Adding a zipper to the TT ProTrail fly door

Discussion about making bushwalking-related equipment.

Adding a zipper to the TT ProTrail fly door

Postby Orbita_Serenitatem » Thu 27 Jun, 2019 4:39 pm

I'm not a fan of the current velcro on the ProTrail and am wanting to use a zipper instead.

First stop was finding a zipper ~127cm long which I have found on eBay (not waterproof), then second stop is to find a business nearby that can professionally install the zip.

But before I blindly go about it can anyone offer some insight into getting this job done correctly?

Or am I on the right pathway already?

Comments greatly appreciated!
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Re: Adding a zipper to the TT ProTrail fly door

Postby Orbita_Serenitatem » Sat 29 Jun, 2019 11:18 am

Sheesh - I'm glad I snuck a hike in last weekend (Castlemaine to Bendigo) as the weather this weekend here in Central Vic is a little soggy.

I ordered a Plastic Zip Two Way Zip No5 130cm long Double Zipper from eBay - will find a local dressmaker to sew it in... I guess that it isn't MYOG, but I'll settle with Modify Your Own Gear.
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Re: Adding a zipper to the TT ProTrail fly door

Postby crollsurf » Sat 29 Jun, 2019 11:21 am

I also have a Protrail so interested to see how it goes.
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Re: Adding a zipper to the TT ProTrail fly door

Postby Neo » Sun 30 Jun, 2019 12:15 pm

Hi Orbita

Had the same thought for my Protrail but never got around to it! Yet.

Of the limited YouTube videos of the tent, there is one of a bloke that made this and some other modifications.
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Re: Adding a zipper to the TT ProTrail fly door

Postby Orbita_Serenitatem » Wed 03 Jul, 2019 10:04 am

The zipper is expected to arrive late July... cost was $20.

We have a few sewing machines at home so I will have a few test runs (can it be that hard?) and attempt to sew it myself - and retail the MYOG status..!

Will keep you updated Crolly & Neo!
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Re: Adding a zipper to the TT ProTrail fly door

Postby Orbita_Serenitatem » Fri 05 Jul, 2019 11:02 pm

"In Praise of the ProTrail" was a thought I had the other weekend on a hike - as I have found it to be 'fun' to be in.

I like the single entry and lying inside looking out. I like the mesh surrounding the tub for ventilation, but most of all I like the little window curtains down the end - there is quaintness about having to crawl down there to close them up when the weather wants in!

I've found it sloppy in the wind as the side panels, even with additional gyes, bellow and shake (when its verily gusty).

Screen Shot 2019-07-05 at 11.45.40 pm.png


But apart from that, the X-Mid has stayed in its stuff sack as the Protrail that I got from this site ~ Feb still has some stories to tell and make - getting the zipper done will be one.

What other modifications can you recommend to the ProTrail?
Last edited by Orbita_Serenitatem on Fri 05 Jul, 2019 11:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Adding a zipper to the TT ProTrail fly door

Postby Orbita_Serenitatem » Fri 05 Jul, 2019 11:03 pm

Screen Shot 2019-07-05 at 11.50.11 pm.png
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Re: Adding a zipper to the TT ProTrail fly door

Postby Neo » Sat 06 Jul, 2019 2:09 pm

A second mesh storage pocket on the oposite side would be handy, plus a high hook in the vestibule to hang a wet raincoat.
(think there is a mitten hook inside the mesh doorway)
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