Tents Vs. Tarps

Yesterday I told you about my quest for a new shelter. On my last trip I had the priviledge of seeing the ill effects of weather on tarp users. We backpacked into Ridge Lake on Labor Day weekend.

In the afternoon a larger group came in and setup camp over by Gravel Lake. I noticed that part of the group pitched a large maroon colored tarp in a stand of trees. I wasn’t sure if that was for their kitchen or what. It turned out part of the group was using it for their shelter.

That night it poured rain, also sleeted and there was ice on the outside of the fly when we woke up, not to mention the wind. It rained all morning as well until about 11:30am. We took off for a hike and happened by the group with the tarp. I asked a gal outside how they faired in the weather. She was said the ones in the tent stayed pretty dry, but the folks in the tarp got drenched.

I’m so glad I got the tent. I do want to try a Hennessy Hammock though. Hopefully in the future.

S