After I lightened up most of my base weight, I found that volume decreased enough to warrant a new pack. I replaced a 90 liter workhorse with a 60 l Granite Gear that chopped off another 2 1/2 lbs! Perhaps not a consideration, now, but may be an added benefit down the road. I even get away with the smaller pack in winter. I tried tarps by themselves, but have stuck with tents due to wind, dust, rain , and mosquitoes and black flies. If we were to replace our BA Fly Creek 2 , which has its downsides but has proven to be very reliable and durable, I'd be looking heavily at a TT Double Rainbow.