View Full Version : which shelter??
nameless
18-02-2005, 13:30
hey i was just wondering who prefers a certain type of shelter i know i prefer a poncho type because of its many uses and size :o): which do you mostly use or prefer?oh and you can make multiple choisces on the pol :Crazy_071
Squidders
18-02-2005, 13:33
tarp / tent 50/50... I like ponchos because they can be a reasonable shelter in an emergency but I mainly use them as ponchos.
If i'm in cold weather or have gear with me that will be in view when I leave my sleeping area I prefer a tent.
Otherwise, tarp.
TheViking
18-02-2005, 14:10
I could only vote once. :?: Voted for natural, because there is more bushcraft in building a shelter from the materials around one. But poncho would have been my 2'nd vote, cause it has multiple uses and is easy to set up. :-)
It was going to do Tarp and tent 50/50 I only managed to post once.
I think a poncho is a bit of a compromise compared to a tarp. If its raining, you're wearing your poncho, and you need to put a shelter....
And poncho's are too small for me so I don't use them in that respect.
Here, in the Highlands; not many trees, horizontal rain, gazillions of midgies....
Tent!
Ranger Bob
18-02-2005, 15:04
I went for natural, because there nothing like a well built natural shelter with a fire, but in reality I mostly use a tarp.
I like a tarp or poncho I like the freedom of being able to see all around me even when it's raining/snowing :-)
Has anyone tried one of those giant fishing brollies with the wrap around back piece that you can peg down. I'm wondering about making it into a staff and filling in the front with midgie netting.
Toddy
Has anyone tried one of those giant fishing brollies with the wrap around back piece that you can peg down. I'm wondering about making it into a staff and filling in the front with midgie netting.
Toddy
Generally pretty bulky and heavy in my experience. Some designs are unstable at the sort of windspeeds that any tent would shrug off. You also need a good depth of soil for the pole (more than tentpegs).
I stopped using one in favour of a basha sheet and a couple of long banksticks well under half the weight.
Be OK if you fancied a 3lb staff 4" thick for bashing people with...
...On the subject of which, I seem to recall you mentioning the Gadgaelar (sp?) at some point. Would that be a re-enactment group of same name?
Jim.
bambodoggy
18-02-2005, 16:39
I've ticked Tarp as it's wat I use most but I also like my Poncho's just as much....and if I had the time and materials then I'd prefer a natural shelter....the only one of the bunch I don't like is the tent.... :pack:
After many nights under a poncho, the extra room of a tarp was such luxury :lol:
My dog prefers a tent: If we're sleeping in the open, she always tries to get back to the van!! :Crazy_071
i would go for natural but if you can make more than one anything except a pocho. I don't see how you can spend a decent night sleep in whats :yikes: basicly a jacket
Rhapsody
18-02-2005, 16:56
I make natural shelters whenever I camp out overnight, but I always take a basha with me for emergencies...
Crawling into a natural shelter that you've just busted a gut putting up at the end of the day is one of the things that, for me, distiguishes a backwoods camp from a regular one. It's certainly more fulfilling!
{Be OK if you fancied a 3lb staff 4" thick for bashing people with...}
Hmmm, I'm sure I can lighten that a bit...
{...On the subject of which, I seem to recall you mentioning the Gadgaelar (sp?) at some point. Would that be a re-enactment group of same name?
Jim.[/QUOTE]}
Gadgedlar is a re-enactment group, fun people, down sizing according to the gossip, just now (nasty divorce somewhere :cry: )
I work with Galgael, http://www.galgael.org
It's an Education charitable Trust teaching traditional handcrafts and they are also fun people, mad as hatters, sailed/rowed in an open birlinn, they'd built, to Ireland last year, in gales, etc. to the Magnus Barelegs festival, had a ceilidh, got plastered in reaction (as one does) and still won the races against some impressive opposition. Me...I do the weaving, natural dyes, cordage, some of the ropework. Very tame in comparison :-)
Thanks for the info,
Toddy, aka Mary Craig, I'm the brunette....dreadful photo, sorry, local paper.
arctic hobo
18-02-2005, 17:15
I guess igloos count as natural... I've only done that twice but they are the business... snow holes come a poor second. In the woods I'm a hammock man.
bambodoggy
18-02-2005, 17:18
i would go for natural but if you can make more than one anything except a pocho. I don't see how you can spend a decent night sleep in whats :yikes: basicly a jacket
I think you're getting a bit confused about what we mean by a Poncho Matey.... What we're talking about is basically a Tarp that has a Hood in it and can popper together to make a large rain cape.... to use as a shelter you just use the hoods draw cord to seal it off and then use it exactly as you would a tarp....
hope that makes more sence now :biggthump
RovingArcher
18-02-2005, 17:50
I prefer to build an all natural shelter when I can. However, because the materials aren't always readily available without cutting live flora (oops not fauna :o): ), I chose the poncho, because of it compact carry, lite weight and versatility.
