What’s your go to set-up at the moment?

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

Apologies if this is in the wrong place to ask, but just wanted to see what shelter/sleep set-up you’re favouring at the moment.

Mine is a combination of the Snugpack Stratosphere Bivy with a DD superlight tarp set up with hiking pole, a DD Jura sleeping bag & an OEX compact 4 mat

Looking to do a few trips late this year/early next with a buddy of mine and we were thinking of taking tents not bivvys so will deffo be interested in what you guys are using - have been saving up for a camping purchase over quarantine haha -

Cheers!


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[dwardo]

For years its been all Hammock and tarp dwelling. Various denominations of the aforementioned.

Recently though its all about my little MSR tent. Yes its certainly taken some getting used to but it really just suits of late, especially in the midge, mozzy and wet...

I love the Hammock as its a comfy night sleep no matter what the ground is like with the caveat of needing trees but thats rarely an issue. The problems with the hammock setup and they are minor is the getting in an out, especially in the middle of the night for a wee. The other main problem is once you are up you need to dismount and get your act together as there isnt much if a view other than the underside of your tarp. Yes you can pitch to an angle etc but still its all or nuthin, in or out.

Where as my little tent, I can sit up make a brew, watch the woods wake up all without leaving my sleeping bag. If its throwing it down I can still do the same and take my time and enjoy the slower pace. Which is a complete mirror image to at home with my 4 and 10 year old.....

So for me lately its the MSR and my Exped mat. Yes its taken some getting used to and is it a guaranteed comfort as my hammoc was? no, but on the most part yes. But,, the slower start to the morning, having a refuge from the bugs, my own space thats dry...

Oh I forgot the tarp and Bivy. Spend many a night waking up with a squashed slug about my person, eaten alive by migde etc. Too old for all that now lol.

 

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

[mention]dwardo [/mention] haha yes, I can testify to the 2am sleep infused struggle from the hammock.

In regards to the tent, is it the Hubba? I’m looking at getting the NX - heard amazing things about them

I do love the tarp and bivy just for ease of set up and low profile, but there are times, especially when it’s appalling weather, when I feel a sense of missing out on the more relaxing environment of the tent.

Cheers for the reply anyway!


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[Broch]

I use a different setup for different conditions and can sleep through a storm on a bed of nails so comfort doesn't tend to come into the question.

In the woods it's often a tarp over a hammock, but I'm just as happy on the ground under a tarp. If the forecast is bad I'll take my old Saunders Spacepacker - a great old tent. Walking in the hills, where I can't be sure of trees, it can be just the tarp or tarp and bivvy bag but, again, if I'm expecting snow or heavy rain it will be the tent.

I like waking up with a full view of the environment around me, even if there's frost on my face, so prefer an open shelter to a tent in general but I really have no bias. Oh, and if it's in an area with dangerous wildlife it's definitely a tent - ideally on the roof of the truck

I use a natural insect repellent so don't bother with bug nets or anything (currently using Smidge which seems to work on most things) - oh, and putting a repellent on your face keeps the slugs off too!!

 

[Van-Wild]

Overnight by myself? 3 x 3 DD tarp (its looking a bit tired now, a few holes, will probably replace next year), ajunglak sleeping bag inside a Snugpak SF bivvy bag, with an army surplus inflatable roll mat.

More than one night or with my son or dog? An MSR Elixir 2 with the same sleeping bag and roll mat. Also have the tarp to create an area next to the tent for the fire or as an admin area. Also works as another layer against the elements.

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[Frumious Bandersnatch]

Overnight by myself? 3 x 3 DD tarp (its looking a bit tired now, a few holes, will probably replace next year), ajunglak sleeping bag inside a Snugpak SF bivvy bag, with an army surplus inflatable roll mat.

More than one night or with my son or dog? An MSR Elixir 2 with the same sleeping bag and roll mat. Also have the tarp to create an area next to the tent for the fire or as an admin area. Also works as another layer against the elements.

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Keep hearing amazing things about the MSR Elixir and Hubba Hubba NXR - would you recommend the Elixir? Is it one of those two man’s that is really a one man with a little room or is it actually a 2 man?

I’ve added both to my cart about five times in the past but haven’t gone through with it - really keen to see/try one in person but my friends that have them are in Scotland & Wales - not going to see them for god knows how long thanks to rona so eager for feedback!


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[Van-Wild]

Keep hearing amazing things about the MSR Elixir and Hubba Hubba NXR - would you recommend the Elixir? Is it one of those two man’s that is really a one man with a little room or is it actually a 2 man?

I’ve added both to my cart about five times in the past but haven’t gone through with it - really keen to see/try one in person but my friends that have them are in Scotland & Wales - not going to see them for god knows how long thanks to rona so eager for feedback!


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Its a proper 2 man tent. I umm'd and ahhh'd about buying it myself but finally pulled the trigger on it this year (much to my chagrin, its only been out in the garden on weekends due to C19 thus far!), but what I will say is this.....

