Back country tents/Bivy

[kglacken]

Im just curious what everyone uses for their back country set ups? Everything will be on my back, no horses or mules. oozing for something light, but also able to sleep comfortably and keep some gear dry. rain fly is a plus, but I'm pretty open to seeing what everyone uses. feel free to post pics of your set ups and the pros and cons you have found! 

[kentrek]

Is it going to be a base camp set up ? Or mobile ?

If it's a base camp I like to pack in a decent sized simple poly tarp, 20x30,and a bivy....then on one side of it I can build a fire underneath it...my next option would be a nice teepee from kifaru...but that gets awfully expensive!  And the tarp seems to work pretty dang good

But don't forget the bivy

If it's a mobile camp during decent enough weather I just use a bivy, worse weather I add a small tarp, worse weather yet I have a single wall msr 2 man tent

[kglacken]

Im looking for more of a mobile tent as many of my back country hunts this year will be into new areas and i will be learning as I go, so I like to be mobile, but I'm sure as I learn areas, base camp type tents will be more of a comfortable set up

[jackelope]

Floored or Floorless? And what is your budget? 2 important questions.

[heronblu]

I use a trap tent that I had a friend make me. I can set it up with a floor or not. Super light and saves pack space.

[BigTines]

Is it going to be a base camp set up ? Or mobile ?

If it's a base camp I like to pack in a decent sized simple poly tarp, 20x30,and a bivy....then on one side of it I can build a fire underneath it...my next option would be a nice teepee from kifaru...but that gets awfully expensive!  And the tarp seems to work pretty dang good

But don't forget the bivy

If it's a mobile camp during decent enough weather I just use a bivy, worse weather I add a small tarp, worse weather yet I have a single wall msr 2 man tent

Do you have any pics of this setup? I'm looking to do this same thing and curious what it looks like. I'm packing into the Westside backcountry in November so it will be wet and I want to have a good base camp where I can dry out.  I know a big tarp would be nice to put over the fire but wasn't sure how close it could be or how to setup the tarp. Is 20x30 the best size tarp? Not too heavy for pack in?

Side note: I don't have the money for a T pee tent with a lightweight stove inside so I'm trying to make do without. Ideas are welcome!

[Fl0und3rz]

For your consideration:  jonathan_s DIY'D a nice tipi for a fraction of the cost of the big name ones.  I am considering doing the same.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,192689.msg2551197.html#msg2551197

Even if you did not want to make a tipi, you could DIY a large silnylon tarp, also for a fraction of the cost.

There are lots of youtube videos out there on materials and methods. For a cheap bivy, you could go with a milsurp ECWSS.

[kentrek]

Is it going to be a base camp set up ? Or mobile ?

If it's a base camp I like to pack in a decent sized simple poly tarp, 20x30,and a bivy....then on one side of it I can build a fire underneath it...my next option would be a nice teepee from kifaru...but that gets awfully expensive!  And the tarp seems to work pretty dang good

But don't forget the bivy

If it's a mobile camp during decent enough weather I just use a bivy, worse weather I add a small tarp, worse weather yet I have a single wall msr 2 man tent

Do you have any pics of this setup? I'm looking to do this same thing and curious what it looks like. I'm packing into the Westside backcountry in November so it will be wet and I want to have a good base camp where I can dry out.  I know a big tarp would be nice to put over the fire but wasn't sure how close it could be or how to setup the tarp. Is 20x30 the best size tarp? Not too heavy for pack in?

Side note: I don't have the money for a T pee tent with a lightweight stove inside so I'm trying to make do without. Ideas are welcome!

There's lots of stuff on the Internet, typically the location you choose your camp is more important than the design....but our go to is your standard a-frame construction....sides all the way to the ground with the ends protected by trees or left over tarp...

Tarp size just depends on how many people you have....if I'm doing a base camp weights not that big of a concern so il usually pack in what ever it takes...20x30 is a nice size tho

Fires can be tricky under tarps but typically if you just use your best judgment youl be fine....the closer the tarp the smaller the fire....never have a big fire lol

[7mag.]

These are the setups I've been using the last few years.

[davk]

Right now I currently have a MSR Hubba 1 person tent and I used to pack in a 8x10 standard tarp as well.  That has been replaced by a silpoly 5x9 tarp I just finished, similar to the Kifaru Sheep Tarp.  Great for extra cover outside the tent for gear and being able to not be stuck in the tent when its raining.  The new tarp is really light and packable.  Plan on taking it down and bringing it with me during the day to get out of the rain when out and about.  I eventually plan on ditching the tent for a hammock system.  To much work finding a moderately flat spots for a 1 person tent where I hunt.

[kodiak 907]

ENO hammock system. Less than 3 lbs. You can pitch it in any terrain with tie off points. No sore spots.

[kentrek]

ENO hammock system. Less than 3 lbs. You can pitch it in any terrain with tie off points. No sore spots.

Have you used this in windy conditions?  I just received a similar style hammock to play with

[kodiak 907]

Couple nights I slept in probably 15-25mph. I just set up next to brush for wind break and pitched lower to the ground. The shock cord has some stretch so it did well. Trees kinda rock you to sleep.

[BigTines]

These are the setups I've been using the last few years.

What kind of tent and stove is in the bottom pic?

[7mag.]

These are the setups I've been using the last few years.

What kind of tent and stove is in the bottom pic?

Seek Outside Cimarron and Kifaru 18" Cylinder Stove.

[BigTines]

These are the setups I've been using the last few years.

What kind of tent and stove is in the bottom pic?

Seek Outside Cimarron and Kifaru 18" Cylinder Stove.
[/quote

How's it work for two people plus gear? What about solo? Looking at maybe buying one of those someday.

[7mag.]

Works great for 2 people plus gear and stove. That's what we use it for. Best 2 person backcountry setup I've used.

[JeffRaines]

Lightheart Gear Solo is what I'll be using for any backcountry hunts. Already use it for solo backpacking trips so not much difference.