Depending upon the terrain and season, a tent could be vital or it could be dead, unnecessary weight. A well pitched tarp in a favorable location can provide better shelter than a tent erected in a cold air drainage or exposed to the elements.

Some of my most outstanding nights have been spent in natural rock shelters, no tent or tarp at all, superbly protected from the elements.

A decent one man tent is likely to weigh about three pounds, although lighter rigs are available. What percentage of your total weight does that represent and how much weight are you planning to carry?

I firmly believe that lighter is better,especially if you are walking...