It fits me, a 7 year old boy and my collie in it no problem. Super fast and easy to put up. Very sturdy and comes with 4 more pegs than it needs. Its very well ventilated and has a fair few well sized pockets on the inside. Its held up to some strong winds and very heavy rain. Its not the lightest, about 2kg all in if I recall correctly but its worth the weight in my pack for sure. The vestibules are big enough to accommodate my Kelty Redcloud 110 with ease, an important factor for me so I can maximise space inside. I can sit up in it with headrace so I'm not having to be bent over all the time.

I recommend it.

Under a 3 x 3 dd tarp

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[Frumious Bandersnatch]

Its a proper 2 man tent. I umm'd and ahhh'd about buying it myself but finally pulled the trigger on it this year (much to my chagrin, its only been out in the garden on weekends due to C19 thus far!), but what I will say is this.....

It fits me, a 7 year old boy and my collie in it no problem. Super fast and easy to put up. Very sturdy and comes with 4 more pegs than it needs. Its very well ventilated and has a fair few well sized pockets on the inside. Its held up to some strong winds and very heavy rain. Its not the lightest, about 2kg all in if I recall correctly but its worth the weight in my pack for sure. The vestibules are big enough to accommodate my Kelty Redcloud 110 with ease, an important factor for me so I can maximise space inside. I can sit up in it with headrace so I'm not having to be bent over all the time.

I recommend it.

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Really appreciate the review - sounds like it will definitely be on the cards for my next purchase - rare to find a genuine two man that doesn’t have major compromises in other aspects - hopefully we can get out again properly soon!

Cheers fella!


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[cipherdias]

Overnight by myself? 3 x 3 DD tarp (its looking a bit tired now, a few holes, will probably replace next year), ajunglak sleeping bag inside a Snugpak SF bivvy bag, with an army surplus inflatable roll mat.

More than one night or with my son or dog? An MSR Elixir 2 with the same sleeping bag and roll mat. Also have the tarp to create an area next to the tent for the fire or as an admin area. Also works as another layer against the elements.

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What’s the weight like on that Elixir 2 mate?


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[Van-Wild]

What’s the weight like on that Elixir 2 mate?


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About 2kg if I recall... Will check.


Checked..... 2.2kg

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[cipherdias]

About 2kg if I recall... Will check.


Checked..... 2.2kg

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Not bad!

Cheers for that


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[Erbswurst]

For recreational tours always bivvy and poncho!

(Usual Defcon 5 poncho 350g and Snugpak SF bivvy bag 340g.)

 

[Man of Tanith]

for me its
Eurohike Down sleeping bag
Klymit Air mat
german army folding mat (acts as a thermal barrier for the air mat)

all in a US army MSS bivi bag

then a DD 3X3 Tarp in an assortment of pitches

If i am instructing for over a week i will take a US Army Cot bed as well

if its winter the down bag is exchanged for a synthetic sleeping bag from woodlore i have had for around a decade in worse case i add a metal water bottle filled with water and tucked into a fleece sock

 

[dwardo]

Snap.

 

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

Snap.

View attachment 61911

Great pic


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[punkrockcaveman]

I'll sound like a dd fan boy after this. But dd 3x3 tarp, dd chill out hammock, dd underblanket and snugpak softie elite 4.

 

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

I'll sound like a dd fan boy after this. But dd 3x3 tarp, dd chill out hammock, dd underblanket and snugpak softie elite 4.

Nothing wrong with that - they do make killer kit after all!


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[punkrockcaveman]

Nothing wrong with that - they do make killer kit after all!


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True but I've never been one for matching kit! Worst part is I'm really tempted with the jura bag as a 3 season

 

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

True but I've never been one for matching kit! Worst part is I'm really tempted with the jura bag as a 3 season

I rate it quite a bit I must say - not had any complaints with mine. You can cut out the labels and tell everyone it’s an unknown up and coming brand...


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[Le Loup]

Apologies if this is in the wrong place to ask, but just wanted to see what shelter/sleep set-up you’re favouring at the moment.

Mine is a combination of the Snugpack Stratosphere Bivy with a DD superlight tarp set up with hiking pole, a DD Jura sleeping bag & an OEX compact 4 mat

Looking to do a few trips late this year/early next with a buddy of mine and we were thinking of taking tents not bivvys so will deffo be interested in what you guys are using - have been saving up for a camping purchase over quarantine haha -

Cheers!


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I use a simple oilcloth shelter, I use sticks to keep me off the ground as I do most of my trekking in winter. I lay my pure wool blanket over the pile of sticks. I use my knapsack for a pillow. I find this set up light & efficient & easy to set up. On the trail if I get caught in a rain storm, I use this oilcloth shelter to cover myself & my pack until the storm has passed, or to keep me dry until I find a decent campsite.
My blanket is tied to the top of my knapsack, & the oilcloth is secured under the flap closure of my knapsack. Securing pegs (tent pegs) I make on site. I carry extra clothing rolled up inside my blanket roll; a wool waistcoat, a wool shirt, a wool Monmouth cap. I wear these over my other clothing on cold nights. My shelter having an open front I am able to take advantage of a fire for warmth & cooking. I store extra kindling in the back of my shelter, & at the head of my bed outside & make a store of firewood so I can keep the fire going all night without having to leave my bed.
Keith.