[pct-l] tarp/poncho - thanks!

[whitethunder10 at hotmail.com (Joseph Niemiec)]

Hey everyone,

thanks for the info on the tarp/poncho. I'm still thinking about how I want 
to make one or if I should just buy one...  All teh designs look cool... I 
think I'd have to have the bug protection... I'd have to think about how to 
add that to a shelter that has good coverage and sleeping room...

On a seperate note, does anyone know the weight of event fabric?  can;t find 
that online....

Thanks,

Mouse


>From: "Mark Verber" <verber@gmail.com>
>To: "Joseph Niemiec" <whitethunder10@hotmail.com>
>CC: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
>Subject: Re: [pct-l] tarp/poncho
>Date: Sun, 5 Mar 2006 09:00:52 -0800
>
> > Just wondering any of you have used any of the tarp/ponchos out there
>
>I used one of Brawney's extended poncho / tarps for a couple of year along
>california sections of the PCT (and a few other places).  Years ago I used
>an a coated nylon poncho for a couple of seasons.
>
> > add netting
>
>I don't think you would want to add netting to the poncho... cause it would
>get in the way when you were wearing it. I used an A16 bug bivy and loved
>it.
>
> >  realize there is one from golite, integral designs, sixmoon designs, 
>and
>more...
>
>A lot of the poncho/tarps are pretty much the same. There is slight
>variation in material which might save you a few ounces.  Some are hoodless
>which lets you wear a rain hat.  I would have prefered one of these... but
>really the only significant difference between the high quality 
>poncho/tarps
>is size.
>
>My experience suggests bigger ponchos are better.  It is nice to have a
>poncho that easily fits over the pack will still providing protection, and
>the extra protection from a larger tarp is a very nice.  But even the
>largest typical poncho/tarp is too small to give adaquate protection in a
>real storm.  If you are facing serious weather you have to use a bivy or 
>you
>are going to end up wet.  If you are using a quilt and the bivy is part of
>your system, then this most likely works well.  But if you are using a more
>traditional sleeping bag, then you are carrying around extra weight because
>your tarp isn't big enough.  I think it would be better to have a tarp 
>which
>is large enough.
>
>I have used ponchos in a flying diamond, classic A, and as a lean-to.  I
>liked using the flying diamond (if poncho was big enough and wind was from
>mostly one direction).  The lean-to worked well if the wind was from one
>direction.  If the wind was highly variable the A was the best compromise.
>There are lots of interesting tarp pitches which aren't really possible 
>with
>a poncho/tarp because they are just too small.
>
>I haven't used Ron's new cape/tarp, but it looks like the right idea to me.
>A tarp which is large enough that it can provide full protection.  It looks
>to be approx the same size as the gossamer gear spinnshelter which I have
>been happily using in all sorts of weather without a bivy.
>
>Personally, I don't like ponchos are rain gear, which is why I switched 
>from
>a poncho/tarp to a light tarp + rain gear.
>
>--Mark