REVIEW: Alpinlite Gear "Stratiform III" Tarp + "Bug Tent 1.

A gear review of the tarp I'll be using on my PCT thru-hike starting late April, 2011. It's dubbed the "Stratiform III" and is designed by Gen Shimizu at Alpinlite Gear. It's a catenary cut tarp design with a slight beak, which zips up with a waterproof YKK zipper. Made with silicone impregnated nylon for weather protection and durability. Lots of room underneath to sleep comfortably (AND stow your gear during bad weather!) + very easy to set up. Flexible options in set up styles as well. Set it up with or without the "Bug Tent 1.25." (A separate item, see website for pricing and details. www.alpinlitegear.com.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this tarp so far, and have been extremely impressed with both the craftsmanship, which is flawless, as well as the customer service, which has been incredible.

If only I could make videos as well as Alpinlite makes gear!! :)

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Tarps
• Tents
• Shelter
• Bugshelter
• Bugtent
• Gen
• Shimizu
• Pacific
• Crest
• Trail
• PCT
• Pacificcresttrail
• Thruhike

[TheBackpackersForum]

Good review. Hope you dont mind it being in the "shelter" playlist on TBF.

[ThruHike4Freedom]

@TheBackpackersForum Hey TBF, I'm honored you'd want to put my review up on The Backpackers Forum. I hope it is helpful! I should be doing more reviews coming up before I leave for the PCT, and some right from the PCT as well.

[trailrunner733t]

Why would you need the bug net inside the tarp? If it's raining and you need the tarp, the bugs won't be out. If it's not raining and the bugs are out, you'll need the bug net, but not the tarp. Why would you want to block your view of the sky if it's nice out?

[TheBackpackersForum]

@ThruHike4Freedom

Keep up the good work! I hope your trip goes well, and good luck with the rest of your preparations!