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Tarp or tent


 

Hi guys, I will be doing the JMT in August and thinking of saving weight. Whats your experience - will a tarp be enough or should I go with a tent?

I'm from Europe so will probably choose Nemo Horner OSMO 1P or Big Agnes - Fly Creek HV UL1 or Big Agnes Tiger Wall. Thank you, Christine


 

There can still be mosquitoes in August, and sometimes hard rain that can unexpectedly flood your sleeping area, so I would not use a tarp if you would like full coverage.?

On clear, mosquito-free nights you could use just the fly (or no tent at all).

Look into 2-person versions of the tents you are interested in, as some are only a few ounces heavier but give you much more room.?

Cheers


 

I have made the trip 3 times.? First and last with a bug bivy and a tarp and the middle trip with a tent.? I prefer the tarp and bug bivy. Last trip I used a Borah bug bivy with a dyneema floor. That setup is extremely light.? I don't think I would do it with tarp and no bug bivy though.


 

I've done the JMT 4 times in July/August/September. ?Last two times with a tarp and don't plan to go back to tent anytime soon. ?At least half the nights I don't even bother with the tarp. ?It's amazing to wake up in the middle of night and be able to view the night sky at 10,000 ft. ?It's almost like you are on another planet it looks so different. ?Easy to avoid bugs if you pick your site well. ?I have carried a bug net in the past, but may leave it behind this year as I've never really needed it.?


 

thank you for the input! yes the mosquitos were my concern too. What are the odds of having (a lot of) rain in august?

Am Di., 11. Juni 2024 um 16:01?Uhr schrieb Doyle Weemes via <doyle.weemes=[email protected]>:

I have made the trip 3 times.? First and last with a bug bivy and a tarp and the middle trip with a tent.? I prefer the tarp and bug bivy. Last trip I used a Borah bug bivy with a dyneema floor. That setup is extremely light.? I don't think I would do it with tarp and no bug bivy though.


 

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Tarp and bug bivy. ?Later in the season tarp only. ?I like the weight savings. I second the comment re site selection

On Jun 11, 2024, at 7:05?AM, Christine B. <busschristine7@...> wrote:

?
thank you for the input! yes the mosquitos were my concern too. What are the odds of having (a lot of) rain in august?

Am Di., 11. Juni 2024 um 16:01?Uhr schrieb Doyle Weemes via <doyle.weemes=[email protected]>:
I have made the trip 3 times.? First and last with a bug bivy and a tarp and the middle trip with a tent.? I prefer the tarp and bug bivy. Last trip I used a Borah bug bivy with a dyneema floor. That setup is extremely light.? I don't think I would do it with tarp and no bug bivy though.


 

The best balance is a TarpTent.?
The company is TarpTent.?
I love my DiPole, which is roomy, well-designed, and very light in weight.?
And, rig with rock loops for that slickrock camping.?
Why carry redundant tent poles? Use your trekking poles.?

https://www.tarptent.com/product/dipole-2-li/
--
Wherever you go, there you are,? Cheers, WV


 

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JMT 6 times late July - early August.
Rained and hailed on all trips ?and mosquitos and black flies by Mammoth.
I like the privacy of the tent for women.
Love my Nemo second generation of Hornet 1p.
Never felt lack of space.

Karina Bezkrovnaia

On Jun 11, 2024, at 08:56, WildVagabond via groups.io <wildvagabond@...> wrote:

?The best balance is a TarpTent.?
The company is TarpTent.?
I love my DiPole, which is roomy, well-designed, and very light in weight.?
And, rig with rock loops for that slickrock camping.?
Why carry redundant tent poles? Use your trekking poles.?

https://www.tarptent.com/product/dipole-2-li/
--
Wherever you go, there you are,? Cheers, WV


 

How much do you hate bugs crawling on you at night?? That will be your answer, as it is mine :)


 

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I grew up backpacking in the Sierra with family members who only ever brought one large tarp for the group (usually 3-4 of us). It wasn’t a high-end DCF tarp (only sails were made with that at the time!), just a stock standard blue hardware store tarp. If it was clear, we slept like sardines on the tarp, under the stars (which was most nights). If it looked like rain we would string up the tarp and all sleep like sardines under it (with a stash of dry firewood). Site selection (often up on high ground) usually meant no issues with bugs. If there were bugs, you just cinched up the drawstring on your sleeping bag and toughed it out!

