Bivi bags and minimalist camping^

[Mark R]

One of these ...
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/golite/tarp-4/

Simply a big tarp that can be strung up 101 ways.

[tizereyes]

I got a solo tarp. It's quite small so for one person or 2 torsos, but the tabs on it were great for stringing it up. Very light too. And the DVD it comes with is really useful for loads of releaseable knots, even though I could only remember about half of them when it came to the crunch!

On its own


Strung up in combination with some kind of golite tarp


My 13 year old ex-army gortex bivy still rocks despite it's age! Mind you, it didn't rain...

[tizereyes]

My 13 year old ex-army gortex bivy still rocks despite it's age! Mind you, it didn't rain...

That is, it didn't rain in the night. Rained plenty in the day during the 2nd week.

This bivy is the drawcord one that Runswick2000 was talking about. They can be found via army surplus very cheaply and are excellent for keeping you dry from rain and condensation, as long as you are somewhere that doesn't have lots of biting insects. I think I'd go for something that was fully enclosed if there were lots of biters. I used in in temperate rainforest in Chile when it was very very wet and me and my kit remained dry even though I woke up in a puddle on several occasions.

I really should be been in the Scouts! Not that this was allowed in my day.

[Digimeister]

One of these ...
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/golite/tarp-4/

Where do you get one from in the UK?

[Mark R]

I just did a search and ... I think that Golite don't supply them any more!

I did find someone selling the smaller size ...
http://www.1outdoors.co.uk/section.php?xSec=7

[Mikebelluk]

Have a look at Bob Cartwrights site for lightweight tarps and tents:

http://backpackinglight.co.uk/page36.asp

[Grumpy Fisherman]

In terms of bags to use with tarps -

I am replacing my current bulky 4 season synthetic bag, and am looking for something smaller and lighter to take to India. While down would be great, I am a little concerned about getting the bag wet, either while camping or while its in my boat - although it will be in a dry-bag, obviously.

Does anyone have suggestions as to a good bag? Are there any decent down bags out there with a waterproof lining? Does anyone have experience with the Dualmax synthetic / down system used by Marmot? Or would anyone care to allay my fears about getting a down bag wet while on a Tsarap / Zanskar trip in August / September?

Many questions, any suggestions / answers would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Owen

[lg18]

Hi Owen,

I always use a down bag and always have, and have never had any problems with them getting too wet, including camping in all weathers in the tropics, W Scotland, Arctic, and frequently taking it in a dry bag in the kayak. Getting slightly damp happens very frequently, as does bits of it getting wet (like the foot of the bag in a leaking tent, spilt cups of tea etc!) and seems to do no harm. I admit that if it got soaked it would not be good news, but that has never happened in 30 years. If this happened, it can be dried out but would be a bit lumpy and lost its loft.

Hope that helps!

Lucy

[TaysideTom]

For lightweight kit, I have become a zealous convert to Vango. And the prices are often much less than most comparable alternatives.

I use the Venom 300 down bag, which I find keeps me reasonably toasty most of the time. It packs down to a ridiculously small size. If it's really cold I add thermal underwear and a silk liner, which give you an extra few degrees of insulation. I don't use the packsack it came with - I stuff it into a small Exped drybag. This, inside another larger drybag with other kit in it as well, keeps it absolutely dry.

http://www.vango.co.uk/products/sleepba ... modelid=39

If you're camping in a warm climate, this might be overkill. In August last year I went to Serbia and used a Vango Ultralite 100 synthetic bag. It packs down even smaller than the 3 season down bag (you can squash it down to less than the 15x25cm that they quote). I wouldn't use it here in Scotland, but in a warm climate where the nights aren't too cold it's fine.

http://www.vango.co.uk/products/sleepba ... modelid=32

[PeterG]

There are plenty of alternatives to goretex. I made a good bivvi bag with a top of pertex aquabloc which has proved more waterproof, breathable, lighter and tougher than goretex and cheap pu proofed nylon base. However, for more than a couple of nights I would still go for the luxury of a tent.

[tizereyes]

Backpacking light have just brought out a duo tarp

[richard2]

Sorry to bring back a rather old thread, but does anyone no of anywhere you can currently buy a nemo gogo? I'm finding it very hard to track down in England. Would consider importing depending on price and import tax.
Thanks, Richard

[The Drowned Fish]

Rich,

I got mine of a bloke on eBay who was selling a load, but, he doesn't seem to have any left now. No one else seems to sell them in the UK.

Amazon sell them but only in the US and they should deliver to the UK without any issues - http://www.amazon.com/NEMO-Gogo-09-Bivy-Sack/dp/B001TKIRDW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=outdoor-recreation&qid=1267530204&sr=1-5

If you want to have a look at one before commiting to an international order let me know and I can bring it to the pub tomorrow evening if you're coming along.

Cheers
Simon