7 oz ponch tarp

[daddytwosticks]

Good if combined with a bivy bag, if it suits your style, and there are spruce trees to camp under.

What's up with the spruce trees? I've used a poncho tarp and a bug bivy and though I was oh so cool that I was an ultralighter just like on Backpackinglight.com. I don't think we have spruces this far south. Do I have to start carrying a damn tree to stay cool?

[MuddyWaters]

What's up with the spruce trees? I've used a poncho tarp and a bug bivy and though I was oh so cool that I was an ultralighter just like on Backpackinglight.com. I don't think we have spruces this far south. Do I have to start carrying a damn tree to stay cool?

Spruce and fir are found above maybe 4500-5000 ft. They are there. The summit of Unaka mtn is all red spruce.

[simply_light]

It is an excellent choice for rain gear. I like that it acts not only as a rain jacket for me, but doubles as a pack cover as well. As far as its sheltering possibilities, I find a lot depends on your size & comfort levels. The bigger you are, the more trouble you will have finding just the right pitch to give you the comfort level you want.

[Waterbuffalo]

I have been looking at the same for just a poncho and emergency shelter. Does it fit well as a poncho over a full pack?

[Sensei]

You might also want to look at the Six Moons Gatewood Cape. A bit more coverage in shelter mode, but it tends to be too big as rain gear for vertically challenged hikers. I have one and it works well enough, but like any poncho-tarp it is a compromise.

[J5man]

I have one of these and have used it as a tarp overy a hammock. Nice set up.

[J5man]

"over" a hammock.