This is a review of Tarptent’s updated and extremely lightweight Notch Li. Review updated April 2022, I’ve spent nearly 100 nights wild-camping in it and love it, but…
You need to walk with poles to really gain the maximum benefits of the Notch Li tent. If you don’t use poles already, this tent may well be a very good reason to start. Your walking poles are used to support the tent, meaning that the whole thing weighs only 554g (19.5oz). There are optional light weight tent poles available for the tent, if you don’t want to use walking poles or you use the tent for bike packing etc.
I’ve been testing the tent to see how suitable it is for UK conditions. I’m interested to see how it compares with the impressive Tarptent StratoSpire Li two-person tent, which I also own and have previously reviewed. I purchased both of these tents with my own money, so my reviews are totally independent.
My reasons for purchasing the Notch Li
For the last few years I’ve been using walking poles when hiking. This meant I could use tents that are supported with the walking poles, so I no longer needed to carry the weight of separate tent poles. I initially tried using a single walking pole pyramid tent, but I found it too small and unstable in high winds.
Then I found Tarptent, an American company who specialise in walking pole-supported tents. I first looked at the old model Notch, but quickly realised that it wouldn’t suit UK conditions very well. The top of the inner in this model was all mesh, so condensation dripping from the outer would be a problem in our climate.
I purchased Tarptent’s StratoSpire Li 2 person tent for my wife and I to use and we have both been very impressed with it. So when Tarptent updated the Notch Li, and I realised they had made all the changes that I’d previously written it off for, I had no choice but to order one.
I’ve been trying to find the perfect lightweight tent for years, one that’s suitable for long distance hiking, had enough room to sit out bad weather in relative comfort, could stand up to high winds and was fast to set up. The Notch Li has definitely been that tent.
The changes Tarptent made to the 2020 model Notch Li:
- Two way waterproof flysheet vestibule zips on both doors for strength and improve ventilation.
- Solid interior updated to add roof panels, making it even lighter than the old model’s mesh interior.
- Improvements in stitching, cutting, taping and bonding the materials.
Ordering and delivery
I placed my order for the Notch Li tent online through Tarptent’s very well made site and paid via PayPal. Tarptent estimated the total costs (exchange rate from US Dollars to UK Pounds) accurately and fairly.
The tent was sent via UPS US and then ParcelForce, who delivered it to me in the UK. ParcelForce sent me a letter informing me of the import duties that I would have to pay before they would deliver the parcel.
Instead of waiting for delivery, I went to my local ParcelForce depot, paid the charges and collected the tent. This meant it was a total of 21 days from order to collection. This is similar to the 20 days it took for the previous order from Tarptent and extremely impressive considering restrictions due to Covid-19 at the time.
The tent arrived well packaged and in perfect condition.
First impressions
The Notch Li tent is extremely fast to set up. It only took a couple of minutes first time around. I fully expect to be able to pitch it in the one minute suggested by Tarptent after a little practice in my garden.
I like the design of the Notch Li. It’s similar in design to Tarptent’s StratoSpire Li but uses only four pegs rather than six and is a lot easier to pitch. This is because the inner of the Notch Li lines up more easily and runs straight between the two pitch-loc ends, rather than from corner to corner in the StratoSpire. It might be easier to see what I mean from the photograph of the StratoSpire below, as compared to the Notch Li above.
The StratoSpire is tricky to pitch when wild camping as it’s not easy to know exactly where the inner is going to end up. This is important when pitching on rough ground, as I am often trying to miss uneven ground or a bump in the grass. The smaller Notch Li has a big advantage here, as the inner is square with the pitch-loc ends. This makes it obvious where the inner is going to be on the ground once the tent is pitched.
Pegs
I’m impressed with Tarptent for supplying proper pegs with the tent. The pegs are 6″ (150mm) long, light weight and very strong.
The tent is supplied with four pegs, which is good enough for a stable pitch. However, if you use the extra guy lines, you’ll need to add another two pegs.
Even with six pegs, it’s not going to weigh you down, and it’s not many for a tent of this size. Many tents I’ve used in the past have needed a lot more pegs and that adds to the overall pack weight. It’s no good buying a lightweight tent and then having to add a lot of pegs.
I carry some bigger pegs as well because I’ve found that if it’s windy and I’m pegging into soft wet ground, like we typically get in the UK and especially Scotland. I need to use a 9″ (230mm) long peg to be on the safe side. As the tent has so few pegging points, when it’s windy there’s a lot of pressure on each peg. I’ve even had one of those drag in reasonably firm ground, but it was extremely windy and it didn’t come out.