Gadgedlar is a re-enactment group, fun people, down sizing according to the gossip, just now (nasty divorce somewhere :cry: )
Sounds like them :roll: . Last I heard they were all up in arms against Alan Gault, their erstwhile leader.
Sorry for going off topic.
I've got an old fishing brolly (sans extension sides) if you can make use of it experimentally - give you an idea of the size and bulk . Be dear to post, tho'...
Jim.
Thanks for the offer....I think there's one kicking about in our loft too, somewhere....I was trying to make something like the Chinese parasols, I know, DIY gone nuts :-) and then thought about a kind of pop up teepee and then came across a fishing shelter brolly and went, "Ahhhh????" and then I saw this thread and asked if anyone had used one before.
Wonder if I can make it oval when it opens?
Thanks,
Toddy
ChrisKavanaugh
18-02-2005, 19:41
Using ponchos and zeltbans for a primary shelter is a spinoff of military multitasking. The minimal wieght and bulk of a quality tarp/basha makes it 'penny wize and pound foolish' not to include in a kit.I did my military service thankyou very much and have no inclination to abuse my middle aged body further.It's no fun waking up and waiting for various bodyparts to join the effort :shock: . In combination with a poncho AND natural shelter materials I have options to create superior shelter in any clime. This way I can enjoy the present instread of remembering the stupid bravery of my youth :roll:
Danceswithhelicopters
18-02-2005, 20:09
Scotland+midgies+wind-trees=Tent
I have no real preference, I believe that the situation dictates what I require, I use a basha/tarp most, but have no worries about using anything else :wink:
simonsays
18-02-2005, 21:07
[QUOTE=Doc]Here, in the Highlands; not many trees, horizontal rain, gazillions of midgies....
and of course, some of the best scenery in the world :wave:
simon
It all depends on the time of year where I am going and so on. In summer Do don´t udea a shleleter at all, just sleep under the stars. In the woods and need to make a natural shelter I like mine under a spruce tree, quick and easy. But if I am going up in the mountains in northern sweden (fjällen) then I bring a tunnel tent but thats because there are no tree´s up there and the winds can be really strong and so can the rain.
Shelters should be and go quick to set up and do as little damage as possible to the nature especially if only spending one night.
I have limited experience of different shelters, but having slept in a tent countless times, much to my surprise I like the bivi bag/basha best so far and tents a little claustrophobic. The couple of times I slept in a natural shelter I enjoyed it, but that was two sided construction and I'd much prefer an open sided set up. There's something about being able to see, or at least sense the space around you when you're outside rather than being walled in. A teepee I'd really like to try.
I used to spend a lot of time on hills with no trees so it used to be tents. I like tarps with bivi bags because you get to see more of your surroundings and it gives you so many options.
Brian
nameless
19-02-2005, 15:52
well that was alot of info,on my last expedition with ventures i slept under my poncho with just my survival bag filled with natural stufff and my sleeping bag, i need a bive bag it would make it more comfortable. I would always go for a poncho/natural combination but since i'm in ventures i have to bend some times. Is the german army poncho the same size as a tarp as a general rule?? :?:
arctic hobo
19-02-2005, 23:03
and of course, some of the best scenery in the world :wave:
simon
I love Scotland but you're overstating it there!
38' camper...Sat Tv and central heating.
I have a basha and poncho, cant remember the last time they saw the light of day, maybe they will see some use arount July/August time. :wave:
A lot of people are going to start getting out soon and I wonder what's on the cards for shelter. I expect it will change as the months go on, I'm doing hammock with Tarp at the moment.....Umm, I've done that all winter! So, Tarp for me :D
Moonraker
30-04-2005, 18:29
I am aiming as much as possible to do as Viking suggested and sleep under the stars :D
The weather tends to be more predictable and warmer at night here especially in the summer, and some of the places I will be going there are no trees for a hammock or hanging a tarp. Currently I have a breathable army bivvy, lightweight Arktis HALO 3 bag and 3/4 length sleeping mat. I will take a tarp if it looks like rain but with the bivvy bag it should be OK even if I get caught out.
Also I want to utilise as much as possible natural shelters this year. Just around the village are small caves in the limestone cliffs, used by the resistance during WWII and will spend some time finding and sleeping in these.
Finally, I am looking to make a bedroll suitable for local use and just use that. Similar to an Aussie Swag Bag ( http://www.downunder.swag.com.au/elsewhere/index.html) and us that under the stars :). Something from natural materials like waxed canvas which is tough enough for the rocky ground and some way to utilise natural plant material for a mattress layer with some form of pocket under the main compartment to stuff leaves, moss etc into. No idea if it will work :)
arctic hobo
30-04-2005, 18:32
A lot of people are going to start getting out soon and I wonder what's on the cards for shelter. I expect it will change as the months go on, I'm doing hammock with Tarp at the moment.....Umm, I've done that all winter! So, Tarp for me :D
Starting to go out?? It's those winter nights that put the hairs on your chest ;)
In summer either my Hennesey hammock or issue bivvy with small tarp and halo3.
In winter large tarp or old 2 man tent fly with issue bivy , 3/4 thermarest and carinthia bag.
