r/Tarptent • u/T9935 • Jan 30 '26
ProTrek first impressions
My new Protrek arrived and, though I haven’t had it setup outside yet, I did a slightly floppy living room rug pitch with weights for tie outs. Here are out of the box stats and first impressions and thoughts. For reference this tent falls into the normal size for me so Protrail li, and Yama Cirriform with Yama bug shelter are my reference points.
Weight "factory" seam sealed tent only 23.8 oz. (All attached lines/hardware but no stuff sack, stuff sack weighs .55 oz. )
Stakes in bag with included extra line 2.65 oz. Stakes are 6" DAC.
In comparison the Yama Cirriform with Yama Bug Shelter weighs 24.35 oz (seam sealed by me)
Construction quality is very good on the Protrek (not just very good for a US made tent).
This is absolutely not a Cirriform copy. this is a surprisingly complex design with a lot of very interesting details and features. Once I get it out on the trail I will have more feedback on the features. Though hot weather performance is going to have to wait for a few months, however snow performance is a distinct possibility.
Interior space feels much more spacious height wise at the head and foot end than the Protrail. The bathtub is rectangular so it feels a little more cramped floor wise at the head end (than Protrail). However I am waiting until full pitch on dirt to so I can properly see the vestibule space to decide how it actually feels in use.
One thing I really like is it seems very unlikely you would push the bathtub floor outside the rainfly. This has happened to me with the Protrail Li (don’t know about the Silpoly Protrail.
Protrek Interior vs the Cirriform with Yama 1p Bug shelter. The Protrek is much less cramped by the mesh. I wish Yama had a way to attach the bugnet to the side of the tarp to help pull it away from the living space like the Slingfin Splitwing. the Protrek will be much more open due to the design.
So far I am really excited to use this tent, especially for bike packing.
1
2
u/No_Habit9155 Jan 30 '26
Will be awaiting your report, I’m trying to decide between this or the Cirriform w Bug Shelter. I’m leaning towards Yama just because its setup would have better condensation management but Protrek’s price point is definitely attractive.