Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Going Tentless

I noticed in Laura's Forester Pass TR last week that she was going tentless, Bubb's creekside, no less. Laura, how do the mossies feel about this? Anyone else prefer the open air?

Columbo
A net hat works just as well sleeping as it does hiking.
Especially the ones with a wire ring inside to keep it expanded.
Much lighter than a tent. Add 2 bottles of DEET 100% and I'm set.

I take a poncho for rain protection during hikes and it makes an ok
shelter with rope and trekking poles at night.

Dual use gear has always seemed the way to go when possible.

You know, when I had that conversation with their supreme leader a few weeks ago, he and his advisors condoned my passage through their land as long as I promised to leave a separate pint of blood under that same tree...

Frankly, I got lucky that weekend that the Scourge of the Sierra hadn't quite figured out their lot in life quite yet. On both the Baxter Pass and Uni-Shepherd Pass trips I had my DEET (100%) but never used it.

However, now that the mossies are out in force, I'll be sure to take a tent on overnights (none planned until after mid-August anyway). I have a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL2 that essentially all mesh, so if I leave the fly off the bugs stay out and I can still look at the stars.

I love sleeping out, though. And with the weather in the spring shoulder season in the Sierra (mostly), I can be spoiled into not bringing a tent.

-L

lacrosse
Yes, the birdcage! I've eyed them at A-16, but to sleep in one, perchance to sleep ...?

Laura,
Thanks for the shoulder-season tip! I always assumed everybody was up and irritable at first melt. Nice tent — SL2, for one.

Sleep will come quickly no matter the net hat, or the huge pasta meal you've consumed. For those worried about bears sneaking in for a 3am assault on your face, self fulfilling prophesies usually come true

OK no. Not really...