Really want to get a kirathu tipi with wood burner for when it's really cold, just saving the pennies.
tent 100% ive never seen the point in a tarp..
Nathan Sturgess
03-03-2007, 13:39
I prefer natural shelter but i voted Tarp because it is more practical and quicker to set up than a natural shelter
I think you're getting a bit confused about what we mean by a Poncho Matey.... What we're talking about is basically a Tarp that has a Hood in it and can popper together to make a large rain cape.... to use as a shelter you just use the hoods draw cord to seal it off and then use it exactly as you would a tarp....
hope that makes more sence now :biggthump
In which case, why have we got poncho and tarp as poll options? Surely it should be poncho/tarp, tent and all natural?
Anyway, I'm just being pedantic now. :rolleyes:
Has anyone tried one of those giant fishing brollies with the wrap around back piece that you can peg down. I'm wondering about making it into a staff and filling in the front with midgie netting.
Toddy,
I got one just before crimbo and did a quick review on my blog (http://pablo475.blogspot.com/2006/12/just-got-me-pidus.html) with pics if it helps. Bit heavy and awkward to carry I would say.
Pablo
I was thinking of making something akin to a baker tent from old IPK shelters. Rip and waterproof, you could make a large shelter from two or three kits and it wouldn't weigh that much, and of course it comes in regulation bushcraft green!!
w00dsmoke
03-03-2007, 17:46
For many years I used two German army poncho's then a Uk one studded onto a 58 bag then a bivi sheet/bag and now a TIPI after many tents.
Why?
In my opinion only a fool would use a poncho tarp combo in some of the high windier wilder parts of scotland in winter (I know because I was that poor fool for many years!)
Tent / bivi sheet for some of the year is okay but a guy needs to be mossie free when changing cooking etc
Tent is great fulfills many needs warmth, shelter, space etc
But hey a TIPI and you have all the benefits of a tarp with the protection of a tent!
Bisamratte
03-03-2007, 17:47
I have always used a tent but I have just ordered a German army poncho so I'm looking forward to giving that a go with a bivvy bag. I like the idea of dual purpose kit but will probably get a tarp to use with a hammock later on. (when I have a bit more money)
Andy
oldsoldier
03-03-2007, 18:05
I'll go with the poncho most of the year. Winter, I used a BD megamid (floorless shelter). You cant cheat with winter in new england...it gets COLD!!!!
tarp all the way for me
leon
Hmmmmm, landrover is not on the list...Just boarded out the roof rack to take a tent and am boarding out the inside to create a sleeping, cooking area....
I love sleeping out under a tarp, good protection but you still get the feeling of being close to nature - Ummm! that kind of makes me sound like a tree hugger:lmao:
Nathan Sturgess
04-03-2007, 18:11
Not wanting to hijack the thread but can anybody tell me if the DD camping hammock (the enclosable one is water proof.
no its not waterproof
leon
Too Much Kit To Carry
04-03-2007, 20:43
Hootchie for me ;)
Phil.
tarp + hammock. I like a poncho but just as poncho, and I have it as an extra emergency tarp.
For many years I used two German army poncho's then a Uk one studded onto a 58 bag then a bivi sheet/bag and now a TIPI after many tents.
Why?
In my opinion only a fool would use a poncho tarp combo in some of the high windier wilder parts of scotland in winter (I know because I was that poor fool for many years!)
Tent / bivi sheet for some of the year is okay but a guy needs to be mossie free when changing cooking etc
Tent is great fulfills many needs warmth, shelter, space etc
But hey a TIPI and you have all the benefits of a tarp with the protection of a tent!
Can't imagine how you'd carry a tipi in your backpack though
pataviking
05-03-2007, 03:45
suggest camping to your wife in cold wet weather and i think my choice will probally be the couch Pat
Hmmmmm, landrover is not on the list...Just boarded out the roof rack to take a tent and am boarding out the inside to create a sleeping, cooking area....
This post is meaningless without pictures!
;)
i like to use a golite hex 3 tent, its light and water proof.
w00dsmoke
07-03-2007, 16:44
Can't imagine how you'd carry a tipi in your backpack though
Norwegian Tipi's made from polyester/silnylon are amazingly light and small to pack! I have a Tinde 8 and without the pole it is as bulky as my sleeping bag!
I prefer natural shelter but i voted Tarp because it is more practical and quicker to set up than a natural shelter
To be honest, I pitched my Golite Hex 3 quicker than a tarp was setup, and a tarp/hammock was setup as well last weekend. The Hex will give me four season shelter, without the nest insert its no heavier than a tarp/hammock, I can use it without a pole (strung on a line, or hung off a branch) and the nest insert makes me midge proof.
I will get a big Tipi sometime this year, I'm really looking forward to that. I'm not anti tarp or hammock, but I'm 52 and want ease of use to be honest and the Hex gives me that (as I hope a bigger Tipi will too).
Tarp (Hootchie actualy), when Im off walking around and a large swag when Im in a base camp....
