Tarp / Net [Archive]

smith29

03-22-2011, 20:59

Tinker

03-22-2011, 21:07

STICK

03-22-2011, 21:17

Check out the new MLD Cricket. It is basically the Trailstar solo tarp but it is made so that the inner net fits under it perfectly and clips in so that it is actually a double walled tent. Take it all, set up only the parts you want or simply take only the parts you want...

Snowleopard

03-22-2011, 21:20

The tarp looks good. A bigger and lighter tarp that's a bit more expensive is: http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20069 A lighter mosquito net with a ground sheet that would be lighter, cheaper and provide a lot more room:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___86660
or for Canadians: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444262 0599&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302885211
Add a piece of polycryo or silnylon for a ground sheet. You could also make something yourself that's exactly what you need and it would require minimal sewing skills.

Spokes

03-22-2011, 21:22

I've batted this concept around and run the math for a couple of months now. So for me the Six Moon Lunar Solo fits the bill perfectly. It's basically the same thing without the all hassle.

Good luck with your tarp project.

bigcranky

03-22-2011, 21:34

My wife sewed me a nice bivy from some silnylon and some Momentum .90 fabric, with lots of mesh over the head and upper body. Works great under a tarp, only weighs 8 ounces. My modified 6x10 foot sil tarp is right at 16 ounces with stakes and lines. So, a versatile tarp setup for 24 ounces.

Trouble is, my Moment tarptent is 32 ounces, and for the extra 8 ounces I get significantly improved storm protection, and plenty of room to move around inside. So the tarp/bivy combo is mostly relegated to the closet these days.

leaftye

03-22-2011, 21:39

Why have that bivy when you can get a much bigger 2 person net tent for the same weight and only $5 more?

http://www.bearpawwd.com/shelters_floors/shelter_floors_images/net/net_main.jpg

smith29

03-22-2011, 21:48

.

I've looked at them. They are a bit pricey though (the OR bivy I posted is still pricey, and it might not be the product I buy), and I like the ability to remove the tarp and still have bug protection.

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MLD's site isn't working for me right now, I'll check it out asap.

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I was looking at this bug net method, I forgot to post it though. I like this option because its inexpensive and works good, though reviews say it doesn't keep out the no-see-ums. And I have less then minimal sewing skills.

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I would probably go for a Tarptent, but on a student budget 80 - 100 dollars for rain and bug protection (if I went with the above example) is appealing.

Why have that bivy when you can get a much bigger 2 person net tent for the same weight and only $5 more?

http://www.bearpawwd.com/shelters_floors/shelter_floors_images/net/net_main.jpg

Send me a link and I'll check it out - though that looks tricky to cover from weather.

leaftye

03-22-2011, 22:07

Send me a link and I'll check it out - though that looks tricky to cover from weather.

http://www.bearpawwd.com/shelters_floors/net.html

You use the tarp to cover it. You only asked for mosquito protection. I figure why not have a bunch of spare room to move around if it weighs the same and barely costs anything more? This net tent was one of the heavier options from that company. As you can see on that site, there are lighter options that are still roomier than a bivy and cost about the same or less.

stranger

03-22-2011, 23:17

I really like the Cricket Tent by MLD as well because it's:

1. Side opening, don't have a trekking pole blocking your entrance to bug net
2. Uses an awning for much better airflow, less condensation, with added protection on net to stop driving rain
3. Can use just the tarp, the combo together, or the bug net in a shelter
4. Only about 20 ounces all up
5. Seam sealing looks straight forward
6. Awesome construction in my experience with past products

johnnyblisters

03-22-2011, 23:44

http://www.bearpawwd.com/shelters_floors/net.html

You use the tarp to cover it. You only asked for mosquito protection. I figure why not have a bunch of spare room to move around if it weighs the same and barely costs anything more? This net tent was one of the heavier options from that company. As you can see on that site, there are lighter options that are still roomier than a bivy and cost about the same or less.

