Cheap and Light Tarp/Anti-Bug Setup

[XCskiNYC]

I'm fed up with hauling my four-pound Alps Mountaineering Zephyr Solo tent.

That said, I do like the Alps tent's quick setup, freestandingness, and most of all bugproofness. There's so many tics in shelters, as well as the nicer six- and eight-leggers. I almost always setup my inner tent to sleep in a shelter. At this time of year I'm usually alone in the shelter so it's not a problem as far as hogging too much room.

I guess at this time of year there might be something of an insulation factor as well: i.e., a tent has a bit of insulation from the cold, a tarp mostly lacks it (some wind protection).

So I'm thinking of going with a tarp and one of those inexpensive, fairly light bug tents like the ones at the Harper's Ferry Outfitter.

This one:

http://www.theoutfitteratharpersferry.com/servlet/the-5119/Sea-to-Summit-Mosquito/Detail


Or maybe this one:

http://www.theoutfitteratharpersferry.com/servlet/the-5118/Sea-to-Summit-Mosquito/Detail


Any thoughts? Just to specify, this will be shelter for one. And I'm shooting for light weight (within reason, meaning no exotic super-expensive fabrics just to save a couple of ounces -- sorry if I just horrified any gram weenies reading this) with low price.

I'm gonna figure that the parachute type cord I already have .....

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___23162


.... is good stuff for tarps.

Stakes?

Knots?

Tarp how-to sites?

[Alligator]

You can go 2 ounces lighter for the single at REI. http://www.rei.com/product/728960?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-728960&mr:trackingCode=AB7A4FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

The Texsport (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P9H022) one is about ~$16 but I don't know how much it weighs.

I go with 6 titanium stakes on mine but they aren't cheap, usually around $2-3 each.

I ended up using a 50 ft length of Kelty triptease for my tarp cut into various pieces. The whole length weighs an ounce. You can also buy spectracord (or whatever the latest lightest is exactly) but they aren't cheap.

Don't consider a rectangular mosquito net the single point ones will be easier to hang. Not that you did but you may see one cheap like I did.

[Berserker]

From your post I assume you plan to use the tarp some nights, and stay in shelters on others. If so, another “system” to consider would be a tarp/bivy combo. I hate to post second hand info, but I hike with a buddy who uses this system and it’s quite flexible. When we set up in a tenting area he sets up his tarp, and uses the bivy under it (if it’s not going to rain he’ll sometimes skip the tarp and just throw the bivy down). When we stay near a shelter he sometimes forgoes the tarp and sleeps in the shelter in his bivy. The bivy keeps critters off when in the shelter, and protects his bag from getting water on it when under his tarp (if it’s raining of course). My buddy uses a MLD (Mountain Laurel Designs) DuoMid and a MLD Soul side zip bivy, and the combo weighs in somewhere around 23 oz (he has a DuoMid made out of Spinntex). Neither item fits into the “cheap” category, but there are plenty of cheaper tarps and bivies that could be combined to achieve the same result. One could even go to something like a tarp/poncho (like the one Equinox makes) and use a bviy with that. Then you would save additional weight by having a multiuse item in the tarp/poncho.

For the record, I have a DuoMid (sil nylon version) and Soul side zip bivy on order…so I won’t be posting second hand info on this combo much longer. Thought about going the tarp/poncho route for the tarp, but at 6’-5” there aren’t any tarp/ponchos long enough to comfortably accommodate me for my shelter needs.

[SloHiker]

A couple of gizmos that I've used with a tarp .....


Adventure 16 Bug Bivy - freestanding, weighs 7-8 oz - cost @ $40.00



http://www.gofastandlight.com/images/pi_456.jpeg



Simblissity Bug Shelter - NOT freestanding - weighs @ 5 oz - cost @$60.00
http://cache.backpackinglight.com/backpackinglight/images/items/innerpeace_md.jpg (http://www.whiteblaze.net/backpackinglight/images/large/innerpeace_lg.jpg)

[grayfox]

I have the Mombasa from REI. If I bought a new one it would be the single from Sea to Summit. Black is nice to see through and the mesh is finer. I would cut a piece of netting to cover the bottom and velcro it in the corners--I just hate it when ants walk on me. I don't know where the dimensions REI lists came from but my net has about 3x6 of usable space. It is white and hard to see through and does not stop noseeums. I ran some thin round elastic through the hem at the bottom and top so it just slips under my pad and I don't stake it out. I tie the top through the strap of my hiking pole that holds up the tarp, and pull any excess material through the knot.
My homemade tarp and this net are my favorite, and lightest(I guess about 18-20 oz complete), and most versitile, sleeping set up. I use a cut to size all weather sportsman's blanket, the plastic/mylar laminate, ground cloth.

