An Emergency Shelter Idea

peripatew

peripatew

Joined
Jul 31, 2007
Messages
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I was trying to think of some way to setup an emergency shelter ASAP. I started thinking about those tents that use a CO2 cartridge to fill up "air poles" or whatever they are called.

If there was a super simple tube design, enough for 1-2 people w/o much stuff, similar to an emergency bivy, I think it would be very helpful, especially in winter situations. It seems that it would be light weight and small.

Although, I don't know how much this really differs from a bivy sack. I just though it would be a neat idea.

Any thoughts?
What are the companies that make these air pole tents?

Thanks.
 
paracorp a wool blanket thrown over a tarp witch is tied between 2 trees with said para cord
 
I'm admitting my ignorance. How much does a one man tent weigh these days? Would they fit in a daypack?

TWBryan
 
TWBrian, Most one-man tents these days run around 3 pounds, with some comming in at about two and a half. I have a SilShelter from Integral Designs. It packs down to the size of a Coke can and weighs a whopping 16.5 oz. I combine this with a featherweight Tyvek tarp as a groundcloth and a Thermo-Lite Emergency Bivy and I'm pretty set. (Eventually I'll find an ultralight SilNylon Bivy to replace the Thermo-Lite with.) I can fit all three in my fanny pack, let alone in a daypack! :eek:

It is designed to be set up using a single trekking pole, but I wanted to try it without a center pole for maximum room inside. Here, withe flaps pulled back, you can see the tarp inside.
171651205-L.jpg


Here, I have the flaps in the "closed" position. While not as weather tight as a fully enclosed tent, it is miles ahead of a tube tent or lean-to tarp arrangement. (It could be set closer to the ground to limit drafts, or higher, to increase ventilation.) You can also get a bug net for it.
171646822-L.jpg


519%2BL0ie9RL._SS500_.jpg


So as to not totally jack the thread, I've never heard of tents with inflatable poles. Any links? I have hear of obsessive untralighters using balloons from clown supply houses to act as one-time-use "poles" to keep their bivys up off their faces.

-- FLIX
 
FLIX said:
So as to not totally jack the thread, I've never heard of tents with inflatable poles. Any links? I have hear of obsessive untralighters using balloons from clown supply houses to act as one-time-use "poles" to keep their bivys up off their faces.

-- FLIX
Click to expand...

The link earlier in the thread goes to nemo's tents.

Do you have much bug trouble with that setup?

L
 
I use an AOS swag, nice and comfy and one of the better brands. Its as quick as throwing it on the ground, set up time around 2 seconds ;)
 
All the major tent makers have some sort of lightweight one man shelter. http://www.backpackgeartest.org/ and others have good reviews. One major thing to check is how well they handle condensation. Weight, waterproofness, durability in the wind, ease in pitching, and comfort features like pockets and such are all things to evaluate. Double wall tents are generally more weatherly and have fewer condensation issues, but you pay on the weight premium. Tarp shelters may not have a floor and no bug protection. IMHO, I like a simple tarp rig for solo use and a double wall for a 2 person rig-- each person can carry half.

I got a nice little double-wall rig by Mountainsmith on a closeout for about $40. It's about 3-1/2 pounds and easy to pitch. My utlralight rig is a Six Moons Designs cape shelter that is just 11 ounces.

Check out tarp shelters from Golite.com, like the Hut1 and Hut2. You can find more tent-like rigs from Six Moons Designs and Henry Shires' Tarptents.
 
The Kifaru ParaHootch weighs in at 11 ounces, it ain't cheap (nothing they make is) though :)
 
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