CDT Tent Options

imported
#1

A quick question for CDT veterans.

I have read in many CDT journals that the wind can be a factor on the CDT, especially in NM.

I currently have a H.S. Virga 2 Tarptent that I have used on a bunch of hikes. I’m concerned about dealing with high winds, since this is really a problem with this particular tent (love it otherwise).

Any suggestions for small light tents that hold up well in high winds? I realize that a simple tarp can be set up in a very low aerodynamic shape, but I would prefer to use a tent instead.

Thanks!

freebird

#2

Hi Freebird

I am actually taking a Wild Oasis tarp on the CDT this year, but on the PCT my Big Agnes SL1 help up stupendously in very high winds. It is double walled, free standing, and an awesome little tent. If the Wild Oasis does not stand up to the CDT, it will be back to the SL1.

Have a great hike!

Ellie

#3

Hey FB, we now have Henry’s Double Rainbow and it does well in winds. She shape is aerodynamic. Also has extra tie out loops for more guy lines(we rarely need them) which I’m sure you know you can stone or snow anchor. At just 2.5#s its a hotel for one and perfect for two. A single pole tent isn’t the strongest in heavy snow and high winds so we try to set it in-line with predicted winds. The double doors and vegetables rock. We like it. Don’t forget Henry will take back your tent if you’re not happy, provided no damage, might be worth a call to him to discuss specs.

Bushwhack

#4

Does your Virga have a floor? If so, it’ll work OK in the wind. The floor holds it down better, keeps it from flapping around. If not, send it to Henry and he can put a floor in.

Garlic

#5

I am not a thruhiker but think I should add something for you here: IMHO you should not use a tarp or any “tarp tent” without a floor in Grizzly country. I miss sleeping under the stars in Wyoming, but I’ve seen way too many bears in recent years to play the odds anymore.

Th Wind can REALLY blow ANYWHERE along the length of the Rockies.

John Betts

#6

I’m planning on using the same GG SpinnTwinn tarp on the CDT this summer that I used on the PNT last summer. I really liked it, but the one major negative was the sheer size of the foot print: I needed a big space to pitch it. Also, it limited my options for camping as I really did need to find a protected spot and couldn’t pitch in a completely open area unless the weather looked really solid. It held up quite well under the few storms that hit me, but these I saw coming and pitched in areas that were at least somewhat protected.

Suge

#7

I have read in many CDT journals that the wind can be a factor on the CDT, especially in NM. <<

New Mexico can often be windy in springtime, less often in the fall. The springtime winds are typically diurnal, peaking in intensity during the afternoon. It would be less common (not impossible) to have tent-threatening winds in that region overnight, but in reality you could usually find at least a meager windbreak among the junipers. Ditto the windbreak concept elsewhere along the trail (including not camping above treeline at those times). I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy a particular tent just for this trek, based on fears about the wind.

blisterfree

#8

“IMHO you should not use a tarp or any “tarp tent” without a floor in Grizzly country. I miss sleeping under the stars in Wyoming, but I’ve seen way too many bears in recent years to play the odds anymore”

is a tent with a floor going to stop a grizzly?

grizzly adam