Karl
I voted tent as I use it most, but would have gone tarp for choice.
Much of my camping is done of scout sites, (22 nights last year) and as much as I hate to say it tarps are not secure, and I would not be able to leave my kit. Not only would it walk but every passing cub seems to think my hammock is a playground and several times the little :cussing: have run up to it and tried to climb in!
I probably use the tarp/hammock three or four times a year, but thats only when I am alone or just my unit somewhere safe.
As for SWMBO, if she comes that it has to be the 6 man dome tent for just the two of us (did I tell you she takes a collapsible clothes rack and a suitcase ?- I kid you not!) :lmao:
Nathan Sturgess
19-03-2007, 21:37
I just got a Golite Poncho, it is about the same size as my DPM basha and extremely light. I am looking forward to use it on an outing and see how it fares.
I recon a tarp takes some beating.
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/500/Bushfire.jpg
Big Bad Stu
18-04-2007, 17:14
Zodiak,
That thing about taking the wife camping sounds very familiar! We use a Coleman Quadspace - 30kgs, 75 pegs and three bedrooms!
Wayland, great photo as usual. :You_Rock_
I prefer a tarp and hammock, it makes you part of the woods not shut away from them like in a tent.
Stewey. :D
OzaawaaMigiziNini
19-04-2007, 02:25
I like the tarp set up, but I voted for all natural.
Call me a purist, but I prefer a night in a debris hut or Northern Wickiup over any other shelter. Just feels right.
Scots_Charles_River
19-04-2007, 19:47
Here, in the Highlands; not many trees, horizontal rain, gazillions of midgies....
Tent!
Or a hammock/tarp with mozzy net ?
Nick
clcuckow
29-05-2007, 22:20
Tent if with others, Tarp and Hammock assuming there are suitable supports.
I Just use a gore tex bivvy bag. Try to stick my head under some natural cover.
Scots_Charles_River
31-05-2007, 22:59
Not wanting to hijack the thread but can anybody tell me if the DD camping hammock (the enclosable one is water proof.
It's silnylon the same material as the tarp, I have only used it with the tarp but it will/should be waterprrof.
Nick
Nothing beats a spruce shelter! Especially during winter! :D
Norwegian Tipi's made from polyester/silnylon are amazingly light and small to pack! I have a Tinde 8 and without the pole it is as bulky as my sleeping bag!
interesting :) A tipi with fire inside must be great.
william#
06-06-2007, 14:55
i got a hoochie and its great tarp but a bit on the heavy bulky size have thought about getting a british army poncho again but tbh i think im looking for something bigger light big and hardwearing
any tips ?
oh yes and not high on the pennys
Great picture wayland 10/10 xD
Spacemonkey
22-06-2007, 22:40
I'm into these goretex bivvy tents at the mo. Weigh 1.2kg all in and are quite small pack size.
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/spacemonkey_mk1/Out%20and%20About/Pictures/DSC00056.jpg
Also use hammock and basha if I know for sure that trees are on the menu..
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/500/DSC00038small.jpg
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/500/medium/DSC00037.JPG
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/500/DSC00026small.jpg
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/gallery/data/500/DSC00025_small.jpg
w00dsmoke
22-06-2007, 22:48
I'm keen to hear of your opinion of the hooped marines goretex bivi in the picture. I had one but to be honest with the hoops inserted there is no room at all. I could not sleep on my side as the hoops were too small. I used to tie the bivi up and use it like an extra large bivi but i found that the the condensation inside was a huge problem in the winter.
w00dsmoke,
I think you must be a bit bigger across the shoulders than me mate as I don't have much of a problem lying on my side in mine. I've been using a Mountain Range double hooped bivi for about 12 years in all kinds of weather and not had any great problems with it, I prefer it to a normal bivi because it keeps the material off my face. It is fairly minimal though, not exactly spacious inside but just big enough for me and my boots
Brian
Spacemonkey
22-06-2007, 23:30
I'm a tall skinny runt, so I have loads of room. I store my kit in the entrance end no problems. On this trip, my mate didn't use his poles to see how he got on. He found the bergen worked as a pole of sorts and kept the bag off his face. Yes, there is a little condensation, but not much. Overall, I like them as they are small, lightwweight, and blend in really well. I don't like to ruin the view of the countryside for other people when I'm in it, so prefer OG etc over bright red and all that.
woodstock
24-06-2007, 19:14
In the past I have used many forms of shelter the one I have used more than most is the basha easy and quick to erect light and durable I have recently started to use a hammock and tarp
A mate in the states did this little vid for me, anyone over here used one of these?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=nfghL52Pvqk
Not expensive stateside
Spacemonkey
25-06-2007, 18:20
Looks pretty good. The side zip would be a great bonus compared to mine. With mine, you have to slide in feet first and then when in fully, pull your kit/ruck in after you and then push it into the front bit under the zip. It's easier than it sounds, and I can get out quick if need be, but larger people need not apply. Side entry/exit will be much quicker..
