No Other Tent Does This... But They Should! • Tarptent Dipole 1 Li

Tarptent Dipole 1 Li Ultralight Tent: bit.ly/3qlHc4I
I recently spent a 4 day backpacking trip with the Tarptent Dipole 1 Li ultralight tent. How did the tent fair and what are my thoughts on this tent?
˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜˜
Save 20% on OnX Backcountry Mapping! bit.ly/3yGiRXE
(Code: EXPOSURE20)
I AM AN AMBASSADOR FOR:
- PEAK REFUEL PREMIUM FREEZE DRIED MEALS: bit.ly/3WzAJyL
- ZOLEO SATELLITE COMMUNICATION: bit.ly/2O4jwP0
GEAR I LOVE AND TRUST FOR ALL MY TRIPS!
BACKPACK: bit.ly/3HCAQDJ
FREESTANDING TENT: bit.ly/45eoL1d
TREKKING POLE TENT: bit.ly/3ReBkTw
SLEEPING BAG:
BUDGET SLEEPING BAG:
SLEEPING PAD: bit.ly/3Wfem1c
PILLOW: bit.ly/3j7HhW5
SATELLITE COMMUNICATION: bit.ly/3kV9fob
WATER FITLER:
WATER STORAGE:
CANISTER STOVE: bit.ly/3WNnM2z
ALCOHOL STOVE: bit.ly/3HfZRTK
COOK POT: bit.ly/3HbPuQS
HEADLAMP: bit.ly/3HFGN2J
RAIN JACKET: bit.ly/3HFJRMb
BASE LAYER: bit.ly/3ja5Txp
MID LAYER: bit.ly/3WKVfL5
DOWN JACKET: bit.ly/3kV9SOz
LONG HANDLE SPOON: bit.ly/3XObdFu
FOOTWEAR: bit.ly/3RfPSCw
SOCKS: bit.ly/3Rj87Hq
SHOP FOR GEAR FROM THESE EXCELLENT GEAR BRANDS AND RETAILERS:
- Waymark Gear Co: www.waymarkgearco.com
- Garage Grown Gear: bit.ly/3LAdVZr
- Moosejaw: bit.ly/3Y9DHcP
- REI.com: bit.ly/2EVyQr9
- Backcountry.com: bit.ly/2ZL9tzH
- Amazon: amzn.to/2ixoW5w
🔥🔥 Check out my website for more reviews and written content! 🔥🔥
www.backcountryexposure.com
As an Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. By shopping using the above links, you are supporting the work I put into creating content on this channel. Thank you for supporting my channel and content.

[@donniebel]

I have this tent and have been very pleased with it. Certainly the fantastic ventilation (I rarely have condensation issues), palatial interior space (true one person size that accommodates my long,wide pad easily) and fairly light weight are pros. Really like being able to see out of both sides and ends. The clearance on both foot and head ends is exceptional. Rolls/ folds to a small size in my pack (fits horizontal which is ideal). Been water tight in driving rain for hours with high winds, withstood hail storm above 10,000ft with 4 corner stakes and a smaller stake on each side. I find it to be well engineered and built. My con is, coming from a double wall tent, DCF is very bright inside at night

[@9mil848]

Check the tents from a small french company: Tipik.i used their Pioulou xl,800gr with a 4 season inner ,in winter for 1400kms .excellent tent.snow,wind,rain,very easy setup.lots of space .perfect really.

[@pepstein]

Nice review. A side by side pro/con video of this tent versus Durston X-Mid Pro 1 would be cool.

[@tobih.8047]

Used the dipole 1 LI for most of my 2023 AT Thruhike (68 nights). Loved it.

[@LostAgainwithJim]

I like the idea of all the ventilation options. And the living space looks amazing. I like to have my gear inside the shelter with me.

[@gabbette999]

I have this tent- and it’s amazing for my needs. The ventilation is key for me- and I also love the window aspect!

[@rodoutdoors]

Nice design. I like that the struts remove the need for guy out lines for the head and foot end. Reduces the overall footprint.

[@drlehman73]

I've got the two person, it's great! It's huge, so much space inside, easily two pads and lots of room at the ends.

[@tomlovesdiy]

I agree this is a great design. My North Face O2 has a similar design. It's symmetrical with 20" poles at each end and an inverted U-shaped center pole set. Although it has one door, it always has one end at the right place (up slope) regardless of where the door is located. The beauty of a symmetrical tent. Just wish it was about 1pound instead of 2.3.

[@Everydaybackpacker]

Another awesome review and a really interesting tent design. Definitely like the livable space. I would love to get a dyneema tent but so far not in the budget haha.

[@uffa00001]

I agree, gear must all be inside the tent. No compromise on that. It's better to walk with some hectograms more on one's shoulder, than finding spiders or scorpions inside the inner chamber, or on oneself when one puts the rucksack on, etc.

