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Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Hunter mike on March 15, 2015, 11:19:00 PM


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Title: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Hunter mike on March 15, 2015, 11:19:00 PM
Does anyone have any experience with a bivy and poncho tarp sleep system?  I have an Integral Designs bivy with e-vent fabric that I haven't used much except during very dry weather.  I've been using a single-wall floorless tent (Mark III Appy Trails) and I feel like it's kind of a pain to get a good pitch.  I want to hunt more bivy-style (with new camp every night wherever I happen to be) so I don't want to have to deal with the full tent setup.  I can pitch a tarp quick and the system seems more flexible for different conditions.  I'm hunting sun-up to sun-down, so I don't need much of a space to hang out in. 

I'm thinking I could carry 2 poncho tarps for extra shelter space when whether is bad.  I've been wanting to add a cooking/eating area tarp to my setup anyways.  Sucks to eat sitting out in the open in the rain because I can't sit up in my tent...
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on March 15, 2015, 11:25:34 PM
I've hunted, hiked with bivy on the ground. Sometimes no tarp. Sometimes with, and/or with a mesh hammock and the bivy.  It depends on where I'm at, how light I want to go, what weather I'm expecting.

I use a tent most often now though.

-Steve
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Tim in Wa. on March 16, 2015, 06:28:43 AM
I use a shaped tarp(Kifaru Super Tarp) it pitches fast-and easy.And I've found that because of the shape I don't need to worry about rain blowing in so I don't use a bivy sack.I think it weighs 18 oz.Its kept me dry in some hellish weather.
Do a search  for "jimmy tarps" he is making some very nice stuff for a very good price
Tim
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Special T on March 16, 2015, 11:43:40 AM
I used an OR bivy and 2 small tarps for a long time back country hiking. IMO its the only way to go... heavy condensation on the bivy is eliminated if you put the tarp over the bivy with a small air space between the  bivy and  tarp. 3 stakes/rocks and one stick is enough to make the system fool proof. I think the tarp size i used was 7x5 or something like that, but  a bigger one could sandwich the bivy. Mine had a head enclosure so that a second tarp want really necessary. It was more of a one man tent.  http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/accessories/bivy-sacks.html (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/accessories/bivy-sacks.html)
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Hunter mike on March 17, 2015, 08:25:22 PM
I think I'm gonna try it out.  I already have the bivy.  My goal is about 8oz tarp or poncho/tarp.  I may bring 2 in bad weather for extra options.

What kind of lines/stakes does everyone use?
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 17, 2015, 08:37:09 PM
These are lightweight and strong.

http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=726 (http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=726)
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: coachcw on March 17, 2015, 08:43:23 PM
The Bivins systems are neat but it's so nice to have a two man tent to store your gear in. Trekking poles make good stakes but if your using them in your tent then there not in  your hunting pack ?...
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Hunter mike on March 18, 2015, 10:02:03 AM
Coach-

I'm mostly planning on trying this system for "keep your camp on your back" type of outings.  In this situation, you have to take down and stow your tent before moving on in the morning, so I wouldn't miss it for gear storage.  Same with the trekking poles.  Those are two reasons I may or may not like the setup for trips where I'm hunting out of a base camp.
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Special T on March 18, 2015, 10:52:02 PM
A bivy and tarp are as light as it gets and still weather proof IMO. I tested my OR and tarp for nearly 2 months of use while guiding for the Boy Scouts. We had a saying... An ounce in the morning is a LB at night. If you want ot be light and fast a bivy and tarp are the only way to go....
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: jtw on March 19, 2015, 06:41:04 AM
I started using a bivy and tarp last elk season. I prefer sleeping under the stars and this setup gave me more of that feel.
It's super light and not a pain to carry around all day so I can setup whereever I find myself.
I have an OR advanced bivy but thinking about getting a lighter one since with the tarp goretex isn't quite necessary.
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Hunter mike on March 27, 2015, 09:11:21 PM
I use a shaped tarp(Kifaru Super Tarp) it pitches fast-and easy.And I've found that because of the shape I don't need to worry about rain blowing in so I don't use a bivy sack.I think it weighs 18 oz.Its kept me dry in some hellish weather.
Do a search  for "jimmy tarps" he is making some very nice stuff for a very good price
Tim

Do you have the annex for the Super Tarp?  I like that setup - a bit pricy, but seem to have a reputation for being bomb-proof.  I worry about the open end with no bivy - sometimes it seems like we get a lot of swirling weather in some of my spots where there's not really a dominant wind direction (or hard to tell if there is).  Most of the time I suppose one could point the open end into some type of barrier, but I like to be able to setup wherever I want without worry...
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Shawn Ryan on March 28, 2015, 01:39:26 PM
I've used Kifaru's para-tarp (about 18 oz with stakes and sticks for poles) for several seasons along with Ti-Goat's Raven Omni bivy (9 oz with full bug net).  I've pitched it above tree line with good, swirling wind and found that as soon as I got into the tarp, my heat loss was amazingly minimal. I've used it in a torrential thunderstorm high in the Goat Rocks and the tarp performed great (my initial choice of camp site, not so much).  Sometimes, I'll set up my floorless SL4 as a base camp (backpacked in) and then use the para-tarp to head out for a few days.

