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I'm thinking about moving from my current setup to more of an ultralight setup. I figure if I can save 4 pounds on sleeping accommodations, why not?
So, are there any backpackers here using a tarp as your primary shelter? If so, are you using catenary cut or a regular/rectanlge square tarp? Did you buy pre-made or sew your own?
Choice of tent depends on lots of things. What season? (i.e., are there bugs?). How much rain do you expect? How hot will it be?
The lightest-weight solution is a bivy sack, but I'd hate to be stuck in one of them in a Carolina June, assuming you're on the AT or something, when the heat and humidity went up.
I've used tarps, but tend to avoid them. It's probably because as I get older, I lack patience with discomfort. They're very touchy about how they're pitched, for example. You never string them over a line, because the line will wick the water right onto you if it rains. You run the line first, and string the tarp under it from the grommets. A good wind tends to carry them off if it gets underneath.
All in all, not my first choice.
j
Mostly it will be for trips to Colorado. We're looking at July this year, did one in October a couple of years ago. Some companies (like Mountain Laurel Designs) have a couple of different bug setups as well.
I don't know if I could do a bivy sack. I toss and turn a LOT as I sleep. Most of the bivys weight more than a sil-nylon tarp & mosquito net setup.
My backpacking buddy is really happy with his Kelty Teton tent. He was mocking my interest in tarps until I told him the tarp, mosquito netting and guyout lines weighed about a pound. He seemed a bit more interested after that.
Tarps are are really out of the picture for me. I just got a 3 man tent that weighs less than 5 pounds. There is a double tent that weighs 4 pounds 2 oz. There is a single tent that weighs about 3 pounds. Go to REI.com to start the search.
Later,
Richard
Depends on conditions. here for texas summers, a tarp with a "skeeter" net is all you need. I use the rectangular kind, cut the edges with a knife and then seal the edges with good old American duct tape.
when it gets colder and rainier, of course, I start bringing out the heavier equipment, but that is just how it goes. colder camping means more clothing, heavier sleeping bag, and sturdier (heavier) tent. but for summer, you are fine with a tarp, especially if you live somewhere dry and warm.
I just drop where i am and throw an army issue poncho over me, if I really want/need some shelter I will tie off the corners to saplings etc. about six inches off the ground and then stretch the hood of it which is in the center upward and tie it off to a branch. It creats a pyramind shaped shelter that is low slung, rain tight and aerodynamic and damned easy to set up. Look mom no poles!
My tent (two adults and a dog) weighs less than six pounds including groundsheet and rain fly. The increased comfort level in high wind, rain, or blackfly season more than make it worth its weight. I figure that one pound tarp weighs a hell of a lot more when you can't sleep for the bugs crawling in or the puddle forming under you. For me the goal of backpacking is to ENJOY the outdoors, that includes my nights of quality sleep out of cellular range. I never worry about my walking speed or how many miles I've traveled so going 'ultra-lite' has never been an interest to me. I don't cut the handles off my toothbrushes either.
I'm not interested (right now anyway) on becoming a hardcore ultralight guy. Cutting handles off of toothbrushes, titanium everything & minimalist to the extreme are cool, but not for me just yet. I'd like to shed a few pounds of pack weight, as we are talking about 2 weeks in Weimenuche without resupply next summer.
Long trips are always a quandary. You want light weight because you are carrying ton of food but at the same time you need every little comfort you can get out there.
On a long trip I love the little comforts like my Thermarest and a good tent even more than on a short trip. I guess the decision would be made based upon my schedule. If my schedule is tight I would have to cut weight to make it easier, but if I had slack in my arrangements I would take comfort over time.