Strong +1 for a tarp and Bear paw net tent!

I sewed a Rayway 2p tarp and use a BP 2p net tent and it is the bomb digity. Lots of setup options and under $200 for the whole setup. Palace for one, perfect for two and a dog.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60920743@N04/5551640463/]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5551640463_ca3903e411.jpghttp://www.flickr.com/photos/60920743@N04/5551640463/][img]http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5551640463_ca3903e411.jpg[/url]%20100_1133 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/60920743@N04/5551640463/)%20by%20milkman92 (http://www.flickr.com/people/60920743@N04/)

Feral Bill

03-23-2011, 01:17

Sea to Summit bug net works well with a tarp as well. Light and simple.

Penguin

03-23-2011, 01:53

I just ordered a Hexamid today from Zpacks. Check them out. http://www.zpacks.com 8 oz for a tarp with net/floor

smith29

03-23-2011, 12:45

. (http://www.bearpawwd.com/shelters_floors/net.html)

Thanks for the site - I hadn't heard of the company and they have some good looking products. I'm not sure I care for the amount of space the net tent offers, as a bug net and ground sheet may end up being sufficient for me.

I'm just weighing all my options.

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I like the looks of it but it's a bit out of budget. Thanks though, maybe in the future.

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I would like to see your setup, but your picture didn't work for me.

Sea to Summit bug net works well with a tarp as well. Light and simple.

Do you know how much it costs? I couldn't find a price on their website.

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A bit out of budget for me, thanks though.

leaftye

03-23-2011, 13:01

Thanks for the site - I hadn't heard of the company and they have some good looking products. I'm not sure I care for the amount of space the net tent offers, as a bug net and ground sheet may end up being sufficient for me.

I'm just weighing all my options.

That can definitely work, just don't get that OR bivy. If you really must have a bivy, TiGoat has a couple that are under 9 ounces. BearPaw also has some bath tub floors if you want to go that route.

I would like to see your setup, but your picture didn't work for me.

His Rayway tarp looks about the same as the BearPaw 2 person canopy tent. It's basically a flat tarp with a small beak for added protection. Add the net tent and you essentially have his setup without having to sew a thing.

smith29

03-23-2011, 13:34

That can definitely work, just don't get that OR bivy. If you really must have a bivy, TiGoat has a couple that are under 9 ounces. BearPaw also has some bath tub floors if you want to go that route.

His Rayway tarp looks about the same as the BearPaw 2 person canopy tent. It's basically a flat tarp with a small beak for added protection. Add the net tent and you essentially have his setup without having to sew a thing.

I see now why the OR bivy isn't the best option. I don't think I'm set on a bivy, this Mosquito Net Shelter (http://www.summithut.com/products/personal-mosquito-net-shelters/) from Sea to Summit looks great as well, and is well priced and light (9 oz) [as recommended by Feral].

pristine ruins

03-23-2011, 19:21

I just purchased a Kelty Noah's 9 tarp and The North Face Debug Bivy. It looks as it will take care of me when I start section hiking this April/May.

Tinker

03-23-2011, 22:35

smith 29:
Have you checked this site yet?
http://www.alpinlitegear.com/ Nice looking gear.

stranger

03-24-2011, 07:57

Agreed, Alpinlite makes great stuff and very reasonably priced and well thought out bug shelters...

sparky2000

03-24-2011, 09:35

One more thought - if'n uze is as cheap as me, one might consider the emergency shelter with a bug bivy and spraying the entrenceways with permethrin.

ChrisFol

03-24-2011, 13:23

I was considering switching over to the tarp crowd, but I still need proper mosquito protection and a floor. This is what I've come up with for a relatively affordable solution:

MEC Tarp (15 oz) (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444250 5767&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302702975)
Outdoor Research Bug Bivy (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/bug_bivy.html)

Thanks.

I wouldn't go with either of those option since they are on the heavy side. Together they weigh 31oz, add in guylines etc and that is going to weigh in at around 33oz.

