[pct-l] Polycryo Shelter

[David Thibault]

I use a polycryo ground sheet and it works great for that.  But I have
found that by the end of a thru hike it is in pretty ratty shape and needs
to be replaced.  I would suspect that a tarp would deteriorate pretty
quickly in the sun.  I found that the polycryo gets brittle with time.  If
you go this route have a backup ready and waiting.

Day-Late



>
>
> As I gear up, I'm sort of curious about other hiker's experience with
> shelters.
> ?
> Initially I was thinking of going the Lynne Wheldon route, just a Silnylon
> tarp.? But I'm thinking?using 2 trees and a?line, is not that dependable,
> so?I bought a couple of lightweight carbon fiber poles to pitch it.? Very
> light weight and more dependable.? But as I'm researching materials, I came
> across this stuff called Polycryo.? Apparently some ultra light weighters
> are using it as a ground cloth.? If it works for that I thought why not a
> top sheet as well, after all I think an 8' by 6' section only weighs 4 Oz
> total.? Then I look online, and some hiker has a video on how to make a
> tent out of a shrink seal patio door kit.? Whole thing weighs 8 oz..? But
> it is a kind of tight shelter, but it seems pretty cool too, and seems like
> it would work too.? Curious to hear opinions.? I don't really plan on?using
> the tent in most places only in the rain.
> ?
>