My 2017 Northbound Thru-Hike Plans--such as they are...

[Miguelon]

The AT never gets dry enough that I would want to be without a proper shelter. The humidity insures that "cowboy camping" will leave you wet in the morning. Please carry your tarp the whole way for safety.

I am thinking to start with 2 tarps. One is a 9x9 the other is a Poncho tarp. In the summer, if the weather were to be good I'd send the 9x9 forward. If I did this I would still have the Poncho tarp. Isn't cowboy camping, not using any tarp at all?

Miguelon

[fastfoxengineering]

I am thinking to start with 2 tarps. One is a 9x9 the other is a Poncho tarp. In the summer, if the weather were to be good I'd send the 9x9 forward. If I did this I would still have the Poncho tarp. Isn't cowboy camping, not using any tarp at all?

Miguelon

The weather is never good and consistent on the AT. I'd send the poncho forward before the 9x9. People always say well when the weather gets bad I'll just head for a shelter. Well, that's what everyone else is thinking too. It would stink to get to a full shelter and have to brave out a nasty rainstorm on the AT under a poncho tarp.

If your trying to save weight by carrying a tarp. Your tarp and ponch probably weigh more than a tarptent. Which, would serve you much better on the Appalchian Trail and really simplify your kit. Maybe sell your items here on whiteblaze and look for a secondhand tarptent in the for sale section. Some good deals to be had.