Tent Vs. Tarp

[maiawildwood]

My partner and I are setting out in the spring on a trip that will take us accross Canada. We may also decide to keep going once we get to BC. We've been having a debate about what is necessary. He's thinking less is more, but I'm afraid of geting stuck and wishing we had the tent. Any thoughts? There will be a wide veriety of terrain. If we decide to go with the tarp, any tips in making this work if we get stuck in weather?

[Marmot]

What sort of tarp are you thinking?
if its what i have in mind a tent is going to be lighter and more comfortable surely?

[David]

Please note this thread, where the issue is discussed quite a bit: http://www.goxplore.net/showthread.php?t=1949

Assuming you do read the other thread, you'll see the tree/pole issue, and further that a tent is designed exactly for what you are planning to be doing, a tarp is not. To emulate the quality of the tent, you will need at least 3 tarps poles and a net. (In my experience - a fair bit with bashas - only one is fine when you don't really need a cover at all, but at least 2 are critical, really 3, in bad weather)

I don't know that much about Canada's climate, but I've seen the snow that can fall there, so I assume that even in spring it could get pretty chilly and have plenty of precipitation. Because of this you'll really need at least 3 tarps or some skill setting up and modification before you leave with 2 (this will be very uncomfortable). The climate will be a bonus with the insects however, as I don't expect you'll need a net (but as I say, this is just a guess). Then there's the rope (not especially heavy) and the pole issue dealt with above.

Because of this, I think a tent will in fact be the 'less' (in terms of weight) unless you *really* are planning on going to basics, and of course will have the 'more' in terms of features. If you still can't convince your friend to take a tent, I'll be happy to give you all the advice I can about using a tarp.
Best of luck on your trip by the way - I hope it's great!