Seeking Info RE: Bivys & Tarp Shelters

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Carne_DelMuerto
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Re: Seeking Info RE: Bivys & Tarp Shelters

Post by Carne_DelMuerto »

The Other Tom wrote:Welcome to HST, Carne_delMuerto. Interesting screen name you have there :)
Question: What do you do with your pack, etc when it rains ? I assume you have a pack cover of some sort....does it work well ?
I use a very low tech item: a garbage bag. I like the Smart & Final blue bags because they are a bit thicker than the normal store brand and the blue is more visible than black if there's an emergency. I just find a tree or rock with decent cover, lean my pack against it and drape the bag over with the end tucked under. It's never failed me.

Thanks for the welcome. I know the screen name is odd...it's the same name I use over on gaming boards which I used to visit regularly.
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oldranger
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Re: Seeking Info RE: Bivys & Tarp Shelters

Post by oldranger »

the other tom

Even with a tent with a vestibule I have never brought my pack near my tent. As Carne ... I use the low tech solution-a large garbage bag to cover my pack. It could also serve as an extra layer in a survival situation or as emergency rain gear if I encounter a person who has the delusion that it doesn't rain in the Sierra.

Mike
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The Other Tom
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Re: Seeking Info RE: Bivys & Tarp Shelters

Post by The Other Tom »

Thanks, guys. Most times I leave my pack outside as well. But if I think it's going to rain a lot, I bring it in the tent with me. Once I removed everything from the pack and used it under my legs as extra insulation. I've though about using a garbage bag to line the pack in case of rain while hiking or a judgement error in a river crossing :eek: . But somehow I seem to forget until I'm on the trail.
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evan
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Re: Seeking Info RE: Bivys & Tarp Shelters

Post by evan »

Carne is completely correct, the low tech solution works - Ive been in a few down pours in the sierra & the large Gladlock bag never lets me down. I too agree with what is being said regarding how most of us never bring our packs into our tents. Although, by the time Ive put my ground pad, sleeping bag, night time clothing kit, book map & flashlight in my tent; I feel as though I practically have put my pack into my tent. Ironic - Ive never put too much thought into that til now. Thanks for everyones input on tarps, bivys & the like! Im still going through the reasearch process, though I feel that Ive reached the point to where I would like to try a tarp or bivy yet, I do not want to make the expensive mistake of trial and error. Does anyone happen to know if its possible to rent tarp (tents) or bivys from an outdoor store (like REI)? Thanks again!
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oldranger
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Re: Seeking Info RE: Bivys & Tarp Shelters

Post by oldranger »

Evan

Buy it from REI and if you don't like it return it. Morally, though, you should have a pretty good Idea that it will work for you.

Mike
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The Other Tom
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Re: Seeking Info RE: Bivys & Tarp Shelters

Post by The Other Tom »

evan wrote: Does anyone happen to know if its possible to rent tarp (tents) or bivys from an outdoor store (like REI)? Thanks again!
Some stores do rent equipment. My local outfitter has a good rental program for boy scouts , for example, but anyone can take advantage of it. Ask some of the outfitters in your local area.
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Flux
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Re: Seeking Info RE: Bivys & Tarp Shelters

Post by Flux »

I have also been considering a Bivy for going lightweight. There are some that have a breathable/repellent top and a waterproof floor with a bug screen face. They usually come in around a pound. These seem ideal to mate up with a half pound poncho tarp for when it rains. This could protect you sleeping and your gear. There are some nice ones from companies like Mountain Laurel Designs etc.

What I did find is that if you have a bivy, groundcloth, and tarp for ultimate protection you are not that far off weightwise and pricewise from some of the nicer single wall and UL double wall tents. Black Diamond and Nemo both make single wall 2 pole/2 Person tents that come in at 3 lbs or less. These are luxurious single person tents that can fit a person and all their gear. You could also get an ultralight 2 person and use it with just a groundsheet, this usually comes in well under 3 lbs.

My tent right now is an older style (yellowish) Black Diamond Lighthouse. It weighs in a bit much at 3.25 lbs, but I love the space and the ease of setup. I can have that thing up in under 5 minutes and be on to cooking dinner. It is essentially free standing so I can anchor it with stakes or rocks. It is not fully waterproof, but will handle a storm and is taught and strong in the wind. Plenty of room for me and all my gear, but I would not put two big dudes in it unless I had to. It packs down tiny and can be fully zipped when cold out and has zero drafts. You can also open the whole side door when it's warm. Condensation is a concern, but only if it's cold and rainy, not typical conditions in the Sierra so much. This tent would also do very well in mild winter conditions.

I am looking at a bivy and poncho tarp combo to drop some weight and space though for fast light trips in fair weather. I am trying to experiment a bit with stripped down gear to see where my personal preference for weight and comfort lies. I figure I could always ebay a gently used piece of gear if it was not my preference.
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Re: Seeking Info RE: Bivys & Tarp Shelters

Post by Hetchy »

I am looking at a bivy and poncho tarp combo to drop some weight and space though for fast light trips in fair weather. I am trying to experiment a bit with stripped down gear to see where my personal preference for weight and comfort lies. I figure I could always ebay a gently used piece of gear if it was not my preference.
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Hey Flux!
Have you looked at the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape?
It is both a poncho and converts into a single wall shelter similar to a pyramid tarp. There is a harness in the collar that you clip your trekking pole to and you stake the sides out.
On the PCT several of my hiker buddies swore by them... and at them LOL.
I met one couple that shared one for quite a long ways on their thru hike.
Anyhow it is recommended that you use a bivy sack along with the Gatewood cape and my friends confirmed this was a good idea.
Mountain Laurel Designs has superb ultralight bivies.. eight models of them!
The newest one on Momentum 10d weighs less than 3 ounces.
The Gatewood cape weighs 11 ounces.
Adding line and Ti stakes your total combined shelter&raingear weight could be less than 17 ounces with this combo. :eek:
That might be the ticket for light and fast treks.
Image Six Moon Designs Gatewood cape
Image Mountain Laurel Design Speed Bivy

Oh Yea.. It is also possible to pitch and break down the Gatewood cape/ shelter while it's raining and stay relatively dry. It is a bit of a contortionist act my friend says but possible. Important if this is your only raingear. :drinkers: :moon: :partyman: :rock:
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Flux
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Re: Seeking Info RE: Bivys & Tarp Shelters

Post by Flux »

Hey Hetchy, thanks for the post. That does indeed look like a great setup. I wouldn't hesitate to buy something from MLD or Six moons. I think you might classify me as one of those downsizing their loads and cutting pounds.

I was actually looking at the superlight bivy with an all net hood which weighs a monster 5.5 ounces. Woud definitely need a tarp with that for any bad weather, but yeah, it would come in around a pound and a half and handle just about anything.

I guess my goal is to go farther and do it faster. I am also thinking of getting a lighter pack than my Osprey Atmos (6 lbs!!) as well. Yet another great American Made Company run by enthusiasts:

http://www.ula-equipment.com/packoverview.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I like your sig as well. Unfortunately I am one of those with more money than time and I am usually broke (from buying gear)
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Bandito
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Re: Seeking Info RE: Bivys & Tarp Shelters

Post by Bandito »

I got a military surplus bivy off of ebay for about $40. I wasn't sure if I'd like it so I didn't want to spend too much and I can say I love it; I'll never go back to a tent.

Something like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-ARMY-MODU ... 51975d7207
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