Tarp tent questions

[OR Archer]

So for those of you who use a tarp style shelter how do they do in the wind? Also with having a pole sometimes in the middle of the shelter have you ever knocked it out of place at night and collapsed your shelter? How about bug issues? Ants, spiders, and other crawling biting insects.

 

[gobbler1662]

I use a kifaru Paratarp. They do great in the wind and harsh conditions. There are two of the Paratarps in the group I hunt in.We survied a pretty harsh hail storm at 7000 feet this year spring bear hunting in hells canyon. I probably dont need a bivy but I hate bugs and spiders so I use a Ti-Goat Omni-Raven Bivy. It just makes me feel better that when I leave for a day hunt I can zip this thing closed and nothing can get into my sleep system. The full size of the screen is nice also at night. The total weight of this system is right at 18 ounces. Quite a bit lighter than a tent and more spacious. One thing I really enjoy about a tarp style setup is you dont feel boxed in if you have a couple days of harsh weather. We spent three nights on a ridge this year and it was really nice to wake up first thing in the morning and set up in your bivy sack and glass for bears.

 

[Eagle]

My tarp has survived multiple high winds and hail storms while backpacking in the rockies in late July through late August. It has collapsed on me twice, due to me not staking it down well, but that's twice in probably 40 storms and if I pitch it correctly, and stake it well, I've never had an issue. It has also still provided protection when it's collapsed because the majority of the stakes have held, so no real issues at all. Depending on the pitch you use, you need to be mindful of wind direction so the tarp doesn't become a sail.

For the insects, a bivy similar to the ti goat ptarmigan or raven is hard to beat in conjunction with the tarp.

 

[stephen b]

I should live pretty close to you. ( you work at the Bow Rack- correct). You can try out a couple of tarp floorless shelters I have to see how you like them and get a feel for it if you want. There are a lot of sizes and choices out there.

I have used no nest or bivy and I have used a nest or bivy, just depends on the situation. Going floorless is my preferred method and in most all cases ( especially for hunting)- it is better than a floored shelter. I seem to only use a floor built in when at a base camp setting.

-Stephen

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I generally use a Supertarp, and various tipi designs. All have worked well in the wind/harsh weather.
Never have knocked a pole down, with all of them there has been adequate room either between the poles or between the poles and walls to maneuver.
Bugs have not been an issue for me, but this year I'm going to be hunting in a particularly "buggy" area so I have been using a mesh topped bivy.

 

[OR Archer]

I should live pretty close to you. ( you work at the Bow Rack- correct). You can try out a couple of tarp floorless shelters I have to see how you like them and get a feel for it if you want. There are a lot of sizes and choices out there.

I have used no nest or bivy and I have used a nest or bivy, just depends on the situation. Going floorless is my preferred method and in most all cases ( especially for hunting)- it is better than a floored shelter. I seem to only use a floor built in when at a base camp setting.

-Stephen

Stephen I do work at the Rack. I appreciate the offer. My hunting partner is using a tarp this year so Ill get to see it in action. Just rethinking my shelter for next year. Thanks for the info and especially the offer.

 

[SHTF]

I use the Mountainsmith LT Tarp and it works really well. Great for high wind and keeps the chills off at night. I never have a problem with the poles. If the Tarp is made right the trekking Poles are stuck in there pretty well and youd have to really give it a good bit of push to make it fall. Basically you would have to pull a stake or 2 as that is the preasure that keeps the tarp in place and pushing down on the pole. I dont worry about bugs Ticks are rare here in Colorado. Probably 150 nights under my belt with a Tarp Tent and never had an issue. I had an MSR before.

 

[stephen b]

Stephen I do work at the Rack. I appreciate the offer. My hunting partner is using a tarp this year so Ill get to see it in action. Just rethinking my shelter for next year. Thanks for the info and especially the offer.

I thought you might- seems like I recall you posting that here sometime before. Which one of the workers there are you?

Good luck with the shelter choices- and have fun this year!

 

[OR Archer]

My last name is Stewart.

 

[stephen b]

My last name is Stewart.

Think I may know which one you are? There are (2) Chris's there- are you the dark haired one or the lighter haired one?

 

[OR Archer]

Im the shorter of the two lol. I would say Im the darker haired and of course better looking too haha

 

[stephen b]

Im the shorter of the two lol. I would say Im the darker haired and of course better looking too haha

OK- got it, I know which Chris you are. If you ever want to try a floorless deal to see how you like it- let me know, I have a couple different ones.