[pct-l] Tarp camping without a bivy

[Bob Bankhead]

Is the bivy system entirely necessary with a tarp?
I use a shaped tarp (SMD Gatewood Cape), my sleeping bag has a
water-resistant/windproof microfiber shell, and thus never use a bivy, so
I'd say "No, they're not entirely necessary".

That said, I would add the caveat that "it depends on the size of your
tarp". If it's large enough to adequately cover you (or both of you) such
that you're in no danger of getting wet from splash-back or winds, then
you're fine without one. If not, it can be a good thing to have.





-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Sean Mullahy
Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2013 11:45 AM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Tarp camping without a bivy

I've been wondering if anybody has any experience with tarp camping without
a bivy. I've got a friend meeting up with me for the sierras (and maybe
past) and I'm thinking about picking up a light / cheap two-man tarp shelter
for us during that time. It seems that the bivy system is the standard to go
along with the tarp shelter, but is it entirely necessary?