Tent design
The Notch’s design has interesting mathematical and geometrical concepts, such as prismatic shapes and catenary curves. It makes interesting reading on the Tarptent website
As I mentioned at the start, the Notch Li doesn’t come with poles to support it. It requires two walking poles. Tarptent suggests you use pole lengths of between 107cm and 115cm for the best pitch, depending on how much airflow you want under the flysheet. However, Tarptent can supply tent poles for this tent if you don’t (or can’t) use walking poles.
I used to walk with 120cm fixed-length walking poles, but these are too long for the Notch. So I now use variable-length poles when using this tent, which means I can adjust the poles and vary the height of the tent to suit the conditions. This is really handy when it’s windy or cold, as I can pitch the flysheet closer to the ground by shortening the walking poles. If I want more ventilation and space inside, I can lengthen the poles to make the tent higher.
One worry I do have about the Notch Li design is that it needs two walking poles to support it. I am concerned that if I break a pole while hiking (which I have done in the past), I wouldn’t be able to erect the tent properly. However, the tent will still stand with just one pole in an emergency. I think this is a risk worth taking to save weight.
Pitchloc
Tarptent have patented the end design, Pitchloc. This is a foldable, structural component which is used in all of their tents. It’s made of very light and strong carbon fibre tubing. The Pitchloc increases usable volume, structural strength and stability, eliminates multiple stakes and reduces setup and take down time.
The ends can be opened for ventilation. They are held open or closed with thin velcro strips.
Tent access
The Notch Li has two porches and doors both sides, so you can access the tent from either side. This is helpful as you can change the access according to the prevailing weather.
The walking poles are central in the tent but they don’t restrict access. There is still enough room to access the inner without contorting yourself around the poles.
The flysheet doors are held open by a magnetic tie-back, which works surprisingly well. In fact, I think they are such a good idea that all tents should have them. Magnetic tie-backs are great in cold weather, if you’re wearing gloves, or when it’s dark, as there are no fiddly hooks. I have found that the magnets can release when it’s really windy, but this is pretty rare and a very minor niggle.
The inner tent doors have an elasticated tie backs which work really well too. They just need a single knot and that seems to hold fine. This makes them a lot easier to use than the hook-and-loop arrangements found on most other tents.
Inside the tent
The solid inner of the Notch Li has been updated in this 2020 model, with an added panel in the roof. This will stop any condensation from the flysheet dripping on you. There’s still a good amount of mesh and enough airflow though, so it shouldn’t be too warm in hot weather.
I haven’t had any issues with condensation building up on the inner tent of the Notch Li. It’s an issue I’ve had with many other small tents. The amount of mesh will mean that the Notch Li is colder than some in winter, but I think it’s a perfect compromise for UK conditions. The new design will make it usable all year, and about right for controlling condensation in the tent all year round.
There’s room enough inside the Notch Li for a large sleeping mat. You can sleep either way round as the inner is the same width both ends.
The tip of the walking pole slots securely into the tent, and it looks tough enough to last.
Inner tent
The inner tent can stay attached to the flysheet or can be removed fairly easily when packing it away. You can also put the inner tent up on its own but I don’t see a reason to do this in the unpredictable UK weather. You are likely to be always carrying the flysheet, so might as well leave them both attached together. And just leave all the doors tied back for maximum ventilation.
The gain from putting the inner tent up on its own seems very small. It’s also a lot of hassle to pitch it without the flysheet as you’ll need extra poles for the ends and extra guy ropes.
The inner tent has two mesh pockets which are a useful size – big enough for a mobile phone or head torch.
There are two hooks on the inside of the inner tent, one on each top corner. I found these ideal for hanging clothes off, to air them overnight. They could also be used to hang a light or you could put a line between them to hand things over.
Flysheet
The flysheet can be set high or low, depending on the amount of ventilation required. This can be done by varying the length of the walking poles.
Tarptent recommend using a walking pole height of between 107 to 115cm for the best pitch. It is possible to use longer or shorter poles, however.
If you use longer poles than the recommended 115cm, it does change the ridge shape. The tent material is also not quite so taut, so will flap more in the wind.
Using shorter poles than Tarptent recommend doesn’t seem to be a problem. It just gives you less space inside the tent. Having the tent lower to the ground means less wind resistance and less cold air blowing through it, so probably better for colder conditions.
Zips
The waterproof zips are a very good update as they make the tent a lot more waterproof in high winds.
