[pct-l] Tarp Experience?

[Stephen Adams]

Absolutely.  A tarp is much more versatile than a tent, and much lighter.  I use a 5x8 el-cheapo plastic tarp with a supplemental bug mesh.  Bug mesh is nice on those beautiful stary nights and like this summer on Taboose Pass when I got rain in the morning I just quickly tied the tarp over my bug set up and that was that.  But let someone with more experience in Washington chime in on that question.   But I'll say this, one should be relatively good with hitch and sliding knots, and practice with various set ups and be able to rig a lean-to with a tarp for serious inclement weather.  I've had to do it in sideways driving rain and stayed safe and dry with two people taking shelter and tea, but during the worst part we sat up and tucked out feet in a a bit.  No one was going to sleep thru that anyways.   But it's just a different system.  
The problem with plastic tarps is they do develop pin holes rather quickly.  I'd look at making my own tent tarp for the long haul with bug mesh incorporated into it.  There are a lot of designs and patterns available on the internet.  
I got stuck out in a couple days rain this summer in Granite Park and the tarp was awesome.  I set it high enough to sit up easily, and was very comfortable cooking and such and never got anything wet, or even damp. 
in the last six years I've come up with some crazy pitches with tarps, but all have worked and done the job.  Tent or Tarp?  Both have pros and cons so I'd suggest fooling around with both as you probably already have experience with a tent go get a cheap tarp and fool around with it setting it up with hiking poles and such and using trees, rocks and whatever is at hand to make the necessary shelter.  Not for everyone.  If you are interested in the skeeter net I use look at REI and find the green Mombasa rectangular travel net.  I like the double bed size as it makes a nice large bug free environment to relax.  Bugs get thru the white models in my experience, at least in N.Cal they did.  This thing has been my best most cherished piece of equipment when the skeets are thick like this last July.  
Just my thoughts... I'm sure there will be more.                 
On Nov 25, 2009, at 8:47 PM, J J at Ridge Trail wrote:

> Greetings,
> 
> I am seeking information from those who have experience using tarps. Specifically, how large was the tarp you used? Name of manufacturer? Your height? Was the tarp big enough? Ever have significant problems because of using a tarp? Would you use a tarp again? In Washington?
> 
> Any other information you think pertinent. And thanks in advance.
> 
> Walk well,
> Jim Keener ( J J )
> _________________
> 
> jj at ridgetrailhiker.com
> http://ridgetrailhiker.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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