Tarp Camping and bugs

[Stein]

There will be bugs.
That fun feeling minimal camping when you are jerked out of a sound sleep as the cold body of a big spider crawls over your face in the middle of the night is priceless.
 

I woke up to a mouse crawling over my face once.  Call me a weenie for bringing a tent, doesn't bother me a bit.   

[7mmfan]

I have had mice running around on me quite a few times, oddly doesn't bother me any. The big hairy spider would get my attention.

[92xj]

Thanks for the input guys. I wasn't even planning on a tarp if the weather was right, just sleeping under the stars. My MSR Mesh House weighs about exactly 1# with it and 6 stakes if I don't bring a footprint of some form. Maybe I'll just plan on bringing it as insurance.

You'll regret that when you wake up covered in dew.  The tarp/lightweight bivy, in my opinion, is superior than a heavier weather proof bivy by itself.  The weight compared to each is close enough, but having a dry area in the morning to sit, drink coffee, put on boots, glass from is super nice.  Lightweight bivy keeps you and the bugs separated, keeps you and your sleep system wrapped up like a burrito, doesn't get super hot like heavier weather proof bivys and the tarp keeps you dry and also out of the sun later in the day if needed.  Just some more thoughts to think about.

[Oldguy]

Any Recommendations for decent light weight tarp? Want something that will last, not a plastic sheet.

[pickardjw]

I'll be buying a Seek Outside DST for this summer to use with my Borah bivy. Lots of good reviews on the DST. Multiple pitch options to use with the reinforced center patch so you can adjust for different weather conditions. It's not the lightest tarp out there but does seem to be the most versatile in that aspect.

[92xj]

Any Recommendations for decent light weight tarp? Want something that will last, not a plastic sheet.

Depends on your budget.
I know, most think "Tarp, nothing special", but the world of tarps is rather large and prices can be $25-$400+

seek outside
Bearpaw wilderness design
Hyperlight
Mountain Laurel Design
ZPack
Amazon

[Oldguy]

Thank you 92xj
I found just what I need on Bearpaw Wilderness Designs.

[92xj]

Thank you 92xj
I found just what I need on Bearpaw Wilserness Designs.

Roger that.
I am sure you will hear negatives and positives about bear paw.  I have had multi dealings with him and have had zero issues. I don't think much can go wrong with a plain ol flat tarp.  I enjoy mine from him.

[Stein]

For flat tarps you can also make your own.  I bought the material and just sewed the sides over and added tie outs and reinforcements on the corner.  It cost about 1/4 of having someone do it for you and you can get the exact size, material, color, guy lines, etc you want.

[WapitiTalk1]

Any Recommendations for decent light weight tarp? Want something that will last, not a plastic sheet.

Depends on your budget.
I know, most think "Tarp, nothing special", but the world of tarps is rather large and prices can be $25-$400+

seek outside
Bearpaw wilderness design
Hyperlight
Mountain Laurel Design
ZPack
Amazon

Take a look at VIAM Outdoors and Lite Outdoors also.

[92xj]

For flat tarps you can also make your own.  I bought the material and just sewed the sides over and added tie outs and reinforcements on the corner.  It cost about 1/4 of having someone do it for you and you can get the exact size, material, color, guy lines, etc you want.

Any chance you bought your sewing machine off Amazon?

Thinking about taking the plunge and getting a machine for some home made stuff.  Wanted to modify a pack, build some shelters, etc .

[boneaddict]

Mine is a parachute, Idabooner salvaged made back in like 1975.  I guess the materials have held up.

[Shawn Ryan]

I do the no-tarp bivy regularly. I've bivied on the North Slope of AK in early summer with it when the mosquitoes were horrendous--no problem inside the bivy, all zipped up.  For me, the netting/physical barrier is essential and I wouldn't rely on chemicals.  Sounds like others have had success with chemicals.

[Stein]

For flat tarps you can also make your own.  I bought the material and just sewed the sides over and added tie outs and reinforcements on the corner.  It cost about 1/4 of having someone do it for you and you can get the exact size, material, color, guy lines, etc you want.

Any chance you bought your sewing machine off Amazon?

Thinking about taking the plunge and getting a machine for some home made stuff.  Wanted to modify a pack, build some shelters, etc .

No, I have a Sailrite for thick stuff but for a tarp I used a home machine.  It's super easy to sew through.

[boneaddict]

Ants bother me more than skeeters.