Fly or tent - John Muir Trail

imported
#1

I am hoping to only bring a rain fly for sleeping instead of a tent to save weight. Would you recommend this or not?

dave

#2

You mean it will set up above you without the inner tent part, just like a tarp would? If so, then it depends on when you go. In early season, i would think the lack of bug protection would make it not worth the weight savings. But late season, and if it really sets up ok that way, why not try it?

I’m curious, do you know what the weight savings actually is? Usually the fly and poles are a lot heavier than the inner tent is.

markv

#3

a backpacking tarp such as the one in the link above, not a fly off of a tent. i should have been more specific.it is a huge weight saver but i am wondering if it is sufficient protection from rain and wind at night in the sierra nevadas.

dave

#4

It depends. Last year I was rained on 9 of 14 days during a loop over Shepherd Pass, including an all-afternoon series of blowing thunderstorm north of Crabtree that wiped out parts of the Whitney Trail. Last year was a wet year - but this year there is little snow. Don’t know if that will affect late summer thunderstorm forcast or not.

booger

#5

Ok, i understand now. If you’re experienced and skilled with it (so much with tarps seems to depend on if you are a real Tarp Guru or not), i would consider delaying the decision until moments before you leave, checking the weather forecast and then deciding. Usually there’s little to lose by going with a tarp, since at worst you have a lousy night and have to bail. But on parts of the JMT, you’re more than 1 day away from a bail-out, so you might have reason not to feel so confident about it. I’d just take the tent and deal with the weight, personally.

markv

#6

Specifically you’re asking about the weather, and i think the answer there is that the conditions are no worse (usually better) than any other mountain range of that height. It’s usually fairly benign. Storms can happen anytime including with high wind and snow, but not as many epic storms as you’d find someplace like the Cascades. But the difference is the difficulty in quickly escaping, so if you’re in doubt, i wouldn’t chance it.

markv

#7

Tarps work for many people. I used one in 2009 JMT Thru hike. You need a good ground sheet. I used a Gossamer Gear Polycro that has lasted years. Sleeping at high elevations is harder due to higher winds and lots of rock. Better if you get to lower elevations and into tree areas. Stay away from lakes and streams due to condensation. Try to find a location a little above water where it will be dryer and warmer as cold settles in low places.

Ghost Ranger