The Notch Li doesn’t have the extra flap on the underside of the zip that the StratoSpire has. The function of this flap is to stop any drips that may get through the zip from dripping on the inner or contents of the porch. The zips on the Notch Li feel good though, so perhaps Tarptent have decided that the extra flap is not needed on the Notch. Even if some water did get through the zips, it’ll only drip in the porch. Both zips are well away from the inner tent.
Dyneema material
Dyneema looks and feels very thin. However it’s tougher than it looks. Dyneema is extremely expensive stuff, though, so I’m naturally very careful with it!
One of the best characteristics of dyneema is that it doesn’t absorb water, so the tent doesn’t get saggy when it gets wet. This also means you can roll the flysheet and inner up together and it won’t soak through to the inner.
With a dyneema tent, you can just shake the flysheet to get most of the water off. This will be enough to nearly dry the tent. It means I’m not carrying the weight of a wet tent around all day, or having to wait around for it to dry in the mornings. I can get going a lot earlier than I might have done with traditional silnylon tents.
Dyneema is pretty see-through, so it can be very light inside the tent if there’s a full moon. It’s worth remembering that when you’re on a campsite!
Using the Notch Li
The tent feels extremely well made. It’s very fast to pitch which is really important in bad weather or fading light, as the flysheet and inner tent go up together. It’s reassuringly stable and only starts to feel unsafe in very high winds, due to the minimal pegging point and large areas of unsecured fabric, it can flap noisily when its very windy.
The inner tent is a good size and big enough to sit up and get dressed in, without touching the sides. This helps a lot when there’s a lot of condensation about. I am 5’10” (178cm) tall and weigh 11stone (70kg).
Porch space
It’s really nice to have two porches on this tent so you can enter or exit the tent from either side depending on the wind and rain direction. So it doesn’t matter which way round you put it up.
The porches are fairly large for such a lightweight tent. Each has plenty of room for storage and cooking in if the weather is bad (although cooking inside any tent should be done with extreme caution and isn’t recommended). This leaves the other one clear for getting in and out of the tent.
If you peg the guylines out, the porch doors can be left open for ventilation or views. It doesn’t affect the stability of the tent much at all.
This was very useful on one occasion recently when I couldn’t find a large enough space to pitch the tent. However, there was just enough space to put it up without the porches pegged out. It was a warm dry night and worked perfectly, leaving me great views of the sea and stars all night.
Comparison to Terra Nova Laser Pulse (similar weight)
The Notch Li (on the right) is pictured here on a wild camping trip, pitched beside the similar weight Terra Nova Laser Pulse silnylon tent (on the left).
The Pulse is a lot smaller inside with minimal porch space, not even large enough to store all the gear.
The Pulse also suffered badly from condensation every morning, even when the Notch was perfectly dry. This was all due to the excellent ventilation of the Notch and its solid inner with appropriate amount of mesh.
Possible limitations
The negatives of buying a dyneema tent are the cost and the limited lifespan of the dyneema material. You also need to fold a dyneema tent up and don’t just stuff it in its bag like you may do with your silnylon tents. That way the dyneema should last longer.
Weights on my kitchen scales
Tent (flysheet, guylines and solid inner): 554g (19.5oz)
Dyneema tent bag: 12g (0.42oz)
4 x pegs in dyneema bag: 36g (1.3oz)
Combined total weight: 602g (21.22oz)
Cost
I justify paying such a high price for a tent by mostly camping wild and reminding myself that it’s saving me on accommodation costs. This way, the tent has probably paid for itself in around 10 or 20 nights wild camping.
Last year alone, I spent 58 nights camping wild in my previous favourite tent, the Nordisk Telemark 1, and at least another 10 nights in various other tents. So I feel I can quite quickly compensate for the initial cost of the tent.
Tarptent’s published price in US dollars for the Notch Li with solid inner tent (Update – January 2022) = $649 + $49 delivery. Total coast = $698. If you order it with the mesh inner tent it’s $20 cheaper, but fractionally heavier.
In May 2020, I paid £549.89 for the tent. In addition, I paid customs duty of £42.25, VAT of £78.86, and a ParcelForce handling fee of £12. These extra charges came to a total of £133.11.
My total Tarptent Notch Li cost was therefore £683. This will vary according to exchange rates at the time of payment.
This is of course a lot of money, but still cheaper than equivalent tents available in the UK in 2020. There are a few cheaper dyneema tents available in the UK, but I don’t think they anywhere near as good as the Notch. They do not have the same space or stability.
