[pct-l] Re: Dress Me Up & Pack Me Out - Shelters

[pmags at yahoo.com (Paul Magnanti)]

Aloha Ann,

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you was able to get
some help with the PCT. 

Now, about shelters. I use a tarp myself and think it
is a great way to go for the PCT. BUT, it is not for
everyone.

I strongly suggest practicing with the tarp first. If
you are new to tarping, use an 8x10 tarp. You can get
an 8x10 tarp that is easily in the 13 oz range.
Campmor sells insexpensive SilNylon tarps at:
http://snipurl.com/a1uq

The Campmor tarp is not as light as some nor as well
made (has grommets instead of fabric loops) but it is
a very good tarp for those who are new to tarping. Why
8x10? Because if you are new to tarping, that size
allows more room for error. I used this tarp on my own
PCT trek. 

There was a tarping/ground cloth discussion on AT-L. I
wrote this and you may find it useful:

The following website shows some great tarp pitcing
deigns:

http://hikinghq.net/gear/tarp.html

Generally speaking, I find variations of the A-Frame
or the diamond to be the most versatile way of
pitching tarps.

Pitching a tarp requires some practice for sure. You
need to learn how to gauge it so the wind does not
blow in as well as instinctively knowing to pitch it
on a slight rise. 

As for a floor, Tyvek, a painters drop cloth or
Spinmaker cloth are all light alternatives for a
ground cloth.

TYVEK: light, can be found at construction sites.
There is a kite Tyvek that is more flexible, if less
durable. I did use some kite Tyvek for a whole PCT
thru-hike (And then some). You can purchase it at
http://snipurl.com/9zzh  for $2.50/yd. Tyvek (all
grades) is water resistant, not water proof.

PAINTERS DROP CLOTH: Various thickness (in mm).
Waterproof. A little heavier than Tyvek or Spinmaker
cloth. Very inexpensive. Found in any hardware store

SPINMAKER: The latest and greatest. Lighter than
SilNylon or Tyvek. Used it on a Colorado Trail
thru-hike. Looks like it will last a thru-hike. 
If you want a minimalist ground cloth, this is it. My
27"x 84" (approx) strip is just large enough for my
sleeping pad and bag. Weighs 1.7oz.
http://snipurl.com/9zzx 
As with Tyvek, water resistant, not waterproof.


Finally, here is a pic of me in my 8x10 SilNylon tarp.
It is sleeting out, windy...and I am dry and snug.
http://gallery.backcountry.net/Co03/agr

Naturally, if you are not ready for tarping, you can
buy a lightweight one perosn tent from the previously
quote tent makers. FWIW I now use a 7 ounce 5x8 Owware
tarp w/ Spinmaker cloth.



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The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.magnanti.com