View Full Version : Tent Question
Hi,
So I have a quick question about my tent. I doing the JMT July 24 and was wondering if I should bring my tent. I am a type of person that really likes sleeping in a tent and would much rather have it.
My problem is I only have a two person REI half dome tent and I am doing this trip solo. I dont really want to go out and buy a one person tent. Do you think it is stupid to haul this tent around? What do you guys think. All comments are appreciated. I like being enclosed when I sleep, keep the bugs away and just more comfortable that way.
Thanks for the advice in advance
If buying a solo shelter is not an option then you should carry your tent.
Mountain Wildman
06-18-2010, 16:25
I am with you on using a tent, I think if you could end up having a horrible time without it, bring it, you can always send it home, If you can afford it, buy a lighter tent. Watch Whiteblaze for deals, check the forum "Selling Used Gear"
Also, try sleeping outside without it, in your yard or on your porch if you don't have a yard. Use the same stuff you'll be bringing on the hike if you don't use your tent, If you don't like it at home you probably will like it less on your hike.
garlic08
06-18-2010, 18:19
If you can scrape up $199, look at a Tarptent Contrail, http://www.tarptent.com/productsheets/CONTRAIL.pdf. It's a great shelter for JMT conditions. Not sure what mosquitoes are like in July, but in early June they were pretty thick.
go with what you got. The REI half dome looks like a good tent. A lot of people use it. Maybe a little heavy at 6 pounds.
Panzer
SMD Wild Oasis along the JMT:
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2519448020045831896FVfORG
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2471313700045831896aLzYNY
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2154690990045831896XosNOD
Take a tent or some shelter. Shelter provides not only wind and rain and bug protection, but warmth as well. Why take the risk?
Helmuth.Fishmonger
06-21-2010, 11:46
Tent is something I would not leave behind, mostly because of the blood suckers buzzing around in some areas that time of year. Our tent also probably saved my kids from hypothermia in a huge storm in '08 - scary stuff that without that little shelter set up right on the switchbacks below Donohue Pass could have turned real ugly.
boarstone
07-23-2010, 18:21
Check out overstock.com under tents. I got a solo, under 3lbs. an Alps mountaineering and I love mine. Used it when I went to AZ to hike in the Tonto Nat'l Forest in the desert just outside of Cave Creek area.
johnnybgood
07-23-2010, 18:50
Try taking the tent back to REI for an exchange .Not sure what condition your tent is in and when purchased but they do have a fairly liberal exchange policy.
Exchange tent for a Quarter Dome.
The Quarter Dome is tight but is a sub 3 pounder and is perfect for solo hikers under 6' tall and of small/medium build.