- Joined
- Dec 11, 2006
- Messages
- 1,659
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Tarp Shelters & Bugs?
- Thread starter WalterDavis
- Start date
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2001
- Messages
- 2,861
I was just about to ask about netting that could be setup under a tarp. Any more pics and links of bug nets that work in conjunction with tarp setups would be appreciated.
Thanks
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2006
- Messages
- 1,176
Mrs. Tradja and I made a tarp with detachable bug-enclosure that we used on our 2006 thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail. It's pretty basic, but we used the kit and plans available from Ray Jardine. The whole rig cost us less than $100 and took us most of a Saturday and Sunday to carefully measure, measure again, cut, and assemble.
We used it for 3000 miles and couldn't have been happier. Later in the season when the bugs were gone, we mailed the "bug hut" component home.
We have several nice tents (TNF, MHW, etc) but we seldom use them anymore, even for car or winter camping. I am a huge fan of the tarp + bug hut.
We used it for 3000 miles and couldn't have been happier. Later in the season when the bugs were gone, we mailed the "bug hut" component home.
We have several nice tents (TNF, MHW, etc) but we seldom use them anymore, even for car or winter camping. I am a huge fan of the tarp + bug hut.
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2004
- Messages
- 210
Yeah, If you want a like feel without a 4.5lb package go with a Tarptent
They are a great compromise.
I have a Squall 2 and a Contrail. Both are bombproof.
I mostly just use a tarp now with a mosquito head net if needed and have no issues....but I'm weird and like to be able to stuff my shelter in my pocket and have it weigh 12 oz, but that's just me.
The other thing you must consider with a tarp and a Tarptent, to a certain degree, is placement. You can't just plop it down anywhere and expect maximum performance. You need to be a little more in tune with what's going on around you.
For instance condensation build-up in a single wall can be largely resolved by positioning and configuring the tent for maximum airflow.
H
They are a great compromise.
I have a Squall 2 and a Contrail. Both are bombproof.
I mostly just use a tarp now with a mosquito head net if needed and have no issues....but I'm weird and like to be able to stuff my shelter in my pocket and have it weigh 12 oz, but that's just me.
The other thing you must consider with a tarp and a Tarptent, to a certain degree, is placement. You can't just plop it down anywhere and expect maximum performance. You need to be a little more in tune with what's going on around you.
For instance condensation build-up in a single wall can be largely resolved by positioning and configuring the tent for maximum airflow.
H
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2006
- Messages
- 1,176
Yes, the TT is a great product line, and Henry is heck of a good guy to deal with as well.
hutch762mg (now that I type that out, NOW I get it), I think that in several respects, a tarp is MORE versatile than a tent. More than once I have had bushes or small trees inside the tarp with me, sites that would have required extensive (and sometimes illegal) landscaping in order to work with a tent.
The tarp can be set up high or low, and wide or narrow. I've squeezed the tarp into some tiny sites before. If you can find a place *just* big enough for your sleeping bag, you can tarp it.
If I don't have the bug hut with me, I always carry a headnet with me as a backup. I've been snow camping in the late spring and SWARMED by random little gnats. That being said, I find that sleeping in a headnet is an unexpectedly stuffy and uncomfortable experience, even wearing a hat to keep the net off my face.
hutch762mg (now that I type that out, NOW I get it), I think that in several respects, a tarp is MORE versatile than a tent. More than once I have had bushes or small trees inside the tarp with me, sites that would have required extensive (and sometimes illegal) landscaping in order to work with a tent.
The tarp can be set up high or low, and wide or narrow. I've squeezed the tarp into some tiny sites before. If you can find a place *just* big enough for your sleeping bag, you can tarp it.
If I don't have the bug hut with me, I always carry a headnet with me as a backup. I've been snow camping in the late spring and SWARMED by random little gnats. That being said, I find that sleeping in a headnet is an unexpectedly stuffy and uncomfortable experience, even wearing a hat to keep the net off my face.
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2004
- Messages
- 4,204
This is a great topic with excellent ideas. I've done plenty of tarp and bug net solo's but not as a family. The more we do even weekend backpacking trips; my wife is more open to tarps, hammocks and other lighter ideas. I do know that a bug-filled, restless night’s sleep will sour anybody's opinion on the outdoors. We have a couple trips planned before I head to Afghanistan and I'd like to try a lighter load with tarp and bug net. Here in Central Texas, airflow is critical otherwise it's a miserable, sweaty night's sleep!
Most of my stuff is solo-oriented (Hennessy, bug-net bivi, mosquito head net, etc.), I'd like to get a double sized setup for my wife and I and the kids already have their hammocks...but it would be nice to split the tarp/poles, net and ground sheet between the two of us.
I've used permethrin spray on my clothing and gear before...it works extremely well at keep most nasties away (especially ticks which I have a phobia of
)
Thanks for all the ideas and keep them coming!
ROCK6
Most of my stuff is solo-oriented (Hennessy, bug-net bivi, mosquito head net, etc.), I'd like to get a double sized setup for my wife and I and the kids already have their hammocks...but it would be nice to split the tarp/poles, net and ground sheet between the two of us.
I've used permethrin spray on my clothing and gear before...it works extremely well at keep most nasties away (especially ticks which I have a phobia of
)Thanks for all the ideas and keep them coming!
ROCK6
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2009
- Messages
- 61
I always prefer a hammock with mosquito net when camping alone in jungle but use a screen tent when I go with my wife. I also wear long clothes and tape the sleeves and pant legs, and also wear a hat with a neckflap and tie cloth around my groin and armpits to keep out centipedes, which are very huge and venomous here and like to crawl into these areas. I use DEET as I have tried the Skin So Soft and it never worked for me.