Going lite....... Shelters

Was needing help trying to find a tarp type lightweight set up that can keep my pack and me dry. Sept. use. Was really hoping people could post pic's of their tarp camping trips??

Thanks

Would also be interested in hearing about folks that just use their rain fly and foot print for shelters. What's worked best for you??

I don't know if this helps but for nearly 20 years, I used a GI poncho for a shelter tarp with a 3' x 7' piece of GI poncho for a ground cloth. For 15 of those years, this was the shelter I used in the North Cascades on hiking trips; I used an old, heavy, cotton REI (Co-op then) 2-man tent for hard alpine conditions. I stayed dry with the GI poncho unless the site chosen was poorly drained. I used a head net for the bugs with moderate success. After a while you get used to being bitten.

I used the MSR Hubba Hubba with only footprint, poles and fly just after Christmas during a trip to Mammoth Cave National Park.

It stood up well to steady rain, though it collected a substantial amount of condensation. Fortunately, these tended to drip down the sides and were not a real problem in terms of drips getting to gear or clothing.

I used a tarp and bivy combo this past week during a trip to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.

It avoided all issues with condensation and I could have rigged it lower to better protect from wind. However, the downward side still stood off most all wind overnight. You can also see the 10 ounce Integral Designs Bivy Sack around the lower half of my quilt. I stayed perfectly dry despite flurries and single digit temps.

My Six Moon Desgins Lunar Solo is one of my favorite shelters for temperate weather.

In this configuration it gives great weather protection though it collects a fair bit of condensation during cooler, more humid conditions.

However, with the front vestibule wide open, it is great for venting any and all condensation and is a perfect bug shelter.

Check out SMD (Six Moon Designs) Gatewood cape. Weighs 14oz with 6 L/W titanium stakes.

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=45

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/...&cid=33


If you're not taller than about 6' this is a very nice one person (+gear+small dog) shelter. It's main advantage is that it does double duty--shelter and rain gear (cape/poncho).

Steve

Right on. I am assuming that you mean keep the pack dry while in camp-not on the trail. I have been using a golite poncho tarp for a year and it kept me and my gear dry. I had to use a bivy to keep splatter off my bag, and the gear goes behind me. Actually I use a golite jam2 and I stuff it with my extra clothes and use it as a pillow. I guess that saves space. I just got a Sierra Designs Oragami 2 UL and I love it. So much room for 28 ounces (plus 5 stakes and a hiking pole). It is so versatile in its possiblities for set up. There are many configurations. I can sit up in it and stay in my bag while I cook. I have been setting it up with a 48" height to block more winter wind, but it can be set up higher. The first time I used it was mid 30's, so I set it up 58" high witht the hilink pole and I could sit up straight while on my knees. But it is the roominess that I love. The fabric is similar to that used on their tent flys. It is sturdier than silnylon. I already had a wrist sized limb fall on it in a strong wind storm, and other than a light colored scar there was no damage. I think silnylon would have torn under that force. Oh yeah, its DRY, and during that wind storm I thought my treking pole was gonna bust or bend and the shelter was shaken, pushed and tugged in all directions, but no damage and no problems all night long. Except that after that limb fell I had a hard time sleeping.

http://www.sierradesigns.com/tarps.display.php?id=526

http://www.sierradesigns.com/pdf2006/origami_configurations.pdf

Just take a tarp, some bunjees and some tent pegs.
Find two trees, bunjee the tarp between the two and peg out the sides.
works AMAZINGLY well. have used shelters like this in november, with a 5 degree celsius bag and torrential rain and it was great, dry, warm and toasty all day.
(I live in BC)

CHEAP, the fire avatar is nice, but it would be better if folks knew where you were posting from so they could ascertain if your posts were relative to their region IMO.

HootyHoo that Origami shelter sounds as if it's working out for you, keep us posted with pics on your next outing.

Weather, region of the country, season, your fitness; all play a large roll in whether or not a type of shelter will work out for you in your particular case. We all want a cheap light shelter but not at the expense of hypothermia <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Choose wisely <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

I have an MSR ultralight but you need a seperate floor and it is a tad intimate for two people, especially if one wants to get up during the night (zippered door is not centered). There is no bug protection.
Very light though,less than two pounds.