Equipment
Tarp Test
After making a few successful backyard tarp tests, one in a moderate rainfall, I decided on a more ambitious test. There is a large regional park not far from my house. Camping isn’t allowed, but I creatively rationalized that I was just making a one night gear test. It was raining lightly as I set up my tarp near the top of a high hill. I carefully set my pegs and used the same lean-to pitch that had worked so well in the backyard. I positioned the tarp to shed the light wind. After having dinner, and doing some camp chores, it was getting dark, so I pulled out my bag, and snuggled in for what I expected would be a pleasant evening.
About 2 a.m., I awoke to a ferocious storm. The wind was really up, and my tarp was straining. A peg came out, and I got out of the bag and repositioned it. Somewhat wet, I got back into my synthetic bag. The wind got worse, and I spent the next two hours trying to hold it all together. Sleep was impossible. Finally, about 4 a.m., the wind began switching around, and a huge gust hit the open side of my lean-to and lifted it like a sail. All the pegs came out, and I had to strain to hold onto the tarp. I was soon soaked, and there was no option other than breaking camp. Wet and tired, I hiked back down the hill and walked the half-mile to my house.
While this test was a “failure,” I learned some valuable lessons. First, it’s wise to carefully select a site for your tarp. Choose one that’s protected from the elements as much as possible, but not in a spot that could get heavy run-off. Second, if there’s even a chance of rain, use an A-pitch, not a lean-to style. Tests are invaluable. A little discomfort, close to home, is much better than a serious issue in the middle of the JMT.
There are many sites that carry good gear lists—just do a google search. Here we'll just focus on some of the main items, but won’t put too much emphasis on equipment. Knowledge is your most important piece of gear, and it weighs nothing.
Some campers are cautious types who want to carry gear for every possible contingency. While this may work for car camping or a weekend, it isn’t a good idea for the JMT. If your gear is too heavy, your trip won’t be fun, and you may even give up before finishing.
Reduce your pack weight as much as possible! It’s easier on your back, and much easier on your legs and feet. You need to carry enough food to make it between resupply points, and it’s unwise to reduce your calorie intake to save pack weight.
The heaviest items you carry are likely to be your shelter, sleeping gear, and the pack itself. Saving weight on these three items is the most efficient way to reduce your total gear weight.
Shelter:
Full-size tents can weight six pounds or more. A couple might be able to share a single full-size tent, but if you are “just” friends, it’s close quarters for a long time. In other words, don’t try sharing a tent unless you’re really sure you can handle it. Sometimes solo hikers bring a full-size tent, because that’s what they have, that’s what they’re used to, or simply because they think it’s necessary. Other, lighter, options are a better for a single hiker.
Lightweight tents come in various configurations, and can weight four pounds or less. Many of them are solo tents, but even some of the lighter, so-called two person tents are really only suitable for one person plus gear. This category usually has a waterproof rain-fly, a tub floor and a mosquito mesh inner tent.
The tarp-tent made by Henry Shires can be pitched normally like the back one or partially open like the front one.
An even lighter option is the “tarp-tent” shown above. These are generally single-walled tents, often without a floor, but with mosquito netting sewn around the bottom of the wall and at the front. These weight about 20-30 ounces. We used tents of this type—the Tarptent made by Henry Shires. Hikers who carry one of these shelters, usually use a groundsheet of Tyvek or some similar material. Tarp-tents work well and provide good shelter, but require a bit of extra attention to use.
Another very light option is the bivvy sack. This can work well, but has some downsides. It’s more restrictive, so in bad weather, or when mosquitoes swarm, you might have problems. Some people who master the use of bivvies swear by them, however. The hammock-tent is also a good option for those who master its use. Bivvies and hammock-tents are definitely not for everybody though, so if you decide to try one of these options, be sure to try it out on a few test hikes first.
One of the lightest and best options, is also one of the oldest—the tarp! New materials, like sil-nylon make very light tarps possible. Campmor sells a 10x12 sil-nylon tarp for about $85. It weights 19 ounces. Add in some aluminum or titanium stakes, and some nylon cord and your shelter weight is still very light. You may also need insect protection, but there are several options for this. Tarps can be pitched in a variety of ways. Check out Sgt. Rock’s site to see some of these. The very lightest shelters are combo poncho-tarps from makers like Six Moon Designs or Equinox. Tarps can work very well in bad weather, but choose your campsite carefully if you expect rain. See the side story, if you doubt this.
Generally, lighter options, like bivvies, hammock-tents and tarps require practice to make them work well. It is well worth the effort, though, and will save a great deal of weight. For additional info about shelters, see Mark Verber’s site.
As a practical matter, most nights on the JMT will be clear, so often it won’t even be necessary to pitch your shelter. If you go during late summer, mosquitoes may not be a problem either. Sleeping under the stars is a great way to end the day’s hike.
Sleeping gear and Packs