Help! SD Sirius vs TNF Tadpole

“I snagged a TNF Tadpole 23 at the REI sale.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47857045
Not a bad tent, but I dont like the stifling feeling when the rainfly is on. Also Im not too fond of the single door at the head of the tent, requiring me to either wiggle in feet first or come in head first and then maneauver myself around. Petty complaints I know, but these things annoy me.

I was eyeing the Serria Designs Sirius tent.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47696577
It has more floorspace than the Tadpole and weighs 5 oz less. Half of the tent is nylon tafetta, as is the rainfly, and the other half of the tent is mesh. The rainfly covers only the unprotected mesh portion of the tent. This creats a well-ventilated looking setup while apparently still offering protection from the rain.

My concern is that decent winds will enter between the fly and the tent, since there is no real 'seal' between the two, and drive rain through the gaps and therefore into the tent.

Any thoughts or experiences with the SD Sirius, or with the ventilation on the Tadpole with the fly on?
last edited: 5/07/05 7:35:10 PM”

“I've got a TNF Tadpole that's about 12 years old. same basic design as the current models but I've found mine is easier to set up (it has only pole sleeves, no clips, and simple grommets to hold the pole ends) and is lighter by about 8 oz. The ads say its a two person tent, but that would be a really tight fit! I use is as a one person tent.

The rainfly is full coverage, so it works great in rain and snow (mild winter areas). Haven't had any problems with condensation under the fly.

Overall, mine is a great one person tent.”

“I havent seen the Sirius, but i have a North face Slickrock that has a 'batwing' fly that covers the mesh portion of the tent(keeps total weight down naturally) but not the rest. Sounds similiar to what you're describing. Ive only used it one night
and didnt need the fly that night, but the salesperson
at the local REI told me the catch with such a design
is to set the tent up facing in the direction so the covered portion of the tent would face the wind/rain,
if there is any.

The tent only weighs 4 pounds so it is very easy to
literally 'pick it up' and spin it around once it up, then re-peg it to match wind conditions.

ahhh..the sacrifices we make for a few ounces.. :)”

“Thanks gramey, I should have mentioned that the Sirius is similar in design to the Slickrock. I thought about orienting the tent to match wind conditions in a storm, but some of my trips are in narrow river valleys, where the winds can become swirling in stormy conditions.”