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#173780 - 01/12/13 02:10 PM Re: How light should I go? [Re: skcreidc]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
I did some calculations and found that a tarp, ground sheet and bug net big enough for me and my dog weighed the same as my 2-person tent (more like a 1.5 person tent, but comfy for Hysson and me.

Of course for the PCT you probably aren't taking a dog, but you still won't save weight using a tarp instead of a tent. There are a number of one-person tents weighing 1.5 lbs., including the Tarptent Contrail, Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo or Skyscape Trekker or (for quite a bit more $$$) no more than 1 lb., such as the ZPacks Hexamid or SMD Skyscape X.

You will definitely need that bug net for a fair-sized part of the trip, especially in Oregon. If it's a late snow year, probably parts of Washington, too! Think of many plateau-like areas on the crest full of small lakes and bogs--mosquito heaven!
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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#174645 - 02/04/13 06:46 AM Re: How light should I go? [Re: GinAndClonic]
JMB Offline
newbie

Registered: 02/04/13
Posts: 13
Originally Posted By GinAndClonic
Is it worth it? How much is that ~3 pounds difference going to effect my life on the trail?


Your body will thank you at the end of each day, that is for sure.

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#174696 - 02/05/13 08:20 AM Re: How light should I go? [Re: OregonMouse]
JPete Offline
member

Registered: 05/28/09
Posts: 304
Loc: Eastern Ontario
OR is correct. I still use a poncho tarp, bivy and bug net from MLD, but I do so from choice. There are several solo tents in the same weight range as my gear. Best, jcp

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#174698 - 02/05/13 11:10 AM Re: How light should I go? [Re: OregonMouse]
Glenn Roberts Online   content
Moderator

Registered: 12/23/08
Posts: 2208
Loc: Southwest Ohio
That was when I switched from a tarp to a tent, too, OM. The first solo tent I had, the Hubba, weighed about the same as the 8x10 silnylon tarp, stakes, and Integral Designs Salathe bivy sack I had been using.

The tent was just simpler to use. The connected and tensioned frame also handled wind better than a hiking pole at each end. It also required fewer stakes, and the mesh netting gave me the option of looking at the stars on a clear night. And, when it rained, I didn't have mist blowing in the ends or under the sides. (That was why I used a fairly stormproof bivy.)

I'm sure there are lighter bivies now - but there are also lighter solo tents, so even today I can find a tent that would weigh the same as the tarp-and-bivy rig.

Tarps, with a bivy or groundsheet and bug net, remain viable options, and I still have a bit of nostalgia for mine - but not enough to go back to it. A tent with lots of mesh just works better, for me, where I hike and camp.

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#178926 - 08/05/13 11:42 AM Re: How light should I go? [Re: GinAndClonic]
WDW4 Offline
member

Registered: 08/01/13
Posts: 18
Loc: Lexington, KY
Originally Posted By GinAndClonic

These two decisions will set me back a few hundred more bucks if I choose to go light. Is it worth it? How much is that ~3 pounds difference going to effect my life on the trail?


Depends on you, GandC. I prefer to go lite on the basics so I can enjoy a few heavy things -mostly food. I have enjoyed multi-week treks with a 30lb pack, but also 9 days with a 70lb pack. Ultimately, I'd say your fitness and attitude will have a much bigger impact on your enjoyment than the weight of your pack - as I'd guess you already understand.

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