (not entirely my fault in the circumstances) they / he / she sent me a patch kit for free. My next tent will be Tarptent.

See my Tarptent recommendation above. I agree entirely.

I use the longest V shaped stakes to pitch on the sand, with a rock to back it up if possible. In really high wind, I also move sand around to deflect the wind from going underneath the tarp. My favorite camping spot is on an island in the stLawrence gulf (Île-aux-Lièvres): no bugs because of all the wind!! My 10YO trusty Notch Li has folded in wind or snow, but those situations do need more careful pitching. Or you have another story to tell when you get old🤣.

StratoSpire 2 Li is the best. It's light, wind proof, and we can sleep 2 people w/ no condensation whatsoever. No condensation means you have more space, since you can touch the sidewalls comfortably. I have no idea what people are saying about struts. The struts have been no issue at all. They've never been any kind of hassle or packing challenge, I don't know where this is coming from at all 🤷

I have the XMid Pro 2 and backpack with one of our huskies almost every trip. Mika is 45lbs, Max is 50lbs. Just one dog and me fit easily with extra room for gear. Two people and one of our dogs would work but be tight. (replaced a Strat Li but below applies to both tents) To protect the floor, I bring a full size z-fold pad (generic z-lite). I cut it into two pieces - about 1/3 and 2/3rds. I place them together to put where the dog will be sleeping. I cut it into two pieces so that I can use the 2/3rd piece under my pad in the event I get cold. They can still use the 1/3rd. I lay a costco quilt over the top of the pad. The like to "dig" sometimes. Between the pad and quilt, it protects the floor long enough until I can tell them to stop. For just casual walking in and out of the tent, laying down etc, there would be no need to protect the floor. Kneeling on a sharp rock or stick would probably do more damage than a dog stepping on the floor. We also have a Big Agnes UL2 and UL3 we've used for people and dogs. Only damage to any of the tents (first time out in a brand new UL3) was when I walked away with the dog in the tent and she paw'd at the screen and ripped it. Luckily, she hit the pocket so it didn't affect the door.

The Stratospire and X mid 2 are your best bet - just get a couple of CCF pads to protect the floor.

Stratospire 2 have huge side vestibules that they have little tent inner that can sell to fit inside. The vestibules are very big on my older version Stratospire 2, not sure what the current version is like. Also the sides drop down so if you have a few short kids in there you can fit more lying sideways. Though our situation was different as we were looking at a trip with one parent two kids and no dog.  Agree w other comments to look at getting two tents vs one huge one.  Editing to add, I just reread your post and see you want one big tent. Keep in mind for when they are a bit older multiple smaller tents will work well. By the time we’re kids were teens they each want their own small tent. 

All the various Mids, MLD Trailstar, Yama Swiftline, your Stratospire. Honestly I want my minimal summer shelter be able to deal with rain. Wind is of course a spectrum.

Agree with the Tarptent recommendation, great tents. StratoSpire is excellent.

I’ve had good luck with my silnylon TT Notch, which uses only 4 stakes, and doesn’t put a lot of stress on any of them. It’s easy to either use rocks or tie on extra line and use stakes in the ground next to the platform. Also consider Stratospire, which I think can be made somewhat free standing by using poles to spread out the canopy on both ends. Have fun!

Models like the Notch, Scarp and Momment have a strong following in the UK where strong winds and plenty of moisture is to be expected. The Stratospire is also a proven wind performer. Worth comparing east coast USA and the UK on the [global wind atlas](https://globalwindatlas.info/en/) as not everyone has normally benign conditions.

StratoSpire is amazing. The vestibule space is incredible and I really like the nice aesthetic shape of the tent. Way more interesting than the X-Mid that everybody seems to have nowadays. :-)