After considering the choices, I believe any one of them would be fine for most hikers. Or even two of them:

Both the Mountain Laurel Designs Silnylon Pro and the GoLite Ultralite had good reviews. I'd narrowed my decision to either GoLite or MLD. The higher price for MLD compared to GoLite had given GoLite an edge. However, Phil's comments and reading Will's review inspired me to go with MLD.

The MLD will take about eight weeks. So I will go with the Golite on a couple of upcoming hikes. Often I hike with either one of my two sons depending on the destination. Therefore, both ponchos will receive plenty of wear and tear.

Thanks all for the help.

Dondo, very nice setup. How are you rigging the tieout from the hood? Are you just running a line from the drawcord on the hood?

Edited by pappekak on 08/23/2007 10:51:02 MDT.

Here's a closer look, Steve:





The hood drawstring is pulled closed and the hood is given a couple of twists. Then the hood is folded back on itself and held in place with an overhand knot. A sheet bend attaches the triptease to the drawstring loop.

BTW, nice shot of the Maroon Bells.

I've used a poncho tarp occasionally "when I didn't need it. It works well as a tarp (a little harder to pitch given non-caternary design and hood) but a little less well as rainwear--if you're on a rough trail. The poncho obscures the view of your feet and makes tripping more likely. Additionally attaching and detatching the guylines (and untangling them) is a pain in the bivy. On an easy, flat or non-rocky trail it might be fine (PCT in Oregon).

I still like the tarp (5oz homemade in Cuban), bivy (BPL Nano--also 5 oz), and rainjacket (Patagonia Specter pullover--6.5 oz) combination as the most versatile.

I've never cared for the tarp-and-bivy combination. I hike in wet, windy country and wanted more 360 degree protection. My first choice was a GoLite Hut 1 which was light and could be fully battened down in bad weather.

I wanted a lighter option and the SMD Gatewood Cape works well for me. It provides the same level of protection as the Hut1, but eliminates my 12oz rain parka, so the net weight reduction is more like 21oz (the Hut1 is 20oz).

The Gatewood makes a great day hiking emergency overnight option too, as do all the ponchos made for shelters. Add one of the Adventure Medical emegency bivy bags and you're ready for anything.

Dale, your hut 1 weighs 20 oz? Is that with stakes? Mine weighs 17 oz without stakes, bought in 2005.