I'll be taking a two week hike on the JMT this summer, about 2nd week of July. My main shelter here in the PNW is my beloved sunny-yellow sil Duomid; at 6'4" 220, using two poles in an inverted V, it offers me the space I need, especially in inclement weather.
However, for the JMT, I'll need to add a solo innernet (sil floor) plus a Bearvault 450. That's nearly another 3lbs. So it got me to wondering if I should re-consider the Duomid. Perhaps a cuben Grace Duo would be the shelter to invest in for this trip (with a serenity). And of course, using it for my main summer shelter afterwards.
I used to have a 8×10 sil tarp. I enjoyed it when all it was needed for was to slip under just before I crashed, but as a big guy, I didn't like the crawling & cramped quarters when the weathered soured and I had to pitch it low.
But this will be my longest hike, with more base weight than I'd like, and so I thought I'd ask those of you who have been on the trail this time of year, starting around July 12th or so. Typically, would it be better to bring the Duo and quit thinking about that extra weight. Or invest in a cuben Grace Duo and save some weight (and hope the weather shines on)?
As always, any thoughts are appreciated.
