MYO Gear Newbie

“I've been a lurker for quite some time, but now I'm getting back into the swing of things.

Okay, I'm starting to pare down my gear, and thin out the heavy things. I have my sights on a GG Vapor Trail pack (don't convince me otherwise, I like the utility).

However, my main question here has to do with tarp tents. I'm venturing into making my own, and I'm trying to choose between two. One is the [url]Jardine tarptent http://tinyurl.com/228kw8[/url] (2 person) , and the [url]Shires-designed tarptent http://tinyurl.com/3y68pt[/url]. Yes, I want the netting, as in the chance that my wife goes along with me, we'll be entombed in netting. I have heard that the bathtub floor of Jardine is good for ground-crawling insects, but the netting in the canopy can be a pain as well.

I'm looking for suggestions and testimonials, before I make by decision and purchase and sew the gear. Also, it is slightly a financial decision as well.

Danke.

Joe”

“I used to sew all kinds of things. Gear is where I would draw the line. I created a savings account just for my outdoors stuff; gear, trip, food, gas money and whatever. My tax refund goes into it. And the first $100 of every paycheck goes into it. Am I rich? Heck no, I'm a lowly cashier, we live in low-income housing. This is how I pay for my kids summer camps and all of our equipment, clothing etc. Don't pay everything else first and then try to save. If you put that money aside first, you'll never miss what you don't have, you get used to it. I started out by putting in 25, then 50, now 100. I try not to use it, but sometimes it has had to go for emergencies. You see I couldn't give my kids things, so I gave them experiences! :O)”

“Hey Joe!

I have a Six Moons Designs Lunar Solo tent, which is simular to the Henry Shires tents. Nothing wrong with these guys, just thought you would like to see another simular product.

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=36

I have used this guy for the past year in almost every weather condition you can think of, yes, even a near miss from a tornado. If you properly pitch and seam seal it, it is bombproof. Likewise, if you care for it properly, you will be using it for a long time.”

“My son made the Shires Tarp tent from the design he has on his site. He uses a big sheet of tyvek that he can fold up into a bathtub type of shape. He's used it for over 3 years now under all kinds of conditions and never had a problem with bugs or water or light snow. All of his use has been in the Rocky Mtn region, not as many ground crawlers as the south and east.”

“So I have my tarp. I know some guy on eBay who makes the GoLite Cave. I bought one, and now do not have to make my own tarp. Nice price.

However, I did make my own stuff sacks. I am also going to try and make my own UL lids for the new Granite Gear packs.”