What do y'all think about this?

[Swiss Roll]

I am going to the High Sierra Trail in '08. I want to shave weight and bulk from my current gear, consisting of Gregory Palisade, Hubba Hubba, and Big Agnes synthetic. I was thinking about the following: Six Moons Starlyte, Montbell ULSS #1, and Tarptent Rainbow. The main thing I'm worried about is this: if the Rainbow has major condensation issues and my bag gets wet from it, will I freeze and die? Is this concern overblown, or would I be better off getting a Hubba instead? Also, will the Starlyte handle a seven day load, including a bear canister. Thanks in advance, the advice on this forum has already been most helpful.

[Appalachian Tater]

It doesn't have, your bag won't. Even if a bag gets wet, the good ones have water-resistant shells. The concerns are overblown--the Rainbow has no more condensation problems than any other shelter and maybe fewer because of the good ventilation. I have slept in mine well over 120 times and can vouch for it without reservations. For someone who wants a floor and bug (tick!) protection and so does not want to use a plain tarp, it can't be beat.

[_terrapin_]

My experience with a Tarptent Rainbow this summer says that it's not entirely free of condensation problems. The ventilation is excellent in fair weather, but not so good in the rain (when the vestibule side needs to be closed up.) The Rainbow is one pound lighter and much roomier than my 18-year old Eureka Gossamer, but it's not as dry.

[MOWGLI]

I suggest you direct your question regarding the capacity of your pack to Ron Moak. He is a member here so you can send him a PM.

I think you concerns about condensation are overblown.

Have a blast!

[MOWGLI]

Just to add, the sun in the Sierra is INTENSE. You can dry your bag and tent in the sun if it gets damp the night before. It doesn't take long at high elevation with clear skies!

[Bearpaw]

For the Sierras, I wouldn't worry at all. The low humidity makes condensation issues minimal.

Even with condensation, dutiful attention to caring for your bag and shelter will prevent most problems. During my '06 Colorado Trail thru-hike, I got caught in a freakish 12-day overcast/misty/downright-rainy-slowy mix of weather. In this setting, there was a decent amount of condensation in my Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo. I simply wiped off any noticeable condensation with my bandanna before taking down and once I put it up. No drips, nothing to threaten my down quilt. And I kept the quilt safely tucked away in the bottom of the trash compactor bag during the day.

No problems.

This summer, the JMT was unusually dry. Not once did I ever have any condensation in my Lunar Solo.

[HikeLite]

You need to get familiar with your tent before striking out on a long trip with worries of safety using it.