Tent or tarp?

“So you have that problem, too, when pitched high? It's not just me?????

woo hoo, I feel validated!

kinda..... lol”

“Well no not really.
If it starts raining I lower the trekking pole and tighen up my knot.

I've been meaning to put a longer guyline on the front for a couple of years now.”

“Some people insert sections of elastic line on their tie-downs so they automatically retension. I've found all I need to do is retighten just before I hit the sack, after its been set up a few hours. It stays pretty tight after that.

I have a Zeus Exo and also get bad condensation with it. Its the nature of the single-wall beast. However, since the tarptent has such good airflow I've found as long as I pitch it into the wind the breeze takes care of the condensation problem. In totally still air there's nothing you can do, a double-wall tent is the only solution.

Also since it is so airy, it will not hold in heat like a stuffier tent. Make sure your other sleep system components are warm enough, just like you were sleeping under the stars. If you don't care about additional condensation you can stake the side flaps really low to the ground, change the angle of rear loop so its low to the ground, and stake the front flap low to the ground. That will hold in some warmth, but not much. That same technique is also useful if the rain is getting driven inside in a hard storm.

If the beak is sagging on the sides you need to move the 2 stakes on either side of the door farther out, probably a little more back too, from the front guyline stake. The biggest thing I had to learn was how to move the various stakes around to get it all angled/positioned just right.”

“There is a reasong that all the new TT's have the upper vent. One good thing about the Cloudburst is that it very arely drips on me when there is condensation. It ususallt rolls down the wall out the mesh. I've been in some wild southern thunderstorms and in those sure-to-condense 40 degree rainy nights and while there was condensation on the walls I had no issues getting wet from it. Not sure how the Cloudburst differs since it doesn't use a trekking pole but I've never had and problems with the tent sagging too much when it was raining and the nylon stretched a little but. It was never enough to effect the tent. It withstood 40mph winds and rain on top of blood mountain.”

“I used a tarptent six nights straight in Glacier this past summer. It rained (Freaking HARD) three of those nights. The only wet I got was some light splatter just inside the edges thru the mesh.

You have to be thoughtful about where you pitch the thing so runnoff doesn't run THRU the tent. And you have to pay attention to the guy lines to position the roof correctly over the sides.

Its a great shelter when used properly.

I'd take mine in any season except dead winter. Its not a snow shelter.”

“TENT!!!!!!!!”

“The Six Moons Designs shelter this past weekend took everything a tornado threw at it and came out on top. No moisture built up and no rain got in. It was pretty windy and the tent held firm.”

“What's the matter SC? Didn't that tarp work out for ya last weekend? LOL!”

“I don't think she used anything”

“always use protection! :)”

“Always on the look out for a very light tent for those trips where I HAVE to pack as light as possible.

I found those 2:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47992245&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&addon=733471-733472&ext_cat=undefined
[I know, not really a overnight tent, but why not?]
opps, I think this one is too short

and then there is this one:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&langId=-1&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47992242

what you think? I love my black diamond lighthouse, and will use mostly it, but like I said, I need something extra light for ultra light trips.
last edited: 4/24/06 10:36:38 AM”

“damn
last edited: 4/24/06 10:36:22 AM”

“wait for trail days and see all the ultra-lite tents they have out.”

“yeah, sort a true huh”

“I am going to be looking at a hammock. HH has lots of competition now. I just hope the other brands show up.”

“yeah, I have a hammock, and I love it, but I wanted to have something that's actually on the ground.”

“I've had my eye on one of the Golite shelters......also has an optional "nest" that turns the tarp into a tent.”

“In the winter I go with the Walrus Trekker Tarp. Summer I use a ultra light tarp and a bug mesh

For hammocks. THe Eagles Nest is great. Go with a Double that is three color. There is a double that is Four Color but that has Four panels while the three color has three and is like a LARGE single.”

“Six Moons Designs - Lunar Solo

This shelter rocks! I had it out at Mammoth Cave last November when a tornado touched down 10 miles from where we camped and it survived, no problem.

No rain got in at all. I stayed completly dry.”

