Posted: 3/17/2025 1:20:19 AM EDT
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What sleep system do you run? What have you tried and why do you currently use this one? My wife and I have used a two person tent with individual pads and sleeping bags with decent success. We've backpacked in multiple mountainous states with our longest outing being 3 days 2 nights. I'm curious about hammock and tarp/bivy systems as a possible alternative. As we all know, sleep is very important during active outings. |
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| I use a 3 part flexible system of a mountain warehouse bivy bag with a nemo tensor 3 inch inflatable pad with a R value of 3.6 with a inflatable pillow and a summer weight sleeping bag , a DCF camo 10' x 12' flat tarp by hammock gear with lines and a Z-packs camo duplex tent with carbon fiber poles and titanium stakes . With these three I can mix and match for any weather and terrain . Last August I was in Europe riding my bike from Barcelona to Greece and I used my bivy set up to sleep on the deck of two ferrys I rode across the Mediterranean and Ionion seas. |
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Originally Posted By Kane419: I use a 3 part flexible system of a mountain warehouse bivy bag with a nemo tensor 3 inch inflatable pad with a R value of 3.6 with a inflatable pillow and a summer weight sleeping bag , a DCF camo 10' x 12' flat tarp by hammock gear with lines and a Z-packs camo duplex tent with carbon fiber poles and titanium stakes . With these three I can mix and match for any weather and terrain . Last August I was in Europe riding my bike from Barcelona to Greece and I used my bivy set up to sleep on the deck of two ferrys I rode across the Mediterranean and Ionion seas. Do you know approximate weight? |
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Originally Posted By Kane419: @Beauseph. , tent is 1#4oz , tarp is like 4-5oz , and bivy roll is around a pound . I haven't weighed them for like 3 years so not 100%. I'll try to get em on my luggage scale. Not terribly heavy then! I'm trying to strike a balance between weight, packability, and durability. I forget what I have for a tent, mattresses, and bags. I should look at them and see the weight. |
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A TNF Stormbreak 1 tent, Thermarest X-Lite or X-Therm sleeping pad, and a Western Mountaineering Summerlite or Apache/Versalite sleeping bag. There are lighter tents, yes, but the Stormbreak has held together in wind conditions that destroyed other tents, and it's not absolutely terrible in snow. It provides better splash protection in heavy rains than some of the lighter offerings. Really small footprint to pitch it. I can swap out the for a 16oz bivi sack and/or 19oz MLD Trailstar tarp if terrain/regulations dictate. |
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Originally Posted By L_JE: A TNF Stormbreak 1 tent, Thermarest X-Lite or X-Therm sleeping pad, and a Western Mountaineering Summerlite or Apache/Versalite sleeping bag. There are lighter tents, yes, but the Stormbreak has held together in wind conditions that destroyed other tents, and it's not absolutely terrible in snow. It provides better splash protection in heavy rains than some of the lighter offerings. Really small footprint to pitch it. I can swap out the for a 16oz bivi sack and/or 19oz MLD Trailstar tarp if terrain/regulations dictate. Awesome feedback on an option I was thinking about getting away from. What would cause you to use a bivy instead? |
Pack space/weight constraints, pitch area constraints, or park regulations that require you to keep a low profile are the primary reasons to suffer the drawbacks of a bivi sack.    Sometimes, a tarp and everybody with independent bivi sacks provides unmatched flexibility for the weight, and party size. Partners can turn back, other partners can show up late to the game. When everyone has their own bivi, they can peel off or be a last minute addition - everybody has barebones weather protection with his bivi, but the tarp can get passed forward with those who have the best chance of success, longer time out. [this particular trip, below, departed the trailhead with 2, got down to 1 by day 3 with one turning around, and then another latecomer plus 2 more showed up on day 5 (26+ miles in); bivis met the min req for shelter, but the tarp allowed gathering space for cooking* and shelter from the afternoon/evening rains, and absolutely clutch protection from the sun on a rest day waiting for the 3 others to join up with me.]      * in grizzly ranges, the tarp gives you a place to cook, and the bivi sacks allow you to sleep out away from the tarp later in the night. Being well up above treeline might be an exception where you may not need separation like that, but this system as much as it may suck for bugs, and comfort, and changing clothes, etc .... it gives you flexibility. |
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| @Beauseph , two of the three are dyneema/D.C.F. so it's hella lightweight but expensive. Another strength of it people don't talk about is that it does not retain water, you can pack it up in the morning wet and it doesn't matter doesn't . It doesn't add weight. Just shake it dry and roll or pack it. |
