Starting to think about the canyon, we have a permit for one year from today. It's a self-support kayak trip.
Right now my shelter thoughts are along the ultra-light backpacking line. I have a tarp that I can hang using my paddle and part of a break-down, and I'm planning on using my section of orange material (req'd by the park service for helicopter landing designator) for a ground cloth. Sleeping pad and light blanket. Will the lack of bug net be a problem? I have a bug net option thought out, but is the added weight and complexity worth it? What about stakes, do I NEED sand stakes or can I get by with the modern "standard issue" aluminum stakes (stakes are "bent" 90 deg along the long dimension, if that makes sense?)?
Never had problems with bugs on the Grand - skip the bug net. I usually bring a tent and rarely if ever use it. It will be very hot so you will likely be using your sheet and maybe even wetting it down at night. In late June you could potentially hit an early monsoon so I would be prepared for rain. The wind can be brutal so make sure your tarp set can withstand big gusts. Rocks are always available. If you are going to leave your tarp/tent unattended at all you will need to make it bomber.
I second desertrat, there are no bugs at camp to bother you. For a self support Kayak trip I would suggest a bive sack or very small one person tent. Don't get in it until it actually starts to rain. If it looks like rain set it up, but if you get in it before it rains then it will be like a sauna.
Never been on a Grand Canyon trip but on multi-days I use a Kelty Noah's Tarp 9 with 2 Kelty aluminum tarp poles. I carry sand and snow anchors which are like little nylon parachutes sold in packs of 4 and weigh an ounce each. You bury them down in the sand, snow or gravel and I have been in some sustained high winds on the beach using these anchors. Setup on a mound of high ground to stay dry from rain runoff. Nothing is worse than being stuck in a tiny tent in heat and rain.
Here's the tarp I use now.....Wilderness Logics Wild River, Big Otter tarp. Silnylon 12 X 15. 29 oz. packed weight. Packs down small. More $$ than a Kelty 12 X 12, but lighter and a better design. WILD RIVER GUIDE TATP
On several of the trips I've done I've brought a black diamond mega-light (like a mid, but lighter). Works good in a pinch if the weather comes in. The superlight sil-nylon tarps are good too and probably a bit cheaper. Be sure to get some good sand stakes too or any minimalist shelter is useless. Bugs aren't an issue on the Grand.
I respect the self support thing. After Reading WE SWAM THE GRAND CANYON I admire anyone who would forsake the creature comforts for the satisfaction of doing it the hard way. So pardon my insolence but have you considered renting an 18 foot raft from PRO an bring on a qualified boat person to haul gear? Think of the decadence of lots of BEER, Freezers with food that is much better than dehydrated, Tents and other obscenely decadent, heavy and bulky gear. Did I mention the GROOVERS. Just a thought.
I'm planning a trip to The Trench myself and I'm sure I want some kayakers along for safety. It will be my honor to carry their gear and beer.
If you stick to your plans I will certainly admire you spirit. Send us a trip report and I heft a cold beer to you spirit. Best of LUCK!
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