[pct-l] Poncho/tarp

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

My friend Lenny used a Golite poncho tarp the whole distance. He is  
6'5". He survived in rain, snow and bugs. This is a picture of how he  
would set it up.
http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=420901&back=1

I had the same tarp. I am 5'3". I chose to carry a tent after Kennedy  
Meadows. I wanted generous protection from mosquitoes.

I did some measuring of my various options, based on manufacturers  
weights. With the options that didn't involve a poncho, I added in  
the weight of my umbrella. I used rain chaps in all three options so  
I didn't add their weight. I didn't have a rain jacket so that was  
not an additional weight, either.

Option 1
The One tent 16 oz
umbrella 10 oz
Total: 26 oz (guy lines included)

Option 2
8x10 tarp 14 oz
A16 Bug Net 6 oz
umbrella 10 oz
Total: 30 oz + guy lines (unknown weight)

Option 3
Poncho tarp 10 oz
A16 Bug Net 6 oz
Equinox bivy sack 6.5 oz
Total: 22.5 oz + guy lines (unknown weight)

The weights were so close between the tent and the poncho that I  
think the tent is a better choice because it is simpler and provides  
a more generous space for refuge from mosquitoes. The umbrella was a  
failure for rain but a success for sun.

Hope that helps a little.


On Jan 1, 2010, at 3:18 PM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:

> From: Kathryn Zimmerman <thebaglady07 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Poncho/tarp
>
> I'm trying to figure ways to get my pack base weight down and was  
> wondering
> if anyone has any experience with poncho tarps?  It seems like my  
> rain gear
> is not something used every day and if I could either use my  
> groundcloth or
> tarp as raingear, that would be an improvement.   But I'm trying to  
> imagine
> setting up or taking down when it's raining, when you need both the  
> poncho
> and the tarp.  Isn't that a problem?
>
> -- 
> - Kathryn
> Bag Lady '07 GA-ME
> PCT '10?