One drawback with these designs is that it is difficult to change clothing when inside, and there is no way to hang wet clothing either. I have not used it to get in and out in the rain, but you would get wet and then so would your sleeping bag I'd guess. If this bothers you, you could always carry a very lightweight tarp to hang over the top.
Hey SpaceMonkey I take it you like the DPM stuff then:) !!
Spacemonkey
02-07-2007, 22:46
Hey SpaceMonkey I take it you like the DPM stuff then:) !!
:lmao:
I prefer the OG stuff myself, but as I sell some of the stuff, it would be silly not to use it. I get unused issue kit direct from MOD and suppliers sales via a mate. ;)
And I do actually like cammo gear. I collect various world cammos. My fave is my modern Japanese JGDSF uniform which is ultra rare and actually brand new in my size!! And I'm 6'2"!! An excellent summer cammo pattern..
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/spacemonkey_mk1/DSC00180.jpg
I know there are some anti-cammo snobs on here:deal:, but, hey, it's a free country and we don't all want to be Ray Mears clones.. ;) and for some people, that's all they can afford, and Bushcraft is about making the most of the minimum you have..
Oh, and I like camping off piste so low height cammo tents are perfect..:o
Now remember, cammo is not a dirty word, crevice is a dirty word... :lmao:
Spacemonkey
23-08-2007, 19:26
Well, incase anyone is interested, here is a short video review of the MOD bivvy tent I did earlier in the year for my overseas mates.
If anyone wants to buy any, see here and say Spacemonkey sent you:
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=20093
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/spacemonkey_mk1/Out%20and%20About/Videos/th_Bivvytentintro_0001.jpg (http://s53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/spacemonkey_mk1/Out%20and%20About/Videos/?action=view¤t=Bivvytentintro_0001.fl v)
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/spacemonkey_mk1/Out%20and%20About/Videos/th_BivvyTentPart2.jpg (http://s53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/spacemonkey_mk1/Out%20and%20About/Videos/?action=view¤t=BivvyTentPart2.flv)
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/spacemonkey_mk1/Out%20and%20About/Videos/th_BivvyTentPart2cont.jpg (http://s53.photobucket.com/albums/g58/spacemonkey_mk1/Out%20and%20About/Videos/?action=view¤t=BivvyTentPart2cont.flv )
What i sleep in / under depends on what i am doing at the time! I run D o E Award expeditions and for that i usually take a Vaude Hogan tent (not the lightest but bomb proof!). If i am out alone and the terrain is suitable i prefer to sleep under a tarp with a bivvy bag - it lets you see, hear and smell your surroundings all the better!
If im with others or at proper camping sites i'll take my vaude hogan. As simon said above its not the lightest but its a very good tent. If its me out in the woods i like a tarp and hammock best, just feels the best for me, your protected from rain but you can still see around and its so much more versatile than a tent
Stuart
Spacemonkey
27-08-2007, 16:38
Tarps and hammocks are my favourite- BUT you need trees. No trees- you got problems..
big_swede
27-08-2007, 18:58
Tarps and hammocks are my favourite- BUT you need trees. No trees- you got problems..
I've used a hammock between a couple of boulders using wall nuts (eh, the climbing kind). Work fairly well.
John Fenna
28-08-2007, 08:21
Where there are no decent hammock hanging points my hammy (pod) can become a groundsheet under a tarp shelter/tent supported on poles/canoe paddles.
My SwissTulle (RM) is not so versatile but various bits of kit can become temp ground sheet replacements ie waterproofs, rucksack, rucksack liner, survival bag, while my new reindeer-skin hammock liner will make a decent ground mat.
Lateral thinking is the key!
John
Scots_Charles_River
08-01-2008, 15:30
I love Scotland but you're overstating it there!
I've been all over the european alps and moutain ranges but scotland still tops out
top three I think. A lot of American tourists are amazed by the scenery and they have everything from glaciers to deserts.
Nick
Northern Giant UK
08-01-2008, 15:31
A lot of people are going to start getting out soon and I wonder what's on the cards for shelter. I expect it will change as the months go on, I'm doing hammock with Tarp at the moment.....Umm, I've done that all winter! So, Tarp for me :D
Well as soon as I'm able to get out without a snorkel and an anchor . . .
I'll be trying out a Mongoose 2 tent,
http://www.gelert.com/products/Mongoose_2.aspx
I'm too large for bivvi's and hammocks and so far haven't tried natural shelters (YET) so I'll have to say tents, but at least my tents are getting smaller :lmao:
Kev
Scots_Charles_River
08-01-2008, 15:32
Tarps and hammocks are my favourite- BUT you need trees. No trees- you got problems..
http://www.ddhammocks.com/images/gallery/camp2.jpg
http://www.ddhammocks.com/images/two.jpg
Not always req'd.
Nick
Spacemonkey
08-01-2008, 19:11
But they certainly help...;) You'd be stuffed in the desert without a brace of Wolf Gypsy wagons..