[@tylerhaney7389]

Thank you for the review. Ive been waiting a while for someone to upload one. Previously had a Xmid Pro 2, but it wasn't for me. It's a good one person tent but lacks certain features and the footprint was huge. Please make a follow up review after you get more nights on trail.

[@oscarcan-ammotocicletta148]

I think this will be my tent for my Te Araroa thruhike

[@ericb.4358]

For all TT pole supported tents I highly recommend Tarptent's optional "pole handle pockets. They attachthru the grommets in each peak and permit you to keep the pole handles UP, not down in the dirt. ->I use rubber tips on my poles and aside from giving a good grip on rocks this prevents the pole tips from sinking into the ground when used as tent poles.

[@DavidVidaurri]

That thing is awesome ❤… I recently been looking at the Vango neon ul tent. It’s a super small little tent. I just don’t know if I need these really expensive tents. I got a nature hike cloud up 1 and I love it a lot. ❤

[@BrosephRussell]

That is a sweet tent ⛺️ 😊

[@okidokiyogi1]

I have the Dipole 2 LI, and my wife and I love it. I agree with almost everything in this video, both pros and cons. You didn't mention the sliding windows that we absolutely love. It has been in some pretty nasty Rocky Mountain weather, and it performed really well. We love the extra room compared to the ZPacks Duplex, and even my buddy who has a Durston X-Mid 2 is jealous of the head room and width. We bought a Big Agnes Rapid SL Tent Floor sleeping pad and a double quilt from Enlightened Equipment - is it perfect? Yup! Only thing I don't like is the weight at 810g + stakes.

[@robreynolds8759]

Agree. Am 6’5, with 3 in thick pad, interior space w exterior footprint is exceptional… air control is fantastic!

[@leelowder8824]

I have the Dipole 2 Li and i really like it. I like my gear to be light although im definitely a comfort backpacker. Lol

[@BackcountryExposure]

Sometimes having the extra space makes all the difference in your experience out there. I too enjoy space to move around and hang out with someone else in my tent if waiting out a storm.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Cool Peaks! Smart!

[@BackcountryExposure]

:) Yeah buddy!

[@gregsantos9392]

I have an Xmid 1 V2. I would love a head to head eval with the non dyneema dipole and another head to head eval with the Xmid Pro 1 and this tent.

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Now to continue the search, Durston 1 P Pro vs Dipole Tarptent buy once cry once. Thanks for the review.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks! I don't think you can go wrong with either option. Both are great tents!

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

@@BackcountryExposure Always thanks for what you do, its really appreciated. Hope you have a great upcoming weekend!

[@ericb.4358]

I have a Tarptent NOTCH Li, Moment DW and SCARP 2. Love 'em all. They all use carbon fiber (CF) struts for more room and stronger pitch. TARPTENT has the HIGHEST BUILD QUALITY of any brand making Dyneema tents. (IMHO). 2 doors and 2 vestibules is a Tarptent trademark. All my tents have this feature but a few TT tents have only a front end entrance.

[@_NickB_]

Having had both the DW and Li versions, do they have the same interior space? The website looks like the DW is slightly larger to accommodate the same size interior. Having more inclement weather in the UK, I've been split between the Li for the weight savings and DW Solid version for sideways rain. As much as I like the looks of the X-Mid it's just not enough usable space vs footprint size for my liking. Thanks again for the great vid!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

WHAT? No flips? I thought we had a deal.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Sorry to disappoint you… 😜

[@justinhitsthetrail5225]

I’m looking into the two person version. Currently use the Double Rainbow DW. Love the stargazing it offers but the side to side room for two people is pretty cramped. The 2 person Dipole Li looks like a good option. But that price! 😣

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah the two person is spendy! I think the dipole 2 is better room for two.

[@stant4884]

Would like to see more hiking And camping videos, let's go.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Coming very soon!

[@freecitizen7372]

I’ll stick with the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL1. More room and easier to setup with one pole system.

[@richardbonner9199]

I had a new TT Double Rainbow Li, took it on a hike of the Sheltowee Trace Trail; had one night of hard rain and a night of no sleep because the tent leaked heavily from the sewn seams all around both doors. Through out the night I went from left side to right side sponging out the floor. Sent me back to the Dan Durston Pro instead. Other then major leking problem, I liked the TT Double RainboeLi

[@tarptent]

How come we never heard from you? Always happy to address problems but we can't help if we don't know about it.

[@csamons0935]

I have the Double Rainbow Li as well. My instructions had me seam seal the whole tent myself. Did you pay for the seam sealing service? if not you’ll have to seam seal those areas yourself

[@BackcountryExposure]

Did you have the Li (Dyneema version)? Or did you have the standard nylon version? If you had the nylon version you would have needed to seam seal it. The Li version is all taped, so that would be a huge QC problem from the factory. Should have contacted TT for help.

