First Night

[Pandabean]

Hey All,

I am looking to spend my first night in a tarp and bivi bag sometime in the near future and was wondering if any of you have any stories to share about your first night? Its just to get an idea of what to expect.

Also what is it like, is it all its cracked up to be or better?

Cheers,
Andy

 

[Gailainne]

Any night outdoors is a good night, and to be frank the worse the weather the better I like it, however, lying in your hammock/bivi looking up at the stars on a clear night is one of the most rewarding, envigorating, enjoyable, soul searching, awe ensipiring, moments you can wish for, and hope for more.

Whatever you first night out brings, enjoy the experience, and take heed of any leasons leaned along the way.

Stephen

 

[Pantalaimon]

My first time under a tarp:
Apart from the fact that there were many mosquito's and I didn't slept really because they were irritating me the whole night, it was great. Just laying in the bush with only a piece of plastic above me.
The most beautiful part is when you wake up from the sun shining through the trees.
And sometimes its a bit exciting when you hear some unknown animal in the dark, just a couple of metres away from you.

Oh, and I removed 34 ticks that week from my flesh.

 

[Sniper]

It is magical, there is something about lying in your bag looking out and seeing everything around you. I know this sounds a bit Ray Mears but I do feel part of the wood much more than I do when in a tent. There is a sense of openess and freedom which I don't get with other forms of camping. Also when you have a fire going it is just awesome lying dozing in the dead of night with the fire blazing 10 feet away it just feels secure and comfortable. In the morning waking up to see the mist over the water and the sun coming up I just cannot describe it. I'm sure many will disagree with me but in my humble opinion there is no feeling quite like it. Unless of course it's blowing a gale and p....p....p....persisting down.

 

[Pantalaimon]

It is magical, there is something about lying in your bag looking out and seeing everything around you. I know this sounds a bit Ray Mears but I do feel part of the wood much more than I do when in a tent. There is a sense of openess and freedom which I don't get with other forms of camping. Also when you have a fire going it is just awesome lying dozing in the dead of night with the fire blazing 10 feet away it just feels secure and comfortable. In the morning waking up to see the mist over the water and the sun coming up I just cannot describe it. I'm sure many will disagree with me but in my humble opinion there is no feeling quite like it. Unless of course it's blowing a gale and p....p....p....persisting down.

No! Its exactly right!

But some people will indeed disagree(although they are rare on this forum I think). Because a tarp is an open, very basic shelter, people can feel uncomfortable and unsafe. I can understand that. I wouldn't use it if there are many people around. But in true nature, with almost no humans around, its great!

 

[Sniper]

I suppose if it were on a campsite (which I rarely use) it would not be my first choice preferring instead to have canvas walls for privacy that's true, but as you say when there is no one else or, if anyone is with you, a fellow camper and of the same disposition then you can't beat the feeling.

 

[saddle_tramp]

I remember my first night under one, having finally got to sleep at about 3am, some sadistic NCO lobbed thunderflashes into the woods right next to us, and to the cries of 'stand to..stand to' we dived around the woods springing trip flares and tripping over eachothers ponchos

I think it rained too

 

[Shewie]

If your first night out is going to be in a woodland, as long as you stay warm and dry I promise you it won`t be your last. The moment you land back at home you will be preparing for your next trip out.

Not sure if your planning to use a hammock or not but I`d advise kipping on the deck for your first night. Some folk don`t take to hammocks as well as others and it would be a shame for a bad nights kip to put you off forever.
If you`re allowed to have a fire then get snuggled down next to it and you`ll have a top night out under the stars.

Make sure you let us know how it goes



Rich

 

[spamel]

I definitely agree. Tarps are great. I didn't hammock at The Moot because I didn't have a decent tarp that I could rely on in the wet, the Aussie Hootchie going to the Bring & Buy as I wanted a larger tarp for when the kids come along. So, I spent the nights in my Hex 3, a great tent mind you, but I was envious of those under tarps. Well, the tarp fund was quite healthy after the Moot and I got a good sized tarp from Lurches' platz, so it will be tested overnight this weekend, I'm looking forward to it!

 

[spamel]

Double post!



Delete this post please, it offers nothing!

 

[drewdunnrespect]

The first time i slept under a tarp is when i was at the moot this year and well it was the best nites sleep i have ever had and i sleep normally in such a way that world war 3 could happen round me and i wouldnt wake up.
Also is slept in a hammock now them things are ausome so just remember to erect it properly and you will be fine and well tell us all about it when you get back.

 

[Barn Owl]

What was that Spamel?,
didn't quite hear you

To be serious,it's great esp' on a summers night w/out rain,in fact even in winter w/out cloud cover.

Just do it,to coin a phrase.

Take your mobile and tell where you're going and there's nothing to fear.

 

[Barn Owl]

I would recommend a good mat or thermarest type one below you though,even tree boughs will make a big difference to your comfort.

 

[WolfCub]

I had last Saturday night in the woods under a builders sheet (tarp I'd ordered didnt arrive in time, but Kids insisted going anyway !) they were in a £10 'garden tent'. Despite some not too brilliant weather in the night (found several holes in sheet ! ) it was great.

Especialy when 10 yo son got up , lit fire with fire steel , and cooked his younger sister , brother and myself some bacon !

Tarp (Fox lightwieght ? any comments ?) and hammock (DD) have arrived so I hope to get out again this weekend with son and older nephew.

Never used a hammock so I will take Shewies advice and have ground option for backup. Put hammock up earlier in week for a look see and from son's response I may be losing it to his kit anyway !?!

 

[British Red]

Your worst night in the woods is better than your best day at work

 

[Shewie]

Your worst night in the woods is better than your best day at work

Mind if I pinch that for my new sig Red ???


Rich

 

[Barn Owl]

I had last Saturday night in the woods under a builders sheet (tarp I'd ordered didnt arrive in time, but Kids insisted going anyway !) they were in a £10 'garden tent'. Despite some not too brilliant weather in the night (found several holes in sheet ! ) it was great.

Especialy when 10 yo son got up , lit fire with fire steel , and cooked his younger sister , brother and myself some bacon !

Tarp (Fox lightwieght ? any comments ?) and hammock (DD) have arrived so I hope to get out again this weekend with son and older nephew.

Never used a hammock so I will take Shewies advice and have ground option for backup. Put hammock up earlier in week for a look see and from son's response I may be losing it to his kit anyway !?!

Now that sounds ideal WolfCub,wish someone would do my brekkie.

 

[British Red]

Mind if I pinch that for my new sig Red ???


Rich

Be my guest!

 

[Sniper]

Wolfcub Have a look at allplas.co.uk website, tarp 2.5 x 3.5 lightweight 100gsm sew on 4 strategically placed loops and you have a massive tarp that's very usable for under a fiver, delivered within 3 days. They also do a 4mm plastic twine although not a supple as paracord it works fine for a taut line for the tarp.
I sent away for 2 tarps and 50mtr of twine delivered £10 all in.

 

[a12jpm]

First night under a tarp was too many years ago as a cadet at catterick. As above flash bang went off about 3 hours into a kip and then it was play find the land rover game. t be honest I think they regulars were just getting us back for the early morning revalie on the bagpipes in the barracks - i was the only piper in that signals troop.

Anyway, the best way to kip outdoors as long as you use your loaf and tie your knots right. Plus get reading the old posts on these forums, some fantastic advise from some wise old heads.