Voted for tarp and tent but If I look at all the times I've slept out over the last few years, I find that the tarp is taking over from the tent. I like its flexibility and space (as well as light weight). I don't have much experience of natural shelters as I usually camp when on a journey and I've never felt comfortable about turning up in someone's wood (or field, moor, mountain, whatever) and building something when I'm moving on asap in the morning. The tarp is also suitable for loads of environments, such as our upland areas, where natural building materials are either unavailable or require quarrying equipment. I have also used "found" natural shelters, e.g. caves.
Scots_Charles_River
09-01-2008, 21:29
Voted for tarp and tent but If I look at all the times I've slept out over the last few years, I find that the tarp is taking over from the tent. I like its flexibility and space (as well as light weight)..
Yeah, different to wake up and see the weather/view from under a tarp. Something special about waking up and looking across a loch from the hammock. :)
Nick
If it`s wet/cold weather and I know there`s going to be trees I`ll take a full size tarp, if it`s dry and warm sometimes I won`t bother and just crash in the bivvy bag or sometimes even with a ground pitched half length tarp.
Most of my bushcraft takes place in woodland so 90% of the time it`s the tarp.
Rich
irishlostboy
11-01-2008, 05:43
i had my first go with a tarp in a mountainside there the other day. it is a home made one. we were on the top edge of a spruce forestry plantation, on quite a slope. it did surprisingly well. normally its a bivy bag and the sky for me. i bring a tent if i am with the gf, but that is strictly summer, and in reasonable civilisation. i never used a hammock for sleeping in. i cant sleep on my back, i stretch out on my tummy, so i imagine that would hurt a lot if i tried it in a hammock. but i would try anything once. twice if it had a governent health warning.
Bogman10
11-01-2008, 06:19
IF I am with the Wife ( Campgrounds ) it's our Tent. Hike in Flyfishing ( Tarp and Bug mesh )in the mountains/foothills.
Hunting, Tarp lean-to-style, with a fire in front! ( Foothills )
;)
Well, I selected Tent and tarp/hammock - but it's cheating a little because I've only just ordered the latter through the GB.. ;)
I have a Hilleberg Akto for camping, and it's a great tent - very easy and quick to erect (linked inner and outer), reasonable porch, not much issue with condensation and pretty much bomb-proof when it comes to weather. Only problem is that I get a bit of a bad back, even with a thermarest - one of the reasons I'm looking forward to trying a hammock...
:red:
I also have a DPM basha that I sometimes carry with me when walking in questionable weather (i.e. not camping) - something to make a brew under if needed :)
littlebiglane
12-01-2008, 16:10
No.1 Choice - Tipee (large and ultralight)
No.2 Choice - Tarp (lovely in its openess and simplicity)
No.3 (if I had a dozen little helpers) a Yurt
Just started using my Tom Claytor Jungle Hammock and like the feeling (although still not able to sleep very comfy in it), will be trying it out as much as possible coming summer so it's hammock and tarp for me. Unless above tree line where I'd go for a proper tent...
Scots_Charles_River
24-05-2008, 11:21
Have you tried tightening or slackening the hammock to see what fits best ? Also is it big enough for you ?
Nick
Have you tried tightineng or slackening the hammock to see what fits best ? Also is it big enough for you ?
Nick
I'm still trying, mostly as tightened as I can get it, will try slackening it next time, thanks for the advice :)
It's definitely big enough, should fit blokes up to 7' 5" and I'm about 6' 3" (and quite a skinny type)
Cheers,
Lasse
High on Hex
24-05-2008, 12:59
Double skin tent nearly always. Weighs very little more than tarp n bivi. Fast to pitch, use nearly anywhere. If it's warm i leave the door open and use the inner as a groundsheet. Love it!
Tarp and Hammock for me, even more so now I have the underblankey velcroed to it (stops it slipping around when I'm moving about).
For extra added comfort I take a pvc backed picnic blanket to go underneath to keep both my stuff and socked feet warm and dry, no standing on wet mud after taking the boots off!
cheapeats
25-05-2008, 04:41
I answered other because depending on the circumstance I use them all.
High on Hex
25-05-2008, 11:55
I take nothing and hope to find a dead camel i can hollow out.
david0607
16-06-2008, 22:39
Vango's for my Students, Tarp for me, Just a Sleeping bag and Bivi bag is good if the sky is clear, might be tempted to buy a Swag though
has ne one just used a survival bag and a sleeping bag/army blanket cos that is realli good as well, even just the survival bag on its own u get well hot inside them
Depends on the weather.
But 99% of the time it's a tarp/basha.
If it's the middle of summer then you don't even need that - sleeping bag/bivibag is all you need. Cuts down on the weight (although if we're in the woods then I generally still hoist the basha, just to stop small twigs and things dropping onto oneself during the night).
Oh, and you don't need trees to put up a tarp (although you will need a couple of poles and some bungees) - if you look at my profile picture you can see my basha put up without being tied to trees - peg one edge down then use a couple of basha poles in the other two corners and use the bungees to pull tight.