These days I use a DCF tent. I’ve looked at tarp and bivvy combo’s, but the weight difference with my tent is negligible so I just stick with my tent (lightweight hiking pole tents feel like a bag of dandelion fluff - they are so light).?

Personally I’ve not had a lot of rainy nights in the Sierra - afternoons, yes, but typically clear by night (but not always!). You can definitely do just fine with a tarp, and if you are really bug averse a bivvy net. If you are willing to load up on water and hike a short distance up a ridge to camp (with a great view!), typically bugs will drop away exponentially and you usually get a slight breeze that sweeps the stragglers away. I live in Australia now, so the bug/spider/snake situation is on another level - hence the tent!!


On 11 Jun 2024, at 6:53?PM, Christine B. <busschristine7@...> wrote:

?

Hi guys, I will be doing the JMT in August and thinking of saving weight. Whats your experience - will a tarp be enough or should I go with a tent?

I'm from Europe so will probably choose Nemo Horner OSMO 1P or Big Agnes - Fly Creek HV UL1 or Big Agnes Tiger Wall. Thank you, Christine


 

Another vote for a bug bivy and tarp. In my case it’s a shaped tarp (currently a Cirriform from Yama but I’ve also used mids from MLD and SMD). I like the simplicity of just dropping the bivy under a tree or nestled in between some rocks most nights but I can enjoy 360° protection when needed.

I don’t hang out in camp much. If I liked to linger I might be motivated to set up (and carry) a more complex tent.


 

Thank you for all the votes and suggestions! I am considering all input and see what makes more sense.
I am not that keen on bugs, also not on snakes or being soaking wet :)
As I've never been in this landscape (let alone at night) and I can't properly decide, I might take the safe option of a tent. At least for the first time. Will have to come back anyway for some pictures with a proper camera.

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 15:55?Uhr schrieb matthew via <matthew=[email protected]>:

Another vote for a bug bivy and tarp. In my case it’s a shaped tarp (currently a Cirriform from Yama but I’ve also used mids from MLD and SMD). I like the simplicity of just dropping the bivy under a tree or nestled in between some rocks most nights but I can enjoy 360° protection when needed.

I don’t hang out in camp much. If I liked to linger I might be motivated to set up (and carry) a more complex tent.






 

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Hi Christine,?

I just came across your topic. If I was you having done the JMT a couple of times I would definitely go for a tent that is a Zpacks ?cuben fiber tent for instance the duplex of the triplex which is a fantastic weight to space / protection ratio, I would strongly recommend it, in terms of weather / bug protection ?and the weight is absolutely gorgeous?
downside is the pricing of the tent. Kind regards?




?


Am 12.06.2024 um 18:36 schrieb Christine B. <busschristine7@...>:

?
Thank you for all the votes and suggestions! I am considering all input and see what makes more sense.
I am not that keen on bugs, also not on snakes or being soaking wet :)
As I've never been in this landscape (let alone at night) and I can't properly decide, I might take the safe option of a tent. At least for the first time. Will have to come back anyway for some pictures with a proper camera.

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 15:55?Uhr schrieb matthew via <matthew=[email protected]>:
Another vote for a bug bivy and tarp. In my case it’s a shaped tarp (currently a Cirriform from Yama but I’ve also used mids from MLD and SMD). I like the simplicity of just dropping the bivy under a tree or nestled in between some rocks most nights but I can enjoy 360° protection when needed.

I don’t hang out in camp much. If I liked to linger I might be motivated to set up (and carry) a more complex tent.






 

yes, it's almost double the price. :)
Is the zpack really durable? I came across it several times but I wonder if it can without wild/heavy rain etc. Probalby nothing for patagonia etc and mainly for mild weather??

Thx
Cristina

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 18:53?Uhr schrieb Christoph Wiegand via <forofofo=[email protected]>:

Hi Christine,?

I just came across your topic. If I was you having done the JMT a couple of times I would definitely go for a tent that is a Zpacks ?cuben fiber tent for instance the duplex of the triplex which is a fantastic weight to space / protection ratio, I would strongly recommend it, in terms of weather / bug protection ?and the weight is absolutely gorgeous?
downside is the pricing of the tent. Kind regards?




