Yosemite Forum

I'm thinking of ditching my tent for a tarp. There seems to be some pretty slick lightweight models out there. As soon as the mosquitos subside, I think this could be a pretty cool way to cut some pack weight.

Has anyone tried these?

BTW I'm not refering to the blue kind that covers misc. crap in your backyard during winter, but the lightweight kind designed for sleeping under.

I've found some sites dedicated to the hardcore tarp user, but some objective advice/discussion here could be helpful.

A friend of mine has a Black Diamond Megamid Tarp. I used it in winter camping. It's very light, we use snow to keep the edges down, and thin plastic sheeting underneath. It would work in summer too, if mosquitos are not a problem. It may not keep you dry in heavy rainstorms (snow is actually easier for keeping dry!), but the Sierra gets little rain in summer except for the typical afternoon thundershowers.

Post your question on backpackinglight dot com.
You will probably be innundated with responses.
I haven't pulled the trigger yet on a tarp either. This is due to
the fact that I have a couple 3lb one persons that I use alot.
Later this year I'll probably just go without a tent on wkend trips
and or bring the fly only. This is another option... Try to find a
tent that the fly can setup by itself w/the poles. This is one way
to ease into not "having" to have a fully enclosed tent.
Did the JMT last year without a tent at all. Slept under the stars
for 2 weeks... pretty sweet.
You've peaked my intereset in tarps again though ... I may end up
buying the "GoLite Shangri La-1".
You can never have enough gear... hahaha just kidding...
4 solo tents is too much ... at least that what the wife says
Have fun

MSR Hubba fits the bill as having free standing fly only.
It's kinda pricey though.

Hiya,

I have an MSR Hubba Hubba and love it. It is under 2lbs/person which is pretty good.

For the trip I'm going on this week, I'm actually going to carry the tent w/o the fly (mosquito protection!) and a small lightweight tarp as well. In the most strange of circumstances where it rained over an evening, the tarp will work as an "emergency" fly for the tent. However, I expect that some evenings we will sleep under the stars in which case the tarp will simply become a ground cloth.

Last season I backpacked with the tarp only (no tent at all) and never used it for anything other than ground cover.

I'm pretty darn sure that this has offered you little help with your question, but thought it may be of some interest anyway.

Bottom line is after the mosquitoes die off, there is no reason I can think of to travel in the Sierras with a tent.

What does your pack itself weigh? If it is > 5lbs. then you should
really get a different pack. Unless you are going on winter trips
a smaller pack should do fine. You should be able to cut a couple of
pounds there...
Personally I use the Granite Gear Nimbus Meridian. It still is big enough
(3800) to carry me thru 7 days no problem. But still has all the
support and comfort of a bigger pack.
Another thing to consider is the Bear Boxer Contender. It is > 1lb
less than the larger size bear canisters. Great for solo trips or
weekend trips with the misses.

Ok, enough ... have fun