Cheaper option: If you can’t justify paying so much for the dyneema tent, you could consider Tarptent’s silnylon Notch. It is around 227g (8oz) heavier, but only $334 at the time of writing.
Both Notch tents are available with full mesh inner tents which are slightly cheaper than the solid inner reviewed here.
Other cheaper options could be Terra Nova Laser Compact tent and Nordisk Telemark.
Conclusion
The Tarptent Notch Li is a very lightweight and well-made tent. It is extremely quick and easy to pitch, even in bad weather. I really like the two porches and the convenience of the double doors. It’s possible to leave all the doors tied back on both sides for maximum ventilation on hot nights. It’s the perfect size and weight for long distance backpacking and wild camping in the UK.
I love the fact that the dyneema doesn’t absorb water, so the flysheet doesn’t become saggy during the night. It’s still as taut in the morning as it was when I erected the tent.
I’m also impressed by the little things such as elasticated tie-backs on the inner tent doors, and especially the magnetic tie-backs on the flysheet doors. Little things like this on the tent make it a lot nicer and easier when you’re out hiking and wild camping for weeks on end. It’s a great tent and obviously designed by people who go hiking. It’s a great one-person backpacking tent for the UK’s variable weather.
I’m definitely not an ultralight backpacker. I just appreciate lightweight backpacking, as I’m often out for weeks or months at a time. A bit of luxury makes all the difference to me, so I’m happy to carry more weight to be more comfortable. There are a few lighter weight tents but I don’t think the Notch Li can be beaten for its comfort and usability.
Negatives; The Notch Li is expensive, catches the wind more than smaller tents and also has a very limited life span.
*Update 2023. I’ve used the tent for just over a year and around 100 nights out and is already showing signs of wear. Also had to be repaired during my Cape Wrath Trail walk. I will not be buying another dyneema product.
The Dyneema stretched oddly and holes opened up even though it hadn’t been windy and I don’t think I had put undue force on it.
Luckily Tarptent supply patches to stick on and hold it from getting worse. The tent bag has also got small splits/holes in it where the dyneema has creases.
A tent is an essential piece of kit that you need to trust when camping is the only option for long periods. It’s a great tent but I don’t trust it’ll survive another thru hike so dare not take it again. I can’t afford and don’t think it sensibly to buy a new tent at the start of every thru hike. I would consider buying the heavier and cheaper polyester (“silpoly”) version.
Possible Alternative Tent
I would consider the Nordisk Telemark tents for wind resistance and life span. The Nemo Hornet tents for weight and space. The MSR Hubba NX tents for the price, space and free standing. Read My best tents for wild camping for other options.
Notch Li technical specifications:
- Sleeps: 1
- Seasons: 3+
- Weight
- Flysheet, corded with struts, and apex cording (0.36 oz) : 11 oz
- Solid interior : 8.7 oz
- Mesh interior : 8.9 oz
- Stuffsack: 0.4 oz
- Stakes in stakebag: 1.2 oz
- Interior height: 43 in / 109 cm
- Floor width: 20 – 34 in / 51 – 86 cm
- Floor length: 84 in / 213 cm
- Stakes: 4 x 6 in / 15 cm Easton Nanos (included)
- Reflective guyline: 2.5 mm
- Packed size: 16 in x 4 in / 41 cm x 10 cm
- Imported of USA Fabric | Assembled in Nevada City, California
You will need: 2 x trekking poles 107-115cm (42-45in) OR 2 x Tarptent’s replacement vertical poles
Further reading
You can read about the 52 consecutive nights spent wild-camping in the Notch Li here
Tarptent Notch Li website link. (Scroll down for the Set Up Video)
My Tarptent StratoSpire Li 2 person tent review
Lightwave S10 Sigma single-wall 1 person, 4 season tent review
Best tents for wild and stealth camping
Wildwalkinguk is a blog run by myself in spare time, and I pay for its running costs myself. I do have some Amazon affiliate links and adverts on the site. If you click on these adverts or links and buy what you need (it doesn’t have to be the item I’ve linked to), the company will pay a small commission to us. This money goes towards the costs of hosting the blog. I would be extremely grateful if you could consider using our links when you next need to buy something from our advertisers. Alternatively, you can buy me a coffee here. Thank you so much for your support. Mark.
Interesting updates – that new inner looks like a great compromise between summer & winter. I have just ordered an Aeon Li and am now wondering if I should have gone for the Notch but I will stick with the Aeon and see how I get on. I wish Tarptent offered the slightly heavier weight Dyneema in other colours including camo that Z-Packs offer – it doesnt add much weight but gives more privacy (less seethrough) and a more discreet colour, plus stronger to boo.