[4Bears]

You may want to check out Henry Shires products at Tarptent.com

[brooklynkayak]

What I highly recommend is a tarp with Meteor Bivy or other ultralight bug bivy. Oware, T-Goat and others make these. These bivy's provide protection from wet ground, keep spray off as well as bugs. They also work great in shelters alone, only use the tarp as needed.

Picture from last weekend:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SLHK_6DzePI56ujYk8emVQ?feat=directlink

[mister pooh]

I've been considering the same set up with a tarp and bug bivy, but the amount of combo choices is a bit overwhelming! I love the concept of a tarp with headroom in good weather, and being able to close it up when need be. The bivy aspect is what gets me. I don't relish the thought of having to climb into a really confined space with my chubby butt.

I've been looking at the Integral Designs Bugabivy because of the long zipper http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=825&CFID=1373777&CFTOKEN=10546205 .

Does anyone have experience with it, or are there other bug bivys which are similar?

Thanks in advance for any info.

[Tinker]

If you want something with a floor (for ticks), look here. I think they're reasonably priced.
http://www.alpinlitegear.com/

[brooklynkayak]

Does anyone have experience with it, or are there other bug bivys which are similar?
Thanks in advance for any info.

I haven't, but a lot of bug bivy's are roomy and are easy t get in and out of. I know the Meteor Bivy is not claustrophobic at all. It's like a sleeping bag cover with a big head net. I've heard the same about the T-Goat bivy. The one with the optional large bug net.
Now the ulta weathproof bivys meant to be used without a tarp are another story, like sleeping in a coffin.

[tammons]

Not inexpensive, but this would be perfect for what you want at 7 oz.

http://sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=55

One of those would be pretty easy to make and you can move around inside.
It would work under a tarp pitched in a pyramid, if you dont want a gatewood cape.

Titanium stakes from quest or gutter nails.

Triptease is 1.5 oz and reflective.
Spectra cord is the absolute lightest.

A campmore extended poncho tarp weighs 9oz and is 5x9. Cost about $45.

Their 8x10 is more versitile. Cost $70 and weighs 13 oz.
8x10 makes a decent pyramid.

How to set up a tarp link
5x9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IaYJBG7Puk

8x10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkBeZqXU4zk

9x12 canvas with music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzJHuWlEAtk&feature=PlayList&p=F6849D607D7E92C5&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=77

Some diagrams
http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/tarp/TarpShel.htm

Brawneys setup looks nice but I have never tried it.
Down the page
http://www.trailquest.net/ultralight.html

[brooklynkayak]

If you want something with a floor (for ticks), look here. I think they're reasonably priced.
http://www.alpinlitegear.com/

I had considered this myself, but the SMD Meteor, T-Goat, Oware, ... are approx. 3 oz lighter.

I do like the way it was made for tarp camping and has the splash protector ends.

[Tinker]

Another link:
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=61
Should be perfect under a tarp or in a shelter. Spray the whole thing down with permethrin for tick protection (unless the maker says it'll affect the fabrics).

[tammons]

Knots

I never made it through the scouts so my knot knowledge is lacking. I only know a few but thats enough.

http://www.backpacking-lite.co.uk/lightweight-shelter/tarp-knots.htm

Ray Mears

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw3lL-ofBcE

[brooklynkayak]

Also note that there is a "Hut 1" in the gear for sale section. I just acquired a used one and it works great with a bug bivy. Easy to setup and roomy enough for one plus gear. It is a little heavier than a flat silnylon tarp, but is built like a brick house.



A campmore extended poncho tarp weighs 9oz and is 5x9. Cost about $45.

Their 8x10 is more versitile. Cost $70 and weighs 13 oz.
8x10 makes a decent pyramid.

How to set up a tarp link
5x9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IaYJBG7Puk

8x10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkBeZqXU4zk

9x12 canvas with music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzJHuWlEAtk&feature=PlayList&p=F6849D607D7E92C5&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=77

Some diagrams
http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/tarp/TarpShel.htm

Brawneys setup looks nice but I have never tried it.
Down the page
http://www.trailquest.net/ultralight.html

[Connie]

mister pooh,

I have only good experiences with my OR Bug Bivy.