The advantage of the Kifaru shaped tarps is the ease of pitch and the "cup" used to protect the silnylon from the stick/poles. If I were buying again, I might buy the super-tarp instead of the para-tarp. Or maybe a Jimmy-tarp thanks to Tim.
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Shawn Ryan on March 28, 2015, 10:09:59 PM
Mike, you asked about lines and stakes. I use 90# test sturgeon leader for line with a taught-line knot for adjustment (except for the orange line at the entry for visibility). The sturgeon leader is super thin and light; never had an issue with it.  I use aluminum ground hog and aluminum shepards hooks for stakes. I will be reducing the number of stakes by using one stake for two lines. I also use rocks and trees in place of stakes at times, but don't rely on them to always be available.
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Tim in Wa. on March 29, 2015, 06:09:29 AM
I use a shaped tarp(Kifaru Super Tarp) it pitches fast-and easy.And I've found that because of the shape I don't need to worry about rain blowing in so I don't use a bivy sack.I think it weighs 18 oz.Its kept me dry in some hellish weather.
Do a search  for "jimmy tarps" he is making some very nice stuff for a very good price
Tim

Do you have the annex for the Super Tarp?  I like that setup - a bit pricy, but seem to have a reputation for being bomb-proof.  I worry about the open end with no bivy - sometimes it seems like we get a lot of swirling weather in some of my spots where there's not really a dominant wind direction (or hard to tell if there is).  Most of the time I suppose one could point the open end into some type of barrier, but I like to be able to setup wherever I want without worry...
I have the annex and have used it,in fact I usually carry it because it takes almost no space but I hardly ever use it regardless of the weather(only when I know I'm using a wood stove)
 For the little extra weight  over the para tarp you get allot more room with a super tarp .The tarp is long enough that even if the wind shifts you can scoot all the way down to the closed end and stay dry.I've used bivy bags but always end up wet due to condensation while I've never gotten wet without a bivy.
 They are pricey but they pop up used pretty often .If I had it to do over again I would not get the annex.If you want to use a stove you can rig the pipe without the annex.
 I'm in Poulsbo if you are ever in the area you are welcome to come by and check it out
Tim
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: ridgefire on March 30, 2015, 07:28:53 AM
I run the same setup as Shawn Ryan.  Works great and is really lightweight.
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: xXLojackXx on March 30, 2015, 12:54:43 PM
Used the Kifaru Paratarp last year. Yes it did it's job, was it spacious enough for me at 6' 3"? I wish it was bigger. This year will be a Mega Tarp, annex, and medium stove.
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: sirmissalot on March 30, 2015, 02:44:55 PM
We went a little too light last year trying to cram two of us into a paratarp, certainly not something I would do again! Would have been ok other than it rained 3 days straight but still not comfortable.

This year I've switched to a Seekoutside LBO @ 16oz with a Borah cuben bivy @ 5oz. I have a 3 piece vestibule that adds 10 oz and makes it very comfortable for two. If I'm solo the LBO is plenty big for just me, and my girlfriend and I fit just fine in it as well. I went with the LBO because of how versatile it is, they are very modular which is cool for the different types of hunting I do. 
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Tim in Wa. on March 30, 2015, 03:49:30 PM
We went a little too light last year trying to cram two of us into a paratarp, certainly not something I would do again! Would have been ok other than it rained 3 days straight but still not comfortable.

This year I've switched to a Seekoutside LBO @ 16oz with a Borah cuben bivy @ 5oz. I have a 3 piece vestibule that adds 10 oz and makes it very comfortable for two. If I'm solo the LBO is plenty big for just me, and my girlfriend and I fit just fine in it as well. I went with the LBO because of how versatile it is, they are very modular which is cool for the different types of hunting I do.
I can't imagine sharing a para tarp with another guy.that would be tight quarters for sure
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Hunter mike on March 30, 2015, 08:23:59 PM
We went a little too light last year trying to cram two of us into a paratarp, certainly not something I would do again! Would have been ok other than it rained 3 days straight but still not comfortable.

