Tarping on the PCT

imported
#1

Hi all,

our tent order didn’t come through at the last minute, so we’re trying to figure out our shelter for the PCT. We’d really like to use a tarp (cheap and light), but we don’t have experience using it.

In SoCal, is the dirt/sand consolidated enough that you can peg out your tarp? In WA, will a tarp be enough to protect from the rain/snow?

Any pro-tarp (or pro-tent) words? There are 2 of us - makes it easier to put up the tarp.

Thanks
Sophie

Sophie

#2

Tarping is doable on the PCT but keep in mind 1)the wind blows alot on this trail and 2)mosquitos in the Sierra will drive you crazy without protection.

Jeff

#3

A tarptent is the way to go. Easy to set up, light, and keeps the bugs out.

GSmurf

#4

We used a homemade tarp and a bug tent to fit under it the whole way on the PCT. It takes a while to get the hang of pitching it, but that’s part of the fun. Yeah, the sand will hold in SoCal and yeah it’s enough for the weather up north - but by no means a 4 season shelter. Alot of folks we were hiking around had the tarp tents which seemed to work well, but for two people, the tarp is the way to go. Just take it on a few weekend hikes to get the feel of what it takes to pitch it and you’ll be fine. Good luck and have fun

jym beam

#5

I’ll second the Tarptent recommend. I have a Squall2 and am very happy with it. Good bug netting, floor, easy set-up, and plenty of room for two. Henry Shires (the owner of Tarptent) is an old PCT thru-hiker himself and a fine guy. He’s very good at getting out tents if you need them quickly. He got me mine in time for a section hike where my partner had bowed out and needed a shelter quickly. They’ll do everything they can to get you what you need.

Strategic

#6

If you use a tarp without bug netting, buy a sleep net. I used a sack like one from Dancing Lite, but they are out of business now.

In WA, you might want more solid coverage if you’re here in later September or October. If your done by, say, Sept 15, you should (might) be ok. After that, you might spend a lot of time being miserable at night. Some tarps have better weather coverage than others, though.

Suge

#7

I’ll third the Tarptent recommendation - its easy to use and Henry Shires is great if there is any problem (my zipper went out - not his problem- and he sent me a new tent to Sierra City on my PCT hike in '05). His tents are light, small, and remarkably durable considering the superlight construction.

freebird