Hi Rob
Thanks for message. Totally agree with your comments. You’ll hardly know you’re carrying the Aeon it’s so light. Let us know how you get on with it.
Mark
Thanks for a good and extensive review.
I’ve been using walking poles on several tents and tarps for years now.
Your revieew suggested the Notch Li would be ideal for UK backpacking with the inner in place.
I often backpack in southern Europe and the Canary Isles with just an outer skin. Would the Notch be usable in those warm dry conditions with just the flysheet or is the inner integral to its stability.
Regards John
Hi John
The inner is easily removed and the flysheet is designed to be used on it’s own if needed. That would give you loads of room, maybe enough for 2 people. The Notch is ideal for warm conditions because you can leave all the doors tied back for maximum airflow and it’s still stable with the guylines pegged out. Thanks for message. Mark
I have the Notch Li and like it, except that I haven’t figured out how to securely tie it down in soft tundra, where I usually camp. I am in Alaska, and usually camp above treeline, where the ground is not just soft but almost nonexistent. A thin layer of spongy moss and lichen, filled with rocks. Pegs just pull out with the slightest breeze. I have used heavy rocks to weight the pegs and it has worked, but in a real storm with wind and rain, it would have been a disaster. Any ideas on this? I did do better once I lowered my poles but it was still tenuous.
Hi Karen – thanks for your comment. Mark is away walking to Cape Wrath at the moment. He will reply as soon as he is home. Best wishes, Emma (Mark’s wife)
Hi,
thank you for your thorough review! It is very helpful, as the conditions apply as well for Scandinavia and similar regions (not as dry und sunny as some US hiking areas ;-))
Are you still satisfied after several weeks of use? Any weak points? I am thinking of buying a Notch Li, too – therefore I am very interested in our opinion.
Thanks in advance.
Jens
Hi Mark
An interesting and useful review. I see several other users have added extra guying points eg at the bottom, middle of the large door panels and also by each strut better to hold these in place. Do you think that is necessary and / or would help in windy conditions?
Hi David
I think that the Notch Li is perfect as it is and best left alone. Altering the tent is likely to damage the dyneema. It is a difficult material to work with and Tarptent are specialists in this area, so there’s probably good reason they don’t fit these additions from new. If the tent is pitched correctly it is fine as supplied new and will stand strong winds. But there’s no stretch in dyneema so it can sometimes be a little tricky to get it pitched perfectly with no flapping in the wind. I usually find shorter pole lengths than suggested gets a better pitch.
I hope this helps and thank you for your message.
Mark
Thanks for the reply Mark. I suspect you have used your Notch more than many in the UK and in a wide variety of conditions so that sounds good advice.
Mark, thank you for this review. It’s relly well done – covers all the questions I had about the Notch Li – and very timely! I currently own a Nordisk Telemark LW2 and a MLD Trailstar. I have to say I’m not really content with either: the Telemark often drips condensation, and the Trailstar just seems like such a faff and I’ve never been happy with my ability (or lack thereof) to pitch it right. Plus, when you add in a tub-type groundsheet (I have an Oookworks Ooktub), the overall weight isn’t really any less than that of the Telemark (but more space, I accept). I camp with my dog mostly, but I want to be able to reduce the weight I carry when I’m on my own. While I’m having difficulty justifying the cost of the Notch Li (though I can spare the cash and you do a great job of helping my justification!), I want to go on some multi-day adventures (which means no dog)so this looks like a great option. So, thank you – great review! (And, sorry, I didn’t half bang on there!)
Hi Mark.
Thanks for the fantastic review.
I’m looking for a 1p tent for wild camping weekends in Scandinavia.
I narrowed down my choices to the Notch Li, the Lightwave Sigma 15, and the Trekkertent Saor.
I would rather get the Sigma because it must be warmer, but i’m afraid the flysheet will get shaggy and heavier with rain, and just as you pointed out, it will make it very difficult to pack in the mornings.
I know XTEX fabric is 20000 mm waterproof, and i think dyneema is 15000, but that may change throught intensive use … Do you know is XTEX is as durable as Dyneema ?
Thanks.