?


Am 12.06.2024 um 18:36 schrieb Christine B. <busschristine7@...>:

?
Thank you for all the votes and suggestions! I am considering all input and see what makes more sense.
I am not that keen on bugs, also not on snakes or being soaking wet :)
As I've never been in this landscape (let alone at night) and I can't properly decide, I might take the safe option of a tent. At least for the first time. Will have to come back anyway for some pictures with a proper camera.

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 15:55?Uhr schrieb matthew via <matthew=[email protected]>:
Another vote for a bug bivy and tarp. In my case it’s a shaped tarp (currently a Cirriform from Yama but I’ve also used mids from MLD and SMD). I like the simplicity of just dropping the bivy under a tree or nestled in between some rocks most nights but I can enjoy 360° protection when needed.

I don’t hang out in camp much. If I liked to linger I might be motivated to set up (and carry) a more complex tent.






 

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I have a zPacks Duplex and love it. ?Over 100 days in the mountains with it and it’s still in perfect condition. ?Downsides are cost and if you camp somewhere wet, then the single wall structure will create a lot of condensation if you have to close the tent up fully. ?I will get another one if for some reason this one gives up on me.

Ian

On Jun 12, 2024, at 9:57?AM, Christine B. via groups.io <busschristine7@...> wrote:

yes, it's almost double the price. :)
Is the zpack really durable? I came across it several times but I wonder if it can without wild/heavy rain etc. Probalby nothing for patagonia etc and mainly for mild weather??

Thx
Cristina

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 18:53?Uhr schrieb Christoph Wiegand via <forofofo=[email protected]>:
Hi Christine,?

I just came across your topic. If I was you having done the JMT a couple of times I would definitely go for a tent that is a Zpacks ?cuben fiber tent for instance the duplex of the triplex which is a fantastic weight to space / protection ratio, I would strongly recommend it, in terms of weather / bug protection ?and the weight is absolutely gorgeous?
downside is the pricing of the tent. Kind regards?



?

Am 12.06.2024 um 18:36 schrieb Christine B. <busschristine7@...>:

?
Thank you for all the votes and suggestions! I am considering all input and see what makes more sense.
I am not that keen on bugs, also not on snakes or being soaking wet :)
As I've never been in this landscape (let alone at night) and I can't properly decide, I might take the safe option of a tent. At least for the first time. Will have to come back anyway for some pictures with a proper camera.

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 15:55?Uhr schrieb matthew via <matthew=[email protected]>:
Another vote for a bug bivy and tarp. In my case it’s a shaped tarp (currently a Cirriform from Yama but I’ve also used mids from MLD and SMD). I like the simplicity of just dropping the bivy under a tree or nestled in between some rocks most nights but I can enjoy 360° protection when needed.

I don’t hang out in camp much. If I liked to linger I might be motivated to set up (and carry) a more complex tent.









 

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I have the Zpacks Triplex and also absolutely love it. I got the Triplex because it is only a few ounces more than the Duplex and my hiking buddy and I really appreciate the extra room. It is by far and away one of the lightest tents I’ve ever owned.?

Depending on the weather conditions you might get some condensation on the inside wall. That will be true of any single wall tent. However, the way the Zpacks Triplex (and Duplex) are designed, the condensation should run down the inside wall and drip onto the mesh that holds up the “bathtub” floor. Goes right outside if the tent is erected correctly.?

I carry a small (~10in X 10in) chamois that I use to wipe down the tent inside and out if it’s wet before I roll it up. When the chamois dries it’s virtually weightless.?

Zpacks will tell you that this tent is considered good for about one AT thru hike. ?I have carried this Triplex on an AT thru hike (2,000+ miles) and a JMT thru hike and it’s still in good shape. I’m pretty meticulous about drying it, folding it lengthwise along different lines, and then rolling it. I also use a piece of Tyvek under it which is some extra weight. However, the Tyvek comes in handy at lunch when you want to put something down to sit on.?

Now, the downside for me: ?This tent is absolutely not self standing. If you’re setting up on a rock surface or on a platform you will have to get creative with rocks and the shroud lines.?

Oh, if you get one, buy the little fabric cups that can be attached to the shroud lines at the head and the foot. ?You can put your second set of hiking poles in these to raise the head and foot. This dramatically increases headroom in the tent.?

