Has anyone had any experience with a GG spinntwinn with a ray-way net tent?

I was going to purchase a TT squall 2 for my upcoming PCT thru-hike with my partner.

I was looking for something a little lighter, and I would love to use a two person tarp. I enjoy having the ability to be creative with my pitches.

Unfortunately I can't seem to get comfortable with my TG bivy with the full headnet sewed on. It's just not enough space for a long distance hike.

That being said; I've been looking for a light two person net-tent. The ray-way net tent seems to be the best option for weight that I have come across so far.

Are there any better options for a net tent OR a tarp for this specific situation?

Any advice?

Thanks,
Blair

I use a similar set up for solo use with a Gossamer Gear SpinnShelter and Alpinlite Bug Shelter 1.25. With stakes it weighs in under 23 ounces.

Contact Gen at Alpinlite Gear. He has 2 person net tents for use under tarps (and tarps as well). He has also done some custom work in the past when he has time. Also you could always see what MLD would charge for a 2 person net tent.

Could you also think about just using DEET instead of the head net? If your bivy is protecting the rest of your body, putting DEET onto a lightweight hat and onto your shirt collar / bandana (or maybe having a specific DEET bandana in your sleep system) might give you a lightweight option (you'll need a supply / resupply plan for your DEET, of course) which would also be multi-use, since you could keep the same bandana/hat/collar combo for daytime use?

Just a thought... good luck!

Edited by james@patsalides.com on 12/09/2009 14:02:25 MST.

>Could you also think about just using DEET instead of the head net?

I'd really advise against this on a thru-hike. There are going to be at least a couple of weeks out there where the mosquitoes will be fairly overwhelming, and times when the flying pests are gnats and other things that aren't affected by DEET. He could maybe get by with a head net, but he already said he felt claustrophobic in a TG bivy with the head netting sewn on.

Another possibility might be one of the oware double bivies. With your situation, though, I think it's tough to beat a tarptent for being spacious and bug-free.

I did the PCT this summer with a tarp and a homemade net tent similar to the alpinlite and MLD serenity nettent. I really love this combination for the pct. Most of the time the weather is great and I didn't need to setup up the tarp but the nettent kept the bugs off but still let me sleep under the stars.

I recommend the version with full silnylon ends. It does help keep out the few drops of rain that make it under the tarp.

I see you're going with a partner. Neither of the above have an off the shelf version of the nettent for two. You could try it yourself and the ray way design is fine. Another option is Tim at http://www.enlightenedequipment.com/ who does custom work.

i dont have any personal experience with this tent, but i'd check out the TarpTent Double Rainbow. Its plenty spacious for two, would protect you from the bugs and could be used in Wash when youll encounter wetter, colder weather.

Since there are two of you what about taking a different tact and looking at something like a SMD Lunar Duo? its already bug proof, spacious enough for two, and still has a shared weight of about 20-23 oz with stakes per person?

I asked Ron at MLD a short while back about a 2 person net tent and he said it would be available by the spring.

thanks,
i'll have to ask him about it.
Did he mention any specs?