[pct-l] Tarp v. Tent

[ROYROBIN@aol.com (ROYROBIN@aol.com)]

<<  I ... would like your opinion on the proponents of 
 carrying a tarp versus a tent on a thru-hike.  I have always preferred a 
tarp 
 to save weight, but wonder whether this would be best all the way through. >>

I vote for the tarp (surprise!) and suggest you use a poncho for raingear AND 
tarp to save weight.  Take a look at my poncho/tarp plans at: <A 
HREF="homestead.juno.com/roy.robinson/Main.html">
homestead.juno.com/roy.robinson/Main.html</A>.   

One nice thing about a tent is that you can hide from the mosquitos that can 
make your life really miserable in the Sierra, Oregon and ... well, anywhere 
there's water or snowmelt on the PCT.  I use a head net during the day to 
minimize DEET exposure, and carry mosquito netting for use at night with the 
tarp tent.  You can see how it's rigged in the picture I've included with the 
plans.  

There's no need to make the poncho if you don't want to.  A long poncho from 
Campmor (or similar) can be modified to use as a tarp by adding edge grommets 
and strengthening the corner ties.