Steve (Walden)


On Jun 12, 2024, at 13:06, Ian Goldsmith <ian@...> wrote:

?I have a zPacks Duplex and love it. ?Over 100 days in the mountains with it and it’s still in perfect condition. ?Downsides are cost and if you camp somewhere wet, then the single wall structure will create a lot of condensation if you have to close the tent up fully. ?I will get another one if for some reason this one gives up on me.

Ian

On Jun 12, 2024, at 9:57?AM, Christine B. via groups.io <busschristine7@...> wrote:

yes, it's almost double the price. :)
Is the zpack really durable? I came across it several times but I wonder if it can without wild/heavy rain etc. Probalby nothing for patagonia etc and mainly for mild weather??

Thx
Cristina

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 18:53?Uhr schrieb Christoph Wiegand via <forofofo=[email protected]>:
Hi Christine,?

I just came across your topic. If I was you having done the JMT a couple of times I would definitely go for a tent that is a Zpacks ?cuben fiber tent for instance the duplex of the triplex which is a fantastic weight to space / protection ratio, I would strongly recommend it, in terms of weather / bug protection ?and the weight is absolutely gorgeous?
downside is the pricing of the tent. Kind regards?



?

Am 12.06.2024 um 18:36 schrieb Christine B. <busschristine7@...>:

?
Thank you for all the votes and suggestions! I am considering all input and see what makes more sense.
I am not that keen on bugs, also not on snakes or being soaking wet :)
As I've never been in this landscape (let alone at night) and I can't properly decide, I might take the safe option of a tent. At least for the first time. Will have to come back anyway for some pictures with a proper camera.

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 15:55?Uhr schrieb matthew via <matthew=[email protected]>:
Another vote for a bug bivy and tarp. In my case it’s a shaped tarp (currently a Cirriform from Yama but I’ve also used mids from MLD and SMD). I like the simplicity of just dropping the bivy under a tree or nestled in between some rocks most nights but I can enjoy 360° protection when needed.

I don’t hang out in camp much. If I liked to linger I might be motivated to set up (and carry) a more complex tent.









 

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I use a Tarptent double rainbow lithium. ?With the inner liner, handles condensation pretty well. It is also free standing (which has helped me a few times). ?I had a Tarptent stratosphire Li before this and it was not free standing (but had more space). The two times I have needed my tent repaired, Henry Shires repaired it for very little money and turned them around very quickly.

--
Anand Kumar Sankaran
http://www.anands.net
Next art show: Fremont Art and Wine Festival, Aug 3rd and 4th





On Jun 12, 2024, at 11:36?AM, Steve Perry via groups.io <perry240@...> wrote:

I have the Zpacks Triplex and also absolutely love it. I got the Triplex because it is only a few ounces more than the Duplex and my hiking buddy and I really appreciate the extra room. It is by far and away one of the lightest tents I’ve ever owned.?

Depending on the weather conditions you might get some condensation on the inside wall. That will be true of any single wall tent. However, the way the Zpacks Triplex (and Duplex) are designed, the condensation should run down the inside wall and drip onto the mesh that holds up the “bathtub” floor. Goes right outside if the tent is erected correctly.?

I carry a small (~10in X 10in) chamois that I use to wipe down the tent inside and out if it’s wet before I roll it up. When the chamois dries it’s virtually weightless.?

Zpacks will tell you that this tent is considered good for about one AT thru hike. ?I have carried this Triplex on an AT thru hike (2,000+ miles) and a JMT thru hike and it’s still in good shape. I’m pretty meticulous about drying it, folding it lengthwise along different lines, and then rolling it. I also use a piece of Tyvek under it which is some extra weight. However, the Tyvek comes in handy at lunch when you want to put something down to sit on.?

Now, the downside for me: ?This tent is absolutely not self standing. If you’re setting up on a rock surface or on a platform you will have to get creative with rocks and the shroud lines.?

Oh, if you get one, buy the little fabric cups that can be attached to the shroud lines at the head and the foot. ?You can put your second set of hiking poles in these to raise the head and foot. This dramatically increases headroom in the tent.?