“WK, I had that shelter, and didn't like it. Did you buy it from me via ebay? LOL

I know they suppose to be great shelters, but I just didn't get it. I got to admit that I now wish I would've not sold it because of it's weight. dammit.”

“Bivy, Bivy, Bivy. I have this one, http://www.orgear.com/home/style/Home_OR/shelter/shelter_bivy/40140, but there are a number of good ones out thre!
last edited: 4/24/06 1:41:00 PM”

“I've been using an 8x10 sil-nylon tarp I got from Campmor. I've been pretty happy with it, though I need to get some bug netting to use with it, because I think this is going to be a bag bug year.”

“I am starting to like the tarp thing more and more. Bivy's weigh as much as a tent. LOL Well, almost.

That's my concerns:

Tarp=bugs
bivy=coven

I don't like neither.
LZ, what sort of bug netting are you looking at?”

“3-layer Gore-Tex® fabric sheds weather and allows moist air to escape, while a waterproof Hydroseal-200® coated floor stands up to abrasion. All seams are taped for full-weather protection. Two shock-corded poles create space overhead and in front of you, providing room to wait out long, wet weather days. A zippered vent in the foot section helps most air escape on warm, humid nights. No-see-um netting can be zipped around the opening, or zipped out completely when it’s not needed.


Avg. weight: 39.0 oz



I think you might be surprised if you took another look at the OR Advanced Bivy, or a few other competitive products.

First, there is no tent I've found that weighs only 39oz... and I've been looking!

Second, the overhead hoop thing keeps the material off your face, and does minimize the "cocoon" feeling one can get (although I know each of us is more or less tolerant of that feeling).”

“LZ, what sort of bug netting are you looking at?”
Gemini
2:51:04 PM
4/24/06

I haven't figured out what I want yet, which is why I haven't bought any yet. lol I could probably make something like this work.
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=7902&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1
A GoLite Lair 2 Nest Screen Shelter would probably work too, but then I’m getting close to the 3lb range for the entire setup and I could probably find a full tent that weighs less.”

“I have the Bibler hooped bivy... 23 oz. It is a very warm way to sleep in cold weather. Love it.

Not as light as tarp/groundcloth/bug netting but pretty close.”

“yupp, that's just it! Then I'll rather buy the six moon tent AGAIN, or the OR nighthaven, which is only 34.2 oz. I still think for a tent that I have to use trekking poles with 34.2 oz is pretty damn heavy...

look at this one:
http://www.tarptent.com/rainbow.html”

“First, there is no tent I've found that weighs only 39oz... and I've been looking!
wanderer
1:57:26 PM
4/24/06


Six Moon designs

Lunar Solo http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=36
weighs 26.5 oz for a one person tent. It is a little heavier (3 oz) than a bivy but the extra space is well worth it


last edited: 4/24/06 2:21:47 PM”

“LZ the mosquito netting is the way to go. It is designed with tye points on it atr the top I just run some Paracord from it to my support line/works great.”

“Ha! Never say "never" to ewker.”

“like I said the Lunar was my first tent right after the eureka solitair. light, but not my taste. back then I wasn't really great in pitching a tent, and it was sagging pretty bad. It's not easy to pitch a tent like this tight. I wouldn't even call it a tent, it's a tarpent.

you also got to add a couple ounces after you or them seam seal it.”

“Some of the adventure racing stuff is worth looking into.

Check out, especially, the Mandatory Gear Adventure racing tents. They are pretty expensive, but they claim 4 person, 4 season, vented tents at 25.1 ounces (the puppy pile).
Gee I haven't seen a thread on them and they've been out for a while.

http://www.argear.com/gear/grblackdiamondlightsabre.html”

“A real tent under 2lb. This is exactally what I was looking for, $500 isn't really what I call a deal, but it maybe just worth saving up for.”

“For 3 season use, I'm happy with my homemade 8X10 sil tarp and mesh tent underneath it. It only weighs 2 pounds with stakes and either tarp or mesh tent can be used alone depending on the weather. Lots of room too.”

