Backcountry Sleeping Accomendations

[Spikorbust]

If I was to go out and buy another backpacking tent and I had a $200 dollar budget I would personally get a ultra light 2 person tent. They might weigh a few ounces more but I think that the space to keep your gear out of the weather would be well worth it. Also trying to pack a 85 pound black lab and a 6ft 190 pound person into a Cabelas XPG ultra light 1 person tent and get any descent shuteye isn't easy. I know sounds like a spoiled mutt but she packs her own food my booze and doesn't complain which makes her great company in the backcountry.

It's always good to bring a drinking buddy 

[Spikorbust]

check this out
http://mountainsmith.com/index.php/tents-sleeping-bags/mountain-shelter-lt.html
i get a killer deal on mountainsmith through a friend so i plan to try one of these out as a solo shelter to supplement my SL5 for 2.

edit to add: patrick smith owner of kifaru started mountainsmith so you could probably attribute this shelter to an early supertarp

Looks like a nice shelter and price is better then some I've seen. I like the fact that you can close it shut.

No floor bug anyone? Not a big deal?

[fillthefreezer]

check this out
http://mountainsmith.com/index.php/tents-sleeping-bags/mountain-shelter-lt.html
i get a killer deal on mountainsmith through a friend so i plan to try one of these out as a solo shelter to supplement my SL5 for 2.

edit to add: patrick smith owner of kifaru started mountainsmith so you could probably attribute this shelter to an early supertarp

Looks like a nice shelter and price is better then some I've seen. I like the fact that you can close it shut.

No floor bug anyone? Not a big deal?

i run a piece of tyvek or this year im gonna use a ti goat bivy
http://www.titaniumgoat.com/Omni-Bivy.html
once you get used to a floorless shelter theyre hard to beat, most people worry about bugs and rain etc, really a non-issue though. always nice to not worry about tracking muddy boots in or my dog f'n up the floor

[Smossy]

Exactly what I was looking for some live experiences.

Do most use small tents or tarps?

Tarps seem simple and light but seems like that could get old being on a wet/damp ground.

Tents seem cumbersome.

I like the idea of a 12 x 16 wall tent with a stove but it seems a bit heavy to put on the back 

With a nice big pipe stove. lol

[Smossy]

check this out
http://mountainsmith.com/index.php/tents-sleeping-bags/mountain-shelter-lt.html
i get a killer deal on mountainsmith through a friend so i plan to try one of these out as a solo shelter to supplement my SL5 for 2.

edit to add: patrick smith owner of kifaru started mountainsmith so you could probably attribute this shelter to an early supertarp

PERFECT. Thats what I need to get, My trecking poles are mountainsmith to!

[Smossy]

check this out
http://mountainsmith.com/index.php/tents-sleeping-bags/mountain-shelter-lt.html
i get a killer deal on mountainsmith through a friend so i plan to try one of these out as a solo shelter to supplement my SL5 for 2.

edit to add: patrick smith owner of kifaru started mountainsmith so you could probably attribute this shelter to an early supertarp

Looks like a nice shelter and price is better then some I've seen. I like the fact that you can close it shut.

No floor bug anyone? Not a big deal?

i run a piece of tyvek or this year im gonna use a ti goat bivy
http://www.titaniumgoat.com/Omni-Bivy.html
once you get used to a floorless shelter theyre hard to beat, most people worry about bugs and rain etc, really a non-issue though. always nice to not worry about tracking muddy boots in or my dog f'n up the floor

Perfect man, Ideas to keep everything off your head
Plus you can get 4x8 tarps for virtually nothing, throw one underneith if its that big of a deal to anyone. Thanks for that link

[fillthefreezer]

Plus you can get 4x8 tarps for virtually nothing, throw one underneith if its that big of a deal to anyone. Thanks for that link

the tyvek is much lighter than a tarp and almost as cheap. i run a 9x9 chunk under my SL5 at less than a lb.

just make sure if you use tyvek to put it through the washing machine because when its brand new its as loud as bending metal roofing

[Smossy]

Plus you can get 4x8 tarps for virtually nothing, throw one underneith if its that big of a deal to anyone. Thanks for that link

the tyvek is much lighter than a tarp and almost as cheap. i run a 9x9 chunk under my SL5 at less than a lb.

Ohhh, thought your link was in regards to the sleeping bags with the netted face.
Whats tyvek?

[fillthefreezer]

Ohhh, thought your link was in regards to the sleeping bags with the netted face.
Whats tyvek?

i wouldnt say that their sleeping bags, your sleeping bag goes in that to stay dry and clean, keep any bugs out.
the tyvek is another option if you want to use floorles shelter but dont want to use a bivy. its what they wrap houses with under the siding. waterproof. lightweight. put it under your pad and bag when using a floorless shelter

[Smossy]

Ohhh, thought your link was in regards to the sleeping bags with the netted face.
Whats tyvek?

i wouldnt say that their sleeping bags, your sleeping bag goes in that to stay dry and clean, keep any bugs out.
the tyvek is another option if you want to use floorles shelter but dont want to use a bivy. its what they wrap houses with under the siding. waterproof. lightweight. put it under your pad and bag when using a floorless shelter

Oh so that "sleeping bag" thing is like a waterproof case for your sleeping bags then? If so that sounds interesting.

[Alchase]

You can use the rain fly off an old tent as well. Usually very light and packs real tight.

[NumaJohn]

For years, I have used a one-person tent by Sierra Designs, but in a quick search I just did on Google, I could see that even though they still offer what look to be good one-person tents, so do a number of other companies.  The Sierra Design tent offered now that is most similar to the one I own is listed for about $130.

My take on backcountry camping is that I want to do whatever I can to sleep well, but not at the expense of having to haul a ton of extra weight.  If I recall, my tent weighs 2.8 pounds.  For some people, that is probably too heavy.  For me, I would much rather carry enough weight to have an actual tent.  Lightweight bivvy sacks are fine, except you can't really move around much in them, and lean-to set-ups with tarps, though light, could be too light if the weather really came a callin'.  If I anticipate the possibility of having to spend a bit of time sheltered from inclement weather, I want a fully-enclosed shelter.

Just my two cents, if worth even that!

John

[Smossy]

For years, I have used a one-person tent by Sierra Designs, but in a quick search I just did on Google, I could see that even though they still offer what look to be good one-person tents, so do a number of other companies.  The Sierra Design tent offered now that is most similar to the one I own is listed for about $130.

My take on backcountry camping is that I want to do whatever I can to sleep well, but not at the expense of having to haul a ton of extra weight.  If I recall, my tent weighs 2.8 pounds.  For some people, that is probably too heavy.  For me, I would much rather carry enough weight to have an actual tent.  Lightweight bivvy sacks are fine, except you can't really move around much in them, and lean-to set-ups with tarps, though light, could be too light if the weather really came a callin'.  If I anticipate the possibility of having to spend a bit of time sheltered from inclement weather, I want a fully-enclosed shelter.

Just my two cents, if worth even that!

John

Ill usually go with the extra weight for comfort, as long as its within reason. My med pack that I carry with me probably weighs upwords of 3-5lbs not sure. I got just about everything besides a defibulator in my bag. Probably not smart might be why my back hurts from my last hike but atleast I know Im prepared, Gives me that peace of mind knowing Im prepared for most situations, Got casting material, and a stitch kit even.

[JLS]

So you're going to cast a broken bone in the woods?  Or suture a laceration?

[Smossy]

So you're going to cast a broken bone in the woods?  Or suture a laceration?

Yup. If the situations present themselves to where I need to, your absolutely right.
Casting material isnt permanent. Neither are sutures.