This year I've switched to a Seekoutside LBO @ 16oz with a Borah cuben bivy @ 5oz. I have a 3 piece vestibule that adds 10 oz and makes it very comfortable for two. If I'm solo the LBO is plenty big for just me, and my girlfriend and I fit just fine in it as well. I went with the LBO because of how versatile it is, they are very modular which is cool for the different types of hunting I do.

That LBO looks pretty slick - I like all of the options and lightweight.  I've been using an Appy Trails III floorless.  I like it but wish it was built a bit more rugged.  For $100 its been through a lot and is right at 2 lbs with everything...
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: 7mag. on March 30, 2015, 08:50:30 PM
Cuben Fiber tarp.
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Hunter mike on April 15, 2015, 12:11:19 PM
I just bought a BCUSA 5x7 tarp - 12oz was heavier than I want, but only $25.  My bivy is all e-vent and 1.5lbs.  I mostly just need to protect the head-hole area with this bivy.  I want to put my money into a lighter sleeping bag this year - more weight reduction for the dollars anyways.  I'm trying to get everything as light as possible over time. 

I think I'll ultimately be looking to get a Paratarp or similar sized flat tarp and go to a Ti Goat bivy @6-8oz.  Seems like a lot of shelter for the weight.  I like to stay pretty minimalist.  I rarely run into weather that I'm not out hunting from sun up to sundown, so it's just a place to crash.  I'm sure sooner or later I'll have to hunker down for a day or 2, I guess I'll see how I feel about my minimalist shelter then :chuckle:
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: HawkCreek on April 17, 2015, 11:09:36 PM
I just bought a BCUSA 5x7 tarp - 12oz was heavier than I want, but only $25.  My bivy is all e-vent and 1.5lbs.  I mostly just need to protect the head-hole area with this bivy.  I want to put my money into a lighter sleeping bag this year - more weight reduction for the dollars anyways.  I'm trying to get everything as light as possible over time. 

I think I'll ultimately be looking to get a Paratarp or similar sized flat tarp and go to a Ti Goat bivy @6-8oz.  Seems like a lot of shelter for the weight.  I like to stay pretty minimalist.  I rarely run into weather that I'm not out hunting from sun up to sundown, so it's just a place to crash.  I'm sure sooner or later I'll have to hunker down for a day or 2, I guess I'll see how I feel about my minimalist shelter then :chuckle:

BCUSA also has sil-nylon tarps. Cost a lot more but a hair over 7 oz for the same size in camo or take another ounce off for the orange version.
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: trophyhunt on April 17, 2015, 11:35:53 PM
at 45 years old, I really want a bottom. I just don't see how your stuff doesn't get soaked when a down pour hits with those tarp type shelters? Even in a tent the water can flow under the tent, without a floor, it would be a short hunt. But, I have mostly hunted on the wet side.
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: jackelope on April 18, 2015, 06:22:18 AM
I went floorless last year for the 1st time. Didn't like it. After talking to some of you folks on here, I think it was where we set up camp more than anything, but I had mice running all over the place all night.  We used an established campsite in the wilderness and the little mice were all over. Woke up with one running across my head. Screw that. I'm back to using floored tents. Maybe if we're not going to use an established site I will leave the nest/floor at home. I did stay dry and it rained fwiw.
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: trophyhunt on April 18, 2015, 11:14:37 AM
I went floorless last year for the 1st time. Didn't like it. After talking to some of you folks on here, I think it was where we set up camp more than anything, but I had mice running all over the place all night.  We used an established campsite in the wilderness and the little mice were all over. Woke up with one running across my head. Screw that. I'm back to using floored tents. Maybe if we're not going to use an established site I will leave the nest/floor at home. I did stay dry and it rained fwiw.
Oh yeah, I forgot about all the critters crawling over you at night!! No thanks.
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: fillthefreezer on April 18, 2015, 07:33:51 PM
Cuben Fiber tarp.
glad to see this survived that run in with a drunken *censored* smashing it flat


at 45 years old, I really want a bottom. I just don't see how your stuff doesn't get soaked when a down pour hits with those tarp type shelters? Even in a tent the water can flow under the tent, without a floor, it would be a short hunt. But, I have mostly hunted on the wet side.

think about when your truck is in the driveway and it rains, does your driveway get wet underneath? most ove really had was maybe 2-3in of wet around the inside edge and we've pushed the shelters pretty hard. to each their own though
Title: Re: Bivy and poncho tarp?
Post by: Hunter mike on April 19, 2015, 07:02:47 PM
I've used a floorless tent (really more of a shaped tarp) for the past 2 seasons and I'm definitely committed to floorless.  I don't even close the door most of the time.  I'm just looking to lose a little more weight and add some versatility to my setup for bivy hunting.  It's all about site selection.  I rarely camp near any kind of established site (or trail for that matter) so my critter run-ins have been minimal. 
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