New guy needs kit for bush moot - absolutely NO HAMMOCKS :-)

[Curious Aardvark]

If this is in the wrong section - please move it. It's sort of a kit question while also being a new guy question
Couldn't see the: 'Idiot questions we've already answered a thousand times' section ;-)

Let's put it this way, I'm a bloke of an age that requires getting up during the night to water the local vegetation a couple or three times - just don't see this being compatible with a hammock.

So I figure I'm looking at a tent, camp bed, self inflating mattress and a double sleeping bag - can't stand the tight ones and I generate a lot of body heat, so have never needed anything but the loosest and lowest tog material I can find, and that's never been low enough for me.

Now my main question is: will sleeping on camp bed stop me getting damp overnight ?

My main memory of camping is always waking up damp. Apparently if you have a hammock the air flowing underneath stops you getting damp - would the fact that a camp bed is off the ground, work the same way ? Or do I also have to have the open ended tarp style of 'tent' ? Which doesn't really appeal.

Also does the type of tent effect the dampness issue ?

Cheers for patience and replies

I'm definitely bringing the slinging target and rest of the sling paraphenalia to this year's bushmoot. Just need to get this outside sleeping gig sorted out, for as little dosh and as much dryness as possible

 

[mick91]

Yellowstone Sleep Well 300 - Red https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AOLGI9W/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_pkyIwbDWD8GKB
Those bags are fairly roomy, I've peapodded mine but still usable on the ground so long as you block the hole in the bottom. But I'm a big bloke both tall and a fat git and its plenty roomy.
As for dampness, the camp bed may help slightly but the main issue is condensation, old canvas tents I find aren't as badly affected by it, nothing stopping you rigging a tarp over the top of your camp bed though. Bear in mind that when I say tarp I'm not strictly saying open ended. Its possible to setup a tarp (usually hex type) with closed ends. Ventilation is the key. Single skinned pop up types are the worst by a long way. In a way too you want to stay away from the walls, but then you need a bigger tent and they are more prone to getting a bit chilly at night.

 

[Hammock_man]

I also am of an age that requires .......

You still need to get a hammock. Get those bones off the floor, sir. Live life standing up.

 

[TarHeelBrit]

Let's put it this way, I'm a bloke of an age that requires getting up during the night to water the local vegetation a couple or three times

Ahh! A fellow member of the night wanderers club. Welcome Sir.

 

[sunndog]

The only bad/difficult part of getting out of a hammock in the night is, i am so damn comfortable and cozy just letting go where you lay almost starts to seem like a viable option before i drag meself out

 

[John Fenna]

I find a 1 liter wide mouth Nalgene bottle dispenses with the need to leave the hammock....

 

[sunndog]

Pressed reply before i was done typing then


For a good quality big (really big) sleeping bag on the cheap the coleman big basin is awsome. I'm 6ft and i can sit up inside it no probs, opened out flat like a blanket its as big as a king size bed.....may be too warm for you though

Where is the damp you are talking about coming from?
If its sweat then either you need to see a doctor or you've just had too warm a sleeping bag
If its condensation then you have had yer tent closed up too tight and need to ventilate more

 

[Hibrion]

A canvas tent or tarp and wool blankets will help with breathability if you don't mind extra weight. They will outlast modern gear too.

 

[crosslandkelly]

A canvas tent or tarp and wool blankets will help with breathability if you don't mind extra weight. They will outlast modern gear too.

+1 to the above, without doubt. Welcome to the forum.

 

[beezer]

check out polish lavvu's for a tent if your not super tall. canvas goodness and cheepy tart for ground sheet. there are plenty of threads on here just do a quick search and you will find out everything ever to know about them. i pitch myn with a tripod frame which is tall enough for an air gap around the bottom which gives good ventilation.

 

[crosslandkelly]

This was a setup I used at the 2014 moot.



Very warm and very dry.

 

[Tengu]

I have a camp bed and a down quilt...and a proper pillow.

I am just as comfy as when at home that way.

 

[Robmc]

I use one of these;

http://www.dudeiwantthat.com/outdoors/camping/kamp-rite-oversize-tent-cot.asp

I don't use the rain-fly, I rig a tarp over it and just have the mozzie net doors rolled down. I am also a fan of the Coleman Big Basin, loads of room.

This bed is definitely not for hiking though!

 

[fluffkitten]

This was a setup I used at the 2014 moot.

View attachment 39078

Very warm and very dry.

That is a very nice camp site.

 

[crosslandkelly]

That is a very nice camp site.

Why thank you milady.

 

[rorymax]

I have a camp bed and a down quilt...and a proper pillow.

I am just as comfy as when at home that way.

You have achieved more than many have.

 

[Tengu]

Yes, bearing in mind that I live in a nesting box that shakes in high winds, has no central heating or double glazing, and dont remind me of the racket when it rains.

 

[bilmo-p5]

A large-ish, say 4.5m x 3m, tarp in cotton or polycotton can offer shelter as enclosed, or not, as you like with minimal condensation issues.

 

[Curious Aardvark]

right - well some great suggestions there.
The kamprite cot looks like a great all-in-one.

To put things a little more in perspective.
1) I wil not be going camping anywhere else other than bushmoot.
2) Certainly won't be going hiking, biking or anything else that involves walking without a dog
3) have a large car so kit weight not an issue

I did b&b for a few days for the bushmoot last year - yeah it was comfy and a great breakfast. But had to get up too early and Was enjoying myself at the naughty corner quite a lot. Would have been nice to have had a few more tipples

Haven't been camping since i was a wee sprog - except one night a couple years ago when I ended up punching a duck at 3am (ask me at bushmoot, the whole thing is a decent yarn;-) lol) and woke up pretty damp.

So I thought this year I'd like to stay onsite and for longer to run a bunch more slinging and sling making classes and just socialise a bit more - alas no cabins or glamping available so it's diy camping or nothing.
I could borrow my parents motorhome, but I'd hate to get it scratched or dirty and I've driven those tracks at the bushmoot site - bit iffy for a full size motorhome, lol

So I'm looking at cheap options that won't have me waking up damp. Oh yeah and the whole, tarp open to the world approach isn't really me.
I don't like to sleep in my cloths and I suspect an open ended tarp affair would just end up scaring the kids/wildlife/adults etc

What I'm basically saying is I don't particularly want to camp out - but see no other sensible option

 

[Curious Aardvark]

Anyone used one of these : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Semptec-Ten...9&sr=8-2&keywords=Kamp-Rite+Oversize+Tent+Cot