Northern Territory newbie

[dianac]

Hi,
I'm a very well experienced hiker, but come from a colder clime than the Northern Territory. I'm a great believer in having the right gear and am chewing over what to take with me on the Jatbula Trail (especially as I will have flown out of New Zealand winter and take a while to acclimatise).

I’m considering buying one of these tents, which weights just 1.3kg.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Camping ... 786412.htm
At present I have a 2.2kg Northface tent, which can sleep two people, but will only be sleeping one this time as my Aussie friend likes to sleep under the stars. The problem is that I do not want to be carrying a 2.2kg in Northern Territory heat!!!
My options are:

A: to buy the tent with the link above

B: To carry my existing tent, but without the fly sheet. I.E. just the inner, which is waterproof on the ground, but I’d basically only be covered with mosquito netting.

My fear is that if I do B, I may get damp/cold in the night.

My other question is if I need a goretex? I’m assuming not - because last time I was in the NOrthern Territory (just doing day walks) it didn't rain for weeks. But I will need a jacket (perhaps my lightweight running jacket) for the evenings to keep me warm. However the latter is smaller and lighter than a raincoat.

I really am getting deep into thought about these (not quite a pickle, but a conundrum) so I’d appreciate any thoughts and opinions.
Thanks
Diana
PS: I'm aware that tents like the Hubba are better than the Luxe (which was designed by a Hong Kong Chinese cyclist). However I'm a bit of a tightwad as well. Which is the reason I haven't bought one of the Thermarest Neos yet.
PPSS: I don't have a walking pole, but have been considering buying one, so if I get the Luxe tent, I'll buy a walking pole as well.

[Franco]

Dianac
I have that tent. I know the designer and had some input into the current version.
The only reservation I would have is if you are over 180cm tall, it works best under 175cm.
You need a pole that extends to 135-140cm .
The shelter is big enough to have two inside for meals or play cards, or lay a bivvy on the other side of the pole.

As for the rain jacket I would suggest the lighter type , most likely you would sweat inside a heavier Gore Tex.
Franco

[dianac]

Hi Franco,
Thanks for the fast reply.
Re the raincoat. Is it because you think I'll be wearing it because it is raining? I had assumed not. But that I would wear in in the evening. I remember being cold a Budjamulla a couple of Septembers ago.
Thanks
Diana

[Franco]

Yes I was thinking as a raincoat in the rain. As you stated it does not rain for weeks , in fact in some areas for months, but you never know.
However I would rather have a quick drying rain resistant jacket than a heavier "waterproof" type for that up there..
For around camp warmth I would still use a light rain resistant/wind proof type jacket and have a light fleece or light jumper under.
My wife has lived in the northern parts of WA for a couple of years. (Fitzroy Crossing and Broome.)
The locals get cold at 20 c. That is cold when it is 40-45 during the day...

Franco