Steve (Walden)


On Jun 12, 2024, at 13:06, Ian Goldsmith <ian@...> wrote:

?I have a zPacks Duplex and love it. ?Over 100 days in the mountains with it and it’s still in perfect condition. ?Downsides are cost and if you camp somewhere wet, then the single wall structure will create a lot of condensation if you have to close the tent up fully. ?I will get another one if for some reason this one gives up on me.

Ian

On Jun 12, 2024, at 9:57?AM, Christine B. via groups.io <busschristine7@...> wrote:

yes, it's almost double the price. :)
Is the zpack really durable? I came across it several times but I wonder if it can without wild/heavy rain etc. Probalby nothing for patagonia etc and mainly for mild weather??

Thx
Cristina

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 18:53?Uhr schrieb Christoph Wiegand via <forofofo=[email protected]>:
Hi Christine,?

I just came across your topic. If I was you having done the JMT a couple of times I would definitely go for a tent that is a Zpacks ?cuben fiber tent for instance the duplex of the triplex which is a fantastic weight to space / protection ratio, I would strongly recommend it, in terms of weather / bug protection ?and the weight is absolutely gorgeous?
downside is the pricing of the tent. Kind regards?



?

Am 12.06.2024 um 18:36 schrieb Christine B. <busschristine7@...>:

?
Thank you for all the votes and suggestions! I am considering all input and see what makes more sense.
I am not that keen on bugs, also not on snakes or being soaking wet :)
As I've never been in this landscape (let alone at night) and I can't properly decide, I might take the safe option of a tent. At least for the first time. Will have to come back anyway for some pictures with a proper camera.

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 15:55?Uhr schrieb matthew via <matthew=[email protected]>:
Another vote for a bug bivy and tarp. In my case it’s a shaped tarp (currently a Cirriform from Yama but I’ve also used mids from MLD and SMD). I like the simplicity of just dropping the bivy under a tree or nestled in between some rocks most nights but I can enjoy 360° protection when needed.

I don’t hang out in camp much. If I liked to linger I might be motivated to set up (and carry) a more complex tent.










 

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The Zpack duplex is absolutely durable. We have been using ours everywhere, including the Sierras. It held up well at Thousand Island Lake with 60 MPH gusts in a September snowstorm! It is pricey. The investment has worked for us.?


On Jun 12, 2024, at 11:59?AM, Anand Kumar Sankaran <anand.sankaran@...> wrote:

?I use a Tarptent double rainbow lithium. ?With the inner liner, handles condensation pretty well. It is also free standing (which has helped me a few times). ?I had a Tarptent stratosphire Li before this and it was not free standing (but had more space). The two times I have needed my tent repaired, Henry Shires repaired it for very little money and turned them around very quickly.

--
Anand Kumar Sankaran
http://www.anands.net
Next art show: Fremont Art and Wine Festival, Aug 3rd and 4th





On Jun 12, 2024, at 11:36?AM, Steve Perry via groups.io <perry240@...> wrote:

I have the Zpacks Triplex and also absolutely love it. I got the Triplex because it is only a few ounces more than the Duplex and my hiking buddy and I really appreciate the extra room. It is by far and away one of the lightest tents I’ve ever owned.?

Depending on the weather conditions you might get some condensation on the inside wall. That will be true of any single wall tent. However, the way the Zpacks Triplex (and Duplex) are designed, the condensation should run down the inside wall and drip onto the mesh that holds up the “bathtub” floor. Goes right outside if the tent is erected correctly.?

I carry a small (~10in X 10in) chamois that I use to wipe down the tent inside and out if it’s wet before I roll it up. When the chamois dries it’s virtually weightless.?

Zpacks will tell you that this tent is considered good for about one AT thru hike. ?I have carried this Triplex on an AT thru hike (2,000+ miles) and a JMT thru hike and it’s still in good shape. I’m pretty meticulous about drying it, folding it lengthwise along different lines, and then rolling it. I also use a piece of Tyvek under it which is some extra weight. However, the Tyvek comes in handy at lunch when you want to put something down to sit on.?

Now, the downside for me: ?This tent is absolutely not self standing. If you’re setting up on a rock surface or on a platform you will have to get creative with rocks and the shroud lines.?

Oh, if you get one, buy the little fabric cups that can be attached to the shroud lines at the head and the foot. ?You can put your second set of hiking poles in these to raise the head and foot. This dramatically increases headroom in the tent.?

