Tent Question - John Muir Trail

imported
#1

Hi,

So I have a quick question about my tent. I doing the JMT July 24 and was wondering if I should bring my tent. I am a type of person that really likes sleeping in a tent and would much rather have it.

My problem is I only have a two person REI half dome tent and I am doing this trip solo. I dont really want to go out and my a one person tent. Do you think it is stupid to haul this tent around? Is that something that would be stupid to do? What do you guys think. I like being enclosed when I sleep, keep the bugs away and just more comfortable that way.

Thanks for the advice in advance

Ryan S

#2

For a solo tent, consider the Tarptent Moment or Contrail. The Contrail weighs 1 1/2 lbs. and the Moment a few ounces more. www.tarptent.com

If budget is a problem, lots of people who want the latest model are selling their used Contrails on various backpacking forums because they have bought the new (and pricier) Moment. The Contrail is a good tent and has a bit more space inside.

If you want something lighter (and pricier), there’s Gossamer Gear’s “The One.” Joe Valesko of Z-Packs has an even lighter solo tent, but he’s so backed up on orders that you won’t have it in time for your trip.

You could also get a tarp plus a bug bivy, many of which have floors.

grannyhiker

#3

Everytime I think about losing the bug netting on my tarptent in the never-ending battle to shed ounces, I set up camp in a bug-infested locale and quickly remember the benefits of that gloriously inpenetrable material.

If you’ve got the budget, I’d down-size to a one-man tarptent. If you don’t, I’d carry the 2-man ton of bricks. I hate needless weight, but I’ve camped some nights in the driest, coolest, most unlikely spot for mosquitos and been eaten alive. You just never know …

Matt

#4

I wouldn’t call it stupid. Last year on the JMT I saw a guy carrying a aluminum fold up lawn chair strapped to his pack. I would be tempted to call that stupid but if it made him comfortable why not. The indication from your post is that you don’t want to buy a solo shelter. That REI tent weighs 5 plus pounds so your going to be carrying about 3 plus pounds extra over a lightweight solo shelter. That’s not the end of the world.

Donald Amundson

#5

you can carry the rain fly, the poles, and the footprint of the half dome tent. it weighs between 2-3 lbs, and it gives you the feel of using a tent without all the weight…and it has a lot more room that a one person tent. we did the lost coast trail a few years back with this setup, and it worked very well.

steve hansen

#6

I used the 13 oz. Six Moon Designs, “Wild Oasis”. A great one person shelter with plenty of room for your pack and room to sit up, as well as mosquito netting. Needs one hiking pole and six stakes. ($175 new) Sets up in spaces not much wider than your sleeping bag.

rambler

#7

We have a REI Half Dome too. We think its the greatest tent ever made–for two people. Its a bit much for just yourself, as you will packing a lot of food due to the infrequest resupply. However, we think you should carry a tent: Bugs, and rain. We also love the new REI Quarter Dome for one person. We did the JMT and had little in the way of bugs, and only one nite of rain. We did the JMT in Sugust 2007, don’t know what to expect at other times of the year.

swamp fox

#8

Hey Ryan, we’re leaving for the JMT NoBo on July 6th. We have a half dome and love it, but it’s heavy even for two of us. This trip we are using a Big Agnes Seedhouse/2. It’s good for me and my wife or me solo, and only around 3 lbs. Goodluck on your hike!!

chris d

#9

I’m hiking the JMT this September and bringing a $70 Eureka Spitfire solo tent. It weighs 2 lbs, 12oz. They sell in most stores and on ebay. Good luck with your hike!

Danny A