Some dramatically strong storms hit our camp two nights a couple weeks ago. Sideways rain and strong winds. I was snug inside my Exped Venus II, which shucks wind like no tent I can remember.
Last night at home, strong storms kept me and the dogs awake. I’ve been tinkering with reducing my pack weights and I now have a manageable two pack system weighing 19 and 21 lbs for 4 days. No tent. I laid awake last night trying to imagine being under my tarp in a down sleeping bag during such a storm.
I could ditch the tarp altogether, but I love having shade and a rain cover during the day. My buddy has a very lightweight tent pitched with vertical poles, but I’m not sold it would buck wind very well.
What say ya’ll? Should I tent shop, try to beat the 8# (packed) Exped? Stick to my guns with only the tarp and let the forecast dictate my adventures? Add a bivy sack with the tarp?
Of course, mosquito season will present some additional challenges for going tentless, so stay tuned.
Last night at home, strong storms kept me and the dogs awake. I’ve been tinkering with reducing my pack weights and I now have a manageable two pack system weighing 19 and 21 lbs for 4 days. No tent. I laid awake last night trying to imagine being under my tarp in a down sleeping bag during such a storm.
I could ditch the tarp altogether, but I love having shade and a rain cover during the day. My buddy has a very lightweight tent pitched with vertical poles, but I’m not sold it would buck wind very well.
What say ya’ll? Should I tent shop, try to beat the 8# (packed) Exped? Stick to my guns with only the tarp and let the forecast dictate my adventures? Add a bivy sack with the tarp?
Of course, mosquito season will present some additional challenges for going tentless, so stay tuned.