For this weight, you may as well just opt for a Tarptent Moment, Contrail or a SMD Lunar Solo.

If you are serious about going the tarp route, then I would suggest going for a 8x10 sized tarp if you have little experience with pitching and site selection etc. There are lots of option out there.

For bug protection, if you don't care the extra room of the bug tents, then go with a TiGoat bivy with the No-seeum mesh for bug protection.

http://www.titaniumgoat.com/Bug-Bivy.html This costs $90 and weighs 5.5oz with the stuff sack.

I would go with that and any large tarp for a beginner set-up. Once you get confident it setting it up, then look at a smaller and lighter tarp to pair with your bivy.

There is no reason that a tarp+bivy combo should be anywhere close to 2lbs. I use a SpinnTwinn tarp and a similar bivy and it weighs 16.4oz on my scale excluding stakes.

smith29

03-24-2011, 13:39

.

They have some nice looking products - I hope he throws up the directions to make the Bug Shelter 1.0 soon. Maybe an excuse to learn to sew.

One more thought - if'n uze is as cheap as me, one might consider the emergency shelter with a bug bivy and spraying the entrenceways with permethrin.

Could you throw a link to the emergency shelter? The only ones I've seen are usually just a bivy.

--

If I choose to go the tarp + bug net (no bathtub floor) route, what is the recommended ground sheet to use? I have access to plenty of tyvec, will this generally work fine?

Tinker

03-24-2011, 13:39

I used to tarp when the bugs were gone. Now I hammock all the time except in blizzard conditions. To be honest, unless you're an ultralight weenie like I was, using a poncho for your tarp, you're much better off getting a tarptent or similar floored, screened, single-walled shelter (or try hammocking ;)).
Very nice in that it can be used in a shelter or other building with a ceiling tie-off point.
Lots of stakes, though. Shepherd hook stakes don't hold very well in loose soil and most other stakes would come close to the pole weight of the Tarptent Moment which can be set up with a few as two stakes.
The stakes I use with my tarp and tents (MSR Groundhog) are relatively heavy but hold well.
Fwiw - most manufacturers like to leave out the weight of stakes if they can get away with it when they list the specs.

smith29

03-24-2011, 13:47

I wouldn't go with either of those option since they are on the heavy side. Together they weigh 31oz, add in guylines etc and that is going to weigh in at around 33oz.

For this weight, you may as well just opt for a Tarptent Moment, Contrail or a SMD Lunar Solo.

If you are serious about going the tarp route, then I would suggest going for a 8x10 sized tarp if you have little experience with pitching and site selection etc. There are lots of option out there.

For bug protection, if you don't care the extra room of the bug tents, then go with a TiGoat bivy with the No-seeum mesh for bug protection.

http://www.titaniumgoat.com/Bug-Bivy.html This costs $90 and weighs 5.5oz with the stuff sack.

I would go with that and any large tarp for a beginner set-up. Once you get confident it setting it up, then look at a smaller and lighter tarp to pair with your bivy.

There is no reason that a tarp+bivy combo should be anywhere close to 2lbs. I use a SpinnTwinn tarp and a similar bivy and it weighs 16.4oz on my scale excluding stakes.

Good points with the weight issue. That would be a good setup. When I said i didn't care for the extra room, I was being specific to the BearPaw Net Tent, as it looked like an excessive amount of room.

I'm not completely set on a bivy, but the one you posted [and someone else I remember] looks good too.

Tinker

03-24-2011, 14:31

Good points with the weight issue. That would be a good setup. When I said i didn't care for the extra room, I was being specific to the BearPaw Net Tent, as it looked like an excessive amount of room.

I'm not completely set on a bivy, but the one you posted [and someone else I remember] looks good too.
Need less room in a bug bivy?
Here: http://www.alpinlitegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=54

leaftye

03-24-2011, 15:05

Good points with the weight issue. That would be a good setup. When I said i didn't care for the extra room, I was being specific to the BearPaw Net Tent, as it looked like an excessive amount of room.

