To tent or not to ten?

“I am planning my first trip this summer in the Eastern Sierra. I have been researching 3-season tents, but have talked to several folks who never use tents. Curious what season vets on this board have to say??”

“I never used tents in the Sierra in summer. the weather is too nice.

take a tarp, just in case you get a thunder storm, they don't last long.”

“Spirit... do you have to shake the snakes and bugs out of your boots in the morning if you don't have a tent?”

“Just the walnuts”

“I differ. The skeeters in the Sierra can be brutal. That is why I would also pack a tarp/bug net combo, or something thereof. Bring a headnet. There are afternoon thunderstorms or sometimes a nighttime dump. However, I sleep out under the stars sometimes if the conditions are right on.”

“I've never had bugs or snakes crawl in with me.”

“I only see the snakes and bugs when I've been drinking a lot.”

“I would get a lightweight tent with plenty screens for ventilation and views.”

“i can't speak for the sierra(never been) but i'll take a tarp over a tent any time the conditions will allow”

“i tried out randall's lunar solo but if you are over 6 ft. it will be a close fit”

“My daughter and I used a tarp this last summer on the JMT--sometimes slept without if it wasn't too windy. Never had problems with bugs, but it was an unusually dry winter last year with a low snow pack. This summer will be different as the Sierra have been dumped with snow. Expect a lot of mosquitos and if you don't use tarp or tent have some kind of bug netting. they can be wicked.”