Breaking Down the Echo II to its Components

So I might have the best wife ever who for our 10 year anniversary purchased me the complete Echo II system. While this wouldn’t be my #1 solo choice she definitely got something we’ll make use of together and have it be more than competent there checking all her comfort boxes and my weight boxes.

So far though two times out solo I found myself taking the entire system. In the summer I found myself saying, “hey, bugs and bathtub” and now bugs are dying off I’m saying to myself, “hey bathtub” and being less enthused about the additional almost full lb of weight.

So I need to grow up, get less complacent. For a UL solo setup, should I:

1. Carry only the tarp + 6 stakes + GG polycro ground sheet
2. Carry the tarp + beak + 7 stakes + GG polycro ground sheet (additional wind protection for not a huge weight savings, maybe making better 3 season shelter option?)
3. Carry the entire system, even in months like Oct./Nov just to get DCF 11 floor bathtub protection and man the fuck up it’s only 1 lb. plus it’ll be better condensation performance (8 stakes minimum, 12 total if staking out mesh inner)
4. Some other combination I haven’t listed

Thanks for the advice!

Here’s a refresher on the Echo II for those who need it:

Tarp & Beak:

Insert:

Specs (copy and paste from HMG):

<b>Echo II Tarp:</b>

<b>Weight:</b>

• Without Guy Lines: 0.58 lbs | 9.2 oz | 261g
• With Guy Lines: 0.69 lbs| 11 oz | 312g

<b>Packed Size:</b> 7.5″ x 5″ x 3.5″ | 19.1 x 12.7 x 8.9cm

<b>Area:</b> 68 sq ft.

<b>Material:</b> DCF8 Cuben Fiber

<b>Dimensions:</b>

• Length: 8′ 6″ | 102″ | 259.1cm
• Front Width: 8′ 6″ | 102″ | 259.1cm
• Rear Width: 6′ 6″ | 78″ | 198.1cm

<b>Echo II Insert:</b>

<b>Weight:</b> 0.91 lbs | 14.6 oz | 414g

<b>Packed Size:</b> 7.5″ x 6.5″ x 5″ | 19.1 x 16.5 x 12.7cm

<b>Area:</b> 24 sq ft.

<b>Dimensions:</b>

• Length: 7′ 0″ | 84″ | 213.4cm
• Front Width: 4′ 4″ | 52″ | 132.1cm
• Rear Width: 3′ 9″ | 45″ | 114.3cm
• Height: 3′ 5″ | 41″ | 104.1cm

<b>Materials:</b>

• Mesh: No-See-Um Mesh
• Side and Foot panels: DCF8 Cuben Fiber
• Bathtub Floor: DCF11 Cuben Fiber

<b>Compatibility:</b> Echo II Tarp, Echo II Beak, Flat Tarps

<b>Echo II Beak:</b>

<b>Weight:</b> 0.27 lbs | 4.6 oz | 122g

<b>Packed Size:</b> 5.5″ x 4″ x 3″ | 14 x 10.2 x 7.6cm

<b>Dimensions:</b>

• Length: 4′ 3″ | 51″ | 129.5cm
• Width: 4′ 3″ | 51″ | 129.5cm
• Hypotenuse: 4′ 4″ | 52″ | 132.1cm

<b>Material:</b> DCF8 Cuben Fiber

<b>Compatibility:</b> Echo II Tarp Only