Steve (Walden)


On Jun 12, 2024, at 13:06, Ian Goldsmith <ian@...> wrote:

?I have a zPacks Duplex and love it. ?Over 100 days in the mountains with it and it’s still in perfect condition. ?Downsides are cost and if you camp somewhere wet, then the single wall structure will create a lot of condensation if you have to close the tent up fully. ?I will get another one if for some reason this one gives up on me.

Ian

On Jun 12, 2024, at 9:57?AM, Christine B. via groups.io <busschristine7@...> wrote:

yes, it's almost double the price. :)
Is the zpack really durable? I came across it several times but I wonder if it can without wild/heavy rain etc. Probalby nothing for patagonia etc and mainly for mild weather??

Thx
Cristina

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 18:53?Uhr schrieb Christoph Wiegand via <forofofo=[email protected]>:
Hi Christine,?

I just came across your topic. If I was you having done the JMT a couple of times I would definitely go for a tent that is a Zpacks ?cuben fiber tent for instance the duplex of the triplex which is a fantastic weight to space / protection ratio, I would strongly recommend it, in terms of weather / bug protection ?and the weight is absolutely gorgeous?
downside is the pricing of the tent. Kind regards?



?

Am 12.06.2024 um 18:36 schrieb Christine B. <busschristine7@...>:

?
Thank you for all the votes and suggestions! I am considering all input and see what makes more sense.
I am not that keen on bugs, also not on snakes or being soaking wet :)
As I've never been in this landscape (let alone at night) and I can't properly decide, I might take the safe option of a tent. At least for the first time. Will have to come back anyway for some pictures with a proper camera.

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 15:55?Uhr schrieb matthew via <matthew=[email protected]>:
Another vote for a bug bivy and tarp. In my case it’s a shaped tarp (currently a Cirriform from Yama but I’ve also used mids from MLD and SMD). I like the simplicity of just dropping the bivy under a tree or nestled in between some rocks most nights but I can enjoy 360° protection when needed.

I don’t hang out in camp much. If I liked to linger I might be motivated to set up (and carry) a more complex tent.










 

Yes, Zpack duplex has served me well for a few years, the trips include Capitol Reef NP (first use), two Grand Canyon trips, LCT, at least five Sierra trips like HST, Rae Lakes loop, Thousand Island Lake etc. The most challenging one was last year’s Alaska backpacking trip. We had only two hours of sunshine in our whole 6 day trip. One morning the wind blew so hard that one of the stake was pulled out of the ground violently and flew away, never to be seen again. But the tent still held up and kept me bone try!

It weighs only 1.5 pounds, stakes included.?



On Wed, Jun 12, 2024 at 17:09 Mike McCormick via <mike.mccormick=[email protected]> wrote:
The Zpack duplex is absolutely durable. We have been using ours everywhere, including the Sierras. It held up well at Thousand Island Lake with 60 MPH gusts in a September snowstorm! It is pricey. The investment has worked for us.?


On Jun 12, 2024, at 11:59?AM, Anand Kumar Sankaran <anand.sankaran@...> wrote:

?I use a Tarptent double rainbow lithium.? With the inner liner, handles condensation pretty well. It is also free standing (which has helped me a few times).? I had a Tarptent stratosphire Li before this and it was not free standing (but had more space). The two times I have needed my tent repaired, Henry Shires repaired it for very little money and turned them around very quickly.

--
Anand Kumar Sankaran
Next art show: Fremont Art and Wine Festival, Aug 3rd and 4th





On Jun 12, 2024, at 11:36?AM, Steve Perry via <perry240=[email protected]> wrote:

I have the Zpacks Triplex and also absolutely love it. I got the Triplex because it is only a few ounces more than the Duplex and my hiking buddy and I really appreciate the extra room. It is by far and away one of the lightest tents I’ve ever owned.?

Depending on the weather conditions you might get some condensation on the inside wall. That will be true of any single wall tent. However, the way the Zpacks Triplex (and Duplex) are designed, the condensation should run down the inside wall and drip onto the mesh that holds up the “bathtub” floor. Goes right outside if the tent is erected correctly.?

I carry a small (~10in X 10in) chamois that I use to wipe down the tent inside and out if it’s wet before I roll it up. When the chamois dries it’s virtually weightless.?

