[pct-l] Tent Vs Tarp vs hybrid

[jason moores]

I have a Duo and I have very few gripes about it. Really the only one is condensation. During heavy downpours in both the Sierra and NoCal. the condensation built up to the point that by two a.m. for every drop of rain that hit the tent a drop of moisture fell on the inside. After two days of this in the Sierra we were forced out of the mountains due to the fact that there was zero sunlight to dry out our sleeping bags and the temps were dropping to below 20 deg. at night. That really sucked. 

In '09 we used a tarp for the first 702 miles and switched to the Duo for bug protection in the Sierra. Last year we carried the tarp for 1400 miles and added a full length, a-frame bug net(Granite Gear- 16oz). This combo stood up to rain, snow and heavy winds without a problem. When I "batten-down" the edges in a wedge pitch I stayed warmer and dryer than in a tent, and there is no comparison in ventilation. Overall, the tarp combo is more versatile and about 8oz lighter than my Duo. I do really like my Duo, Ron makes a great tarp-tent, I just prefer my tarp.

Jackass 



> From: debrisflowavalanche at gmail.com
> Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2011 22:30:07 -0800
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] Tent Vs Tarp vs hybrid
> 
> 
> I've done a lot of reading online and in various UL technique books on shelters and am probably more confused about the type of shelter ideal for the PCT and other thru hikes. I'm looking for UL, simple set up, excellent storm protection, and bug protection.  I've read seemingly more pros about tarp tents which make a lot of sense for weight and keeping dry, particularly from the runoff that inevitably soaks a tent floor, AND condensation (which has rained on me). Some say they enjoy a hybrid tarp-tent combo like SixMoon Design's Lunar Solo or Duo which looks very nice, particularly for keeping pesky bugs out.  Then I've heard of some using just a tarp cover and light weight bivy bag. I'm really curious what the majority of PCTers have experienced and what shelter they liked best
> Mike
> 
> 
> 
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