Tarptent – ProTrek

We’ve got it in: the long-awaited evolution of the ProTrail, the new Tarptent ProTrek. A super-lightweight, single-wall, one-person tent that you pitch easily with two poles (1 long and 1 short). Note: no poles are included with the tent, those are sold separately. The ProTrek has a unique geometry, it’s light, and it’s also very solid. The fly is 20D silicone-coated polyester and the floor is a thicker 30D nylon, an optimal combination.

The ProTrek looks like a very simple tent, but it’s packed with features that make it an enormously versatile one-person shelter.

What makes the Tarptent ProTrek such a nice tent?

The lovely compact packed size (28 x 10 cm) and the light weight (666 grams for the tent), of course.

Easy to pitch: simple to set up with a minimum of 4 stakes, poles in and done. You set the long pole to around 119 cm and the short one to around 69 cm (we also stock the right Tarptent poles).

Nice and wide: a wide mat fits inside, because the floor measures 71 cm across the full length.

Nice and long: with a floor length of 2.13 m (the total tent is 2.74 m), taller people fit too, partly because the end of the tent goes straight up so you’re not rubbing your toes against it (and so less chance of condensation on your sleeping bag).

Compact footprint: so you can fit your tent into small spots just fine. The space you need is roughly 1.5 x 2.80 m so you can still get your stakes well into the ground. Ideal in the mountains especially, where finding a good pitch can sometimes be a challenge.

Optimal ventilation for a single-wall tent: you can also open the rear of the ProTrek for good airflow through the tent, nice on those muggy warm nights. This one-person tent opens up almost entirely for a fantastic view while still keeping the mosquitoes out. If you really have a tight spot, you can even get in from the front (just like you can with the ProTrail).

Vestibule: easy to keep your shoes outside the tent but still dry. Your pack can go under there, I really love that. A piece of tyvek for the opening and you can crawl inside clean and dry. Magnetic door toggles: on the long side you can play with the little magnets that hold the door flap open. The one downside of the tent is that you still need to seam seal it.

All in all, the new Tarptent ProTrek is a lovely lightweight and compact 3-season tent that you can pitch almost anywhere. It works well in a wide range of conditions and pitches taut even in strong wind thanks to the various guy-out points. The material is sturdy so it can take a knock, and it’s also nice and roomy and opens up beautifully in warm weather or when you want to watch the stars.

Specifications Tarptent ProTrek

• Weight:
  • Tent only: 666 grams
  • Complete with stakes, stuff sacks and guylines: 757 grams
• Dimensions:
  • Interior: 213 x 71 cm (peak height 110 cm)
  • Exterior: 142 cm wide at front, 102 cm at rear. Length 274 cm
• Packed size: 28 x 10 cm
• Material:
  • Fly material: 20D nano ripstop 100% silicone coated polyester rated to over 3,000 mm hydrostatic head, forest green
  • Floor material: 30D double ripstop 100% silicone coated nylon 66 rated to over 5,000 mm hydrostatic head, black
  • Fly zippers: YKK #3 Aquaguard waterproof, dual pull
  • Mesh: 15D nylon no-see-um mesh
  • Guyline/Cording: Tarptent UltraPE cording
  • Reinforcements: Challenge Sailcloth UltraGrid and RBC200RS
• Includes 5 V-shape DAC stakes
• No poles are included, you’ll need to buy those yourself (or use your trekking poles?)
• Sewn in the USA, Seattle, WA.

How do you pitch the Tarptent ProTrek? Watch the video:

Or read what they have to say about it over at Backpacker: https://www.backpacker.com/gear/tents/first-look-tarptent-protrek-shelter/