[pct-l] Tarp use

[Timothy Akin]

Here's some info on my tarp camping experience on the PCT (or a very small portion thereof) for anyone that may be interested.

I hiked section A nobo with the herd after the 2009 Kickoff.  I used a very nice little tarp (1.35 SilNylon) from Mount Laurel Designs:

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=85&osCsid=021c170cec4961227267a2b8551d12e0

I prefer to cowboy camp, but also like to stay dry.  The tarp worked perfectly for me, fending off the morning dew.  It was no problem setting up quickly even in a 20 knot wind.  With the foot end oriented into the wind, the tarp was very stable and with Bernoulli's Principle working for me, (opening at foot end much smaller than opening at head end) the wind is reduced to just about nothing under the tarp.

In July of '09, I hiked the JMT sobo with this same tarp.  I do not regret my shelter choice, but there were some discomforts associated with the mosquitoes.  Since I carried a head net, I found the mosquitoes usually to be mildly entertaining as they tried to get to me in my sleeping bag. I called them "my little friends".  I had to play this mental game with myself to keep my sanity. The worst mosquitoes were at Tully Hole, where I had to get into my too warm sleeping bag to escape them. My body was still hot from hiking and my only escape was to get into my bag and tough it out with head net and earplugs.  

It was a joy for me to pack light and maximize my comfort while hiking.  Of course, I paid for it on occasion in camp, as I had only the bare necessities to be comfortable overnight.  So my advice concerning shelter selection would be to be honest with yourself.  Know the risks and rewards, then make your selection.  Know your own comfort level.  

In 2008, I hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail with my Henry Shires "Contrail" tarptent.  Weighing in at 20oz. or so was nice, but I discovered I did not like being zipped into a completely closed environment.  I like to drift off to sleep looking at the Outdoors, not a wall of fabric.  Incidentally, that's how I got my trail name... promoting the one true and proper direction to hike the TRT.  Clockwise! (as viewed from above).

A quick review of my 2009 gear choices can be found here:

http://postholer.com/journal/viewJournal.php?sid=3841fdec3041668819ce2ffbdb8f602c&entry_id=11108

Tim A.
"Clockwise"
Placerville, CA