Shopping for shelter

After some serious thought, I have decided to go with a tarp/bivy combination. Almost certainly I'll go with a MLD Bivy. For the tarp, I'm thinking about a OES tarp of some kind (I'm leaning towards a 10x10 cat cut tarp). By going that way, I can get my daughter backpacking in a few years by getting her a bivy and then she can share the tarp with me. Also, if (when?) I finally get a hammock, I can use the tarp with that.

The tarp/bivy combination gives me the most flexibility of the options I've considered for what I want to do right now.

My main problem right now is, I've had a problem with my credit card so there won't be any purchases until that gets straightened out! :(
 
you were posting as I was :) yeah a tarp/bivy is a very flexible setup- a larger tarp does give you additional options (ie companions :))
 
I tried the one man tent thing, but it is REALLY small when you get into the lightweight ones.

The only reason that I still do a tent over a tarp setup is because of the bugs in places I have camped. I understand that you can carry netting, use a bivy, etc., but if you expect to have bad bugs, sometimes it is nice to have a place to get away from them.

bugsabovetent800x600.jpg
 
I'm not into the ultra-light thing, so I can't address tarps. I have spent a bit of time above the treeline, and really appreciate my small, single-wall mountaineering tent. If you are up high a lot, it is very worthwhile. Not the best for areas where condensation is more of an issue (esp No. Cal coastal areas (rain forest)). Hilliberg makes some nice (but pricey) double wall tents that are pretty light, and very versatile.
 
Kismet's right, in heavy rain(multi-day, with my luck) bivys can be pretty difficult. I like to use mine when I can(ID Chrysylis), but all my gear has to be prep'd for wet weather, just in case. I've practiced with more tarps and tarp setups then I want to think about.
 
The Hammock + Tarp option is probably the most versatile and can potentially be the least expensive pound for pound, allowing you to buy fantastic gear at a reasonable price.
 
TNF makes a bivvy with a PVC liner on the very bottom for easy cleaning and waterproofing... also a whole lot of material between you and the ground. Overall I think it weighs in at around 2 pounds. Check out the Kelty Spike. I really like the design of that tent, and Kelty's construction is second to none.
 
bulgron said:
I'm thinking about a OES tarp of some kind (I'm leaning towards a 10x10 cat cut tarp).
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I got a silynylon OES MacCat deluxe this past season. I use it with a Hennessey explorer hammock. I've only been out with it once so far, but the quality & service are A+. I couldn't be happier with it.

When I'm with the wife, we take a tent (she gets motion sick), but at 13oz, I'll still take the tarp.


edit: He will put custom tie-outs on for you, so a 10x10 could give you all kinds of pitch options. Can't go wrong with this company, imo.
 
Small solo tent for me. Bug free, can sit up in them, good moisture management with a conventional double wall, free standing, and a good 3 season can be pushed into 4. Plus, solos are constantly getting better and lighter. In an emergency 2 can sqeeze in. Most are long enough to hold your pack at one end. A Eureka Backcountry cost a little over a C-note. A hell of a tent for the money.
 
I should add another option (as I've recently put one on order) - pyramid "tent"- they come in various configs, but basically a single wall tent that uses a trekking pole in the center. They typically are light and the design does very well in the wind and snow- many are designed as a true 4 season tent. In conjunction, they make inner bug tents that you can pack (or leave home) depending on conditions. They come in one person to 4+ versions.

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I'm fairly certain thats an MSR Hubba.

I've got the 2 man Hubba Hubba (MSR's warranty replacement for my much loved Trekker Tent) and its a nice tent. That being said, I still prefer sleeping under, carrying, and setting up a tarp.

Brandon
 
mtwarden said:
I should add another option (as I've recently put one on order) - pyramid "tent"- they come in various configs, but basically a single wall tent that uses a trekking pole in the center. They typically are light and the design does very well in the wind and snow- many are designed as a true 4 season tent. In conjunction, they make inner bug tents that you can pack (or leave home) depending on conditions. They come in one person to 4+ versions.

3093039007_d1b9f294fe.jpg
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This is a fascinating option. Where did you find this?
 
Zombie Zeke said:
Bulgron-make sure you bring two more things bro, Sierra Nevada Pale and Porter, because you never know...:D
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LOL!

I really like my Sierra Nevada Pale Ale when I'm sitting around the pool watching the kids swim.

But the whole point to backpacking is to get far enough up a trail that the kind of people who would haul bottles of beer into the woods won't go there. There's nothing more irritating than listening to people clink bottles of beer and talking until 2 am when you're trying to sleep one campsite over.
 
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