You said you saw their other products. Did you see their 1 person net tents it is lighter and less expensive. They also have the net tents in a lighter minimalist version that is like a bivy at the foot and net tent at the head.

QiWiz

03-29-2011, 16:36

I was considering switching over to the tarp crowd, but I still need proper mosquito protection and a floor. What do you tarp users use for mosquito protection? I couldn't see myself without it.

Gatewood Cape 11 oz
NetTent 8 oz (if no bugs expected replace with polychro ground cloth)
6 ti stakes 1.2 oz

Total weight is 20.2 oz

Six Moon Designs makes em (except stakes)

Harrison Bergeron

03-29-2011, 21:07

I'm really intrigued by the idea of a full double-wall tent that weighs less than a tarptent. The idea of being able to use the bugnet alone when camping in a shelter seems ideal. The half-pyramid shape of these tents also means you can pitch the tarp first if its raining, and there's no pole sticking up in the middle of the sleeping space.

But as I study the pictures of the Z-packs Hexamid and MLD Cricket, I can't figure out how you close the front of them. They seem to be basically the same shape as an SMD Lunar Solo but there's no zipper in the vestibule to form a flap that you could close. Are you just supposed to leave the door open all the time?

And why is the bugnet floor rectangular when the tent is a hexagon? You lose all that space at the rear of the tent for your gear.

The SMD Gatewood Cape seems to ALMOST get it right. At least you can close the door. But since it's intended to double as a poncho, it gives up so much space that there's no room for your gear. And since it uses a rectangular bugnet like the others, it also gives up the rear vestibule space.

The one that puzzles me is the SMD Wild Oasis. It gets the shape right -- it's basically just a Lunar Solo with some bug netting around the bottom but no floor. Why isn't there a nettent version?

SMD -- are you listening? How about giving us a tarp-only Wild Oasis with a matching pentagonal nettent that takes advantage of ALL the space available? Do it in Cuben and it would be ideal!

leaftye

03-29-2011, 22:05

I'm really intrigued by the idea of a full double-wall tent that weighs less than a tarptent. The idea of being able to use the bugnet alone when camping in a shelter seems ideal. The half-pyramid shape of these tents also means you can pitch the tarp first if its raining, and there's no pole sticking up in the middle of the sleeping space.

But as I study the pictures of the Z-packs Hexamid and MLD Cricket, I can't figure out how you close the front of them. They seem to be basically the same shape as an SMD Lunar Solo but there's no zipper in the vestibule to form a flap that you could close. Are you just supposed to leave the door open all the time?

http://www.zpacks.com/images/shelter/hexanet_solo/hexanet_sit_l.jpg

See the door on the right half? Personally I'd have Joe make my door on the left half or like the door on the netted Hexamid.

And why is the bugnet floor rectangular when the tent is a hexagon? You lose all that space at the rear of the tent for your gear.

I'm not crazy about that either. I suppose you could request a second door in the back to pass through your gear...or, to create the option of a left and right handed door.

Harrison Bergeron

03-30-2011, 17:39

See the door on the right half? Personally I'd have Joe make my door on the left half or like the door on the netted Hexamid.

I mean how to do close the front of the tarp to make it rain tight.

leaftye

03-30-2011, 18:24

I mean how to do close the front of the tarp to make it rain tight.

For the beak, you push it up in one piece and then stake it down when you want to close it. The beak is really only needed when you either set up your tarp in the wrong direction or get big fat splashy rain. There was an optional door that goes inside the Hexamid, but that made it feel very restricted in there, although that might not be as big of a deal if the inner tent is used. If you really want a zipper on the beak, I'm sure Joe would be willing to add that for you...I think someone has already had him do that. I do like the idea of the beak for privacy, but I think I'd also want the walls of the inner tent made higher with very thin cuben. This might save even more weight, but more importantly it would further reduce drafts and increase privacy. I don't want the inner tent though--it's too small for me.