I've never used a tarp tent before but would like to give it a try this coming spring and summer....but I can't help but wonder: How do you keep bugs, chipmunks, skunks, snakes, bobcats, etc from crawling over you in the middle of the night?

I would hate to have something like this (http://www.riversidereptiles.com/images/giant_african_millipede_IY2H.jpg) crawl across my face. :eek:

Fla Trail recommends sulfer powder around your boarder

Dinosaurs recommend a sew-in floor

What kind of critters do yopu think crawl over you in shelters.... Hint it is a lot...seeking the crumbs and salt of the sloppy hikers before and beside you...have a good night!

Pan

One night in one of the northern states, there was a night of a thousand spidersI.. I remember I must have camped in a nest of them.. I was in a Henry Shire tarp tent with the floor.. I quickly zipped myself and gear in the tent. A few spiders got in with me but i quickly dispatched these.. But I could see Thousands of Spiders clinging to the silnylon on the outside.. I was thankful.. That one night was worth carrying the sewn in floor..

In the south it's not a problem, in the north it is. Where the north and south change depends on the season and when the season for individual creepy crawlers changes. Once I was fine all the way north until I got to the last Wayside in The Shanandoas when slugs got on everything. Inside my shoes was the worst. That being said, I still always carry just a fly and a footprint in the south and a tent in the north.

I've never used a tarp tent before but would like to give it a try this coming spring and summer....but I can't help but wonder: How do you keep bugs, chipmunks, skunks, snakes, bobcats, etc from crawling over you in the middle of the night?

I would hate to have something like this (http://www.riversidereptiles.com/images/giant_african_millipede_IY2H.jpg) crawl across my face. :eek:

I saw one of those critters as I observed it high upon my hammock.:D

I have a sew-in floor on my tarp and never once had a problem. I've had spiders and a even a ton of rats around my tarp and fortunately none of them got in. I have heard of mice smelling food inside the tarp and chewing through the netting, though.

still, even if you'd tarp every night and never go near a shelter you're going to have at least some interaction with millipedes and other bugs just sitting down to eat lunch. you just slowly get more used to it.

That's why mine has a sewn-in floor. Though I've had spiders swinging over the outside door just itching to get in.

If you want to tarp and want protection from creepy crawlies you could consider one of these:

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/tentdetail.cfm/OR208

I carried one of thesa along with a light weight tarp during a portion of my thru in 2003. Gave me the option of sleeping out under the stars on nice nights.

'Slogger

If you want to tarp and want protection from creepy crawlies you could consider one of these:

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/tentdetail.cfm/OR208

I carried one of thesa along with a light weight tarp during a portion of my thru in 2003. Gave me the option of sleeping out under the stars on nice nights.

'Slogger

I took Slogger's advice and bought me one. I have only gotten to use it a couple of nights but I am very happy with it so far.

Rex

If you want to tarp and want protection from creepy crawlies you could consider one of these:

http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/tentdetail.cfm/OR208

I carried one of thesa along with a light weight tarp during a portion of my thru in 2003. Gave me the option of sleeping out under the stars on nice nights.

'Slogger

:eek: $69.00 OUCH !!!!
Wallie World sells mesh for $1.00 a yard..other fabric stores have it as well and even if you don't have a sewing machine or a knack for sewing your local alteration shop could easily sew something with far more room for under $10.00..... Just a thought but for $69.00 you could have 6 of these custom made to your liking with tie out points to attach to the tarp...more room to move around under.

have you heard stories of snakes, bobcats, and the like getting into someones tent? I've hiked a few trails with a tarptent and the only time it was a problem (no floor) was when i had to set up in a mari-juana field in Nepal with 3' plants. It was a great night.

If I was sleeping alone, used a net bivy regularly (as 'slogger does) and didn't sew, I'd seriously consider plunking down the $70 for an OR bug bivy.

However, since I needed a bivy large enough for two fluffy dinos, suitable for use in a shelter (the female dino make far more noise than the worst snorer when a mouse gets up close & personal) and I sew... I made one (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=273976#post273976)

:eek: $69.00 OUCH !!!!
Wallie World sells mesh for $1.00 a yard..other fabric stores have it as well and even if you don't have a sewing machine or a knack for sewing your local alteration shop could easily sew something with far more room for under $10.00..... Just a thought but for $69.00 you could have 6 of these custom made to your liking with tie out points to attach to the tarp...more room to move around under.
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You're absolutely correct. Then again, this one has a waterproof floor and a hoop that keeps the upper end off you head. I doubt I could have made one this well.

On a side note ...I recently bought a "Double Bug Bivy". Also an OR product but they don't make then any more. When the wife and I hike together and use a tarp it is our choice for creepy crawly protection. That one might work for you two (Mr and Mrs Dino)

'Slogger

Eat chili mac. Vent side zipper on sleeping bag. rear-end fogger. Bugs Dead. hiking partner dead.