[pct-l] Tarp vs Tarptent

[Bob Bankhead]

Bivys can be a bitch to get into and out of unless you go for a side zip.

I'd suggest you consider a sleeping bag (or quilt) with a microfiber outer shell to make it windproof and water-resistant. Then get the larger, 2-person tarp and skip the bivy sack entirely. The larger tarp will give you a huge sheltered area for one + gear. 


For example, using Mountain Laurel Designs, the added weight and cost to go from a 1-person tarp to the same tarp in a 2-person size is:

- cuben fiber tarp adds 1.8 oz and costs $20 more
- spintex (spinnaker) tarp adds 3.2 oz and costs $10 more
- silnylon tarp adds 6.5 oz and costs $40 more

IMO, only the silnylon tarp adds significant weight and cost, but the additions are still less than the cost and weight of a separate bivy sack.

YMMV. 

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Michael Peterson 
  To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 12:30 PM
  Subject: [pct-l] Tarp vs Tarptent


  I am left wondering - the advocates of tarping tout the advantages (mostly
  weight, I think, at 7-12 oz) but then add, oh yea, then there' s the bivy
  bag (16+ oz). So, why not just go for the tarptent at 24.5 oz?

  M

  -- 

  "A little learning is a dang'rous thing;
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