Hot take: Skipping the tent on mountain routes is asking for trouble

Lots of hikers go ultra-light, but sudden weather shifts are no joke. Being without a safe spot to sleep can turn a trip into a survival situation.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_hayden1mo ago

You ever try going without a tent to save weight? I used to do that all the time, thought I was being smart. Then I got stuck in a freak snowstorm last spring, no warning. I had to spend hours in a bivy sack just trying to stay warm, totally miserable. That one night changed my whole view on cutting corners. Now I always carry a real shelter, because weather doesn't care about your pack weight.

robinc251mo ago

I get that, but a bivy is still shelter, just not for every condition. Maybe it's about picking the right gear for the forecast instead.

joelgrant1mo ago

Remember the time my tarp blew away?