I've recently started to explore the use of tarp and bivy bag vs a tent for one to two night bivouac applications. The tarp works like a charm in warm weather for protection from the rain but the bugs are driving me absolutely batty. The tarp I am using is an Integral Designs SilShelter that props up beautifully with a half paddle on one end. But it is after all just a tarp so there is nothing to keep the bugs at bay. The self supported bug shelters that I have seen are too bulky for consideration and laying netting over my body won't keep the bugs from biting me through the netting. I'm thinking of two options, first is to fabricate a netting "liner" for the SilShelter that would hang inside the shelter and provide for 12" or so of netting "wall" all of the way around the tarp. This would use a significant amount of netting, may be prone to damage and would add considerably to the bulk of the tarp. The second option is to modify the SilSHelter by adding a skirt of bug netting all the way around the tarp. This would required better sewing skills than I have and means that I'll be stuck with the netting even when I don't need it. Does anyone have any thoughts, comments or recommendation for me? This is what the SilSHelter looks like - http://www.integraldesigns.com/tarps-frame.htm Thanks in advance for your comments. Jed *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Jed" <jluby_at_teamnorthatlantic.com> > Does anyone have any thoughts, comments or recommendation for me? Check out some of the ultralight designs for tarp tents here: http://www.litebackpacker.com There's one that has a bug screen that hangs from the tarp that I like. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
You might consider some of the bug protection tents or bivys from MSR. They have several systems you might want to check out. I saw bug hut 1 and it looked like a good lightweight system because you can read in comfort. http://www.msrcorp.com/tents/hybrids.asp -- MZ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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