CO September Shelter Recommendations

[seansheds]

I'm doing my first CO archery elk hunt this September and I'd like to know what people are using as shelters? How are the bugs at that time? ants, mosquitoes, etc?

I live in CA and that time of year there's black and red ants all over in the Sierra so using a floorless shelter isn't really an option. I'd love to switch to a floorless pyramid or tipi, but I'm thinking they are more used for late season. Am I wrong?

Right now I have a BA Copper Spur UL2 which has been great, but even if I don't go with a floorless I'm still thinking of switching to something even lighter that uses trekking pole(s). I'll be rolling solo and I'm planning to pack up camp each morning so I don't have to worry about where the elk, or search for elk, take me. Because of this I'm also looking for something that sets up and breaks down even faster than the Copper Spur. A bivy would probably be the fastest but I'm not sure I want to go that route.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[W.D. Crawford]

I live and hunt in the San Juan Mountains of SW CO. ants typically aren't a problem unless of course you put your shelter right on top of an ant hill, or next to a log or tree infested with Carpenter ants. Mosquitos are kind of hit or miss, really depends on elevation. Yellow jackets are a whole different ball game. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the shelters they all have their pros and cons.

 

[Northernpiker]

Hard to beat the copper spur ul2 for a tent with a floor.

 

[elkduds]

Consider this:
MSR Fast Stash Shelter. Mine works well in mild, rainy and lightly snowy weather, what you'll find in CO in Sept. Faster pitch and strike than any framed UL shelter.

 

[LandYacht]

Get an appy trails 3 or 5 and see if you like floor less.
Never have a problem with bugs in September, but anything earlier I sure do.


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[DEHusker]

The higher you are in September, the less likely you have to deal with bugs...especially mosquitoes. Elk seem to think the same thing....

Never had a problem with floorless shelters in September in CO. Most important thing is sturdiness of the shelter. Snow is not out of the question even in early September. Wind always a potential issue...

 

[bridgerbenson]

I have a BCS tipi that I really like. It is super light and very fast to set up. Havent noticed a problem with bugs.

 

[5MilesBack]

The higher you are in September, the less likely you have to deal with bugs...especially mosquitoes. Elk seem to think the same thing....

Three years ago I didn't have any mosquito issues until I got above 12k feet, and they literally drove me out of there while I was trying to set up my camp. It was horrible. But that was opening weekend, by mid September I'm sure they're fine.

If you want lighter than your CS UL2 and you're considering floorless.......just use the UL2 in fast fly mode. The UL2 is a great solo shelter.

 

[zman]

I'm doing my first CO archery elk hunt this September and I'd like to know what people are using as shelters? How are the bugs at that time? ants, mosquitoes, etc?

I live in CA and that time of year there's black and red ants all over in the Sierra so using a floorless shelter isn't really an option. I'd love to switch to a floorless pyramid or tipi, but I'm thinking they are more used for late season. Am I wrong?

Right now I have a BA Copper Spur UL2 which has been great, but even if I don't go with a floorless I'm still thinking of switching to something even lighter that uses trekking pole(s). I'll be rolling solo and I'm planning to pack up camp each morning so I don't have to worry about where the elk, or search for elk, take me. Because of this I'm also looking for something that sets up and breaks down even faster than the Copper Spur. A bivy would probably be the fastest but I'm not sure I want to go that route.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

I use a clark hammock during archery season. Not too cold yet and you can pitch it wherever you have two trees. You stay up off the ground so ant are not a problem.
Haven't had problems with mosquitos yet.... but the wetter the year the bigger the risk.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I use a diy Megatarp I make. No issues with bugs.

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[seansheds]

Thanks for the info guys! Some different options to consider.

 

[Beendare]

Floorless is Ok...but there are issues that can be a pain; varmints and condensation are the 2 big ones. you don't always have mice and voles...but when you do its a PITA. Ants, never...mosquitos aren't usually a problem in Sept.

That tent you have is small...but it works. I would use that and pair it with a UL tarp off the front side......like 8x10 or so to give you some additional space.

 

[1signguy]

If you really want a tent maybe consider a 2 person cuben fiber Yama Cirriform- take the net/tent if you need it for bugs or take just the tarp. If you use both tent and tarp you will still save about a pound over your BA. I think you also have to consider your sleeping bag. What you can chance with a synthetic bag in terms of no tent and wetter weather may not be the same with a down bag. Decisions... decisions...

 

[les welch]

I like a lot of room. I want all of my gear inside with me, rather than scattered about outside. If you are interested in a floorless tipi check out the Kifaru Tut.

 

[Jtelarkin08]

my mountain smith Lt worked awesome last year. I will be using it again this year.

 

[xziang]

If you want lighter than your CS UL2 and you're considering floorless.......just use the UL2 in fast fly mode. The UL2 is a great solo shelter.

This is what I was thinking too. I use a MSR hubba hubba and last year over a quick weekend hunt I just used rainy fly for quick and light weight approach. Not sure you could get easier and quick set up. (Hammocks might be quicker still haven't used one yet) I was possibly going to use a tarp last year but what a pita to set up. Maybe it was the kind I got or was me but no thanks I couldn't get it tight. Good luck with your decision

 

[oldgoat]

The higher you are in September, the less likely you have to deal with bugs...especially mosquitoes. Elk seem to think the same thing....

Never had a problem with floorless shelters in September in CO. Most important thing is sturdiness of the shelter. Snow is not out of the question even in early September. Wind always a potential issue...

This is my experience too, even this year where it was in the 80s everyday most of the couple weeks total we hunted.

 

[Mi_fiveo]

I picked up the copper spur ul2 mtnglo for my 2017 Colorado elk hunt.


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[mfllood3800]

Will be hunting Col Sept Elk, and have a SO redcliffe for the hunt
Don't know if I need it but I have a LO titanium stove (18") for warmth or rain.

Hoping to get high enough to use stove

 

[crazyhawksfan]

Tons of good options.. we use mainly fully inclosed backpacking tents. Nice for keeping out the mice and voles.. Have a kelty 2 man and a big agnes 3 man. They pop up in a minute or 2.

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