Emergency shelter options

[Neckbone]

Considering adding an emergency shelter to my pack for day trips into the back country. Use case would be when we have a base camp at the truck that we strike out from in the dark morning hours and return to in the dark of night. Miles away from camp. I would like to have something I can throw up in case of an unexpected storm or perhaps an impromptu overnighter at a kill site.

Was considering the Kuiu Summit 1P (15oz)
Nylon Tarp
Other options?

I like the idea of the KUIU as it is on sale right now cheap, provides an honest shelter all around and seems versatile, at only 15oz

 

[ProRoad]

At the very least I like to have a large rain poncho, I have one with eyelets that can also be used as a lean-to cover. I like what your thinking though, going with a more tent option.

 

[Bighorse]

The Eolus in Cuben fiber from Seek Outside is my choice. Zipperless, floorless, hiking pole supported shelter. Pitches great in the Cuben fiber and weight is less than 2 pounds. I added a down quilt from Feathered Friends outa Seattle and I have a very light mobile impromptu style shelter when I'm inclined to move fast and forgo all the luxury of a standard camp.

 

[Nickofthewoods]

 

[Neckbone]

At the very least I like to have a large rain poncho, I have one with eyelets that can also be used as a lean-to cover. I like what your thinking though, going with a more tent option.

I carry a sea to summit UL poncho that can cover my pack and me as well as rain pants. A bit small for a lean-to... but i like the idea.

 

[Rich M]

I was carrying a 5x7 walmart nylon tarp and it came in handy once. You said "we" can get a light 10 x 10 or 12x12 tarp. Make sure you have enough rope of the correct size.

And plan when you would use it. Say it if is an hour before dark, starts raining/snowing and you are 5 miles from truck. Then you stop, set yourself up good for the night - tarp up, firewood gathered, fire started before dark. I'd also use some conifers or blown down trees as a block on the windy side...

I'd also carry some kind of extra food, etc. in case you do this. Yer not gonna die but it would be better to pack up tarp and keep hunting as opposed to having to go back to truck to re-stock your pockets.

We used to carry a giant hershey's bar (1,000 calories) when we hunted tougher areas - if you need energy to get home, you got it.

 

[Neckbone]

The Eolus in Cuben fiber from Seek Outside is my choice. Zipperless, floorless, hiking pole supported shelter. Pitches great in the Cuben fiber and weight is less than 2 pounds. I added a down quilt from Feathered Friends outa Seattle and I have a very light mobile impromptu style shelter when I'm inclined to move fast and forgo all the luxury of a standard camp.

Thats a lot of shelter for the weight... would be nice to have something my hunting partner could huddle up under as well

 

[akhunter3]

View attachment 988158

Why are you posting the pictures I sent you of my setup?

 

[Johnny Tyndall]

In order of weight/comfort:

0) Compass, headlamp, and map. I'd rather walk out at night than bivy
1) Rain shells and layers - enough clothing to at least survive a stormy night out
2) A (good) emergency blanket in the oh-sh@t kit
3) silnylon tarp and light cord

I don't go as far as #3 for day trips. Maybe you could bring a sheet of tyvek and get double duty out of it as a meat staging area.

 

[Nickofthewoods]

Why are you posting the pictures I sent you of my setup?

It didn't feel right keeping the 6x4 tarp a secret when it could help so many people.

 

[EdP]

I have a Summit Star with the footprint and nest. It would sleep 2 in a pinch but 2 could not sit under it comfortably. If you go that way I suggest getting the footprint. It provides protection from wet ground and makes setup easier with just a small addition of weight.

The add suggests to me that Kuiu may be discontinuing the Summit Star. If so, and if you think you might ever want a full 1 person tent, this might be the time to get the nest also.

 

[Billy Goat]

I carry a sil nylon tarp. I think its 10x6 or something, maybe smaller. Its the size of a 20oz water bottle, think it weighs like 6-7 ounces or so.

Clean area if I would need it breaking down an animal to put meat on, make a shelter if I really had to.

 

[Coveyleader]

What state/country? That makes a huge difference. Next thing you know, you're buying trekking poles to keep your shelter upright, rope, the list goes on and on. For CO and WY, I can't see any reason to pack a tarp. Any westerrn state really. With my puffy, and rain gear, and the one contractor bag, i could crash for the night without issue, and have. If the weather gets really bad, just walk out.

Alasak, and BC, when I'm on skiff, I always have a tarp with me as that is real weather, and a motor that fails to start on the ocean is a real problem. There is no walking out in many places so I'm well prepared. But I'm not carrying it around on my back either.

 

[WyoBC_99]

I use the Seek Outside DST for this when I have a hunting partner and a smaller BearPaw tarp (5x8?) when I'm solo. You could probably get something lighter or with better coverage tho, depending on what you were willing to spend or carry.

Also, the Kuiu Summit won't actually weigh 15oz after you add cord and stakes.

 

[cnelk]

Emergency?

Contractor bag

 

[Phaseolus]

The Eolus in Cuben fiber from Seek Outside is my choice. Zipperless, floorless, hiking pole supported shelter. Pitches great in the Cuben fiber and weight is less than 2 pounds. I added a down quilt from Feathered Friends outa Seattle and I have a very light mobile impromptu style shelter when I'm inclined to move fast and forgo all the luxury of a standard camp.

 

[Bighorse]

Walk out......? That's not an emergency! You have your wits about you still. And clearly you can afford to abandon your hard earned position in the hills.

Injury and hypothermia now that's a good time to really hole up and seek better options or SAR.

There's another consideration as a big game hunter...holding a zone until more favorable conditions develop. A zone likely earned through sweat and time. The mountains are HUGE, a five mile point to point will cost ya. Travel ultra light for a night, A one night stand I've heard it called. Cheers and hunt smart guys.

 

[Hunter26]

I will say that I do like to have a small lightweight tarp when I know there is a decent chance of rain because it is way more comfortable setting under it than in my raingear in the rain. If the weather is expected to be crappy all day it just depends but still nice to get out of the rain for a while.