Poncho Tarp for couples

The real weight saving in a poncho shelter is the dual function of rain gear and shelter. You could rig some interesting shelters with two ponchos.

I wouldn't consider using a single poncho for regular shelter without some sort of bivy or sleeping bag cover, which negates most of the weight savings. I do carry one for emergency backup on summer day hikes along with a space blanket bivy. My regular shelter is an SMD Gatewood Cape, which would be too small for a couple.

I'd opt for a large tarp or split the weight of a light tent.

I'm working on the same thing. I have a 9oz poncho/tarp already, but I will be making 2 poncho/tarps that join together from locally avail silnylon at ~$4/yd so each poncho ends up costing around $15. I'm also making a bathtub floor with bug netting that hangs from the poncho to solve the insect and wet ground issue.

Dale,

I'm not sure I'd agree ….. it would seem to me that a poncho tarp with a dixon double two person Bivy would be less than 20 ounces.

A two person tent would be at least 20 ounces on it's own, then you'd have to have the rain gear too …..

Thanks for the responses guys. Measuring in affordability along with weight we are testing a pair of Golite Poncho/tarps with Ti Goat bivies. I figure even if the Golites do not snap together perfectly, I can figure out a way to make them work together. Coming from our Six Moon Europa along with out rain gear, this setup should save us a good amount of weight while not breaking the bank.

I would not feel comfortable under a single poncho tarp with a second person, no matter how cozy I am with them. I think you need a little wider setup for two. I would want at least a 7'x9' tarp for two (as opposed to the 5'x9' ID silponcho).

G Dup's two poncho method has some merit, and won't each of you need rain gear anyway?

Hey Jason,
sorry thats what I meant, we each have our own Golite Poncho and seperate bivy. While I really like the idea of the dual bivy, it is not as versitle for everything I do (i.e. solo trips or guy weekends out).

>>> my fiance

Enjoy your engagement and future marriage.

After you've been married 32 years like me, then you learn other ways to become more efficient like: you only need one poncho if the wife stays home. Just kidding, but in a serious way : )

thanks George, the big day is in November. It is a wonderful thing to have a SO that loves to hike just as much as I do. Even better to have one that is open to the idea of sleeping under a poncho :)

One of the most important decisions we make in our lives that affects our happiness is who we choose as our spouse. Unlike money and other material things, the more love you give the more you get back. Loving and being loved are happiness. This is all we need to know, but not all are aware of this.