Oscar
Hi Oscar
I don’t think that the Dyneema will last as long as the XTex fabric. The Sigma and Notch Li are great tents but they are quite different in a few areas. They both have similar space inside but I would use the Notch for Spring, Summer, Autumn and low level winter but it’s a bit airy for full on winter conditions in the UK. Where as the Sigma is a tougher full winter tent, with more guy lines and pegging points, but probably too warm for summer use because hasn’t got much mesh. The weight difference between the tents is a significant factor too. I’ve just used the Notch Li for 51 nights continuosly, while walking from Dover to Cape Wrath and it performed perfectly. I can’t think of a better tent to have used because it was summer. But if I had been walking it during the winter, late Autumn, early Spring or expecting high winds, I would have deffinetly taken the Sigma tent. I’m very impressed with the design and quality of both the Notch Li and Sigma 10, they are great tents. I’m lucky to own both and be able to take which ever tent suits the weather conditions best. Thanks. Mark
Useful review! But for me the real question is how well it fares in the wind.
As you know, in the UK you can never be entirely sure what you’ll be faced with, and shelter is often a distance away. Which is why I tend to go out with a TrailStar. But the pitching, weight and huge footprint can get old at times, plus the awkward interior space. You give up a lot for the wind performance…
With a decent pitch, what kind of winds do you feel the Notch can handle? How flappy is it? And does the fly end up pressing against your face and feet?
I’d be very grateful for any feedback based on field experience, now you’ve had it out in Scotland.
Hi Geoff
I don’t carry a wind speed meter so cannot be accurate about how well the Notch Li tent will stand up to strong winds. But it was still standing in winds that were too strong for me to walk in. It did flap a bit noisily but not as much as most other tents I’ve used. At no point did the tent deflect much, it holds its shape really well in wind, so I didn’t loose any interior space. The most important thing is having single peg at the ends pegged down well, so it doesn’t drag or pull out of the ground. Then I feel the tent will stay standing in some pretty strong winds. Sorry I can’t be more specific. I’m really pleased with the tent and will be using it most of the time. Except mid winter when there may be a lot of snow and gales. Then I’ll take the Lightwave Sidma S10 tent – more guy ropes and less interior mesh.
Thanks for your message.
Mark
The previous Notch is ok in UK conditions. I have done all 19 GB National Trails; wild camped most of them in the older Notch.
Post Covid I might sell it and get the Li, pricey though.
I do go lightweight, base weight is less than 6kg.
I also do have the TT Moment for late season and bike expedition s.
Hi Mark,
I really enjoyed reading your review.
I’m interested to know how it would be possible to pitch this tent in rocky dry terrain where pegs can’t be used. Particularly to support a windy night!
I’m thru-hiking the PCT next year and I’ve seen some concerning pics of similar looking tents pitched in southern california. I’m nearly sold on this tent but not sure how it would cope in windy nights without pegs. What do you think?
Thanks,
Emily
Hi Emily
Can I come too??? I tried to book a slot to walk the PCT last year. I was only a few minutes late getting on the site to book it and after waiting a few hours I found it all fully booked. I’m currently studying the Te Araroa for next year and maybe then around the UK coastline.
The Notch is still my favourite tent, by far. I’ll be out with it again as soon as I’m allowed. I’d happily meet up for you to check the tent out, any excuse to get into the hills. Or you’re welcome to drop in if you’re in Norfolk. I would have taken the Notch if I’d been able to walk the PCT, freestanding tents are too heavy. The Notch does need pegging down well if it’s windy and the pegs supplied with the tent are pretty strong, but I would take some tough nail type pegs that would stand hammering into the ground, as well. I have used rocks to keep the Notch standing on sand but I’m not sure how it would have stood up to strong winds. Due to the amount of room in the Notch, there is a reasonably large side area of material, that does catch the wind more than smaller lower tents. I think the compromise is worth it though, it’s a nice place to be in the rain and you’re able to open it up fully in really hot weather etc. It’s design controls condensation well too. Best of luck walking the PCT, I’m very jealous. Please let me know how you get on and if you can, write a piece for my website as I’m keen to promote women hiking. Thanks for your message. Mark
You do not need the PCTA permit to thru hike the PCT. You only need a permit for the Kennedy meadows south to Sonora pass section of the sierras. You can easily get a non-quota permit a couple of weeks before you get to Kennedy meadows. All other permit areas are easy, with the vast majority being self-permitting. Contact the permit office in Lone Pine California for details. The process is easy and painless.
Hi Emma and Mark!
Thanks for your blogs and reviews.
I own the Notch with mesh inner. Do you, or anybody else, see any valid reason/s to have both the Notch and the Notch Li?
Thanks for your thoughts and replies,
Bob.
