View Full Version : Bivy...Tarp Suggestions...
mybackpackingblog
03-30-2011, 14:51
Hey there. I just recently purchased an REI Minilmalist Bivy Sack. It looks pretty nice. I have never used one before. I do know that I will want to use a tarp with mine though. I looked around and Kelty has some pretty nice ones, but it is more than what I would want to sepdn on a bivy set up. The bivy was $90....(of course not with my REI div.)....any way...let me know if you are aware of any "ready made" tarps....or something ultralight that I can make on my own...etc...thanks
Lord Helment
03-30-2011, 15:03
I would dump the bivy and use a tarp only. I'm sure not what you wanted to hear. Ray Jardine (RayWay) makes a tarp kit you can sew yourself that will definitely work over a bivy. Best part is it is only $50 or $60. I have used one since 2001 while my 3 tents sit unused. It weighs under 20 oz. www.rayjardine.com (http://www.rayjardine.com)
ChrisFol
03-30-2011, 15:08
Hey there. I just recently purchased an REI Minilmalist Bivy Sack. It looks pretty nice. I have never used one before. I do know that I will want to use a tarp with mine though. I looked around and Kelty has some pretty nice ones, but it is more than what I would want to sepdn on a bivy set up. The bivy was $90....(of course not with my REI div.)....any way...let me know if you are aware of any "ready made" tarps....or something ultralight that I can make on my own...etc...thanks
If you want affordable, then a relatively inexpensive 8x10 tarp is one from Equinox/Campmor that costs $80. The other budget tarp is something like a Kelty Noah 9 which usually retails for around $60.
For a MYOG project, I am pretty sure that Ray Jardine (RayWay) has a tarp set that you can purchase and then sew together at home.
Beyond that, you could look at the used gear forums for a used tarp-- there are a few that come on for about $60-$75.
Welcome to tarping-- it is a whole lot of fun.
I would keep a bivy, but not that one. Go with a TiGoat (http://www.titaniumgoat.com/Omni-Bivy.html). The bivy is nice for cutting the wind and keeping bugs out...and sometimes mice. A bivy is especially nice if you're using a quilt.
Tarps are cheap from Bear Paw Tents (http://www.bearpawwd.com/index.html).
mybackpackingblog
03-30-2011, 16:01
Lord Helmet: I wanted to hear answer to my my questions...lol... Why would you dump the bivy? my be showing my ignornace about bivy/tarping...You sleep on the ground? I have never used one...thought I would purchase one just to check it out...as I said...just didn't want to spend 150 on a Kelty tarp...Just wanted suggestions on different ways of using a tarp with a bivy and how to possible MYOG one...of course I can buy a tarp and rig something..but I figure you pros can teach me some tricks and tips......I use tents...not tarps...just toying with it right now...
mybackpackingblog
03-30-2011, 16:18
Forgive my spelling..I think I can type faster than I can and then screw up...im just looking for a low profile...low to the ground tarp...either how to make one myself or buy a cheaper one...I may not like the Bivy/tarp thing and don't want to drop a buttload of money in on it...thanks for the suggestions thus far...
ChrisFol
03-30-2011, 16:59
Forgive my spelling..I think I can type faster than I can and then screw up...im just looking for a low profile...low to the ground tarp...either how to make one myself or buy a cheaper one...I may not like the Bivy/tarp thing and don't want to drop a buttload of money in on it...thanks for the suggestions thus far...
How much is a "boat-load"?
In my first post I presented three options that range between $48 and $80.
1) A Rayway MYOG tarp ($60)
http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/php/order-form.php
Scroll down about half way and you will see the tarp kit.
2) A Kelty Noah 9 tarp, currently on sale for $48
http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/tentdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__ProductID=KE329&code=GF8
3) An 8x10 Campmor/Equinox tarp ($80):
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20069
4) There is a smaller 5x8 Campmor/Equinox tarp for $60, but I wouldn't recommend such a small tarp for a new tarper.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20068
I don't think that you will find any cheaper options than these.
mybackpackingblog
03-30-2011, 18:21
How much is a "boat-load"?
In my first post I presented three options that range between $48 and $80.
1) A Rayway MYOG tarp ($60)
http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/php/order-form.php
Scroll down about half way and you will see the tarp kit.
2) A Kelty Noah 9 tarp, currently on sale for $48
http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/tentdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__ProductID=KE329&code=GF8
3) An 8x10 Campmor/Equinox tarp ($80):
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20069
4) There is a smaller 5x8 Campmor/Equinox tarp for $60, but I wouldn't recommend such a small tarp for a new tarper.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20068
I don't think that you will find any cheaper options than these.
Ha...the quote was actually....BUTT-LOAD....and as too how much that is would totally depend on how big the butt is...lol...I would like to stay under $100...I already have the Bivy...so...I guess its really not a buttload considering I have $500 tents in my basement...I just want to give it a shot and I spent most of my BP funds on my new ULA Circuit...another kelty tent and two more kelty backpacks...spool...just trying to find the cheap way out...which will probably hurt me in the long run...u provided some good options though....thanks...
mybackpackingblog
03-30-2011, 18:26
I think im gonna go with the kelty...I honestly that I looked at that and remembered it being over $100 on Amazon...may have been looking at a different one...
