[pct-l] Tarp vs Tarptent

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

On Nov 30, 2009, at 12:42 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
> 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

I'm with you on that one.

In my opinion, the only reason to go with a tarp is for the fun  
factor. It is fun to set it up different ways. It is fun to be able  
to see your surroundings while under your roof. But other than that,  
a light tent is just as light, easy to set up, has bug and rain  
protection and doesn't prevent you from cowboy camping if you choose.