Tent or Bivy?

Joe,<br><br>Regarding the size on the Silshelter, I can easily fit my hulking 6-foot frame under it. I've had mine for about 3-4 years, and I like it more every time I take it out. In ultra-low-profile mode it even fit the Casshole and I fully laid out while shedding a nasty wind at Ice Lakes. True, it was uncomfortable and condensation rained like a Seattle afternoon, but still...<br><br>To follow-up on Kam's comment, I would add that Wee-pay also has a lightweight backcountry 2-hoop waterbed he occasionally brings out. That's livin' there, Sir.

Another vote for the SilShelter.<br><br>It's been a good solo shelter for me, It's kept me dry in a number of windy rainstorms. Proper setup is important in foul weather. (Entrance downwind, upwind side flush to the ground)<br><br>I've experience considerable condensation -- but that was on crystal clear, windless fall nights. <br><br>I think it would be a bit tight with two in bad weather -- Probably OK for a couple. <br><br>I did run into an OMC who was using theirs on a through hike of the PCT (Mexico-&gt;Canada). To deal will the bug issue they had sewn a swath of netting along the bottom edge of theirs.

Hummm... OMC ?? ???<br>"Old Mexican Couple"? (meaning, of course, that from Mexico to Washington would be a long walk and... well, ah, never mind, forget it.)<br> <br>Joe - you certainly came up with a question that generated some great contributions... <br>Nice Thread!!!

Sorry -- OMC = Old Married Couple

Hey Joe isn't tent shopping fun . Ron and I have the Bibler Eldorado, two door, no waiting tent . He carries the tent, I carry the stove and fuel. Next time we're out I've got a couple of fun stories I can share with ya . We always keep a small sponge inside just in case we need to wipe up any snow melt or moisture. Anyway lot more new technology and choices, good luck.

My intent for overnights is to avoid horrid weather, and therefore I pack just a thermarest pad (have my eyes on the new lighter ones) and carry my down jacket (Feathered Friends, forget the model, but it is the lightest one that uses baffled construction) that is made with a very water resistant lightweight fabric and added a hood. I also carry a 1+lb. down 1/2 bag (also Feathered Friends, same material, very lofty down) that has no zipper, but is long enough to pull up quite far and wide enough to not impact the loft of the jacket. This is all I need if no more than a light sprinkle is expected. Light snow is no matter. If the precip is more than that I pull out the tarp. Not great, but hell I will get through the night. Nothing beats sleeping, breathing cool fresh open air and not stairing at a nylon sky. Stars, northern lights and noctiluscent clouds are great at high altitude. Also, the small self lighting stove is a great confort.<br><br>But for me this is fair weather intentions, with some backup for late spring summer skiing, which over the last few years have been solo. I carry this stuff with me even on day trips for preparedness in case I am forced to stay out. With only one other partner, I would bring a tent, but only use it if necessary.<br><br>With my eight year old, I carry my MegaMid. Very roomy, for everything. Never worry about wet (ie. weighty) nylon floors, to dry. And bugs just ain't smart enough to get in, at least the mosquito types. In warm weather without bugs, I like raising the tent to leave a gap.