[pct-l] Tent Poles and Trail Dandy

[Hiker97 at aol.com]

I have always felt the rainfly on  tents was a very interesting piece of 
gear.  Note that I am a big advocate  of the netting tent for 360 degree views day 
and night.  So, I have to have  a rainfly.
 
You hardly ever need it, except for  shade or rain.  Lots of hikers thru hike 
the PCT and have very little need  for a rainfly if they have a tent at needs 
it.
 
But when you need one, it is  critical.  It is mandatory.  I must work as 
advertised.   Otherwise, I use mine for a nice camp pillow stuffer.  I love my 
soft camp  pillow for a nice rest.  The old rainfly comes through very nicely 
each  night.
 
I admit I hate to carry the heavy  rainfly.  I know there are lighter 
materials out there for a rainfly.   I have tried to use spinnaker cloth and clear 
vinyl for a rainfly and save lots  of weight, but I never could make it work 
like I wanted it to, though I have  come close.
 
I love my netting tent (Big Agnes  Seedhouse SL solo), so I carry a rainfly.  
With my tent I am part of Mother  Nature in camp.  I see everything around 
me.  The star/cloud gazing at  night in the tent is one of my highlights of any 
hike.  A wonder  experience outdoors bug free ---- so, I am a dandy hiker and 
like nice clean  bugless shelter each night.  Big deal. :-)
 
Personally, I cannot stand the  thought of being in/under a nylon prison for 
8-12 hours per day with limited  views.  Bummer, but that is what a lot hikers 
do IMHO.   HYOH.
 
As far as a foam pad goes, I  use a super light (8 ounces) GossamerGear.com 
3/4 pad and the torso pad (3+  ounces) from my pack (used as the pack stiffner 
and back pad).  So, I  have a double pad to sleep on.  Very nice.  I also have 
double down on  top me if needed --- bag and down sweater.  Super nice.
 
Yes, I am a comfortable dandy  on the trail ---- nice clean bug free shelter 
with views, double foam, double  down, soft camp pillow, and a total backpack 
weight under 20 pounds for 4  days/3 nights on the trail.  
 
Huhhhhhh, I can't wait to hit the  trail to relax and get refreshed.
 
Cheers, Switchback the Trail  Pirate
Trail Dandy and Resort  Camper