[pct-l] Shelter comparison quesiton

[Kevin Cook]

I just realized I replied to the cowboy camping thread. Oops.

I hope nobody gets upset I'm sending it again with it's own topic.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kevin Cook <hikelite at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 11:35 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] cowboy camping to Kennedy Meadows
To: jason moores <jmmoores at hotmail.com>
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net


I make my shelters, so I'm not real current on the ultralight offerings out
there, but I was wondering how my weight compares. The tarp will weigh ~9oz.
It's big though, 8.5'+ x 13'. I sleep in a hammock when I can (ie trees), so
I need that length for coverage. Plus it makes a large dry area. Ironically,
my bug netting will weight about twice the tarp, so ~ 18 oz. I was going to
try and use less netting and reduce the weight further, but 27 oz for the
entire shelter didn't seem too bad to me. This also provides me an 8.5 x 13
space that is entirely bug free! Attaching the net walls also helps keep out
the windblown snow and rain.

I'd really rather not have to go read dozens of websites comparing this to
other shelters. Those of you who have been shopping for a shelter, and are
familiar with what's out there, how does this shelter compare?

Thanks in advance for the insight. See you on the trail!


On Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 2:42 AM, jason moores <jmmoores at hotmail.com> wrote:

>
> Mike,
>
> MLD has a 6oz bug net(look under bivys), but I don't care for the zipper
> placement. It looks like it may be a pain getting in and out of and a tight
> space to spend the Sierra in.
>
> Take a look at Six Moon Designs Serenity Net, and the corresponding
> Gatewood Cape. The net could be rigged up with most any tarp setup. The cape
> is a great option and I know quite a few hikers who love it (and a few who
> don't, YMMV).
>
> There are numerous bug net designs out there, check out Granite Gear,
> Gossamer Gear. Sea to Summit has an interesting net pyramid for 9oz., with
> better space than most. I have been using the Granite Gear Haven (2 person,
> about 16oz.) Like the new tarp it'll cost more but save me 7oz.. It might be
> worth the weight for the added space, enabling me to bring in all of my gear
> and minimize the amount of times needed to unzip while in skeeter zones.
>
> Jackass
>
> From: mikepinkus at hotmail.com
> To: jmmoores at hotmail.com; pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: RE: [pct-l] cowboy camping to Kennedy Meadows
> Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:52:43 -0800
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Jackass,Thanks for that idea. I think i'm going to go with the Solomid.
> Might even spring for cuban cloth.........Do they make a bug net for it?
> cheers,Mike
>
> > From: jmmoores at hotmail.com
> > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 01:03:40 -0700
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] cowboy camping to Kennedy Meadows
> >
> >
> > Mike,
> >
> > It all depends on your comfort level. A bivi can be a bit minimalist to
> some if it's raining or snowing.
> >
> > Each year is different. We carried all of our Sierra gear for about the
> first 360 miles last year due to the weather and snow conditions. We saw
> rain/snow in the Lagunas, San Jacinto, Onyx Summit and Holcomb Ridge and
> under Baden Powell.
> >
> > In '09 we only needed shelter once, getting caught on Fuller Ridge in a
> storm.
> >
> > You may never need a shelter before KM, but it's likely that you'll see
> some weather along the way. If you can handle ridding out a storm in a bivi,
> it's a lightweight way to go. I personally like the room provided by a tarp.
> If weight is a concern and there is room in your budget you can pick up a
> tarp made out of spinnaker or cuban fiber or make your own.
> >
> > I've been looking at Mountain Laural Designs Mini Sole Tarp. I just
> haven't decided if it's in the budget - $160 to shave 5oz off my two-person
> tarp. Tough deceisions...I do like new gear.
> >
> > Hmmm,
> > Jackass
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > From: mikepinkus at hotmail.com
> > > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > > Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2011 22:08:00 -0800
> > > Subject: [pct-l] cowboy camping to Kennedy Meadows
> > >
> > >
> > > Hello Again All,After watching numerous videos and reading trail
> journals, it seems a lot of people cowboy camp for a lot of California.
> Would it make sense to just get a lightweight bivi bag to keep the dew off
> of my bag and forgo the tent until later on, say Kennedy Meadows?
> > > I would appreciate any thoughts or ideas you may have.
> > > cheers,Mike
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