Zpacks will tell you that this tent is considered good for about one AT thru hike.? I have carried this Triplex on an AT thru hike (2,000+ miles) and a JMT thru hike and it’s still in good shape. I’m pretty meticulous about drying it, folding it lengthwise along different lines, and then rolling it. I also use a piece of Tyvek under it which is some extra weight. However, the Tyvek comes in handy at lunch when you want to put something down to sit on.?

Now, the downside for me: ?This tent is absolutely not self standing. If you’re setting up on a rock surface or on a platform you will have to get creative with rocks and the shroud lines.?

Oh, if you get one, buy the little fabric cups that can be attached to the shroud lines at the head and the foot.? You can put your second set of hiking poles in these to raise the head and foot. This dramatically increases headroom in the tent.?

Steve (Walden)


On Jun 12, 2024, at 13:06, Ian Goldsmith <ian@...> wrote:

?I have a zPacks Duplex and love it.? Over 100 days in the mountains with it and it’s still in perfect condition.? Downsides are cost and if you camp somewhere wet, then the single wall structure will create a lot of condensation if you have to close the tent up fully.? I will get another one if for some reason this one gives up on me.

Ian

On Jun 12, 2024, at 9:57?AM, Christine B. via <busschristine7=[email protected]> wrote:

yes, it's almost double the price. :)
Is the zpack really durable? I came across it several times but I wonder if it can without wild/heavy rain etc. Probalby nothing for patagonia etc and mainly for mild weather??

Thx
Cristina

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 18:53?Uhr schrieb Christoph Wiegand via <forofofo=[email protected]>:
Hi Christine,?

I just came across your topic. If I was you having done the JMT a couple of times I would definitely go for a tent that is a Zpacks ?cuben fiber tent for instance the duplex of the triplex which is a fantastic weight to space / protection ratio, I would strongly recommend it, in terms of weather / bug protection ?and the weight is absolutely gorgeous?
downside is the pricing of the tent. Kind regards?



?

Am 12.06.2024 um 18:36 schrieb Christine B. <busschristine7@...>:

?
Thank you for all the votes and suggestions! I am considering all input and see what makes more sense.
I am not that keen on bugs, also not on snakes or being soaking wet :)
As I've never been in this landscape (let alone at night) and I can't properly decide, I might take the safe option of a tent. At least for the first time. Will have to come back anyway for some pictures with a proper camera.

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 15:55?Uhr schrieb matthew via <matthew=[email protected]>:
Another vote for a bug bivy and tarp. In my case it’s a shaped tarp (currently a Cirriform from Yama but I’ve also used mids from MLD and SMD). I like the simplicity of just dropping the bivy under a tree or nestled in between some rocks most nights but I can enjoy 360° protection when needed.

I don’t hang out in camp much. If I liked to linger I might be motivated to set up (and carry) a more complex tent.










 

开云体育

Thank you for the input. I’ve been looking into the zpack again. I’m a bit late for that maybe, they don’t have it in stock in Germany right now. Will look into delivery options

Generally I decided to ?start with a light tent for this time and see how it goes and adapt for the next long distance hikes
:) I believe having some sort of imaginary protection from bugs etc will give me more peace of mind. I hear the leaves rustling anyway. So better start the day with a good sleep

Von meinem iPhone gesendet

Am 13.06.2024 um 03:22 schrieb Jingbo Ni via groups.io <jnistargazer@...>:

?
Yes, Zpack duplex has served me well for a few years, the trips include Capitol Reef NP (first use), two Grand Canyon trips, LCT, at least five Sierra trips like HST, Rae Lakes loop, Thousand Island Lake etc. The most challenging one was last year’s Alaska backpacking trip. We had only two hours of sunshine in our whole 6 day trip. One morning the wind blew so hard that one of the stake was pulled out of the ground violently and flew away, never to be seen again. But the tent still held up and kept me bone try!

It weighs only 1.5 pounds, stakes included.?



On Wed, Jun 12, 2024 at 17:09 Mike McCormick via <mike.mccormick=[email protected]> wrote:
The Zpack duplex is absolutely durable. We have been using ours everywhere, including the Sierras. It held up well at Thousand Island Lake with 60 MPH gusts in a September snowstorm! It is pricey. The investment has worked for us.?


