Virga2 Vs Squal

“I'm curious what the current opinion of these tents are. I'll probably buy one or the other but want to here pros and cons from users. In particular is the extra room of the Squall worth the extra weight. And for both of them, how bad is the condensation problem which I've seen mentioned. The intended use is mostly for on the AT.”

“I like the old Virga better than either. Why? I'll tell you in the morning. 'nite.”

“I think the extra weight is definitly worth it for the extra room. No brainer for only 4oz.”

“"The intended use is mostly for on the AT"

If it's a thruhike, go with the Virga2.
Every oz counts, plus the smaller footprint will allow you to set up in smaller spots.

If it's just off and on, go with the Squall.
The extra room is very nice to have.
I consider my old style Squall to be a 1 & 1/2 person tent. You will have condensation on cool damp mornings, but that has never been a real problem. It's never dripped on me. Worse was a windless cool FL night right next to a lake. Had to get the packtowel out that morning to wipe the walls down before packing.”

“I like the Squall. In bad weather it's nice to bring your gear inside.”

“While not for a thru-hike, it will be for long distances, 3-6 weeks depending on domestic negotiations. Either way it will be lighter than my current tent (REI roadster 41-46 oz),

The squall will save me at least 6 oz, a virga 10 oz.

OTOH, I am worried about condensation, which I think may be the major advantage of the squall, condensation while present is likely to be less "rubbed" against.

For some reason I'm not so worried about footprint size, while smaller is better, my experience on the AT has been such that I think it would rarely be a factor. (I tend to shelter a lot, if the mosquitos and flys aren't bad)

The above weights include the sewn in floor (don't like bugs)”

“Get the squall. I've always used that extra room one way or another. Leave the front pole at home and use one of your hiking poles if you want to save a few more ounces.”

“Condensation is a problem only in that it causes the nylon to "expand" and the tarptent sags. So you have to get out and pull the guy line in the front taught at some point. Other than that condensation was "typical"... that is there was condensation when I would expect to see it in any well ventelated tent. I have the old Virga with sewn in bottom and only used it 4 times. I sort of prefer my Bivy which is 2 oz lighter, warmer in cold weather, and more storm worthy.”

“Jimmy san,

I was more worried about inside condensation and getting sleeping bag, clothes and equipment wet from brushing up against it; if the only problem is tent sag and the need to retighten; I don't consider that a problem.

And definitely I was planning on using my hiking poles for the poles.”

““I like the old Virga better than either. Why? I'll tell you in the morning. 'nite.”
Nimblefoot

OK I'll bite, it now being many nights later;

why?”