[pct-l] Tarp Experience?

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

I used a golite poncho as a tarp in southern california, specifically  
the section I hiked this year, which was from Hikertown to Kennedy  
Meadows. I am short and I fit well inside. It rained, but never at  
night so I don't have experience in this small shelter in the rain.

My friend Lenny had the same tarp and he is 6'5" and used it for the  
entire hike in rain, snow and whatever.

I switched to a tent after Kennedy Meadows. I know I could not stand  
going without bug protection. I need a large expanse to relax in the  
heat outside my sleeping bag without insects, which were able to bite  
through my pants.

In Washington I walked by a man using a tarp. It had been a rainy  
night and I had been misted on inside my tent. It was still raining  
when I walked by him in the early morning. He didn't look any wetter  
than I was, maybe even drier, but said it had been a difficult night.

Diane

On Nov 25, 2009, at 8:56 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net 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 )