[pct-l] tarp/poncho

[bodhisattvavow at hotmail.com (Matt Bradley)]

On the topic of tarps and bug protection, I have found that in all but the
worst mosquito conditions the Mantis by Equinox os totally sufficent and
weighs only 4 oz.  when I was hiking in the really bad bugs I switched to
the bug tent insert thingy from Golite, I think it is called a nest or
something like that.  The cool thing about the Mantis is that it doubles as
a headnet that surt of covers your whole torso including your pack (unless
your pack is huge).
Peace and Love,
Matt
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joseph Niemiec" <whitethunder10@hotmail.com>
To: <verber@gmail.com>
Cc: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, March 05, 2006 9:59 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] tarp/poncho - thanks!


> 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
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> pct-l mailing list
> pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
> unsubscribe or change options:
> http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>