Winter hike without winter tarp - worried

[Hooch]

Big tarp, lots of coverage like the JRB 10x11, SWT, Warbonnet Big Mambajama, etc.

[Just Jeff]

I've gone on several winter trips w/o a "winter tarp." The MacCat Standard has gotten me thru a lot...the only question was dry snow coming under my tarp, floating up, and settling on my insulation. You can manage that with the MacCat Deluxe and a Dri Ducks poncho.

I'd def. want more then a NS on bottom if I were going into the low 30s. If you have the Yeti, I'd put it outside the NS...putting it between the NS and hammock will create an air gap under your legs, which means your legs will be cold.

Good advice above on site selection.

I'd at least have a torso sized sit pad as backup...use that to supplement for warmth as well.

[Gailainne]

You saw my winter tarp (Warbonnet Superfly) at the Loch Sween meet Shewie.

From last New Year

Sides pulled out to give more room inside, and the doors closed.

[ikemouser]

Err ... what's a winter tarp folks

Sorry

Winter tarps are generally larger than regular tarps, because they have doors on the ends that can be closed to keep out wind blown precipitation. They are generally heavier, and as a result most distinguish between winter and summer tarps because of these differences.

[ikemouser]

Doors are great if you have them, but totally not nesessary. As others have metioned, it's all about site selection and how you orient your tarp and hammock in relation to the direction the wind is blowing. Enjoy your hike and we'll be looking forward a trip report and pics when you get back. You know we're all trip report junkies around here.

I will, and looking forward to getting some great shots from the BSF for everybody, and of course reporting on the gear and how it's holding up and problems/issues that may arise.

[Cannibal]

You'll be fine. Winter tarps are nothing but a luxury that costs you a few ounces. I'm not going to willingly give mine up, but I'd still winter camp if I didn't have one. Just have to spend a little more time finding the right site, that's it.

Have fun out there!

[hangnout]

You will be ok. I have hiked that area several times in the winter without oversize tarps. It is easy to find a site that is protected on most of the trails. Take a couple extra large trash bags to use as endcaps. Cheap and multi-use. Just punch a hole in one corner to run suspension line thru and pull over hammock end. I would only do this if it is one of those long winter rains with changing winds.

[PuckerFactor]

Last backpacking trip I did, It was gusting 30 mph winds most of the night, and got down into the mid 30s. I used my 8x10 with tieouts 2.5' in on the long ends (pics in my gallery) and just folded the ends in for doors. It was kinda small, but it worked quite well for being a "summer" tarp.

Acer

[Doctari]

Like Cannibal says, doors / winter tarp is a luxury, I also am not likely to give mine up, but it isn't really, really necessary!
If worried, get one of these & be happy: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=12730

In the long run, site selection will make you happier, keep you warmer & drier. I weathered my worst T-storm not because my tarp was so stellar, but because I had a GREAT site. I was on a old logging road & was well protected from the West by a steep hill, from the East by tall thick trees & North / South by my "Neo tarp". Doors were not needed.

[DuctTape]

I did -11*F with an 8x10 tarp set up as a bakers hut to block the 20mph wind off the reservoir. So to answer your question, no you do not need a winter tarp, or doors, etc...