[pct-l] Tarptent in heavy rain

[Steven.Setzer at Colorado.EDU (Steve Setzer)]

After much debate, I still think the Tarptent is the best option out there
for a PCT thru-hike (for me anyway).  Other tarps are lacking the bug
protection.  Thanks for the info about wearing nylon shells and bug screen
head nets to sleep but that's not for me.  I don't think I could sleep
with a head net on.  Plus I like the ease of setup with the Tarptent. But
the one-person Virga is more for one small person.  I would suggest to
anyone who may be thinking about getting a Tarptent to get the two person
Squall.  With the extra 4oz. its still lighter than any other tarp that
has bug protection (at least as far as I know).  Plus there's extra room
in case you get lucky on the trail! :)  Thanks Henry, I think I will
upgrade to the Squall.

I debated going back to a tent and I think the Helliberg Akto is probably
the best lightweight tent out there (again, that's my opinion). But its
3.75 pounds and I don't want to carry the extra weight.  That's a lot of
snickers bars.

Later all,
Steve
PCT 2004


On Tue, 9 Sep 2003, henry shires wrote:

> Hi Steve,
>
> I will be the first to admit that the Virga would be pretty confining at
> 6'2" and that you would need to get a bit creative to sit up, get dressed,
> and weather heavy rains.  As for headroom, you might try a trekking pole or
> placing a rock under the front pole to gain a few additional inches.  That's
> certainly what I do.  In heavy rain, the key is, as you discovered, to pin
> the netting to the ground with rocks.  The netting is sewn into the back
> corner webbing so actually you just need a well-placed rock in each front
> corner and one place along each long side.  On Virgas with sewn-in flooring
> it's much less of an issue--the netting is held in place--but the netting is
> certainly free to move on the floorless model.  The other rain defense,
> especially in a strong side wind/rain, is to lower the sidewalls as needed
> until you stop the splash.
>
> As I wrote you privately, I would be happy to exchange your Virga for a
> Squall.  It's 4 ounces heavier but much, much roomier and will certainly
> accommodate your height/weight requirements without any danger of rain
> splash or wall contact.  Anyone else out there with similar circumstances is
> welcome to contact me for an exchange.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Henry Shires
> Tarptent
>