Thanks for the info on Tarptent! It was very easy to understand and I could tell how good it is. I am a Japanese hiker and have imported and used shelters from various manufacturers. This one certainly doesn't have anything at the entrance or exit, no stress. I don't like to have any stress when I want to rest my tired body after a long hike. 11:32
Appreciate the review bro! Looks like an awesome shelter. I'm going to pick one up. I love that your daughter hikes with you. So special! I wish my daughters would do that with me.
There is now a quick setup video posted on the Tarptent RUclips channel and on the website product page. It shows a fast (2 minutes) and reliable way to get it pitched with no quesswork about stake location.
Thanks to your review I bought the Dipole 2 li and used it for all but one of my backpacking trips this year. I too LOVE this tent! Really the best pole, 2 person tent out there IMO. So much floor space and vertical wall space. The "windows" are a home run for the views and ventilation. I have no problem using this tent just for myself, even though it is massive, it is still under 2 lbs. Incredibly solid using the 4 stakes, and a breeze to setup once you figure out how to square the stakes first. Using 8 stakes makes it more bomb proof than most other ultralight tents out there. Tarptent definitely leads the way in innovation.
I’ve been thinking of picking one of these for a long time, but I like the Stratosphere (?) for its larger space, and if I’m not mistaken it can come with a colder weather inner. I usually hammock camp, but am finding it a bit of a pain when it’s getting near zero. I can’t afford the Li version though. I only occasionally need something to carry any big distance btw. More just a short hike from the car, but I’d like something I could if I needed it.
I need to replace my 6 year old zPacks Duo which is becoming delaminated at several stress points. Wasn’t quite happy with what I was seeing. Thank you for this review, i think I found my new tent!
10:14 did you notice any extra wind getting through the upper part of the foot/head windows? I have the DW and besides the weights savings being able to open from the inside looks like another advantage. It opens more too but just want to make sure wind, in addition the rain as you mentioned, stays out.
I love that tent, and the single version. However, I disagree that the vestibules are big. I found them to be far smaller than any of my other tents. I also didn't like that the ends have little dyneema string that the rain will drip down. I had water in my tent on both single and double version. I'll probably put a rubber gasket around them at some point. Even, with the vestibule size, and the string issue, I do agree. They're my favorite tents I've owned.
I’ve never had the string drip issue with the windows closed. And fair enough on the vestibules- they are good sized for an ultralight tent, but not as bid as some others. Thanks!
For sure. It will handle winter winds well. Heavy snow loading would be the weakness, due to no pole structure. Also, the mesh means it’s not as warm. A Hilleberg it is not, but it would handle it far better than most ultralight tents.
Great review, thanks. If it was just you and not you with your daughter, would you still use the Dipole 2 for the extra room, or would you go with the 1?
I like solo tents, myself. I'd go for the Dipole 1. A lot of people prefer 2-person tents for solo use but the Dipole 2 feels more like many 3-person tents.
Hi, I'm considering the Dipole Li 1P for PCT sections. What additional tent stakes would you recommend for the socal sections? Also, in rocky hard to stake out areas were you able to get a stable pitch with this tent using rocks?
You would love this tent. I carried 8 stakes, typically. I prefer 4 long stakes for a taut pitch and 4 regular length. Yes- I’ve pitched this with rocks, using stakes as deadmen. It works great, with a bit of ingenuity. 👍🏼
Isn't it REALLY a quad-pole? 😁 Looks like a great tent. I read Dan Durston's comment on comparing the two tents. I think it was a pretty fair assessment.
Excellent review. I have the Dipole 1 and agree with all your points. When I upgraded to a DCF tent I had narrowed the choice between the X-mid (my son has one) and the Dipole. The X-Mid Pro did not come out in time for a big trip I had planned so Dipole it was. Initially I was bummed about not being able to make the magical 16oz weight. However, the livability is so nice I’m happy to carry the extra few ounces. Really enjoy this tent.
I spent about 15 nights this summer in my dipole 2 LI with my wife and we agree 100% with your review. We hike in the Canadian Rockies and even had snow on this tent, love it. I tried using 4 trekking poles, leaving the struts at home and it works probably better and less weight. The other couple we hike with have a durston mid pro 2 and they are jealous I think… lol. We also tried the big Agnes tent floor pad with our 2 person ee accomplice quilt and will never go back, even at -15C! We’ve seen deer, porcupines (before the approached our pole handles (we now go handles up on this tent in porcupine country)), and marmots. Love love love this tent. Never did the 4 stake pitch, so that I will try next year
Hmm. Good question. I’ve owned both.Id say the Stratospire is a bit better in high winds than the Dipole, but the Dipole does VERY well (needs solid stake placements). Both are far better than most ultralight tents.
