Sorry for playing devils advocate again but i've learnt from experience to look at my shelter as a whole rather than as parts.
Many times i've bought kit only to find that it doesn't work well with other kit i buy later.
I'll probably get a eye roll here, but how about just going for a tent instead of faffing with bug nets, tarps and bivvy bags?
A few reasons:
- I like the tarp, I like being able to see the world around me
- I like the bivvi bag. Yes it's heavy, but if I replace it with anything it will be another all round bag like the Alpkit Hunka
- I don't need the bug protection year round, or in every location I camp in
- Tents are either going to be heavy, or expensive. I can't justify the cost for a trip to the local woods. Maybe for a big trip, but there I will probably go trailstar + bear pawd nest route.
If it's a clear night many tents will allow you to have the inner erected on it's own, even on a damp night you can have the doors open.
Yep, but on a clear night, you still get dew, which is part of the reason for still using a bivvi bag even when no rain is forecast.
Alternatively if it's for the woods you usually stay how about keeping your eye out for a used DD hammock with bug netting?
No chance.
- As a side sleeper can I get a flat lay in a dd hammock?
- Have you seen the weight?
- Would require switching to under quilts and things...
In the mean time get yourself a bottle of Permethrin, spray all the kit that's going to be exposed to the air, tarp, sleeping bag/bivvy, outer clothes, hat etc etc.
Really works well and lasts several washes
Does it effect the breathability of goretex? does it eat plastic the way that Deet does?
Think I'd rather get the sea to summit 82g bug net...
I've ordered some stupidly simple midge repellent from xylaria of this parish, will try that on the next trip.
Ive got a Rab ridge raider eVent bivvy with a built in bug net, very good although it tends to not get used as much as it used to- still a great bit of kit!
I don't like hooped bivvi's.
I like the bivvi bags that I can use as a sleeping bag cover, wrap myself up in my cocoon, curl up on my side and watch the woods go by.
Julia