Hi Bob
I haven’t had any experience of the standard Notch so cannot say reliably, but I don’t think the 227g weight saving buying the Li/Dyneema version is too much to worry about. The Li does have magnetic outer tie backs and the Dyneema doesn’t absorb water so doesn’t stretch when wet and dries fast, both things I really like about the tent. But for the difference in money the Li is not going to change to much. It’s generally thought the Dyneema won’t last as long as the standard Notch too. Both are great tent as it’s the design that makes them so good. Both inner tents would be handy though, solid for cold windy weather and the mesh one for summer.
I hope this helps and thanks for your message.
Mark
Hi Mark, thanks for your reply.
I agree about weight savings vs. cost and also having both mesh and solid inner. And finally that both are pretty much the same, design/construction wise.
But if I buy the Li, shall I keep the Silnylon? Is there any further use for it or would it just sit in my gearbox until salvation day?
Thanks.
Thanks Bob
Definitely keep the one you’ve got, there are benefits to it. But it’ll probably not be used much, unless you have children. Mine are quick to make use of any gear I leave sitting around. Dyneema tents have not been around long and there’s still the question of how long they’ll last. It’s also pretty see through and can be very light inside when there’s a full moon or summer nights when it’s not dark for long, can affect sleep.
I’m just back from another 10 days using it in the Lake District which I’m currently writing up and will post soon.
Mark
Would there be room for a small dog at your feet?
Hi Jenny
I’m 5’9″ tall and there’s not that much spare space left in the inner tent, you may just manage it if you’re small but there’s plenty of room for a dog in either porch.
I hope this helps.
Mark
Hi Mark, thank you for this wonderful review! Hope you had a great trip in the Lake District.
I have a 117cm pair of poles that I’m hoping to use without having to purchase adjustable poles. Do you know if the Notch Li will work with fixed poles pitched sideways to lower the tent height (either perpendicular, away from the sleeping area; or sideways alongside the sleeping area)?
Henry from Tarptent mentioned that you could dig a hole in the ground to lower the height, but I’m wondering if there’s a way to do it on-the-fly. I’d prefer to shift the poles to lower the tent profile in the middle of a storm, rather than digging a hole (of course I could just get adjustable poles… but figured it might be worth asking).
Thank you for sharing such wonderful content!
Hi Geraldine
I would splash out on adjustable poles or buy Tarptents dedicated poles for the tent. If you angle the poles you have a (small) chance of the ends coming out of the holes and puncturing the material, more likely if it’s stormy. Part of the benefit of adjustable poles is you’re able to adjust the height of the tent to suit the weather and the ground conditions. This is sometimes essential when pitching on rough ground to get a good tort pitch. I hope this helps, it would probably work but I’ve not tried it so cannot say yes or no. Please let me know how you get on if you try it.
Thanks for your message.
Mark
Thanks Mark! I appreciate the detailed reply. Just purchased the Notch Li and look forward to spending time in it!
Hi Mark,
Do you get away without a groundsheet for the notch? I didn’t see any mention of one in the article. I usually sleep in a hammock but it has it’s limitations. I don’t usually like tents because they feel too claustrophobic for me. This looks amazingly airy though and I like the two vestibules. I’ve just turned sixty (today) and have started doing some long distance walks. Now I’m hooked and am looking to upgrade all my camping gear to lightweight, waterproof etc for being out in UK weather for prolongued periods. I’m so glad I found your site. Thank you for all the valuable information and interesting articles.
Just on a side note, how do you keep clean when your on the trail for weeks and months at a time?! I’ll see if you have an article about that…
Hello Julie
Thank you very much for your lovely message, it’s much appreciated. I haven’t found the need for a ground sheet with the Notch but I don’t camp on stony ground and always flatten the area, checking it for sharp objects before pitching my tent. As for keeping clean, I wash in rivers when possible. I also always use ‘antibacterial’ wet wipes all over before changing into my camp clothes/entering my sleeping bag. I always wear merino wool base layers on long distance wild-camping trips, which means I rarely smell too much. It can’t be to bad as I find that after I’ve been out for about a month or so, having not shaved etc, people seem to find me interesting, often stopping me for a chat. Asking me what I’m up to and usually chatting for a while, so don’t worry about taking deodorant or looking a bit rough.
Best of luck with the walking/camping.
Mark
Thanks for the fabulous review Mark, great stuff!
I’m definitely thinking about the Notch Li for mostly late Spring to early Autumn UK backpacking.
I love the open look of the mesh with capacity for both doors open. I guess the solid inner does block views a bit?
