As I continue to lighten the load for each fall, shelter can be an area to make up big weight savings. Traditionally, I have used a small, freestanding one or two man tent. There are many out there that fit the bill, and work great in various weather: MSR Carbon Reflex, Big Agnes, Hilleberg, etc. But, even for as light as they are, they are still, relatively speaking pretty heavy, clocking in over 2 or 3 pounds, or more.
Here are a couple of great options to look at, for those of you looking to knock your "shelter system" weight way down. And don't be put off by the ultralight look or design--these things have seen some serious weather, and have been on long distance trips by the likes of ultra-hiker Andrew Skurka, who did this "hike" http://andrewskurka.com/adventures/alaska-yukon-expedition/route-description/ (holy sh*t...)
Some lightweight tarp or tent options for early season backcountry hunts:
http://www.tarptent.com/contrail.html ($200, 24 oz.)
http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=47&products_id=105 ($205, 12 oz.)
http://www.kifaru.net/supertarp2009.html ($310, 16 oz.)
http://www.titaniumgoat.com/vertex5.html ($300, 240z.)
Some of these are floorless (Kifaru, Duomid) but that can be a real asset; use a small plastic ground cloth for the sleeping bag/pad, and don't worry about coming in to your shelter with wet boots, etc. Very user-friendly, but takes a bit more practice to set up the first few times. Test it out in the backyard first, and get really good at staking them out for a nice, taut pitch that will shed wind and rain.
Here are a couple of great options to look at, for those of you looking to knock your "shelter system" weight way down. And don't be put off by the ultralight look or design--these things have seen some serious weather, and have been on long distance trips by the likes of ultra-hiker Andrew Skurka, who did this "hike" http://andrewskurka.com/adventures/alaska-yukon-expedition/route-description/ (holy sh*t...)
Some lightweight tarp or tent options for early season backcountry hunts:
http://www.tarptent.com/contrail.html ($200, 24 oz.)
http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=47&products_id=105 ($205, 12 oz.)
http://www.kifaru.net/supertarp2009.html ($310, 16 oz.)
http://www.titaniumgoat.com/vertex5.html ($300, 240z.)
Some of these are floorless (Kifaru, Duomid) but that can be a real asset; use a small plastic ground cloth for the sleeping bag/pad, and don't worry about coming in to your shelter with wet boots, etc. Very user-friendly, but takes a bit more practice to set up the first few times. Test it out in the backyard first, and get really good at staking them out for a nice, taut pitch that will shed wind and rain.
