Bug net for shelter & tarp use

[Tramper Al]

Hey,

I don't stay in shelters all that much, and when the black flies are out in force, I generally carry a tent.

I have been toying with the idea, however, of a more flexible set-up consisting of a bug net / bivy that could be used either inside a shelter or with a tarp. I'm not big on having something falling on my face while trying to sleep, so I would be using a bug net that either had two short poles (dome type) or had a support line that I could hang down from overhead. Still, I would want my bug net + tarp to weigh no more than my tent (about 2.5 lb).

Note that ideally the bug net 'foot print' would be really not much bigger than my sleeping bag's, but I wonder if this would be offensive to some shelter users. I would only be using this on those 'head net' days in Maine. I don't want to be 'that guy'.

Thanks in advance for any advice you might have.

[Footslogger]

I think this other current thread might answer all your questions:

Suggestions for Tarp and Bug Inserts? (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7367)

'Slogger
AT 2003

[fantasmagris]

Al - i live in the south (N. Fla) where bugs are a problem more often than not. I researched this very Q extensively. Ultimately i opted for the MSR mesh insert (2003 model) because i also wanted to use the thing in lieu of a tent and it had a better "bathtub" floor than the others. Got it for $65 from campmor. It's big enough for two and weighs 26 oz. But if you want one for solo, Integral Designs makes a smaller version that only weighs 17 oz (but costs $100). If yer gonna use it w/ a fly like a tent, note the MSR version has twin peaks whereas the ID model tapers/slopes down to the foot. Are you the same TA that's Sherp's friend Al...? ;)

[Tramper Al]

Sure, I know SherpaK.

I vaguely remember the MSR model from a couple of years ago.

I think I am liking the OR bug bivy, which has a single pole overhead and is full zip, full floor I believe. $69, 13 oz.
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=12206040&parent_category_rn=4500665&vcat=REI_SEARCH

With the floor, it should be fine under a tarp without additional ground cloth, I would think.

[fantasmagris]

Al:

That looks OK for sleeping in a shelter. Not to be unduely negative but ... here's my take

1 - if all yer gonna do w/ it is sleep in a shelter, dont know why you would want more than top third of your bag covered. not like you'd be skeeter proof laying on top of your bag - unless the netting was way up high. Like this http://shop.store.yahoo.com/fulfillmentadventures/indesibugli.html And seems way expensive and a bit heavy just to cover your bag opening.
Here's another option ($13/7 oz). http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=7902
maybe just get some scissors and customize if its more than you want...?

2 - if yer gonna use it under a tarp out of shelters, two concerns; first it doesnt have a "bathtub floor" so yer gonna get wet if it really starts to rain unless yer not in a perfect spot. Actually, i made this little sleeping bag cover bivy thing just for sleeping under my tarp or in shelters, etc. ($35/7 oz) in order to alleviate the bug AND ground water problem. http://community.webshots.com/photo/191079781/191079967JiTcYh
But then i got assaulted by skeeters and decided i wanted a "net tent" as a refuge for changing clothes, reading, etc.

Just my $0.02 after my usual trial and error (lots) analysis. :D

SK's in BSP right now. I'm jealous!