Tentlessness

[Black_Fly]

Some dramatically strong storms hit our camp two nights a couple weeks ago. Sideways rain and strong winds. I was snug inside my Exped Venus II, which shucks wind like no tent I can remember.

Last night at home, strong storms kept me and the dogs awake. I’ve been tinkering with reducing my pack weights and I now have a manageable two pack system weighing 19 and 21 lbs for 4 days. No tent. I laid awake last night trying to imagine being under my tarp in a down sleeping bag during such a storm.

I could ditch the tarp altogether, but I love having shade and a rain cover during the day. My buddy has a very lightweight tent pitched with vertical poles, but I’m not sold it would buck wind very well.

What say ya’ll? Should I tent shop, try to beat the 8# (packed) Exped? Stick to my guns with only the tarp and let the forecast dictate my adventures? Add a bivy sack with the tarp?

Of course, mosquito season will present some additional challenges for going tentless, so stay tuned.

 

[lowangle al]

I would never go tentless during bug season, but have had success with a tarp in the shoulder season. I would make sure my tarp was big enough to make it weatherproof during a storm.

 

[Black_Fly]

I would never go tentless during bug season, but have had success with a tarp in the shoulder season. I would make sure my tarp was big enough to make it weatherproof during a storm.

What tarp size do you consider adequate?

 

[Dana]

I use a tent plus a gore-tex bivy sack. The bivy always gets used, the tarp goes up if I'm expecting rain. I think my tarp is 5x9 or thereabouts. The bivy takes care of any rain that might blow under the tarp. It's a lot less claustrophobic than a tent... why immerse yourself in nature just to zipper yourself into a nylon box? And you can cook under a tarp. If I miscalculated and it rains when I didn't expect it, the bivy still keeps the sleeping bag dry though it won't be as comfortable. But, I very rarely camp during bug season, and I use a synthetic bag.

 

[lowangle al]

I'd say at least 10x12' should do it. It doesn't have to be real big, just don't skimp.

 

[clemency]

If you're happy under a tarp and its only for nights when the weather dictates, a bivy would be my choice. Light and effective. OR Heliums are on sale at REI.

https://www.rei.com/product/C12414/outdoor-research-helium-bivy

 

[snapper]

My tarps are either 10"x10" or 10'x12'. Both are large enough for me, my gear and room left over if I really need to stake it down right to the ground. Having a bivy sack is nice as well as it will protect you from any rain splash that might be blown under the tarp side walls. If you're going to use this set-up during bug season, I'd prefer a true bug tent set up under the tarp. A bivy can be confining while the bug tent allows you to sit up and move around a bit.

I'm sure you've already thought about this but check out all the numerous ways you can pitch a tarp on YouTube. Some of them are very creative and allow you to essentially establish a tent-like shelter. Just be sure to pitch it with consideration to the general wind direction. I usually have a lower pitch on the back end of the tarp so the wind will ride up over the shelter during a storm. I've made it through some real nasty thunderstorms with heavy wind and still remained dry.

One other question for you; if you're going to take your dog, how will your pooch react to being under an open shelter? I know my dog is fine in a tent but if she could see outside all night long, I'm not sure she'd settle down. Might be worth a few nights trying the dog out in a local place that is easy to bail from if the dog gets uncomfortable.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

 

[lowangle al]

This is my most recent tarp set up. It's certainly not minimalistic, but I felt pretty well protected.

 

[Black_Fly]

I checked into a ZPack duplex tent with all the necessary accoutrements and it saves 3.6 lbs, would cost $281 per lb saved.

Saving only 3.6 lbs isn’t worth that option. Going to check into adding a bivy for shoulder seasons and cutting weight in other paraphernalia. I think my medical kit weighs too much, and I’ve already ordered new guy line cordage.

 

[Marten]

I would set my 10x12 tarp up so it can be quickly altered if the wind changes. A lot of bug nets that can be draped over your sleeping bag. A small tarp to put over you in worst case rain coming in. The canoe makes a great wind stop next to a low tent side.

 

[Alan Gage]

How about a CCS Lean?

It's lightweight (under 3 pounds), cavernous, and would serve as both a tent and a tarp. You can set it up so it's open and airy with huge views out the front or button it up in wind.

Lean Plus - 1.1oz silicone Shelter

Taking Minimalist shelters forward. These 1.1 ounce silicone coated cloth shelters offer more useable space per ounce than tents. With the ridgeline set to 5 foot, the roof fabric extends 10 feet to the back of the structure. A 5 foot long awning is capable of closing off the front. The awning...

cookecustomsewing.com

Alan

 

[PortageW/Cerberus]

$281 per lb saved.

~$10 per ounce was (is still?) the benchmark for weight savings amongst the UL backpacking crowd.

I have a DCF 2-man tent that weighs 28oz with poles and stakes. Perfect for Cerberus & me. Saved quite a bit buying it used...the Ultralight Gear Trade subreddit is a good source.

CCS has made some custom DCF items - would be fun if they could make that Lean shelter in DCF.

 

[ppine]

In the West it is a treat to sleep without a tent. Few insects, lots of stars, lots of clear weather. I like to use a tree canopy for some thermal cover and to keep the dew off. I miss sleeping out and listening to the bell mare and the sound of hoof beats, and waking up staring at mule deer.

 

[Jim Dodd]

Depending on your age ( I'm near 76 ), and nimbleness, I'd go with a tent, that was able to keep bugs, like ticks, Mosquitoes, mice, and other critters at bay.
And an umbrella, instead of a tarp.

Umbrellas are light, and can be deployed in seconds. They go where, and when you go.
Work as a Sun and Wind filter. I even cook in the rain under mine.
Easily transported, and can serve a hiking stick,

I love the big Golf size umbrellas.

Just my thoughts !

Jim

 

[Black_Fly]

In the West it is a treat to sleep without a tent. Few insects, lots of stars, lots of clear weather. I like to use a tree canopy for some thermal cover and to keep the dew off. I miss sleeping out and listening to the bell mare and the sound of hoof beats, and waking up staring at mule deer.

I miss stars. I often slept outside under the Milky Way in Wyoming. BWCA can have stars, but I can’t stay awake long enough to see them .

 

[Gamma1214]

I can’t stay awake long enough to see them

That's been my issue w/ the northern lights. Reportedly, I've slept through some really spectacular displays but, like bull moose, wolf & caribou sightings, they remain on my bucket list.

I've (obviously- see my 1st TR here) tripped without a tent but I'm not sure I'd do it again just to save ounces.

I now carry a 4lb(ish) tent & a CCS tarp (10x12 IIRC) and that seems like a great combo. I only use the tarp in the rain and it's set at standing height. To make a single set that would accommodate daytime hiding from rain and nighttime protection while laying down would probably require a more versatile pitch or a much larger tarp.

That said, I know you have back issues (which, thankfully, do not plague me yet) so I can easily leave the chair at home to reduce weight.

 

[ppine]

I went to a tarp for the end of my backpacking career. I always brought one on canoe trips.
It is easier to stay awake further north with all of the daylight.