The Right Stuff

GG,MLD, Golite Poncho Tarp Combo

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Very Nice!

Just for the sake of discussion, how did you arrive at this combination? Why do you have both the SpinnTarp and the Poncho Tarp?

I opted for the Gatewood Cape and Serenity Net which is quite a bit lighter.

Just curious.

Jay's trying to increase his BPL rank again.

;)

Is this the gear your taking north of Tuolumne?

I purchased the Golite Poncho Tarp sum 2 years ago. I was not happy with the concept of a hole in my sealing and Like most of us on this website-I am on the constant pursuit of lighter gear. Yea casey this is the combo I will take on the PCT section. You still in Hoamie? status?

Jay, if it were up to me, I'd fold that poncho/ground_cloth so that it did not extend beyond the floor of the bug bivy.

As shown in the photo it presents a sizable surface to catch any water that blows in from the tarp edges … better if it lands on the ground and soaks in.

Hey Jim, If it were raining then I would then tuck or pull the ponchotarp back so it would not collect H2O. If it is not raining then I pull it out as to keep debree out = sticks, pebbels, dirt. It works as doormat to keep stuff out. The poncho tarp is easily moved.

Jay,
Liking the setup, a few questions. If it is raining hard enough to use the ground sheet and so it would be safe to assume it would rain through your wind shirt. How do you plan on wearing your poncho at that point and stay dry? It is on the ground getting wet and dirty while you sleep. If you wont use it when it rains to protect it from getting wet then why not skip it altogether and bring a rain jacket/wind shirt? Then just bring a GG poly ground cloth.

I hope I am missing something here as I like the idea of your setup

Jeff

I think I'll stick with my Gatewood Cape. It keeps me dry and bug free for about 22 oz total rain gear and tent.

Hey Jeff, Thats a good question. If it is raining HARD and I'm wearing the Poncho Tarp- It depends on the time of day-morning=keep walking, lunch=maybe set up, then I would just use the GG SpinnTwinn. Afternoon, play it by ear!! I could just set up the MLD Shelter w/ no ground cloth and the GG SpinnTwinn. I think and hope I could predict the weather in the Sierras- you know very predictable afternoon thunderstorms. I am very,very happy with GG and MLD and just wanted a ground cloth at times if needed. I think it fits my requirements and my MOJO.

Hey Richard, I hike last weekend with a buddy that used a Gatewood. We were caught in a 2 hr thunderstorm off HWY 4 and the PCT. His Gatewood worked to perfection. We all took naps in the storm. AWESOME!!! I just have problems with a hole in roof theory. I know you can set it up tight but if it's really raining I do not want to deal with that. My Persoanl prefrance. Individual cumfort levels is what backpacking is all about. My mojo is different from your mojo. GOODLUCK

Jay,

I was up on Sonora Pass last weekend and got 2-3 hour of heavy rain in the afternoon as well. I had my misgivings about the hole in the Gatewood Cape, but I cinched it up tight and had no problems. Nice and dry and cozy. I can see how the Gatewood Cape could be kind of tight for some. I think it's pretty amazing how some gear works for some and not for others. I'm always interested in people's reasons why something works or doesn't. At least it doesn't rain much in the Sierras.

Good hiking….

Virga = 8oz
GG Polycro ground sheet = 1.5
BPL bag liners = 1.3
total is 10.8

So for .7 oz more then your setup you gain a waterproof top but lose the bottom coverage and the backup shelter.

If you also take out the 3.5 for the wisp now you have some room for some frogg pants or the like. In my opinion you dont need a rain jacket and a wind shirt but YMMV.

I cant wait for your trip report on the PCT with this setup. I would have tried to meet up with you guys if I didnt have so much going on.

I know your gear setup will work nicely, probably running around stuff you have already thought of. I am trying to home brew something similar at this time.

Jeff

Hey Jeff, We will be at Sanora Pass -morning-? midday-? on July 18th for the final 33 miles to Ebbitts Pass. Make it Happen!!!!

I am always trying to make it happen. I guess I can say you never know…I am in the middle of preparing my family to move cross country. That is just a few short days away from my fiance leaving and I wont see her or my new baby girl for atleast a month or more. During that time I am going to do my TRT trip. So its a little hard to get away for me that exact weekend. But I never say never lol

I would have done the entire trip with you all if it was in august.

So what are your custom specs on the serenity to add 2 ounces? My guess is a net door or extra width?

Jeff, I kept the original door, 40 inch front width, 28 inch rear width at 9ft total length and 36 inch front HT.
I am 6'3 230lbs. I wanted something a bit roomyer for my size. I love UL and SUL but my size kinda dictates my comfort level. Sometimes bigger is better. I will also bring in a Theramrest camp Pro at 32oz. 72x22x2 very cumfy, cozy! a bit over the top but I sleep very good!!!!

Jay, why not just buy a TT Contrail and be done with it?

Eric

I can not answer for Jay but I like the setup because in the sierras you do not need bug protection late in the summer. You can drop the 10oz of net tent for alot of the year.

I am aware that anything I know about bug season is going to change when I move to AR. I might be looking into a more permanent bug solution for my trips out there but from a cali standpoint the net bivy/tent is a great solution.

Not only that but storms are usually a mid day event. If you dont need the tarp for wind protection you can set the net up by itself and really enjoy the view while you fall asleep.

Jay I am a bigger guy then you and can appreciate your wider gear selection. This is a huge motivation behind me trying to make my own gear…. I love the thermarest self inflation but can not personally justify it being worth over 10 ounces of a manual inflating big agnes. If you have not yet tried anything from them you should. At 300 pounds I have no problem with a great nites sleep on their air core pad. I am going to give the clearview mummy a shot soon and see how that stacks up…

Jeff