Topic
Zpacks quietly released a new Altaplex Tarp last fall.
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Home › Forums › Gear Forums › Gear (General) › Zpacks quietly released a new Altaplex Tarp last fall.
- This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 3 months ago by YoPrawn.
-
AuthorPosts
-
Jan 15, 2022 at 3:56 pm #3737080
I got mine in 0.75 DCF with a bathtub floor, and a trekking pole jack. Total weight of tarp, jack, bathtub, and stuff sack is 14.5 ounces. (minus stakes)
pics of mine on the first setup in the front yard last year. Since there is no floor or bug net, setting the trekking pole way out at an angle increases the living space by up to a foot, width wise. Plenty of room for solo trekkers.
I also have a regular Altaplex, but since the floor is permanently attached, it has limited use in deep snow. I got the Altaplex tarp in 0.75 as a 100% winter-condition only shelter. It works brilliantly as an “igloo-cap” in deeper snow. Set it up flush with the snow, even dug in a little, and you only have to dig down a foot in the snow to equal the living space of a regular, high-pitched Altaplex. Dig down more for as much room as one desires, if the snow pack is deep enough.
The reason I went with this tarp is because I wanted it for doing winter snow treks into the Olympic mountains. Usually my approach is in the rainforest, in predictable rain. I might sleep one night down low before finally getting higher up into the snowpack on the following day. Then when up higher, sometimes I can expect a foot of wet snow getting piled up, thus the 0.75Â DCF instead of the 0.55. So far, this is one of the lightest tarps I can find that’s just tough and large enough for me to use it in the snow. The only possible weak link in the system is the strength of the trekking pole jack, compared to the rest. If it breaks, I can easily lash on my second trekking pole for something that would be much stronger.
I’ve managed to keep my winter base weight to less than 12 lbs, and the burly, lightweight tarp really helps keep it down at that weight compared to using a true 4-season tent.
Jan 15, 2022 at 7:55 pm #3737107Thanks for the info.
Jan 20, 2022 at 5:31 pm #3737516 -
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Forum Posting
A Membership is required to post in the forums. Login or become a member to post in the member forums!
Our Community Posts are Moderated
Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting.
Get the Newsletter
Gear Research & Discovery Tools
- Browse our curated Gear Shop
- See the latest Gear Deals and Sales
- Our Recommendations
- Search for Gear on Sale with the Gear Finder
- Used Gear Swap
- Member Gear Reviews and BPL Gear Review Articles
- Browse by Gear Type or Brand.