Question for the tarp users.

Z

ziptrickhead

Joined
Sep 1, 2004
Messages
490
What do you guys usually use for sleeping arrangements?

I'm thinking a hammock would be good and lightweight since I'll most likely be only camping during the warmer months. Seems to me that a sleeping bag might be too much.

Also, any fairly priced but well made hammocks out there? I have one that I brought back from Vietnam but its pretty thick and would take up a lot of space in the pack since its woven together.
 
I use tarp, bivy bag, sleeping bag. The tarp and the sleeping bag change size but the bivy bag is ever present. Even if I use the bivy bag just as a groundsheet I still have security in case I've misjudged the weather. It also gives a welcome sanctuary from things that bite and scratch.

I don't really like sleeping in hammocks. I will when its the most sensible thing but not for pleasure. I've got a little summer micro net thing for casual silliness, and even then I need to cut spreaders for it to make it at all enjoyable. I did come across a hammock forum the other day though...

bunch of hammock related resources
 
Last edited:
I have three basic systems...Hennessey Hammock I use in the Spring - Fall. The Hennessey is the most comfortable night of rest I get just short of my own bed. It takes less than 2 minutes to set up and tear down, comfortable, accessible, I can see out of it, and I can sleep in just about any terrain.

I then use a 10' x 10' Tarp shelter I got from www.ofagear.com in the Fall - Winter. The tarp allows me the ability to have a reflective warming fire which a tent doesn't provide. It is an extremely flexible system with about 70 different ways to set it up...I have about six or seven basic ways I generally use the tarp depending upon the conditions. I've used it in everything from rain to snow to blizzards to extreme bitter cold temps. It works!

I always have a bivi with me as that is my back up (redundancy) system if I don't have time or can't deploy the tarp and/or hammock. In extreme cold or wet weather I'll use the bivi inside of the tarp. If you have the ability to search...check out the photos I posted showing several different lay outs of my tarp.
 
Last edited:
Siltarp, Bivy, and jungle bag. Location, location, location.
 
Has anyone ever used the hammock that Bens Backwoods sells? Its pretty cheap and can hold 250lbs so they claim.
 
Bivy bag, light or medium bag, tarp. For north of fire ant and other creepie crawlie territory.
 
How much do you guys pay for a meter for a ripstop Sil-nylon in a nice woodland friendly colour?

I wouldn't mind paying extra for one of the more radical designs I've seen that are rather like tents without a floor 'cos I don't yet have the confidence at machining up very big complicated patterns. But I have no need for those. I'm currently finishing up a basic rectangle 10'*10', and even with all the webbing bits it's only costing me about £40 [something like $80 USD I think]. The only corners I'm cutting is not buying in lengths of sealing tape. I seal the stitching with a tube of translucent silicon bath sealant.
 
ziptrickhead

I use the Byer Travelers Hammock for woods and Jungle. It is small and weighs 11 oz. about $17-$20 Campmor or Sport Chalet.


Tarp-Poncho tarp (ID) pitched right will keep you dry. Bivy bag for added wind and water protection.
Picture042.jpg

Picture044.jpg

Two Person Golite Lair-11 oz.
Picture2062.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top