Im on a weight cutting binge as I have discovered a couple spots that are close to 20 miles into the back country which I would like to visit more, and 20 miles is much more pleasant with a 25lb pack vs 35. One area I am considering for weight savings is ditching my tarp, a Hammock Gear Journey/630g, when its dry which is 99% of the year here in SoCal. As you can see with the options below, I can save 400-500g for less than $100 shipped which is pretty cheap.
The inland semi-arid mountains are often 30-50° at night, with varying wind from dead calm to 25+mph.
My main goal from this piece is to block the wind as a top cover and replace my tarp and bugnet in the cool seasons. A secondary goal would be to supplement/replace my UQP on windy nights, which a sock would do but a cover wouldn't. If I go with a cover only I can bring a UQP as needed.
Im considering 5 options for my Dutch Chameleon
1 - 215g / $75 Sym Top Cover with Zipper (Moonlight/adjustible vent size) - Im leaning towards this as my first choice. I like that I can completely close myself in when a very strong wind is blowing. Heavy enough that this + a 6oz UQP is less of a benefit compared to the Journey, but I guess I have used the Journey+UQP so its still a 400g improvement at worst.
2 - 150g / $60 Sym Top Cover with No Zipper (Fixed Vent size, large) - Weight savings are tempting, but leaves no way to reduce airflow in windy conditions. Large vent size
3 - 135g / $55 Asym Top Cover, Solid, Fixed Vent medium size - Best weight, probably my #2 pick. Its light enough that I could still easily justify bringing the UQP when needed.
4 - 285g / $60 Argon Sock No zipper - how does it close with no zipper? weight savings are tempting.
5 - 355g / $70 Argon Sock With zipper - works as a UQP and top cover. Not as good of a seal as a zipped Cover. No way to cover vent. Appears loose on bottom so UQP properties may be limited
So my questions -
1. Im most drawn to either #1, 3, or 5. Which would you pick and why?
2. Would you say a Top cover/Sock + UQP is about as warm as being in a tarp with doors/no UQP?
3. How do you enter/exist the Zipperless Sock?
4. I normally sleep with a Tarp when weight is not a concern and have only started sleeping without one. Is there anything else I should consider by not having a tarp in dry conditions?
Thanks!
Links for easy reference
https://dutchwaregear.com/product/vented-winter-sock/
https://dutchwaregear.com/product/ch...r-solid-color/
https://dutchwaregear.com/product/chameleon-top-cover/
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