Hello thread resurrection! For what's worth, I ended up velcroing those tent poles to my downtube. However, I've since sold that tent and acquired a new tent with shorter poles that fit in between my handlebars (Alpkit Soloist) and a hooped bivvy, which also fits in between my handlebars or even in a number of my bags (Alpkit Elan).

I just replaced an aging Tarptent Contrail with their new Protrail. I went for the nylon version not the twice as expensive ultra light version, but it's still very light and packs down even smaller than the Contrail. I bought the two tent poles and they are short enough to fit easily across my Carradice Nelson Longflap saddle bag and the tent itself packs down very small in a compression sack and fits easily in the saddle bag with the rest of my gear.

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he lives!
Howdy again btw

Yes and Thanks, last couple of years have been quiet for obvious reasons. Now back at it and touring again.

Good. I actually thought of you this summer, when going from Montreal to Quebec city , and used my cross bike (lightest, fastest bike I have) with only my handlebar bag and a seatbag. Was fun going so fast, partially due to light weight, but also not having the sail effect of panniers. Anyway, unusual for me to be minimalist like that, so was a fun change.
Cheers

I took a tent that I shared with my companion on my first tour but after that took only a ground cloth that I could use with a line to keep the bags dry from rain or morning dew. Saved a lot of time breaking camp and getting back on the road. One could also take a bivey sack.