[pct-l] The best lightweight shelter

[bmclaughlin at bigplanet.com (Brian McLaughlin)]

Flat tarps, as opposed to shaped tarptents, require a bit of extra thought
in choosing a site and a pitching angle in rainy/windy conditions. Given a
correct site, for example on top of a small rise, and a good taut pitch with
the low end toward the wind, a tarp is quite adequate to keep out rain.
The windier it is, the lower the overall pitch should be to the ground.

That much said, I am inclined to take a very light bivy sack in
addition to a tarp and groundcloth when I know I'll have to face
ongoing rain. If it is a question of staying dry or getting wet, an extra
pound isn't a bad investment of weight. Not at all.

I'd say the combination of tarp, groundcloth and bivy is in many ways
superior to a tent, fly and footprint when it rains a lot, because a tarp
can give you a larger and more versatile dry area to spend time in, cook
in or do chores in.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Weber" <pies_con_queso@yahoo.com>


> My friend and I seem to be at odds with what may be the best shelter for
going out in potential rain. I'm under the impression that the purpose of a
tarp is for both shade and rain-shielding, whereas my friend seems to think
that the lack of a floor and complete walls will allow flooding. I suggested
a fastpack footprint, but the comment about floods caused concern about the
lack of a seal along the floor corners.
>
> What is your experience with a tarp tent as a shield against the elements?
Will a tarp provide adequate shelter? Is it worth the weight to pack a tent?