Shelters I Used on the PCT

Zpacks Tarp

Weight: 5.1 oz

Cost: $299

I wanted to go as light as I could in Southern California, so I cowboy camped every night besides about four nights where I either needed shelter from rain or some protection from wind. I’m a big fan of tarp camping because the shelter is so light and you can almost forget it’s in your pack. Made out of Dyneema, this tarp only weighs 5 oz and packs down to about the size of a soda can. When I want to travel light and fast, this is my go-to shelter.

Hyperlight Mountain Gear Unbound 2P

Weight: 24 oz

Cost: $699

At Kennedy Meadows, before entering the Sierra, I switched from my tarp to this two-person tent. Going from primarily cowboy camping to this tent, it felt like I was in a palace. I could stretch out, change clothes without everyone seeing everything. As much as I love tarps, I felt spoiled having a tent. I liked having the two-person tent so I can spread out all my gear on one side of the tent and sleep on the other. I did buy this tent before they released their one-person tent, which I would have purchased to save some weight.

I’ve been impressed by the quality and durability of this tent. I know zippers add weight, but if I’m going to use a tent, I want zippers. I just don’t trust overlapping fabric to protect from hard rain or wind.

The main issue switching from a tarp to a large tent is the packed size and weight. You have to choose between the luxury of a shelter with bug netting, walls and a floor or a small footprint in your pack that weighs almost nothing.

Six Moon Designs Deschutes Tarp with No See Um Skirt

Weight: 13 oz

Cost: $200

After completing Washington, I decided to switch to the Six Moons Designs Deschutes Tarp to cut down on my weight. Because of the mosquitos in the Pacific Northwest, I needed some bug protection, and the Descutes tarp is a tarp with a bug net skirt. The tarp feels almost more like a one-person floorless tent than a traditional tarp. With no bells and whistles, this ultralight tarp gets the job done and protects me from bugs. At only 13 ounces, switching to this shelter dropped my pack weight and packs down much smaller than the HMG tent. If I want to travel light and fast through bugs, this is my go-to shelter. I do wish they would make this in Dyneema, but I know Six Moon Designs focuses on affordable gear, which I respect as a mission.