It will be interesting to see if hammock/tarps really do outnumber tents by 2:1 at the moot :)
hehehe! I'll be bringing one of each - my Argos tipi for stashing stuff and a hammock'n'tarp for sleeping in.
crazydave
29-07-2008, 14:45
going by the forecast then its going to be a wet weekend so a multipurpose set up may be required.
mortalmerlin
06-08-2008, 18:41
I use a hilleberg tarp but I just bought a hootchie which I prefer.
I will have to get round to trying a hammock but not sure I will like it.
drewdunnrespect
14-08-2008, 19:14
it hammock and tarp for me cos the are easily the best nites kip i have ever had
phaserrifle
14-08-2008, 19:37
hammock all the way. our whole explorer group made them last year, and allmost none of us have used anything else since (cept one guy, whose hammock broke)
andybysea
16-12-2008, 14:11
It used to be 58 patt poncho and bivy for me, but just switched to a more spacious,3mx3m tarp bivy combo.Occasionaly use a one man tent if im going midgy infested areas of north west Scotland in the summer,as i have a reaction to the bites
which weep and crust over on me,Nice!
harryhaller
28-08-2009, 22:34
Well, incase anyone is interested, here is a short video review of the MOD bivvy tent I did earlier in the year for my overseas mates.
If anyone wants to buy any, see here and say Spacemonkey sent you:
http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=20093
Good video, Spacemonkey. Thanks. That bivi looks really good, but the url you've given is no longer valid - is this (http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/index.php?method=stock&id=3004&from=18) the same one? I don't see any hoops etc.
man_of_tanith
29-08-2009, 22:06
one more vote for the poncho for a combo of lightweight,versitile and easy to set up i cant beat or fault it
cheers
Sam
BushcraftBaird112
29-08-2009, 22:19
I chose other. I usually sleep in a DD hammock or if its cold I'll put a sleeping bag in the hammock. Over it I will either put up a DPM basha or a US poncho
harryhaller
31-08-2009, 14:27
one more vote for the poncho for a combo of lightweight,versitile and easy to set up i cant beat or fault it
cheers
Sam
How do you set up your poncho, Sam? I'm very interested in the use of a poncho as a shelter since it would save the weight of a tarp. How do you set it up when it is already raining and you're wearing the poncho?
MIchael
man_of_tanith
31-08-2009, 15:18
Hi Michael
If it is already raining I tend to give it a little while hoping that the rain will go away!
if that isnt gonna happen I make sure my bergan is out of the rain as best I can, (usually by wrapping it in a bin bag or a rucksack cover). I tie a ridgeline between the two trees i have chosen and prussick knot the two central attachment points to the ridge line and tighten, peg the four corners out using IPK pegs attached to the corner attachment loops. This works best if you pack a set of dry clothes that you only wear when you've set up camp.
If I am taking a hammock I hang it in the same way but using the corners of the poncho rather than the central attachment points so it is hanging in a diamond shape.
If the weather is fine then I hang the poncho by again putting a ridgeline between two trees but attaching one whole side to the ridgeline and pegging the other side down at a 60degree angle to encourage any rainfall to not get me, i then have an open sided shelter one end i block with bergan one end i tend to keep my feet at, once in bivi bag its quite snug and cosy and by locating the fire in front of the shelter its very warm!
i have got a 58pattern sleeping bag that has poppers which you can snap onto the poncho to make a mini sheleter but i havent experimented with this yet.
hope this helps and makes sense
cheers
Sam
harryhaller
31-08-2009, 17:09
Thanks, Sam. Yes, that was very helpful.
Michael
bushcraftsman
31-08-2009, 17:29
I use a DD Hammock and the DD 3x3m tarp! cant beat them...easy to set up and a comfortable night sleep! :D then if its cold, like BushcraftBaird, I'll throw in a sleeping bag.
Daegurth
31-08-2009, 18:14
DD 3x3 tarp and a sleeping bag. since so far i've only camped during the summer, i haven't had need of a groundsheet or a bivi bag.
man_of_tanith
31-08-2009, 18:33
Thanks, Sam. Yes, that was very helpful.
Michael
another way i forgot to mention is you just do up all the poppers and get a very basic bivi bag
glad you found it useful
cheers
Sam
hedgerow pete
17-01-2010, 20:24
i have always been a tarp man as i can do what ever shape and size i want with it all you need is some para cord and away you go, but at the moment i am starting to sofen up so a small tent will proberly be brought next year, as for the poncho , these are great items of kit and everyone should have one a lot easier than a great big coat and you can walk with your ruck sac under it, there is one thing that i dont do never have ever done it after a weeks use and thats a hamock, great for kit but not for me, not without stabilizers and hand rails ha ha ha ha
Hammock and tarp are my most often choce for shelter, but just bought a tipi, so we'll see....
Hammock and tarp are my most often choce for shelter, but just bought a tipi, so we'll see....
yeah im thinking of getting one of those polish bell tents and giving that a go!
hogstable
24-03-2010, 22:56
There is a Norwegian item that is like a poncho but you get into so you are enclosed. Think it might sound a bit like Jes something something. Used by hunters and carried in F16 cockpits. That should be quite interesting. I thought once of a doubled skin poncho made out of ventile with a velcro'd side so you could get inside it, looks like they beat me to it!!