I really don't like the design of the Kelty. It doesn't look like it'd offer much protection from the wind unless it was put up with the rear on the ground.
mybackpackingblog
03-30-2011, 19:00
I really don't like the design of the Kelty. It doesn't look like it'd offer much protection from the wind unless it was put up with the rear on the ground.
Yes, I would prefer something that gives me alot better coverage than the Noah. I am a huge Kelty fan though and this is my first bivy/tarp system and I'm not 100% confident in my own personal selcetion...But I don't want to sleep in the rain or wind...I know that..
You can't go wrong with...
8'x10' or slightly bigger
Tie out loops instead of grommets
Mid panels guy outs
Go with 1.1 silnylon to keep weight down. Add a beak for extra protection in A-frame configuration, but know that this restricts your other setup options. Make sure you seam seal it yourself with silicone sealant diluted in mineral spirits and spread with a foam brush....tape off the sides of the seam for a cleaner finished look.
The tarp company I already recommend gets high ratings.
If you want to save more money, wait for someone here to sell theirs in the appropriate forum here. Make sure it has features like I mentioned, which are also the same as what Bear Paw sells and what a Ray Way tarp would have.
Oops, here's the link:
http://www.owareusa.com/Specials.html
mybackpackingblog
03-30-2011, 20:49
Well this was my first post and I am pleased with resposes and feedback. Thanks for all the help.
mybackpackingblog
03-31-2011, 16:14
Well I got my REI Minimalist Bivy today...I am quite ignorant when it comes to the best system...So, I had bought an "Outdoor Products" (I know...not top of the line..But hey, it doesn't have to be)...it's an Emergency Shelter. 5' x 7'. Made of Nylon with heavy duty grommets. I put six MSR Groundhog stakes with it, some nice guy line and my two trekking poles and I think that is what I am going to use for now. I will try it out this weekend...hope it rains...I'll get some pics...thanks for all the helps...
ChrisFol
03-31-2011, 16:50
Well I got my REI Minimalist Bivy today...I am quite ignorant when it comes to the best system...So, I had bought an "Outdoor Products" (I know...not top of the line..But hey, it doesn't have to be)...it's an Emergency Shelter. 5' x 7'. Made of Nylon with heavy duty grommets. I put six MSR Groundhog stakes with it, some nice guy line and my two trekking poles and I think that is what I am going to use for now. I will try it out this weekend...hope it rains...I'll get some pics...thanks for all the helps...
5x7, wow that is tiny for a first tarp-- good luck. Smaller tarps tend to be less "forgiving" than larger tarps on beginners since the pitch and site selection need to be pretty spot on for the conditions you are facing when using one.
I have a few tarps of various sizes (5x8, 8x8 and 8x10) and if you need some assistance with getting a good pitch, then feel free to post pictures of it set-up and I am sure that myself or other tarpers will give you pointers.
ChrisFol
03-31-2011, 16:56
I really don't like the design of the Kelty. It doesn't look like it'd offer much protection from the wind unless it was put up with the rear on the ground.
The stock photo of the Kelty 9 looks like it doesn't provide much protection, however it is a lot like my JRB 8x8 tarp (square tarp) and believe me, it provides excellent protection for one person.
The link will take you to the product page of JRB's 8x8 and there you can see a square tarp set-up in many different ways. The Kelty 9 would look just like this, just larger, so you would have even more room than in the photos.
http://www.jacksrbetter.com/8%20x%208%20Tarp.htm
The stock photo of the Kelty 9 looks like it doesn't provide much protection, however it is a lot like my JRB 8x8 tarp (square tarp) and believe me, it provides excellent protection for one person.
The link will take you to the product page of JRB's 8x8 and there you can see a square tarp set-up in many different ways. The Kelty 9 would look just like this, just larger, so you would have even more room than in the photos.
http://www.jacksrbetter.com/8%20x%208%20Tarp.htm
A diamond tarp is fine if you're in a hammock. It's still okay if it has the tie outs to permit setting it up in the standard A frame configuration. Neither of those apply.
you need something bigger than a 5X7. otherwise, your gonna get wet eventually. find a cheap 8X10 and use the 5X7 for a ground sheet.
Wet? That may be why he got that heavy bivy. But he may still get wet from perspiration.
mybackpackingblog
04-02-2011, 12:22
REI Bivy update...I took it back to the store...after I put my air mattress and kelty bag in it...it was just to tight for me...not sure if a Bivy is for me or not...may get me a different style and try. Haven't give. Up yet.
Snowleopard
04-02-2011, 15:38
As a couple people have already said, 5'x7' is small tarp for a beginner. Try it out in the rain in your backyard to see how it works for you. If you go hiking with it bring a piece of thin plastic painter's drop cloth in case any rain blows onto you.
If it's too small, try out different size tarp configurations using the $4 blue poly tarps from the hardware store. Some people make effective tarps out of plastic sheeting and duct tape; it won't last long, but will give you some almost free experience. Once you see what size you want, then you can spend more to get something better.
Something that's great for a ground cloth (but not for a tarp) is polycryo shrink plastic window insulation, http://www.amazon.com/Duck-Brand-1297119--120-Inch-Shrink/dp/B000NHW2Z6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1301772846&sr=8-5 Also at Home Depot and hardware stores.
I'd hold off on getting a bivy until you have more experience with what you need. Mosquito netting works better for bugs.