Hi all,
Next year I’m planning on making a thru-hike on the PCT and whilst I’m fairly happy with my gear selection, the choice of shelter is one I keep coming back to.
From what I can gather, people often choose to cowboy camp rather than set up their shelter. However, if I do so I think I’d still like some protection from bugs and dust – although I’ve never tried it before.
Essentially I can see two choices:
- Taking a light bivy for cowboy camping, along with a tarp for bad weather; or
- Going with a fully enclosed shelter and cowboy camping without the bivy
In the case of the first option I’m thinking it might work well to go with:
Hexamid Solo Plus (without bathtub) – 403g
- Protects from the rain
- Larger bug free space when needed
MLD Superlight Bivy – 140g
- Protects from bugs when cowboy camping
- Protects from dust / moisture
- Can be used as a cover alone on warmer nights
- Adds warmth on cold nights
Poncho groundsheet – 144g
- Extra layer of protection vs. spiky things when camping / cowboy camping
- Useful in bad weather under the Hexamid
- Replaces waterproof (~150g saving)
All together this comes to a reasonable 687g, or 537g net counting the dual function of the poncho. I imagine it would also be a very flexible set up.
On the other hand I wonder whether going with a more integrated shelter, such as the Duplex or Altraplex, would be a better bet. I imagine would give me:
- More secure environment in bad weather
- More internal space and privacy?
- Simple decisions when it comes to shelter set up!
Weight wise, it would be similar with the Altaplex coming in at 507g and the Duplex at 595g – although without the gain in terms of reducing the weight of my waterproof.
I guess there’s a fair bit of personal preference built into all of this, but it would be really great to get the take of those with experience of these shelters and the PCT.
Cheers, Chris