I'm sure theirs would be much higher quality though!!
tarp and hammock or if it realy turns crap a small german fortification only i use as as it at the bottum of an overgrown area i get to it up the rocks by kayak
hogstable do you mean this,
https://jerven-com.secure.flexiweb.no/
Twodogs
grantdan
02-04-2010, 23:03
Tarp and hammock for me. Its a comfort thing knowng im not on the ground with creepy crawlies, and of course i sleep better in the hammock than i do in my bed
As I get older, these appeal more
http://www.littleguy.co.uk/ :)
I guess igloos count as natural... I've only done that twice but they are the business... snow holes come a poor second. In the woods I'm a hammock man.
Great aren't they??
http://i39.tinypic.com/axnp8g.jpg
Dave, a couple of the stovies use these to help build igloos, they work very well
http://www.grandshelters.com/icebox-igloo.html
TinkyPete
12-04-2010, 20:31
I use various forms of shelter, mainly bivi bags and tarp set ups less the Meets which I have tended to use tents, and normal camping trips :) I am still a ground dweller although I am thinking about swinging :) but still not made my mind yet as to what to do about it, I think try before you by is going to be my approach.
Just go a dd hammock and the xl tarp going to give it a try insted of the tipi saw lots of swingers at the outdoor meet so going to try myself any tips would be welcome:hammock::campfire:
http://www.kolumbus.fi/bjorn.corander/laavut.htm
(site of B.Corander shows good shots of erätoveri.Corander is one of our most respected survival gurus.)
I use this basha/tarp cloth quite a lot,those are here popular among traditional hikers around the year and history of this goes to late 60´s.Its called"erätoveri",often referred just as ET or Toveri,the whole name translated somewaht like...wilderness-buddy,very versatile piece of kit.
http://images.google.fi/images?q=er%C3%A4toveri&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=fi&tab=wi
check out various ways to set it if youre interested:
http://www.patikka.net/Muuta/eratoveri/FrameSet.htm
Ghostofthewoods
19-06-2010, 23:04
Some images of my tarp and hammock set up. Also a ground set up using the tarp.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX6GF20bb8g[/video]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pypE7cFs4ik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvJ-Ici-tv4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzrXkLrh3NI
Bush_Man
28-06-2010, 12:29
Normally I sleep in a tent or a natural shelter but, i'm thinking about getting a hammock and a tarp and see if I like it...
bilmo-p5
05-07-2010, 23:12
After years of seriously heavy canvas, bought a True North Big Tarp just before Easter and on Good Friday, at the tender age of 54, spent my first night under a tarp.
Absolutely delighted with it and looking forward to the winter ...
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XzY6xOgilfM/TDJWrwiTnwI/AAAAAAAAABo/_SU0Wpx05Os/s400/BT1.JPG
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XzY6xOgilfM/TDJWOa6UzjI/AAAAAAAAABg/nu14YCUwkSo/s400/BT2.JPG
Tarp most often. I enjoy making and using natural shelters but as I'm normally in West Texas for my excursions I don't have the material to really work with. Juniper and Mesquite are generally the only things I can use and they don't work to well for a shelter. When I'm up in the mountains I build natural shelters.
At the mo it's tarp and hammock for me, but i do like to play about with natural shelters if i'm out for a few days.
Depends, but I mostly use a tarp and/ or bivy,
I build natural shelters to keep my hand in, and ive kipped down in a few, but its mostly for trying out new ideas & practice,
Metatron
14-09-2010, 15:59
Tarp and/or hammock for me.
I would love to practice and build natural shelters. Problem being feling tree's in UK. Since I return to my regular camp spots, over the years there would be no tree's left and now I would be stuck with a field rather than a bit of woods =(
After years of seriously heavy canvas, bought a True North Big Tarp just before Easter and on Good Friday, at the tender age of 54, spent my first night under a tarp.
Absolutely delighted with it and looking forward to the winter ...
Brilliant!
See folks, it just doesn't do to rush into these things.
I've still to try sleeping in a hammock yet.
Dropbear
03-10-2010, 10:13
normally use british issue sleep system with a lightweight tarp, did once sleep in a lean-to that i built in winter but the cross spar was rotten and collapsed under the weight of all the sphagnum at about 3am! love being rubbish at my hobby. ;)
tiger stacker
03-10-2010, 11:56
Brilliant!
See folks, it just doesn't do to rush into these things.
I've still to try sleeping in a hammock yet.
Sparks you could try one out in the botanics am sure they wont mind.
I prefer the basha and bivy , or if there's trees aboot the hammock and basha... my loft is full of tents and i dont even use them , crazy or what ..
dorkingbushcraft
03-10-2010, 12:46
dd tarp and frontline or natural shelter
sorry about bad pics
http://i56.tinypic.com/2rh1ox3.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/dmtgu1.jpg