All you tarp guys!

[Mckinnon]

I was just wondering how you guys keep your sleeping bags clean and in good shape. Bivy? Ground tarp? Don't even try? Please let me know as I am thinking of going to this type of set up, but can't afford to buy a new bag often... Thanks!

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

There are lots of solutions from a piece of Tyvek to a floor sheet of some sort. Seek Outside quit making their bathtub 2-person set up.

 

[dotman]

I'll just throw a contactor grade 3mil garbage bag under my foam pad.

 

[Rizzy]

Ground tarp or if its really cold a foam pad

 

[Trout bum]

Lots of options for sure. I keep my sleeping bag in an OR Aurora bivy at all times. Dry, warm and happy.

 

[Mckinnon]

These are great options, thanks. I always use a regular size pad, I am just wondering if your guys' bags get all dirty with no floor?

 

[ohhiitznik]

I'll probably go garbage bag or tyvek for under my paratipi

 

[Matt Cashell]

I've been mulling this over lately myself. I currently use a Tarptent Contrail, which has a floor included, but I am considering using the Golite PonchoTarp/Bivy and Golite SL5/Bivy as my shelters this year.

I am currently leaning towards a Tigoat Bivy.

 

[Aron Snyder]

I used a foam pad for a long time, but bring a bivy now.

I like having the bivy because I can throw it in the pack (with sleeping bag) anytime I head out from camp and if I get on game and don't want to hike back to camp I can stay wherever I end up. The protection of the bag is an extra bonus.

The bivy is also going to add a few degrees extra in your sleeping bag and that's another added bonus.

 

[Lawnboi]

I like the idea of having a bivy as well. I think ill pick up the tigoat if money allows for this season. If not i will have one by winter camping.

 

[Eagle]

I use a Ti Goat Raven bivy with my tarp to keep the bag clean and to keep any wind driven rain from getting on my WM bag.

My suggestion with the Ti Goat bivy's is to get the Raven if you plan on putting an inflatable sleeping pad in the bivy with your bag. The extra room over the ptarmigan is a great, and it's about an ounce difference in weight.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I generally use a piece of tyvek under my sleeping pad.

 

[millsms]

I've been mulling this over lately myself. I currently use a Tarptent Contrail, which has a floor included, but I am considering using the Golite PonchoTarp/Bivy and Golite SL5/Bivy as my shelters this year.

I am currently leaning towards a Tigoat Bivy.

How do you like your Tarptent?
I'm looking at the Moment or Sublite this year?

 

[Matt Cashell]

I love the tarptent. It is as light as a really light tarp/bivy setup, is roomy for a solo shelter, and has total bug protection.

The only issues I have are:

1. Velcro vestibule closure. It holds well enough, surprisingly even in some pretty high winds, but it is way more cumbersome than a zipper.

2. Condensation can occur when the weather is right (wrong?), and you have the vestibule closed.

Overall, it is the best solo UL shelter I have used.

 

[strawman]

The contrail (and most of the Tarptents) are great shelters. FWIW, the newer versions of the contrail have zippers on the vestibule.

I love the tarptent. It is as light as a really light tarp/bivy setup, is roomy for a solo shelter, and has total bug protection.

The only issues I have are:

1. Velcro vestibule closure. It holds well enough, surprisingly even in some pretty high winds, but it is way more cumbersome than a zipper.

2. Condensation can occur when the weather is right (wrong?), and you have the vestibule closed.

Overall, it is the best solo UL shelter I have used.

 

[Kevin Root]

I love the tarptent. It is as light as a really light tarp/bivy setup, is roomy for a solo shelter, and has total bug protection.

The only issues I have are:

1. Velcro vestibule closure. It holds well enough, surprisingly even in some pretty high winds, but it is way more cumbersome than a zipper.

2. Condensation can occur when the weather is right (wrong?), and you have the vestibule closed.

Overall, it is the best solo UL shelter I have used.

I've been looking at this option more and more Bitterroot Bulls. The shelter might not be the best for a winter snow storm blowout, rated for 3 season and all but for the weight and most of the season use I'm interested in doing it seems to be a pretty good fit for my use.

The contrail (and most of the Tarptents) are great shelters. FWIW, the newer versions of the contrail have zippers on the vestibule.

That's good to know about the zipper change. Thanks for the feedback stawman.

 

[millsms]

I love the tarptent. It is as light as a really light tarp/bivy setup, is roomy for a solo shelter, and has total bug protection.

The only issues I have are:

1. Velcro vestibule closure. It holds well enough, surprisingly even in some pretty high winds, but it is way more cumbersome than a zipper.

2. Condensation can occur when the weather is right (wrong?), and you have the vestibule closed.

Overall, it is the best solo UL shelter I have used.

Thanks for the feedback... Most of the tarptent looks great and the weight and look of the Moment is what i like at only 30 oz.....yeah i like bug protection

 

[millsms]

Also i'm not usually using treking poles so thats why i wasn't sure about the sublite but i know you can add poles for another 5 oz.

 

[Eagle]

I've got a Tarptent Double Rainbow for anytime I can get my wife to go with me as she won't sleep under the tarp. Great shelter, I wouldn't hesitate to buy any of the tarptent products, Henry Shires knows what he's doing.

 

[Matt Cashell]

Also i'm not usually using treking poles so thats why i wasn't sure about the sublite but i know you can add poles for another 5 oz.

I have the accessory pole for the Contrail, and it works OK (a little flimsy), but a trekking pole works much better. Also, keep in mind that trekking poles are just generally awesome for hunting. In fact, the only reason I got the accessory pole, was to free up my trekking pole for the day of hunting, and still keep the tent pitched.

I have also used sticks I found near my campsite with great success as a pole.