Yes- I loved mine. Great in winds too. I like the Dipole much more- easier to set up. Better views and ventilation. Much larger usable space. But I had many great trips with my Stratospire and loved it.
It might be a little tight, but it could work. I think it would work if both adults had 20" pads. Two 25" pads fill the whole space. If your kiddo is a cuddle sleeper- good. If you child needs their own space, I'd recommend the Cloudburst 3 or another 3-person tent.
Yeah, it's not for everyone. But the durability and weight can make it worth it after lots of miles. Cool thing is that Tarptent has many models that are half the cost and also very durable, with only a moderate weight penalty.
I also think the xmid is a Great tent. But i’m 6’3 and i had the Xmid solid 1p and i was touching the inner. So sold it and got the dipole dw and this one is so more spacious inside.
Thanks for the info on Tarptent!
It was very easy to understand and I could tell how good it is.
I am a Japanese hiker and have imported and used shelters from various manufacturers.
This one certainly doesn't have anything at the entrance or exit, no stress.
I don't like to have any stress when I want to rest my tired body after a long hike. 11:32
Right on- I think you’d love it!
Appreciate the review bro! Looks like an awesome shelter. I'm going to pick one up.
I love that your daughter hikes with you. So special! I wish my daughters would do that with me.
Right on! I hope you like it as much as I do. 👍🏼
There is now a quick setup video posted on the Tarptent RUclips channel and on the website product page. It shows a fast (2 minutes) and reliable way to get it pitched with no quesswork about stake location.
Yes, and it works very well. Thanks Henry!
Henry, will we ever see a Dipole 2 DW?
Thanks to your review I bought the Dipole 2 li and used it for all but one of my backpacking trips this year. I too LOVE this tent! Really the best pole, 2 person tent out there IMO. So much floor space and vertical wall space. The "windows" are a home run for the views and ventilation. I have no problem using this tent just for myself, even though it is massive, it is still under 2 lbs. Incredibly solid using the 4 stakes, and a breeze to setup once you figure out how to square the stakes first. Using 8 stakes makes it more bomb proof than most other ultralight tents out there. Tarptent definitely leads the way in innovation.
Right on! I’m glad you love it as much as I do!
I’ve been thinking of picking one of these for a long time, but I like the Stratosphere (?) for its larger space, and if I’m not mistaken it can come with a colder weather inner. I usually hammock camp, but am finding it a bit of a pain when it’s getting near zero. I can’t afford the Li version though. I only occasionally need something to carry any big distance btw. More just a short hike from the car, but I’d like something I could if I needed it.
Great review, and great shirt, looks like Andy Hampsten in the Giro.
You're right! And thanks!
I need to replace my 6 year old zPacks Duo which is becoming delaminated at several stress points. Wasn’t quite happy with what I was seeing. Thank you for this review, i think I found my new tent!
Right on! I bet you’ll love it!
10:14 did you notice any extra wind getting through the upper part of the foot/head windows? I have the DW and besides the weights savings being able to open from the inside looks like another advantage. It opens more too but just want to make sure wind, in addition the rain as you mentioned, stays out.
I’ve noticed no wind getting in. In the new version, they’ve added Velcro strips that eliminate any concern. 👍🏼
I was planning on getting the x-mid pro this spring but after watching a few reviews on the dipol Li I think I’m going with the dipole.
Right on! I get you’ll love it!
I love that tent, and the single version. However, I disagree that the vestibules are big. I found them to be far smaller than any of my other tents. I also didn't like that the ends have little dyneema string that the rain will drip down. I had water in my tent on both single and double version. I'll probably put a rubber gasket around them at some point.
Even, with the vestibule size, and the string issue, I do agree. They're my favorite tents I've owned.
I’ve never had the string drip issue with the windows closed. And fair enough on the vestibules- they are good sized for an ultralight tent, but not as bid as some others. Thanks!
I know it's a 3 season tent, but I wonder if it could hold minor snow loads, for like winter camping in Sweden.
For sure. It will handle winter winds well. Heavy snow loading would be the weakness, due to no pole structure. Also, the mesh means it’s not as warm. A Hilleberg it is not, but it would handle it far better than most ultralight tents.
Great looking tent. TarpTent has amazing products. New follower here. Crow✌️
Thanks for the sub- I appreciate it!
