Western Arthurs Traverse - Tarp Moment DW?

[JohnR]

Hi all

Just seeking some advice from those in the know in Tassie.

Would a Tarp Moment DW (with solid inner) do the job for a solo summer (late January) traverse of the Western Arthurs? I would probably use the crossing pole set up.

I have the Nammatj but would prefer to carry something lighter and more compact.

Happy to take any advice as to other options.

Cheers,
JohnR

[stepbystep]

Yes. But...

Most of the campsites are pretty sheltered but High Moor in foul weather could shred it...I guy tried to traverse using a tarp a cpl years ago and came unstuck. Try and avoid HM if it gets ugly and you will be fine.

[DaveNoble]

There is actually one sheltered campsite (not on the platforms, on the other side of the moor) at High Moor, although it is not as sheltered as it used to be. I did a partial traverse of the Western Arthurs (A - K) using just a fly. This was before tent platforms - and I camped at Square Lake (very sheltered spot amongst boulders) and at Haven Lake (sheltered spot in forest near the lake outlet) - bypassing High Moor as a campsite. I would think a tarp tent may be OK on most of the platforms except when the weather gets really bad..... (which does tend to happen)

Dave

[Osik]

I've a TT Moment, however I took my Shangri-la 3 on the trip I did in late April with a mate across the WA's (we shared the tent). Originally I had planned to walk solo and had considered taking the Moment (with crossing poles). However as others have alluded High Moor in foul weather is pretty rough and it was for us. I have never heard the sound of freight trains coming up a valley and smashing a tent like I did that night. While I've camped in the Moment in bad weather I was very grateful not to be in it that night. Even with crossing poles and extra guy attachments I have no doubt it would have been destroyed.

That said, you're may be treated to great weather but as I've learnt, the weather in the SW even in January can get real ugly real quick and while I still take the Moment on trips down here, I simply wouldn't take the chance on a multi-day walk as exposed as the WA's unless I had a bivvy bag as part of my set-up. Then again, as Dave stated, you could always try to avoid the more exposed spots and you may be fine.

[JohnR]

Thanks guys.

From those very helpful comments I'm thinking the Nammatj is the go. Sounds like it's worth lugging around the extra kilo, as intending to overnight at HM.

Survival bag probably a must for any solo traverse regardless of what tent you are carrying.

[kahtadin]

Used a Contrail & Double Rainbow all over Tas several (5!) years ago including the DR in the Western and Eastern Arthurs. Survived three blizzards (not sure if that's an Aussie term, but here in the US it's gale force+ winds with snow), including one especially memorable one where, returning from Federation Peak, I tucked into the little campsite at the top of Luckmans in 25+C temps because I couldn't face the March Flies down at Pass Creek only to have all hell break loose overnight with monumental thunderstorms, plunging temps and snow. Below 0C the next morning and the Arthur Plains one big lake! Took four days (and a near drowning in Strike Creek) before arriving back at Scotts, and I'll never forget the sight of somebody's tent 5M (conservative estimate) up a tree at Seven Mile Creek...

Have used the Scarp 1 and Moment (not DW) here in the US under similar conditions without major issues. That Scarp 1 w/crossing poles stands up to elements like a brick outhouse.

[JohnR]

Probably should start a new thread for this, but if pack hauling is needed on a WA traverse would you get away with a 10 metre rope or should I carry 20m?

Cheers,
JohnR

[icefest]

Depends on how much you want to haul.

10 is fine if you are OK climbing down Capricorn with a pack. If you want to haul that bit, some extra is nice.

I won't be hauling next time but will still take at least 10m, to use as clothesline.

[DaveNoble]

Probably should start a new thread for this, but if pack hauling is needed on a WA traverse would you get away with a 10 metre rope or should I carry 20m?

Cheers,
JohnR

Pack hauling is not needed on the Western Arthurs. If you are a capable scrambler and don't mind a bit of exposure, and if your pack is not too heavy - then you should not need to pack haul at all. Some parties, or people may prefer to use a rope or tape to lower or raise their packs in a few places - and in many of these, if you are not walking solo - then you could probably just pass your pack.

The Arthurs (Western and Eastern) is a great place for those who can scramble OK with their packs, and I would think it could be a very slow and dangerous place to get through for those who can't. I would put down being able to scramble OK as a prerequisite for enjoying the range.

Dave

[JohnR]

Thanks Dave.

As to scrambling ability, we actually pack hauled ascending the Notch on the Mt Anne circuit (although it was marginal as to whether we needed to).

I am intending on doing the WAs solo so no passing of packs.

Given your observation of "a bit of exposure" I suppose if I were to take a rope 10m would be long enough?

Cheers,
JohnR

[DaveNoble]

I think the Notch may be harder than anything in the Western Arthurs (But there are a LOT more scrambles in the W Arthurs). Personally, I think the trickiest bit in the W Arthurs is early on in the ascent of the Pegasus (and it is harder if going the other way - downhill). You will more than likely have to take your pack off and pass it up a "tunnel" section on the Pegasus (it is hard to fit through with a pack). You don't need a rope to do this.

Dave

[JohnR]

Okay thanks Dave and Icefest.

Will take 20m and hopefully will not need to use it. Will also take extra care up Pegasus and down Capricorn.

Given all the travel related accolades Tassie is getting in the media lately, I may be climbing over people rather than rocks!

Cheers,
John