It zips up, and no crawlies get in. I flop over, if it rains, I have no tarp and I am on a well drained site. It packs reasonably small. It is durable.

Consider the double OR Bug Bivy. Bring your gear inside with you.

The Vaude Bivi (http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&sl=de&tl=en&u=http://www.globetrotter.de/de/shop/detail.php%3Fmod_nr%3Dvd_14801%26k_id%3D0600%26hot %3D0%26GTID%3D07c632705c7142e25b9e548a108c89cea39&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhiNQaTbkWFVIqcVjEbrVrx4P2ixDA) appears to have a long zipper and exceptional roominess. I gave you this link only because the pictures are better.

I admit I am looking for some bivy-bug net top sewn-in place, like the one's mentioned here, and maybe an Oware Cat-bird Tarp or the MLD Monk's Tarp, then again, maybe the GoLite Shangri-La 1 Shelter, to try out, although the OR Bug Bivy and my MSR Twin Peaks are luxurious.

[brooklynkayak]

maybe the GoLite Shangri-La 1 Shelter, to try out,

There is(was) a "Hut 1" in the gear for sale section. It is the old Shangri-la 1. The only difference that I know of is that the Shangri-La has a top vent.


Look at the last post at:
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=54627

[Jim Adams]

If you are camping in weather that the tent offers some insulation then it is probably cool enough that you won't have a bug problem. I would definitely go with a tarp but I think you are worried about a bug problem that usually isn't. During 2 thrus I used a tarp exclusively and no netting. I had to use DEET only 2 nights on each thru. Bugs were not a problem and neither were ticks. I've only had ticks on me twice in my life and neither time was on the AT. That's 12 months of AT hiking / camping, 4 nights of DEET and no ticks.
The tarp will give you alot of freedom (head room, able to stand, able to cook, room for gear, visitors, etc. ) for the weight. Try a cheap 10' x 10' sealed nylon for $39 @ Campmor, 2lbs. or a silnylon 10' x10' for $100 weighing 16oz.
The most important aspect of tarping is knowing how to set it up tight and have good site selection. Practice, practice, practice and you will never go back to a tent.

geek

[brooklynkayak]

I agree 100% with Jim. You are far more likely to get a tick while hiking. They tend lounge around waiting for an animal to brush against them.

I have found that any skeeters that are under the tarp hang out near the top. I have heard that it is because they are attracted to the CO2 that you exhale and that tends to rise to the top of the shelter.

I will still use my Meteor Bivy. It's not only a bug barrier, but it helps keep spray and sand off in strong winds. It also reduces the effect of wind in the colder months, adding a lot of warmth.

It is also good alone in a shelter to keep the mice and other critters off and add warmth. At only 6 oz,, I feel it is worth it and I think of it like a sleeping bag cover/ground cloth most of the time. If I need warmth or bug protection, I'll zip it up.

I wouldn't carry a heavy waterprrof bivy to use under a tarp, too heavy and not necessary.



I've only had ticks on me twice in my life and neither time was on the AT. That's 12 months of AT hiking / camping, 4 nights of DEET and no ticks.
The tarp will give you alot of freedom (head room, able to stand, able to cook, room for gear, visitors, etc. ) for the weight. Try a cheap 10' x 10' sealed nylon for $39 @ Campmor, 2lbs. or a silnylon 10' x10' for $100 weighing 16oz.
The most important aspect of tarping is knowing how to set it up tight and have good site selection. Practice, practice, practice and you will never go back to a tent.

geek

[XCskiNYC]

What I highly recommend is a tarp with Meteor Bivy or other ultralight bug bivy. Oware, T-Goat and others make these. These bivy's provide protection from wet ground, keep spray off as well as bugs. They also work great in shelters alone, only use the tarp as needed.

Picture from last weekend:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SLHK_6DzePI56ujYk8emVQ?feat=directlink


Those are new companies to me (Oware). They look pretty cool.

I was checking out this bivy which fits the bill for me, looks like a good solution for shelter sleeping (as opposed to something larger which will take too much space if the shelter is crowded):

http://www.rei.com/product/684087


The biggest drawback of the above bivy is the weight. It's actually a little surprising that it's 16 ounces. Seems heavy for what it is. The Meteor looks really good, especially the 7-oz weight.