Grace Duo for solo use

Sean,
The Grace Solo has adequate coverage for two if needed IMO. There would not be much, if any, blow in coverage but if bivies were being used this should not be an issue. If most of your use will be solo, and funds are limited, I would invest in a Grace Solo.

You could watch this site or ebay for a used duo tarp at a bargin price for use when it may offer advantages.

I own a Grace Duo and use it mainly for solo trips. I'll pick up on a point Thom makes about using a tarp with a bivy. I feel confident using the duo without a bivy for my down quilt, but I'm not sure I'd feel the same with a "solo" tarp. The extra coverage the Duo provides does come with a small weight penalty but then I don't need the bivy for 3-season use which saves weight. The problem is wind-blown rain; the Duo handles this easily. I suppose it all depends on where you do most of your backpacking. The extra space (very spacious for one) with the Duo is luxury too, as it gives plenty of room to spread out gear. You could always start with a duo and then trade it or sell it down the line. Mike

Sean – I use a Grace Duo for just myself. I got the Duo hoping the exta coverage could compensate for my lack of knowledge as I migrated to tarp camping. Now…eh?…sure I have the weight penalty, but I have excellent coverage and lots of room. One day I'll save up and go to a smaller tarp, but for now I enjoy the Duo.

As far as the size being comical for solo use, the handful of backpacking buddies thought just the notion of sleeping under a tarp was comical and didn't even give regards to size. What's funny is they always end up collecting under my tarp to hang out when the rain hits.

I think a real experienced or hardcore ULer or SULer might think the Duo is a bit big, but I bet most don't care.

How many people usually accompany your backpacking trips? Do you own or are you planning on getting a bivy. Is this your first tarp? Just curious.

take it easy-the dude abides-Kelly