Mountain Guide Tarp

[hillbillyhunting]

Does anyone have experience with the Sierra Designs Mountain Guide Tarp?  I cant find detailed pictures or reviews.  This tent is sparking my interest because it is 4 season, only weighs 6 lbs, and and is over 100 sqft.  I am wondering if this thing has a bottom?  It is 4 season, but I know a lot of these shelters do not have a bottom or it is sold separately.  Any information would be appreciated.

[swanny]

I'm about 99% sure it has no floor in it.

If you want a floor, check out the Black Diamond mid series, you can purchase a floor for them giving you a good all around system depending on what you want and your needs are for the weather. Pretty sure they are lighter too

[Hornseeker]

If its called a tarp, it most likely doesn't have a floor...or doors/windows etc... just a "shelter"...

[pianoman9701]

No mention of a floor:

Sierra Designs Mountain Guide Tarp DECENT FEATURES of the Sierra Designs Mountain Guide Tarp PVC-free seam tape Snow flaps on fly Reflective door trim and/or guy outs Vent The SPECS Capacity: 4 Person Trail Weight: 5 lbs 13 oz / 2.64 kg Packed Weight: 6 lbs 10 oz / 3.01 kg Packed Size: 22 x 6in. / 55.9 x 15.2 cm Number of Doors: 1 Interior Area: 10.13 square meter / 109 square feet Peak Height: 89in. / 226.1 cm Fly: 70D Nylon, 1500 mm Poles: DAC Press Fit Number of Poles: 1 Pole Diameter: Outer: 16 mm
- Moosejaw

Sierra Design's Mountain Guide Tarp Designed is a durable group shelter suitable for expedition use or the perfect lightweight addition to an advanced base camp. Reflective guy out points and snow flaps keep this structure stable and roomy no matter what the mountain brings.

[hillbillyhunting]

Ya I have a feeling it has no floor too, but can a tent really be considered 4 season without a floor?  Arent 4 season tents supposed to be suitable for the snow?

[washelkhunter]

A small peice of tyvek makes a weatherproof floor and is lightwt.

[swanny]

Ya I have a feeling it has no floor too, but can a tent really be considered 4 season without a floor?  Arent 4 season tents supposed to be suitable for the snow?

As mentioned earlier, tents and tarps are different when it comes to 4 season use.

Tarps are a great 4 season or glacier travel option. They provide you with light yet durable and stable shelter for heavier winds and snow loads. A typical 4 season 2 man tent is going to put you in the 6-8lb range, where the tarp will be 4-6lbs and provide you with great protection and a lot more interior space. The fact that they don't have a floor gives you options. You will see a lot of mountain guide services use tarps for their mess tent on expedition climbs. They can dig out under the tarp creating an interior space more comfortable than a tent can provide. You can build benches for sitting and sleeping and tables to put your stove on.

Here are a couple more options for you if you want more versatility for use throughout the year. Some day I will buy the Mega Light
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/shelters/sortby/relevance/sortdir/asc/

Here is a picture I found of the interior in use http://backcountrybeacon.com/2011/07/alaska-gear-reviews-black-diamond-mega-light-shelter/

[hillbillyhunting]

Thanks for the replies.  Although this tarp is tempting especially because I have a "pro-deal" with sierra designs, I think I will stick to my original plan of getting a new ultralight freestanding tent.  Only because I want a floor since I spend a lot of time hunting on the wetside and a sudden rain storm could result in a stream running under my tarp, and because a tent that requires stakes can be difficult when trying to camp on top of a mountain where there are no trees and only rocks.  100+ square feet sure sounds luxurious though