Tent question

[natek24]

I am going on my first elk hunt this fall. It will be a rifle hunt in Colorado at the end of October. We will be hiking in and hunting around 10,000 feet. I have big agnes fly creek ul2 tent. My question is, should I bring a tarp to set up over the tent to help keep snow off of it? Or if I just set up under some trees will I be ok? Also, if you think I should bring the extra tarp what kind do you recommend? Don't want to take the extra weight if I don't need to.

Thanks for any and all replies in advance.

 

[lunkerjunker]

That tent should do fine on it's own. But a tarp is nice to string up as a shelter for camp. If it's snowing or raining it's nice to have a place to sit besides in the tent.

 

[6by6]

i agree the tent should be fine but setting up in the timber is a good idea, not only for the snow but consider the strong north winds also. a tarp for a vestibule or eating area is priceless. it will help keep your tent cleaner also, especially as the snows begin to melt.

 

[Whiterock]

I have tent canped in Colorado several times and I found a plastic tarp over ther tent is the way to go.The snow brush's off the plastic very easy and the moisture seems to stay out better.You would not catch me camping in a tent in hunting season without a tarp over it .
Also a tarp set up for a setting and eating area is always good too.

 

[natek24]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I will be bringing a tarp with me. Any recommendations? Is a 10 x 12 a good size or is that too big?

 

[llamapacker]

Nate,

I also have a Flycreek UL2 and will use it extensively for backcountry hunts this fall. However, if I was camping near my truck, or packing in with horses, I would use a much bigger, 4 season tent like my Cabelas Alaska Guide tent. An entirely different experience.

So back to your question. If packing in, then I wouldn't take an extra tarp. I don't want the weight. If the weather forecast was awful, I might consider throwing in some extra Tyvek to use as a windscreen shelter for eating outside. It weighs much less than most "blue" tarps, and works very well.

If weight isn't an issue, than my all means bring a tarp. Matter of fact, bring a couple. They are very useful in making the camp more pleasant.

Bill