“LOL, I was thinking about making me my own, but after trial and error I probably pay over $200 just for the material.

If I would know what I am doing it would be a different story. I sow like a 1st grader.”

“Ewker, that's not a real "tent" IMHO, it's a fancy tarp. I'd feel way more comfortable in a high sierra snowstorm in July in my Bivy than I would in that flimsy-looking POS. Plus, I have this thing against non-free-standing tents, seems like whenever you REALLY want to get your tent set up in a hurry to get out of the rain / sleet / hail, whatever... then there's no good spot to attach you stakes... or... if you're high in the Sierra you have nothing but granite rock all around & you have to go searching for rocks to tie your tent to. PIA.

I know I sound like a whiny-baby, I just don't like flimsy tents with a 1/2 assed floor that are supposed to be "shelters" which we can count on for days on end.

I wouldn't take that six-moons shelter for my dog, but that's just my impression based upon no first-hand knowledge of the product, it just looks cheap-ass & flimsy from the specs / link.”

“LMAO!

Actually that's the tent that Wounded Knee bought and used at Mammoth Cave and then again somewhere else I was at... oh yeah, Cumberland. It was very nice, but my knowledge is second hand and I don't take my dog backpacking with me. LOL!”

“I actually don't use either lately. I carry too much gear already. I'd like to go more places with nothing.

By accident, I found out I like to hike at night, especially in winter. So with this in mind, I usually could end up by my vehicle. (I live where I mostly hike)

I've seen rangers in buggy area's with just a tarp & never thought I could do that. I don't want to wank up with a snake in my bag or have a raccoon walk across my face.

I usually bring heavy duty rain gear & if I'm that tired, I just roll up into a ball against something sitting. I don't start a fire or cook, so I can move when I wake up. (after I get the kinks out)”

“OK catskhiker... there is a "must tell" story in that post. What is the acceident that made you discover you like night hiking in winter? :)”

“I recently purchased the Lunar Solo and used it on a overnight trip.

It got down to around 25deg. and both the outside and inside of the shelter was covered in frost.

No moisture or frost on my sleeping bag though, so I was happy with my first use with it!

If Six Moons put a small hooded vent, right above your head on this shelter,you would probably never have much in the way of interior condensation at all. Just a design change, thought?”

“wanderer, you said there wasn't a tent under 39 oz. Next time put out all of your demands before hand, not after I proved you wrong. Go look at the Henry Shires tents, most are under the weight also.”

“I meant a tent that looked somewhat reliable & trustworthy... I didn't know that I needed to state that.”

“okay, I am voting for the cloudburst 2.
2.5lbs ain't bad at all for a tarpent.

That's it. I made up my mind. thank you VERY much.”

“You'll love it Gemmy - I used one last summer in Glacier. Stood up to rainstorms juuuuust fiiiinnneee. You just gotta be careful how and where you set it up. You will love it - light and compact and sturdy!”

“Gem - you don't need to sew. You can buy an 8x10 silnylon tarp and use something like this to protect you from bugs. You'll easily stay under 2 lbs, including a few stakes and some rope.

That's the exact setup I used for a nine day trip on Isle Royale. http://community.webshots.com/photo/88643709/1088665890039965017TrMKIC”

“Tara, I use a siltarp....man it is nice, yeah I go with the elcheapo bug mesh but I have never had problems. The best is to be sitting there in a rain storm able to cook, watch the world, chat etc and not sit there and count nylon squares.”

“Tarabull, that's terrific!!! Thank you!!!
So I guess I now have 2 new extra light possibility because I ordered the cloudburst 2. I trust roam on that one.

I am gonna order me tara's setup though now, because that's just what I want for extra light hiking. Thank you!!”

“I have a Cloudburst and it has stood up in wind and rain....great one-man tent.”

“BTW, Gem, both the bug mesh and the silnylon tarp are sold on Binks' site.”

“That's my concerns:

Tarp=bugs
bivy=coven

Gemini
1:51:04 PM
4/24/06

So, you're afraid witches will get you if you sleep in a bivy?”