Floorless tents

[Will_m]

What's the opinion on floorless shelters? This has probably been discussed before but there's nothing like fresh opinions, especially considering a lot of hunts have taken place in the last couple months.

What are the advantages/disadvantages to a floorless shelter? Is primarily a weight savings deal? I like the idea of being able to come in fully dressed, boots and all and get a stove started to dry out and warm up. Also, on the note of the stove, how does it work for drying gear in the tent or does this just make it a condensation nightmare?

 

[MT11]

Just finished my first outing using a floorless shelter and it was a positive experience overall. Nice to just walk in and not worry about your boots. I didn't cook on the woodstove stove because I was worried about mice moving in while I was out hunting however the woodstove dried the tent good after heavy dews and for the most part the little propane heater didn't add to any condensation either. The real test for me will be a big rain storm rolling in at the CMR breaks where I hunt and if the floor stays dry I will keep it but if moisture creeps in the tent will be for sale.

 

[Will_m]

I forgot to add -- what happens in a heavy rain storm? Does the water just run under the tent and into your sleeping area? I understand about picking a proper campsite but I would still be concerned about a heavy rain causing some run off issues.

 

[justin davis]

Advantages are that you can cook, wear boots, take a piss haha, whatever you want. Using a wood stove you can chop wood...a floor tent would go to shreds.

In a heavy rain water will come in a few inches go into the ground but won't run under your tent. I've used Kifaru shelters in some torential downpours and never had an issue with rain on the inside. I use down bags and no bivy

 

[rbljack]

Advantages are that you can cook, wear boots, take a piss haha, whatever you want. Using a wood stove you can chop wood...a floor tent would go to shreds.

In a heavy rain water will come in a few inches go into the ground but won't run under your tent. I've used Kifaru shelters in some torential downpours and never had an issue with rain on the inside. I use down bags and no bivy

This is one of my biggest concerns with moving to a floorless system. Ive always wondered about the run off soaking my down sleeping bag which would force a return trip to the truck!

 

[colonel00]

If you think you will be dealing with a lot of rain, take along a UL bivy to keep you bag and pad contained and off the ground. Even if you don't sleep in it, you can "package" everything up when you get up to keep it clean and dry. Or, use a piece of Tyvek or something else as a simple ground sheet. I weathered quite a bit of rain this year in Alaska and never really worried about the outside water getting in.

 

[stevenm2]

In addition to all of the above reasons (except taking a piss) The stove is killer first thing in the morning. And being able to stand is huge for me.

 

[castandblast]

You'll still want some kind of "floor" under your bag/pad, and maybe beside it for putting on socks, etc. But the rain seems to disappear into the ground around the perimeter instead of flowing through if you pick a good site to pitch it.

I have pitched it on a skiff of snow followed by a week of rain and the floor was bone dry after the second day, even after coming in with wet gear. It just soaks in.

The biggest thing I had to learn was to let air move through for ventilation and rely on my sleep system for warmth. It's tempting to pitch tight to the ground but leaving some gap reduces condensation.

 

[oldgoat]

A lot lighter to pack on average and if it was bad enough weather, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to dig a little latrine in the corner!

 

[AK Troutbum]

Another benefit is, with the pyramid/tipi style shelters they shed wind very well and as long as you have them staked down good they're pretty much bomb proof. And as already stated, the weight savings can be substantial. Here's a cuben fiber MLD solomid complete with all guidelines, and stakes,

and a HMG Ultimid 2 complete with everything including carbon fiber center pole.