On Jun 12, 2024, at 11:59?AM, Anand Kumar Sankaran <anand.sankaran@...> wrote:

?I use a Tarptent double rainbow lithium.? With the inner liner, handles condensation pretty well. It is also free standing (which has helped me a few times).? I had a Tarptent stratosphire Li before this and it was not free standing (but had more space). The two times I have needed my tent repaired, Henry Shires repaired it for very little money and turned them around very quickly.

--
Anand Kumar Sankaran
Next art show: Fremont Art and Wine Festival, Aug 3rd and 4th





On Jun 12, 2024, at 11:36?AM, Steve Perry via <perry240=[email protected]> wrote:

I have the Zpacks Triplex and also absolutely love it. I got the Triplex because it is only a few ounces more than the Duplex and my hiking buddy and I really appreciate the extra room. It is by far and away one of the lightest tents I’ve ever owned.?

Depending on the weather conditions you might get some condensation on the inside wall. That will be true of any single wall tent. However, the way the Zpacks Triplex (and Duplex) are designed, the condensation should run down the inside wall and drip onto the mesh that holds up the “bathtub” floor. Goes right outside if the tent is erected correctly.?

I carry a small (~10in X 10in) chamois that I use to wipe down the tent inside and out if it’s wet before I roll it up. When the chamois dries it’s virtually weightless.?

Zpacks will tell you that this tent is considered good for about one AT thru hike.? I have carried this Triplex on an AT thru hike (2,000+ miles) and a JMT thru hike and it’s still in good shape. I’m pretty meticulous about drying it, folding it lengthwise along different lines, and then rolling it. I also use a piece of Tyvek under it which is some extra weight. However, the Tyvek comes in handy at lunch when you want to put something down to sit on.?

Now, the downside for me: ?This tent is absolutely not self standing. If you’re setting up on a rock surface or on a platform you will have to get creative with rocks and the shroud lines.?

Oh, if you get one, buy the little fabric cups that can be attached to the shroud lines at the head and the foot.? You can put your second set of hiking poles in these to raise the head and foot. This dramatically increases headroom in the tent.?

Steve (Walden)


On Jun 12, 2024, at 13:06, Ian Goldsmith <ian@...> wrote:

?I have a zPacks Duplex and love it.? Over 100 days in the mountains with it and it’s still in perfect condition.? Downsides are cost and if you camp somewhere wet, then the single wall structure will create a lot of condensation if you have to close the tent up fully.? I will get another one if for some reason this one gives up on me.

Ian

On Jun 12, 2024, at 9:57?AM, Christine B. via <busschristine7=[email protected]> wrote:

yes, it's almost double the price. :)
Is the zpack really durable? I came across it several times but I wonder if it can without wild/heavy rain etc. Probalby nothing for patagonia etc and mainly for mild weather??

Thx
Cristina

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 18:53?Uhr schrieb Christoph Wiegand via <forofofo=[email protected]>:
Hi Christine,?

I just came across your topic. If I was you having done the JMT a couple of times I would definitely go for a tent that is a Zpacks ?cuben fiber tent for instance the duplex of the triplex which is a fantastic weight to space / protection ratio, I would strongly recommend it, in terms of weather / bug protection ?and the weight is absolutely gorgeous?
downside is the pricing of the tent. Kind regards?



?

Am 12.06.2024 um 18:36 schrieb Christine B. <busschristine7@...>:

?
Thank you for all the votes and suggestions! I am considering all input and see what makes more sense.
I am not that keen on bugs, also not on snakes or being soaking wet :)
As I've never been in this landscape (let alone at night) and I can't properly decide, I might take the safe option of a tent. At least for the first time. Will have to come back anyway for some pictures with a proper camera.

Am Mi., 12. Juni 2024 um 15:55?Uhr schrieb matthew via <matthew=[email protected]>:
Another vote for a bug bivy and tarp. In my case it’s a shaped tarp (currently a Cirriform from Yama but I’ve also used mids from MLD and SMD). I like the simplicity of just dropping the bivy under a tree or nestled in between some rocks most nights but I can enjoy 360° protection when needed.

I don’t hang out in camp much. If I liked to linger I might be motivated to set up (and carry) a more complex tent.