Another tent topic: alternatives to a stratospire 2

[ErichFromm]

So, almost ready to pull the trigger on a ss2. Just wondered if there is anything else I should be considering?

I like double doors, proper inner and outer, and lightweight. Already have a double rainbow (soon up for sale) as not keen on single layer. Can't afford an anjan2...

[Gusto]

What is so special about the SratoSpire2??

I personally would prefer the Double Rainbow or the Scarp 2 over the StratoSpire2. The DR is only 180grams heavier than the SS2. Admitingly, once you add some more guy rope and pegs it may be 250 grams heavier.

If you are willing to pay more and get a local warranty aswell then the WE 2nd arrow is a good option.

[DanShell]

So, almost ready to pull the trigger on a ss2. Just wondered if there is anything else I should be considering?

I like double doors, proper inner and outer, and lightweight. Already have a double rainbow (soon up for sale) as not keen on single layer. Can't afford an anjan2...

In the TT range the Scarp is probably the only other one that meets your (and mine for the record) requirements but as you know is a bit heavier and its vestibules are a lot smaller.

I know Im a bit of a fan boy for the Stratospire but its for good reason, it is a brilliant design and so far I haven't had it fall over on me, even in some pretty horrible conditions. As for other brands then I can't be a lot of help sorry!

[kitty]

So, almost ready to pull the trigger on a ss2.

Go for it! Its an awesome tent.

[Franco]

Aged six someone asked me this riddle :
Who smokes more than a Turk ?
A: two Turks.
( a 1961 riddle...)

That was my first lesson in thinking outside the box well before the catchphrase was invented.
The SS2 was an exercise in thinking outside the box , it becomes evident once you compare it to other "mids".
So , what is better than an SS2 ?
A: two SS2s.

[ErichFromm]

Hey Franco - I actually wish I'd had a better look at the SS2 you brought to the Mt Franklin gathering.

Pretty much sold on getting it - just working out if there is an option I haven't thought of....

[Franco]

A common comment I see as a negative point for Tarptent is that they only come in grey (well sort of grey with a touch of green now...) and often from folk that wished they were green for the "stealth" thingo.
Funny thing is that at Mt Franklin, going up the hill ,the first tent I could spot was that green Nemo..

Anyway, a lot of effort in designing the SS was put into trying to overcome the common "problems" with mids, that is pole in the middle, unprotected floor area, large footprint (or small usable space ) and large sail like panels.

[ErichFromm]

Yes - Tarptent needs to move towards more subtle stealth designs like they have at Fieldcandy:

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=field+candy+tents&safe=strict&biw=1280&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIwMDv08WQxgIVwSymCh1jIQDH

My current favourite:

[Moondog55]

That TT grey is one of the "Stealthiest" colours around
Still saving pennies for mine.

[Seansi]

Gusto:
What is so special about the SratoSpire2?? What is so special about the SratoSpire2??

The reasons I have chosen this tent is because of the headroom, vestibule space, ability to fit a third person, and the openability for views..
No tent is perfect in every way but this one ticks my boxes. I want to be able to sit upright, get a bug proof view and accommodate others (and be ultralight)! I think the big bonuses on top of that, which are not essential but great functions, is that you can tie off the apex points overhead if a pole breaks. And also that the poles could be lifted from inside to counteract any sag which will occur on cold wet nights..

It's also a very spunky tent... I think its relieving to see it pitched amongst dome styles.. I know, very subjective comment.

Just thought i would add my 2cents worth here as i trawled through a lot of old threads to help research my purchase.
What i'm really saying is this tent does some particular things very well, and if those things float your boat then its a great tent.

[bushchook]

I bought a SS2 about a year ago and it has been used twice on the South Coast Track (once by me and once by the other half - tag team child care!). It was great. Light, easy and very quick to pitch in wind and rain. Roomy for two non intimate friends. The only draw back was the size of the footprint in limited camp sites, but we managed it. I bought a cheap square of nylon fabric which was about the same size as the footprint. This helped to work out if sites were big enough for the tent before pitching it and doubled as cheap ground protection. I don't think you will regret the purchase