Regarding pack down size of CF and silnylon: Here's a side by side comparison of my 11 foot HG standard with doors and my 11 SLD Trail Haven (sil and no doors). These are just packed loose and its pretty close. I found I can get a tighter pack with my CF tarp when I didn't use the CF snakeskin. There's also a 5 oz difference in weight (using stuff sack) with the two different tarps. (Beer is ROAK Brewing Co devil dog French toast oatmeal stout...if you can find it, but it. Tastes just like what is says.)
CF took some getting used too in those first few rains, but after awhile, I found it kind of relaxing. Expensive, yes, but I look at it this way: as I get older, anything I can do to shave some weight and make my trip more enjoyable is well worth it.
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