What's the deal with this Lavvu

[Lizz]

I knew if I asked there would be great replies! Colin - it looks like you've gone for the lower apex to get greater diameter option - is that right? Have you gotta mossy net in there too?

I've heard of washing line extender poles (oh washing is so dull!) Are they the things that you sort of clip onto a washing line so you can raise it higher up and thus get the laundry out of the way and off the ground? We could do with one of those anyway... Sweet. Thanks chaps.

 

[Stevie777]

I was back in the shop i bought my lavvu from, it's now been split into two single ponchos for sale at 15 per poncho. That's more than i payed for the full thing. Dont know why they never thought of that in the first place.

 

[Philster]

I've heard of washing line extender poles (oh washing is so dull!) Are they the things that you sort of clip onto a washing line so you can raise it higher up and thus get the laundry out of the way and off the ground? We could do with one of those anyway... Sweet. Thanks chaps.

Yes, that's the ones. I bought three from Wilko's, think they were £4 each.

 

[crosslandkelly]

I knew if I asked there would be great replies! Colin - it looks like you've gone for the lower apex to get greater diameter option - is that right? Have you gotta mossy net in there too?

If you check out my video Lizz, you'll see how to get over eight feet of bedroll space. The mozzie net is just a cheap Tesco one. I gather the net up on the inside where the pole would go, then tie a loop around the lot to pull up to the poles. You loose six to eight inches in height, but there is still plenty to sit up in.

 

[Lizz]

I like the clever combination of elongated pitch plus net and outside 'support' nice one. I've just checked my lavvu and it's the two hole version so suitable for up to six two, which is great as I'm five eight! I've always slept fine in it but have sort of curled round the centre pole (no comments about pole sleeping please!) so have wondered about other approaches.

 

[fluffkitten]

I like the clever combination of elongated pitch plus net and outside 'support' nice one. I've just checked my lavvu and it's the two hole version so suitable for up to six two, which is great as I'm five eight! I've always slept fine in it but have sort of curled round the centre pole (no comments about pole sleeping please!) so have wondered about other approaches.

The two hole one is suitable up 180cm/5'11" which is what I am, can still sleep flat out but that pole is an issue so its time for a Wilkos trip I think. Might try getting the 3 hole (190cm) version just for the extra space and get it in green instead of the black one I have.

 

[FlashPan]

I've pitched my lavvu using the wilko extending washing poles. Same layout as you Philster. Have to say that it does give you huge amount more room. Plus always worried if I used the central pole I would role over 1 night, knock the pole and the tent wouldn't be so tent like anymore

I only have 1 gripe and 1 query (well the query came from something I read elsewhere but not answered).

gripe: wilko poles are HEAVY also the foot/base is quite thin. I bought some walking stick rubber feet things to make the base wider and hopefully less sinkable.

query: wilko poles on the inside. As the pole is pressed against the inside tent fabric wall, would that help water to seep through?

 

[Lizz]

The two hole one is suitable up 180cm/5'11" which is what I am, can still sleep flat out but that pole is an issue so its time for a Wilkos trip I think. Might try getting the 3 hole (190cm) version just for the extra space and get it in green instead of the black one I have.

Good oh, I misremembered the sizings given below.

 

[Lizz]

Good question - it's canvas, it's wet, but if you adopted similar strategies to a tepee, teepee, tipi it should work out ok...

 

[bilmo-p5]

Another option would be to set your lavvu under an external bipod made with Wilko's clothes props. I used them like this to support a tarp ridgeline over a tent and they worked ok. Easy to setup, too.

 

[Harvestman]

I tried waterproofing mine with some old Fabsil that i had. I ran out of proofer after one poncho, so I took it out in wind and rain today and tried a no pole set-up uing a cord suspendion. It worked an absolute treat and I would be more than happy to use this arrangement in future. It gave me excellent shelter and the proofing meant it didn't get waterlogged and heavy.

[/url]Room for one by Michael Kilner, on Flickr[/IMG]

Poncho tent by Michael Kilner, on Flickr

[/url]The outlook by Michael Kilner, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[FlashPan]

I am seeing and believing all this..I do like the idea of suspending under a branch so ergo no poles. I does make be think though that your choice of camping sites can depend on finding a suitable branch plus you have to be really sure the branch is strong enough...including the others around/over your tent.

As for using the 2 pole way on the outside again I do like this but still a bit concerned about windy/stormy conditions. Having this config you are relying on your tent pegs to help keep the poles in situ.

Apologies..am not wanting to sound like a defeatist I guess I always like to have a solution that will work for all conditions...maybe asking too much?

What we need is some alien tent pole technology. Something the size of a bic pen that stretches and is rigid and strong as steel

Anyone up for a walkabout to and camp to Area 51?

 

[FlashPan]

So now am thinking more about the 2 pole strategy.

Looking at bilmos blue tent pics. Would running 3 or 4 guy lines from the apex of the 2 joined poles help?

That would/could mean you have the pegs for the tent and 2 or 3 guy lines to help keep the poles in place.

If so...what would be a good type and source of guy line?

Or am I over engineering it?

 

[Lizz]

Shh don't tell, I've used paracord and picture hanging cord as guy lines! Seemed to work out ok, so far anyway!

 

[crosslandkelly]

I tried waterproofing mine with some old Fabsil that i had. I ran out of proofer after one poncho, so I took it out in wind and rain today and tried a no pole set-up uing a cord suspendion. It worked an absolute treat and I would be more than happy to use this arrangement in future. It gave me excellent shelter and the proofing meant it didn't get waterlogged and heavy.

[/url]Room for one by Michael Kilner, on Flickr[/IMG]

Poncho tent by Michael Kilner, on Flickr

[/url]The outlook by Michael Kilner, on Flickr[/IMG]

Nice job Mike, I treated mine with 2.5ltrs of Thompsons water seal, applied with a garden sprayer. Worked very well in that miserable weather last weekend.

 

[Stevie777]

I couldn't wait. My son dropped off my pressies. judging the size and weight of one i just had to have a wee peekaboo...Polish Lavvu 3 eyelet, perfect....now to dye Brownish.

 

[Lizz]

Great! I think there should be a bring and share a lavvu show at the moot so we can compare notes!