3 Shelter Options. Would Like Your Opinion

I like full coverage if longer trip where weather unpredictable, but I also always take a bivy. A ~ 5×8 flat tarp if you have lots of experience or for short trip with good weather forecast, or 8×10 flat tarp for more space.

Option 4: (would need head net)
Alpinlite Gear 5×8 tarp: 7.5 oz. ($40)
Equinox Sprawler Ultralite Bivi: 6.6 oz. ($60)
Total weight: 14.1 oz.

I have the Spinnshelter and if need be it can be pitched all the way to the ground for complete protection from the elements. You do not need a bivy to stay dry in it. It provides no bug protection however.

How about this as an option:

– Mountain Laurel Designs Grace Solo Spinntex EXP Tarp: 7.5oz
– Mountain Laurel Designs Serenity Shelter: 8.0oz
– Mountain Laurel Designs Soul Bivy: 7.5oz

You could use the tarp/bug shelter combination for most nights, and use the bivy if things really go nasty. The bug shelter should let you sleep comfortably when the mosquitoes are out, and assuming that you have a tarp over you, except for real Noah conditions the bivy should protect you from any rain that might blow around under the tarp. I've had some "interesting" winter conditions where I had horizontal blowing snow that the tarp just couldn't handle, and was very glad to be tucked into my Soul Bivy Side Zip. The trio isn't the absolute lightest combination, but I can guarantee that you'll be dry and comfortable in almost all conditions.

I'm a long-time Portland, Oregon resident/hiker; did the PCT from Mojave to Canada so I know the skeeters you're talking about around Wenatchee.

You're talking about hiking mostly in the spring and summer in the Central and North (Wenatchee)Cascades. I submit that your system MIGHT be more optimal UNDER THOSE CONDITIONS if you:

(1) use a 2-man rather than a solo tarp to gain more covered area. The extra width and length of the 2-man tarp will shield you from all but the most horizontally-driven rain.

(2) replace the bivy with a separate net tent to go under the tarp for when the bugs are bad, or to act as a stand-alone refuge when rains don't threaten. I've found that when the bugs are bad and it's warm (typical spring in the PNW), I like being able to sit or lie on top of my sleeping bag, safe inside my net tent, rather than being forced to crawl into a bivy sack or sleeping bag (SAUNA).

Re: Cuben fiber – "Will I break it?" Depends on how careful you are with your gear. Cuben has the advantage of being totally waterproof, which silnylon and spinnaker are not, and it does not change size when the temperatures do. However, it is more susceptible to puncture and abrasion. Pick your site well so branches can't punch a hole in it.

Personally, I just use a SMD Gatewood Cape (11 oz) and SMD Serenity Net Tent (7 oz) and call it good. No bivy; no rain jacket, just a wind shirt. Slightly less secure bug-wise: the SMD Wild Oasis (13 oz with bug netting around the bottom perimeter), but you'll need your GG Polycryo ground cloth and a rain jacket.

Your hike; your call.

I like that Cuben is more water proof than Spinnaker and I think I am very careful with my gear. I really like the Serenity Shelter idea (full bug protection and space to move). I'm think I will use the Serenity Shelter with the Cuben Grace Tarp. On MLD's web site it states that the Serenity Shelter can be used with tarps 8' 6" or longer, works best with tarps 9' or longer. The Cuben Grace Tarp is 8' 9", do you see any problems there. What are your thoughts.

I'd trust Ron's recommendation from the web site. More length means more protection from slanting rain.

What about a Cuben Grace Tarp – size Duo? That's 8.4 X 7.4 X 9 feet, and 7.3 ounces. This should give you much more overhead protection, probably enough you might want to not bother with a bivy also.

One more point, and this is strictly personal preference. I don't care for the white Cuben. I just find it too bright overhead. I prefer the light green SpinnTex tarp, but I now see that MLD is offering a green/brown "stealth" color. In the Duo it's an additional $30. Doesn't change the functionality, but think about whether you'd like a bright white tarp overhead.

Option 5:
Zpacks Hexamid (silnylon, tarp only): 6.5 oz.
Gossamer Gear Polycro Ground Cloth: 1.5oz.
Total weight: 8.0 oz.

Any of your options would work. It comes down to personal preference. Some people like the unmatched openness of a flat tarp. Some people like a shelter that can be locked down enough to block wind and rain without a bivy like the spinnshelter. The gatewood cape is also an excellent alternative.

With any of the shelters you mentioned you will rely on a bivy or your clothing / sleeping bag for bug protection. I have done that, but I have found that I like a larger bug free space to rest in. Most of the shelters listed can be combined with a 6-9oz net tent.

My choice for 3 season california is the hexamid. I like the cuben version with netting. 8.3oz. If I expect a lot of rain and wind, I would add the door. I have started a brief review of the hexamid.

–Mark

Lots of good options here. Here are my thoughts:

The tarp/bivy is a great combination in nasty conditions- ie windblown rain. A bigger tarp or one that pitches to the ground is good too, but you lose the extra warmth of the bivy. A tarp/bivy is a very efficient system.

Cuben is stronger than spinnaker. I've used 3 cuben shelters now without issue. However, I've torn out 2 spinnaker shelters. Seam seal the Cuben and it's amazingly strong. Cuben's downside is abrasion resistance but a tarp is a good application.

I live in Seattle and I know the bugs you're talking about. Surviving a warm night in a bivy with heavy bug pressure is miserable in my opinion. Don's idea about a inner net tent is one worth considering. You could use the bug tent during heavy bug season and swap to the bivy during crummy weather. This is a combo I've used on many occasions.

Best of luck- you can hardly go wrong with any of these combinations. Have fun!
Doug

I would like to suggest the SMD Meteor bivy.
Im in the north east and we have a lot of bugs in the summer too and the meteor is a great compromise between the bivy and the bug shelter.

All the choices are close enough and low enough in weight that in my opinion the only real issue is personal preference.
I like tarp/bivys because I like to cowboy camp and avoid setting up shelter when ever I can. I also like sleeping out in the open in summer, but if thats not for you I would get a tarp tent and call it a day.