In those seasons have you found the solid roof in particular a necessity to prevent condensation dropping on you? I’d like the views but definitely wouldn’t want that. I’d think of getting both but that’s a big expense. Any thought appreciated!
Many thanks,
Jim
Hi Jim
I always use the solid inner to save condensation dripping on me and I can close the wind out when needed. Mesh is well placed so view not totally lost when the doors shut but I’ve usually got them open so not an issue. Great tent design, still my favourite of any tent available.
Thanks for message.
Mark
I’m close to pulling the trigger on the Notch Li. How do you find the inner room?
Hi Darren
I find the inner tent on the Notch spacious and airy, but then I’ve been sleeping in the smallest and lightest tents available for years. It’s as small as you can get but still have room to sit up and get dressed and store a few small things around you.
Thanks for your message
Mark
Thanks for such a comprehensive review, a review I read before taking the plunge and buying the tent. I agree with almost everything you say and used my Notch for 7 weeks when walking the GR11 from the Atlantic to the Med and then south down the coastline. I experienced dry conditions for the majority of my trip. However, when I did get rain (and on one occasion hail) my inner at the ends became wet. Because the fly doesn’t reach right down to the ground, I fear that the Notch has a weak point when there is strong directional rain and / or bouncing hailstones. As you used your Notch for many nights through GB I’m assuming you experienced your fair share or British weather. Did you too experience any adverse issues with moisture penetrating your inner in poor weather? If so, did you find a way to mitigate?
Hi David
Well done on the GR11, that’s one I’ve always fancied doing, have you written about your walk anywhere? I’ve not had an issue with rain entering the the tent and making the ends of the inner tent wet. In bad weather I do pitch the tent low though, I often have the walking poles shorter then the minimum Tarptent suggest. Or maybe I’ve just been lucky but it does sound like you had pretty extreme weather. The Notch is still my favourite tent for all but full on winter conditions.
Many thanks for your message.
Mark
Hi Mark,
No I didn’t write about my GR11 trip but did create a series of videos for my memories that are available for others to see. I’m off to Switzerland tomorrow and will walk the Swiss Alpine Pass Route with my Notch as my accommodation of choice. Keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t experience damp getting into the inner again.
Videos available at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJWFTYgieM2A_PB0nbD_sGAm14saNuZ7p
Thanks for all the work you do on behalf of us all with regards to kit reviews!!
Regards,
David
Hi Mark,
After too many Months of research and hesitation, I bought a Notch Li to replace my Big Agnus copper spur 2.
Its first outing was walking from Torridon to Arbroath on this years TGO.
I have to agree with you that it must be the ideal 3 season 1 person tent for the UK.
I am absolutely delighted with it.
I bought the “solid Inner” and have had no issues with condensation or as Dave reported of rain splashing under the fly. There is the option, of course, of lowering the fly a couple of inches by shortening/adjusting the pole length.
Hi Mark, I read with interest your “2023 Update” stating you’ve had issues with the DCF version.
Could you enlighten us what that issue was?
I’m in the process ordering one and now think the new polyester fly version may be better.
Have you had any experience of the new polyester fabric?
Many thanks for your help.
Paul
Hi Paul
I’ve updated the Notch Li review with pictures of the failure and repair of the dyneema. The non dyneema Notch is a well tested and respected tent so should be good, but I’ve never used one.
Many thanks for you message.
Mark
Hi Mark
Great blog – enjoy the coffee 🙂
You’ve updated your review of the tarptent dyneema tents referencing repairs, and always mentioned their unknown longevity.
Can you share what’s failed, what repairs were needed?
Was it stitching? Groundsheet?
I’m considering a Notch Li (lightweight, 2 porches) for (hopefully) next year’s TGOC – instead of my beloved Enan.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks
–R
Hello Rowland
Thank you very much for the coffee, it’ll go towards the site running cost and is much appreciated.
I have just updated the Notch Li review with the pictures of the dyneema tent repairs. The stitching and manufacture of the Tarptents are very good and is not an issue. It’s just the dyneema material itself, it doesn’t last. The dyneema on my tent bag has cracked/split on regular creases and the Notch tent I’ve had the dyneema stretch oddly creating holes – unknown cause of this because so far its only in one place. The failure did stay contained and didn’t look like it was going to run/tear. Tarptent do supply patches which I have used to fixed that failure but how many patches do I now need to get for the next time I’m out on trail.
I think they are great tents but costly when you can’t trust it after a year or two and about 100 nights away.
I’d happily buy the non dyneema Notch.
Best of luck with the The TGO Challenge next year
Mark.