[@richardbonner9199]

Yes, had the Li version...Have owned several other TT nylon versions and have seam sealed those models and have really liked them.@@BackcountryExposure

[@sk-wx1cf]

@@tarptent Hi TarpTent. I had a Double Rainbow Li. Loved it except for having to thread the long pole through the sleeve. Disliked that aspect so much that I sold the tent :( Why not use clips instead? TarpTent is super high quality with mostly great features and innovative designs. Just saying!

[@anninwhack1998]

I really appreciate that you review so many Tarp Tents. As I research tents for me, I keep circling back to TT. The Dipole looks just amazing, and I love the little windows at the end. Being able to look out of a tent and make adjustments for condensation from the inside is very compelling. I'd love a side by side of the the Dipole 2 Li and the Double Rainbow Li for your pros and cons, or are both awesome?? Also, if you ever get your hands on a Double Rainbow DW Ultra - that would be really amazing content. Thanks!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks! I’ve actually got a Double Rainbow DW Ultra in hand and will be taking it out this weekend to start testing it.

[@anninwhack1998]

Wow. Very cool. @@BackcountryExposure

[@dangfpv2970]

I upgraded from an older double rainbow to a dipole 2 li. The dipole has a lot more usable interior space. Even side by side my wife and I can sit up and change clothes without bumping walls and each other. The real unexpected benefit is the ventilation. The head and foot screens allow adjustable air flow. It’s a nice benefit that I didn’t know I would enjoy as much as I do.

[@sk-wx1cf]

I had the TT Double Rainbow Li. In my opinion too small for 2 people, even though I'm short and small. Also, I really didn't like that you have to thread the very long pole through a sleeve. It doesn't hook, like most tents. I disliked that feature so much that I sold it. I'd love a TT Dipole but the price is prohibitive.

[@ellen.unexpectedadventures]

Used the TT Double Rainbow LI for the last 4 years or so, then the TT Double Rainbow DW, and testing out the Dipole 1 for 500 miles of the Sierra in a couple days. Absolutely LOOOVED my Double Rainbow Li. Bar far my favorite tent. Threading the pole is non-issue and takes two seconds. Fastest set up I've ever had for a tent.

[@gman963]

I've been interested in this tent for a while. It's a novel design. What makes me hesitant is the number of stakes it requires and the fact that you need two mini poles in addition to two trekking poles. Seems like a lot of hardware.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I think the number of stakes is fair as 4-6 stakes for a trekking pole tent is standard. Some tents require more like the Plex Solo. I guess it goes back to the initial question I asked at the beginning of the video. What is most important to you in a tent?

[@tarptent]

The "mini poles" are foldable (to 13in) and come with the Dipole 1 Li. You just need two trekking poles and 4 stakes (also included) for setup.

[@sk-wx1cf]

I really like this tent, except for the narrowness in the middle. And it costs too much for me. Where is that campsite?

[@curtelverd4008]

I’ve heard great things about this tent. I too love the ventilation. The negative that I have heard is that the vestibules are small and hard to fit your gear in, especially with the 2 person version. Has that been your experience with the 1 person?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah they aren't huge, which having the two doors makes it a bit more usable for a 1 person tent. For a smaller pack that's 40-50 liters, I've found my pack to fit just fine. I'd call them adequate for the footprint size of the tent.

[@donniebel]

My HMG southwest 70l pack fits fine in the vestibule as long as I stake the bottom of the doors.

[@relmukneb]

How do those big end vents work with rain? Is there no way to cover them? It looks like there is on the cheaper version

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yes, there is a fabric piece that covers the mesh and overlaps the dyneema body so you don’t get spray through the mesh.

[@heyjude16ify]

I wish you would have shown this and talked about it in the video. Maybe I missed that? But that is by far my biggest concern.

[@stevewright2241]

Just curious. What is the weight of the non Dynema version of this tent

[@BackcountryExposure]

Just over 32oz, it's also double walled.

[@MeaningFromData]

Nice tent but why are they called "Lithium"? What does Lithium have to do with Dyneema?

[@BackcountryExposure]

I would think it’s just a branding thing. Makes it easier for the consumer to know which tents they make are dyneema and which are not.

[@tarptent]

Lithium (Li) is the lightest metal and simply a branding differentiation for the Dyneema product line.

[@bernielamont825]

I have a question, why does everyone mentioning the weight of trekking pole tents act like the weight of the poles increases the weight of the tent immensely, Aren't you using your poles while hiking? your not carrying the poles and the tent in one package.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Not everyone, myself included, use trekking poles. So in some cases yes, you are carrying the weight of poles. Could be trekking poles or in my case, a telescoping tarp pole. So yes, there is added weight.

