Floorless shelter for solo and two person use - $500 to spend and lots of questions

[mcr-85]

Not sure if you or anyone you know are handy with a sewing machine but you could have something like this for far less than $500. Save you a few dollars for other gear if you are able to make something yourself.

 

[Ironman8]

Just wanted to bump this for more info on the DT. I like the idea of having a separate tarp that can make up a "modular" shelter for when I want to close off the opening for inclement weather. I would like to have a tarp separate from my shelter anyways for an emergency shelter when I'm away from the tent. I also like the side opening as opposed to a front opening like a Kifaru shelter.

My main questions about this design are:
How securely does the tarp attach to the DT?
How efficiently does it close off the opening?
How much of a draft does the raised bottom edge (steep side) allow? (Thinking about cold air coming in at night...)
Can it be closed off (pitched to the ground) without losing too much headroom or square footage?

 

[charvey9]

Just wanted to bump this for more info on the DT. I like the idea of having a separate tarp that can make up a "modular" shelter for when I want to close off the opening for inclement weather. I would like to have a tarp separate from my shelter anyways for an emergency shelter when I'm away from the tent. I also like the side opening as opposed to a front opening like a Kifaru shelter.

My main questions about this design are:
How securely does the tarp attach to the DT?
How efficiently does it close off the opening?
How much of a draft does the raised bottom edge (steep side) allow? (Thinking about cold air coming in at night...)
Can it be closed off (pitched to the ground) without losing too much headroom or square footage?

My experience with it so far is limited to 2 nights since I just got it, but will answer the best I can. I forgot, I actually took some pictures when I was experimenting in my yard.







I used a 6x9 tarp. I hooked one of the corner loops around the trekking pole to secure it at the top of the pitch, then just stretched it out to take up the slack. I was able to seal up the short side of the door pretty good, but since the tarp is longer than the shelter the angles don't quite match up for a "tight" fit on the long side of the opening using the corners as stake points. I think you could make it a little tighter by adding another loop to the tarp at just the right spot that would let you stake it tight at the corner of the shelter. There is a lot of extra fabric that I just pulled out flat and staked tight. You could store some extra gear or maybe wood under it.

I'm not sure if you can pitch it to the ground, it might be tough to get it tight with the pole that short. I would shoot Jimmy a message on facebook. He can answer any questions better than I, and I think he does make stuff to order. If you wanted a DT with a longer side to pitch to the ground, I'll be he can do it.

 

[gobbler1662]

Ironman8, thanks for the PM alerting me on this thread. I've been swamped working on a couple new prototype items. Ironman8 if you want it might be easier to answer all your questions over the phone, fell free to give me a call anytime 541-419-1244. This weekend I finished the final prototype of the annex for the downtimber and made a template. Next step is some field testing then it should be ready. I've been also working on a cuben fiber tarp tent which has taken up a ton of time lately but I am super excited about that shelter. Give me a call and I would love to discuss tarps and shelters. Jimmy

 

[whacker1]

Ironman8, thanks for the PM alerting me on this thread. I've been swamped working on a couple new prototype items. Ironman8 if you want it might be easier to answer all your questions over the phone, fell free to give me a call anytime 541-419-1244. This weekend I finished the final prototype of the annex for the downtimber and made a template. Next step is some field testing then it should be ready. I've been also working on a cuben fiber tarp tent which has taken up a ton of time lately but I am super excited about that shelter. Give me a call and I would love to discuss tarps and shelters. Jimmy

Jimmy do you have a web-site?

 

[whacker1]

I ordered the Cimarron today with a stove jack. Just like when I bought my pack, Kevin was super helpful. If he got sick of my questions, he didn't show it! For me, I the most important thing is finding quality gear that works for what I need. The fact that this stuff is made in the USA and that the customer service is so great - well, that's just a bonus, and it makes me feel better about a big purchase.

Next purchase will be a 2-person nest. Not necessary to use the tent, but a nice option. Apparently they're pretty cozy for two. Luckily I'm married to my backpacking partner.

Keep us posted on how you like the Cimarron. I have been exploring this option extensively and curious on your reviews over the next few months as you get a chance to use it through the spring and early summer.

 

[charvey9]

Ironman8, thanks for the PM alerting me on this thread. I've been swamped working on a couple new prototype items. Ironman8 if you want it might be easier to answer all your questions over the phone, fell free to give me a call anytime 541-419-1244. This weekend I finished the final prototype of the annex for the downtimber and made a template. Next step is some field testing then it should be ready. I've been also working on a cuben fiber tarp tent which has taken up a ton of time lately but I am super excited about that shelter. Give me a call and I would love to discuss tarps and shelters. Jimmy

I figured you were on here somewhere. Looking forward to seeing that annex and the cuben fiber shelter.

 

[gobbler1662]

Whacker1, no I don't have a website. I have a Jimmy tarps ebay store and Jimmy tarps facebook page. I just a 1 man show building tarps out of a converted den for now.

 

[Jmock97]

I got a 9x6 flat tarp with some extra guy out spots fold the extra tarp material under. I also sewed up a little extension to close off the raised side it uses the three existing stake points and a short piece of webbing and ladder lock sewn in to the downtimber. I have not used the set up yet and don't really see using the extension except in really cold conditions with a stove.

 

[Cledus]

My experience with it so far is limited to 2 nights since I just got it, but will answer the best I can. I forgot, I actually took some pictures when I was experimenting in my yard.







I used a 6x9 tarp. I hooked one of the corner loops around the trekking pole to secure it at the top of the pitch, then just stretched it out to take up the slack. I was able to seal up the short side of the door pretty good, but since the tarp is longer than the shelter the angles don't quite match up for a "tight" fit on the long side of the opening using the corners as stake points. I think you could make it a little tighter by adding another loop to the tarp at just the right spot that would let you stake it tight at the corner of the shelter. There is a lot of extra fabric that I just pulled out flat and staked tight. You could store some extra gear or maybe wood under it.

I'm not sure if you can pitch it to the ground, it might be tough to get it tight with the pole that short. I would shoot Jimmy a message on facebook. He can answer any questions better than I, and I think he does make stuff to order. If you wanted a DT with a longer side to pitch to the ground, I'll be he can do it.

How many people do you think can realistically fit inside it?