Tarp shelters question

[arguhl]

Has anyone had any experience using tarp shelters in the rain? I've been looking at some of the Kifaru tarp shelters and in an effort to reduce weight am considering trying one. My only concern is how they perform in pouring rain. Obviously picking the high ground with these would be of high importance. Any other experience with different companies would be much appreciated. Thanks Andrew

[Tim in Wa.]

I've got a Super Tarp and a 6 man tipi,they keep me completely dry.And yes where you pitch it makes a difference,but it will with any tent
Tim

[arguhl]

Good call on the Bivy. Weight versus comfort is always the debate. Currently using
A two man Hubba Hubba for the majority of any possible foul weather backpacks. When you add the Bivy with the tarp it then becomes a question of do you actually save any weight.

[kentrek]

Good call on the Bivy. Weight versus comfort is always the debate. Currently using
A two man Hubba Hubba for the majority of any possible foul weather backpacks. When you add the Bivy with the tarp it then becomes a question of do you actually save any weight.

with our tarp tent its a about 2lbs per person and with the bivy its only 1 pound 4 ounces..if we know about nasty weather il gladly pack the extra half pound and have the tarp tent..the bivys are prety fast set up and take down which never realy matters till theres elk to be killed and your stuck there breaking camp

[gaddy]

ever used a tube tent, or is that what you guys are calling a tarp tent?

[hike2hunt]

http://www.equipped.com/tarp-shelters.htm


This website is very informative in using a tarp as a shelter.

I usually use my MSR Hubba Hubba on buddy hunts, and sleep in a hammock with a poncho on my solo hunts.

Semper Fi

[Fishnfowler]

I always use a bivy with a tarp.  I used to do this:



Now I do this:

[Wild Bill]

I have spent a ton of time underneath a event tarp. You can go up to a 10x10 for i believe about 10 oz. supper waterproof. If your a little nervous about durability, throw a ridge pole in there. That helps a bunch.
Also, I have used about every kind of bivy out there. I will use one when i know it will be wet, but prefer to go without. If its cold out and you have a bivy, you will condensate, and after just a couple nights your toast and will absolutely need to figure out how to de thaw your bag and dry her out. Some disagree, I know, but I am pretty versed in being outside in sub zero temps. I don't like to build a drying time into my day.
If your a must have a bivy kind of guy, I recommend a synthetic bag over down. Down is nice and warm as well as light when its dry. Worthless when wet, and a pain to dry out. Synthetic is a bit heavier, but will still provide some insulation characteristics when damp.
Another point, if your able build some sort of elevated bed. Throw some small logs then bows down. Keeps you off the ground incase of rain, but will help you stay warmer when its cold. Only takes a few min. Can be dirt then grass, logs then bows, moss, sage anything..
Just my for what its worth.
WB

[ICEMAN]

I was done with tarp tenting years ago, too darned mousy for me. Little bastages keep me up all night. Heck, even with my tent they harass me. Hate the Mice!!!!

[deerslyr]

I was done with tarp tenting years ago, too darned mousy for me. Little bastages keep me up all night. Heck, even with my tent they harass me. Hate the Mice!!!!

try some ear plugs

[ICEMAN]

I have had those little buggers wake me as they ran across my face and cause me to spaz dance across the floor...not pretty...

[jackelope]

I have had those little buggers wake me as they ran across my face and cause me to spaz dance across the floor...not pretty...

Odds are ear plugs won't help with that.

That's my problem. Mice seem to be magnetically attracted to tents. They're there within minutes. Can't handle having to worry about them having wide open access to my face while sleeping.

[ICEMAN]

Bingo.

[autodink13]

I hate mice and bugs! I use the rainshadow 2 from www.tarptent.com works great in rain and keeps rodents and bugs out. Very roomy for 2 and gear but can sleep 3 without gear in the tent. 2.5lbs setup takes under 5 minutes.

[deerslyr]

yah odds are the ear plugs wont help 

[Branden]

I hate mice and bugs! I use the rainshadow 2 from www.tarptent.com works great in rain and keeps rodents and bugs out. Very roomy for 2 and gear but can sleep 3 without gear in the tent. 2.5lbs setup takes under 5 minutes.

Its a great compromise between a tent and tarp. Also works fairly well in the snow and high wind.