Great review, thanks. If it was just you and not you with your daughter, would you still use the Dipole 2 for the extra room, or would you go with the 1?
I like solo tents, myself. I'd go for the Dipole 1. A lot of people prefer 2-person tents for solo use but the Dipole 2 feels more like many 3-person tents.
Great review, thanks!
Thank you!
Seems almost perfect minus no mesh where you reached through to short pole. Never wanna wake up covered in creepy crawlers
There is no opening on the short pole side- mesh all around. It is a great shelter with bugs, snakes, and rodents/ full protection.
Hi, I'm considering the Dipole Li 1P for PCT sections. What additional tent stakes would you recommend for the socal sections? Also, in rocky hard to stake out areas were you able to get a stable pitch with this tent using rocks?
You would love this tent. I carried 8 stakes, typically. I prefer 4 long stakes for a taut pitch and 4 regular length. Yes- I’ve pitched this with rocks, using stakes as deadmen. It works great, with a bit of ingenuity. 👍🏼
@@quakingleaf I purchased it on sale in November! Thank you for responding. I look forward to using it on the PCT.😁
Isn't it REALLY a quad-pole? 😁 Looks like a great tent. I read Dan Durston's comment on comparing the two tents. I think it was a pretty fair assessment.
They are both excellent tents with unique strengths.
The Di-pole looks to have superior ventilation. a big plus for a single wall tent
I would love to know what shelter you would choose for a PCT through hike. I am 6"1 similar to you. Altaplex or Dipole 1 Li or something else ?
Excellent review. I have the Dipole 1 and agree with all your points. When I upgraded to a DCF tent I had narrowed the choice between the X-mid (my son has one) and the Dipole. The X-Mid Pro did not come out in time for a big trip I had planned so Dipole it was. Initially I was bummed about not being able to make the magical 16oz weight. However, the livability is so nice I’m happy to carry the extra few ounces. Really enjoy this tent.
Right on- I think you scored!
Tossing up between the Dipole 1 and 2, as there's not a lot of extra weight in getting the 2p. Do you find the Dipole roomy enough for one person?
I spent about 15 nights this summer in my dipole 2 LI with my wife and we agree 100% with your review. We hike in the Canadian Rockies and even had snow on this tent, love it. I tried using 4 trekking poles, leaving the struts at home and it works probably better and less weight. The other couple we hike with have a durston mid pro 2 and they are jealous I think… lol. We also tried the big Agnes tent floor pad with our 2 person ee accomplice quilt and will never go back, even at -15C! We’ve seen deer, porcupines (before the approached our pole handles (we now go handles up on this tent in porcupine country)), and marmots. Love love love this tent. Never did the 4 stake pitch, so that I will try next year
Right on- we are in the same page for sure. Good luck with those porcupines!
How's the storm worthiness in strong winds compared to the Stratospire?
Hmm. Good question. I’ve owned both.Id say the Stratospire is a bit better in high winds than the Dipole, but the Dipole does VERY well (needs solid stake placements). Both are far better than most ultralight tents.
Best thing about tarptent is their unique designs.
I agree.
What about tarptent stratospire li it is good tent
Yes- I loved mine. Great in winds too. I like the Dipole much more- easier to set up. Better views and ventilation. Much larger usable space. But I had many great trips with my Stratospire and loved it.
Thanks again, your daughter should know she's lucky you're her father. Whatever happened to the Solomon trail shoes?
Thank you- I appreciate it! I used Solomon boots for the Sierra only, and then switched back to trail runners. I love Topo Athletics shoes. 👍🏼
@@quakingleaf You're a family of good soles!
Nice. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
What do you think about using the dipole 2 li for 2 adults plus a toddler ?
It might be a little tight, but it could work. I think it would work if both adults had 20" pads. Two 25" pads fill the whole space. If your kiddo is a cuddle sleeper- good. If you child needs their own space, I'd recommend the Cloudburst 3 or another 3-person tent.
Great video
Thanks!
$700+ damn
Yeah, it's not for everyone. But the durability and weight can make it worth it after lots of miles. Cool thing is that Tarptent has many models that are half the cost and also very durable, with only a moderate weight penalty.
Dipole = xmid killer
I think the Xmid is a great tent. But for me, yeah, I sold my Xmid Pro after buying the Dipole.
I also think the xmid is a
Great tent. But i’m 6’3 and i had the Xmid solid 1p and i was touching the inner. So sold it and got the dipole dw and this one is so more spacious inside.
Right on! Glad you like it!
One thing to keep in mind: this is an expensive tent.