Poncho Tarps. Questions

The two I've tried: Golite and MLD silnylon. Both work well for me. I'm 5 11.

I use my walking sticks usually, but have tied line from tree to tree.

I use the poncho tarps in warm weather or sometimes when it is cooler when there is minimal chance of rain.

1) which poncho tarp do you think is the one I should go with? I know some of you (as I am doing) end up buying a few different options then trading/selling, so I'm thinking people probably know about the competition.

It's pretty easy to see the differences in design. The GoLite, Equinox, and Integral Designs ponchos are pretty much classic ponchos. Mountain Laurel Designs has a tapered design that is aimed at improved A-frame pitches and an interesting hood design that stows it in a slit. With any of these ponchos there is minimal coverage— about the same as a 5'x8' flat tarp– and I would use some sort of bivy for use as a primary shelter.

2) I am also 6'3" and after hearing that poncho tarps are minimal protection, I'm curious how my height will affect things.

I would expect less leg coverage when used as rain gear and head/foot coverage in shelter mode. My guess is that you will find this a challenge with any minimal shelters. You've been there with clothing and sleeping bags, and it is the same deal with ponchos and shelters. MYOG or custom-built may be a good way to go. You should still use a bivy for full protection.

3) Do you need a trekking poles, or are sticks found around enough? I'll be on the JMT this time around for reference.

I use trekking poles, so they are available for my shelter. They are easily adjusted after the shelter is pitched. Of course sticks will work, if you can find them.

I guess you really have to want to use a poncho. The real advantage is from the multiple use as rain gear and pack cover; otherwise, you would get the same results from a 5'x8' tarp.

I didn't see the Gatewood Cape on your list. Is that because this poncho converts into a tent rather than a tarp?

I like it and got recently the new Serenity Net as an inner tent for situations when I want a "double walled" tent.

Manfred

P.S.: I'm 6'1

Have been using the MLD Silnylon poncho tarp for a number of years now and it is a great tarp and provides good rain coverage, but in a sustained down pour, expect to eventually get wet in any poncho tarp.

(I love Ron's rain chaps….light, easy to use and effective).

Given your height, the Gatewood Cape might be a good option for you.

A friend of mine has it and I think that it has narrower arms slits than my MLD, so might provide better protection.

-Tony

The gatewood cape is 11 ounces, while the golite is 7 ounces. Honestly I was just hoping to shave some weight if I didn't need the functionality. I'm debating that for sure but while lacking the experience it's a hard decision to make. Doing my first thru-hike is funny, the curse of wanting to buy new gear, the blessing of getting new gear. I want to do it right the first time, which is super hard without friends to borrow from!

I'm definitely using a bivy with whatever choice.

Thanks for the trekking pole info.

The Gatewood Cape is a full coverage pyramid shaped tarp, the others are flat rectangular type tarps.

When worn, the Gatewood is longer than the others. For me at 5' 11", it's a bit long for some types of terrain.

As a shelter the Gatewood is very bombproof when staked down properly. It really has only one type of pitch.

Flat rectangular poncho tarps have many options, but usually have less coverage so you may have to re-pitch in the middle of the night if a storm comes in.

I have slept through blowing rain storms in the Gatewood without a bivy and slept dry.
I personally would recommend the bivy under other poncho tarps if you are hiking in a wet climate.

You can keep dry under a flat poncho tarp without a bivy, but you may have to fuss with the pitch a lot.

You may find the Gatewood too small for you if you have to pitch it tight to the ground. You can pitch a couple inches off the ground though and rely on your bivy to shed the occasional rain spray in a storm.

I don't know the dimensions of all the flat tarp ponchos, but they are usually in the 5'x8' range.

Since you said you are going to be using a bivy, the lighter rectangular style tarps would be my choice.

well, I figured I'd use a bivy. I've never done a bivy/tarp or anything besides groundcloth/tent/sleeping pad/bag. I guess I foresee my down sleeping bag at points touching the floor and worry about it getting wet. I see a bivy with a waterproof floor as "down insurance" as well as a way to keep bugs off my face as I sleep, and as spray insurance when it's windy.

It seems like the gatewood cape works well to eliminate the need for the spray protection (being fully enclosed). For people using a bug tent I can see not needing the bug protection too.

Since I've already purchased a bivy, and own a down bag, I'm wondering if the gatewood might be a bit of overkill. It's lovely, but is it a requirement or just a "oh that's cool" for my bivy owning self?

Having zero experience with rain splattering on my feet in a bivy, it's hard to say how annoying or detrimental that will be.

I think I might try to snag a golite and just see. At this point I know it'll be small, I know the gatewood would be better protection, I'm just not sure if it's worth 4ounces and $50 more.

Yes, I agree, the Gatewood would be overkill with a bivy.

You really only need the tarp to keep the direct rain off the bivy, especially the top of the bivy. A small coverage tarp should be fine and may not be needed in most cases, depending on the time of year and location.

Michael – it sounds like you already have a bivy?

I love my Gatewood; I also agree that a bivy under a Gatewood may be unnecessary in most conditions. But, if you don't yet have the bivy, you might consider just getting the Gatewood and save the weight the bivy is going to add to whatever tarp you might choose. That is, the GoLite poncho might weigh 7-something ounces but what will that weigh with the bivy?

I also rather enjoy the Serenity net under the Gatewood; it's especially nice while sleeping under the stars. As Manfred suggested, it's a nice little addition to the Gatewood to make it a pseudo-double wall shelter. If it's buggy I'll use the Serenity net, if not, a ~2oz polycryo groundsheet keeps my down quilt from touching the ground around me while I'm under the 'Cape. It's a nice modular system.

Enjoy the search. :)

I agree Aaron, except he is 6'3" so may find it a bit tight and he already has the bivy.

I personally find the Gatewood with Serenety quite a comfy combination.

The campmor is 5' x 9' and weighs 9oz unsealed.

You could MYOG a Cuben version and it would weigh half that.
That would work if you are not bushwhacking.