I'm planning a thru hike of the AT next year and I need some recommendations on gear. I'm trying to be as budget friendly and cheap as possible but I realized the piece of shit tent I bought online is not going to cut it for 6 months in the woods.

I've got a fairly reliable bag but I'm lost with the tent. Anyone have any experience with tarps? That seems like a really bad idea what with bugs and animals

Any other recs for gear would be appreciated along with other tips/tricks; /out/ has been giving great advice so far and I appreciate it a ton