Bigger tent or small light + rainproof cover sheet?

[Sphinx]

Hi all! Just completed the Overland track )) and ready for the south coast track in few days!!!

Sooo.. I was wondering.. I do have a very light tent: ferrino lightent 1 for 1 person. Very light (1.5 k) waterproof top, but very very tiny: can fit myself only, not the big backpack i will carry with me. And pretty much unconfortable if i want to spend a raining day in there, neither cooking indside.

So, i was thinking:
1) new bigger tent, in which i maybe can comfortly stand on my knees and having a "good time" inside it
2) i found a 2x3 meters rainproof sheet , very good quality but heavy as well (800 grams)(and a hundred dollars..). I could use it above my tent to give more protection and havin a bit of veranda in which i can stand and cook even if raining, and , most of all, setting up my tent underneath it if raining, so i don' have to pitch it directly in the rain...

What do u suggest? The versatility of the second option is good, but i don'tknow if ... ?!
Just want to know your personal experiencesand suggestions

thanx a lot as usual!!
Cheers
Luca

[Liamy77]

Hi Luca!
I have used a Tarptent Moment (with inner liner and extra pole) =just about 1kg
plus a silnylon tarp with built-in guy lines&clothesline(800g) 3x2meters near Pelverata falls in the huon valley.... under 2kg total it was in a sheltered spot otherwise can be a little draughty.(but your tent may not have the draught issue)
i like it as the tarp can make a great shelter for cooking etc and keeps the tent drier as you get a dry access area....can also use it to "join" to another tent as a verandah space permitting.... bit more fiddley to set up though and the moment can get the odd draught getting in at floor level at times so i would prefer to go for a Hilleberg nallo 2 or 3 (not the GT) if the budget can cope with a $600-700 outlay.... which i don't have spare atm...

i have also used just the tarp and bivvy and occasionally a hammock but you need to be aware you are limited by anchor points- and Gum trees can drop branches occasionally especially in a strong wind.
i don't bother using it as a shelter to set up the other tent under as youre usually soaked by the time one is set up anyway and with a single pitch tent it makes little difference imho.
Cheers Liam G.

i got my tarp for $60 from an army surplas shop in southern Western Australia so you may get one cheaper than $100.... can get a bit of chocky n bourbon with your change then?!

It can get windy and stormy on the SCT if the weather comes in from the south (not much there to block the weather from Antarctica)i have had nearly horizontal hail at Precipitous bluff before for eg. after getting sunburnt the same morning