[@adamshiffer9963]

Technically you’re carrying them whether you are using them or not. 🤷‍♂️

[@cerealoffenders]

Is this tent grey or olive drab ?

[@BackcountryExposure]

It's more of a grey than green.

[@mclostinthewoods]

I've been so impressed by the features and usability of the X-Mid 1P. As interesting as the Tarptent is, I just don't see it as a replacement for the Dursten, especially for someone tall (I'm 6'2"). An 84" floor is just too short.

[@BackcountryExposure]

The X-Mid is certainly and incredible tent. Good to have options out there too. :)

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

??? You're 7 +ft tall ??? ,, it's a UL pack tent ,, not a camping palace ..

[@tarptent]

Floor lengths tell you nothing about usable length because it all depends on the surrounding wall slopes. The end walls on the Dipole 1 Li are completely vertical so the full interior 84in/7foot length is usable and widens to 36in at the ends. It easily fits someone 6'2" with tons of room to spare. We have spinning 3d models for every product under the "usable volume" tab on every product page and if you look at those you'll get a much better sense of how big/long it is inside. Look at the one showing a 6'8" person inside. The X-Mid 1P can't touch that.

[@ctflower08]

I'm 6'3" and moved from the XMid to a Dipole 1. The Dipole feels a lot longer, no more mesh in my face. The head and toe walls are vertical making that 84" a lot more usable. I do wish the Dipole in silpoly was a singlewall clone of the Li instead of the DW.

[@robreynolds8759]

Am 6’5. Using a Nemo tensor pad, ee quilt, and head gear, am free of contact on head and foot

[@backpackingcapebreton]

Very cool, but their tents always seemed a bit finicky and over-designed. Would love to try one out though.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I kind of like the little intricacies that Henry designs into his tents.

[@justjonoutdoors]

I’ve got a Stratospire Li and I don’t think any of it’s features are “finicky”. Absolutely love it.

[@backpackingcapebreton]

@@justjonoutdoors I’m sure I’d also love it haha. Just the impression I have in my head.

[@justjonoutdoors]

@@backpackingcapebreton Fair enough.

[@pattarapongnakharangkul7337]

But I am on a tight budget, i end up with tarptent stratospire li instead

[@jasongergal9215]

Dipole 2 Li vs Zpacks plex solo.

[@DaveOffGrid]

Excellent run down Devin! Tarptent continues to miss the mark in my book. This model is a good example. $650 comes in $50 more than Zpacks and the Xmid and the total weight is close to 10ozs more, tough sell. The DW version is nearly 2lbs for $300 when you can find multiple options at $100 less (or more). The big question here is is the design worth it? No doubt a great ventilation design and the dual doors for a 1p is a tough find. But the price and weight don’t justify the design upgrades.

[@jeffglass1290]

As a person that is 6’3” I disagree. It would be great if it weighed the same as a duplex, but the weight savings don’t mean a thing if you physically can’t fit in the tent. Duplex=wet feet and head.

[@DaveOffGrid]

@@jeffglass1290 that's cool for you. But 6'3" is still a minority. Awesome your tall! I'm jealous! But still in the smaller crowd.

[@Henning_Rech]

@@DaveOffGrid In the Netherlands, more than 20% of men younger than 50 years are 6'3'' (190 cm) or taller. Not such a small minority.

[@DaveOffGrid]

@@Henning_Rech wow that's a fantastic stat for your part of the world! Congrats! I think all of Asia is bringing that average down worldwide however.

[@Henning_Rech]

@@DaveOffGrid I am from Germany, we are about 1'' less tall than NL, but indeed in West and Central European countries people are taller than in the US.

[@fredrilj]

What happened to your concerns about getting sand blowing through the inner mesh? I'll remember that was a major con you had against the Durston X-MID Pro 2 in your review just 5 month ago (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pITLo5ybgLmZrtE). If you keep your preferances at a consistent level, your reviews will be more trustworthy and appear as they are independent of any brand sponsorship.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

..Nice looking summer tent ,, Way too much draft for wind and weather ... also too expensive ... Dyneema is not sturdy enough for rocky terrain and way too noisy .. Way too overrated for a little weight savings ....... Except for a through hikers , "Hurry up and get it done" ,, a one person tent is a huge discomfort for space ... .. What part of the tent is "Lithium" ?? ..

[@donniebel]

As a happy owner of one (and have enjoyed it at elevation at the opposite corner of the globe), my experience differs from some of your thoughts. I’d call it a 3 season tent that I’ve found to be very weather capable (hail, high winds, driving rain). Ventilation is one of the strong points of this tent. It is expensive but so are all well built DCF tents that I’m aware of and for my purposes I was happy to pay for it as I got the weight savings and performance I sought. If pitched properly it is not noisy at all. As in all things gear, one has to weigh the pros and cons against one’s needs and wants. For me it’s a great tent.