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| @L_JE excellent points you made ! I would like to add a few points, stealth camping is number 1 in my opinion , sleeping in a shelter on something like the Appalachian trail and you don't want mice all over you. I've heard of people using bivy bags while sleeping in a bed in a shady hostel so you don't get bed bugs , disgusting I know but it's a thing lol . |
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Originally Posted By Kane419: @Beauseph , two of the three are dyneema/D.C.F. so it's hella lightweight but expensive. Another strength of it people don't talk about is that it does not retain water, you can pack it up in the morning wet and it doesn't matter doesn't . It doesn't add weight. Just shake it dry and roll or pack it. Thanks for the info! |
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Originally Posted By L_JE: Pack space/weight constraints, pitch area constraints, or park regulations that require you to keep a low profile are the primary reasons to suffer the drawbacks of a bivi sack. https://photos.smugmug.com/Climbing-Outings/20190902-Longs-Peak/i-zLPfcSB/0/LCNwCT9vpZxMnvgMsQVVC7bnDWqFTSjSqq9vzXfL5/X2/_DSC4508Bz%20-%201920-X2.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Climbing-Outings/20210826-West/i-pVqNRGS/0/LTg7XdgzkXpvd4c9Z8xwVd79s2nxW46NqLfKgr86X/L/GOPR5289B1%20-%202160-L.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Climbing-Outings/20210826-West/i-KmvV3gQ/0/K97HDn5ZTrxhkQPQqb25R4wwj88j2zHH2wbc5WFvZ/L/G0015280C%20-%202160-L.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Climbing-Outings/19980800-Mt-Proboscis-NWT-Canada/i-mwGnFP4/1/MHtM3dDp6CHph4JCRcGkbc7TBLv7PTLJ2qtg3R2GV/X2/Proboscis-%20Sunrise%203C1z%20-%202160-X2.jpg Sometimes, a tarp and everybody with independent bivi sacks provides unmatched flexibility for the weight, and party size. Partners can turn back, other partners can show up late to the game. When everyone has their own bivi, they can peel off or be a last minute addition - everybody has barebones weather protection with his bivi, but the tarp can get passed forward with those who have the best chance of success, longer time out. [this particular trip, below, departed the trailhead with 2, got down to 1 by day 3 with one turning around, and then another latecomer plus 2 more showed up on day 5 (26+ miles in); bivis met the min req for shelter, but the tarp allowed gathering space for cooking* and shelter from the afternoon/evening rains, and absolutely clutch protection from the sun on a rest day waiting for the 3 others to join up with me.] https://photos.smugmug.com/Climbing-Outings/20190805-Gannett-Peak-Wyoming/i-V4qnmtk/1/MSZfXmDVjBnZbrLmv5S5vXtNwjRwk8Lt8nBgV9g8k/L/_DSC1133C1%20-%202160-L.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Climbing-Outings/20190805-Gannett-Peak-Wyoming/i-cSPdW5z/0/NVSFZfKRhz2TZDBj6mCC2Km7GnBtvm78Kgvd59T5G/L/_DSC2226Az%20-1920-L.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Climbing-Outings/20190805-Gannett-Peak-Wyoming/i-7zWx4jq/0/NJJrP4Z3LnJwQbJSGQsxGjrgRcjkmHVpcsZvSgjgj/M/GOPR1270B1%20-%201920-M.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Climbing-Outings/20190805-Gannett-Peak-Wyoming/i-vRRxHZv/0/K5ffLDJL5HTgtKmHd3Nb6MZhXPnh68sNDT2znXwMd/M/_DSC2424Az%20-%201920-M.jpg https://photos.smugmug.com/Climbing-Outings/20190805-Gannett-Peak-Wyoming/i-55ktRVx/0/K34xdB8fW4b6fkk8fVXFS8JbbBxWNtNFgt9zStv8C/L/_DSC2417Az%20-%201920-L.jpg * in grizzly ranges, the tarp gives you a place to cook, and the bivi sacks allow you to sleep out away from the tarp later in the night. Being well up above treeline might be an exception where you may not need separation like that, but this system as much as it may suck for bugs, and comfort, and changing clothes, etc .... it gives you flexibility. I would most likely, almost always, utilize a bivvy in conjunction with a tarp. It seems to offer the most flexibility as you demonstrated. I've been heavily considering hammock usage otherwise. Seems like it would work out great as long as you're not reaching too high of elevations/ scarcity of wooded areas. Why would a bivvy suck for bugs? Aren't they a sealed system with an opening protected by bug net? How are they less comfortable than a tent? Just less room? |
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Bivis just suck. There's just no other way to put it. While bivis open a lot of flexibility with weight, bulk and where you can put down for the night ... if it fits, I'm going with a conventional tent. With a tent, you can encapsulate at the end of the day. It keeps you, your gear if needed, out of the rain, wind, bugs, blowing dust, sand and such. You have space to work on your feet, air and dry clothes, an encapsulation that protects your stuff. If bugs or weather is particularly bad, I have a 1oz hanging kit where I can suspend my stove and cook inside the canopy. And it's not just bugs. The marmot tax sucks. I've lost climbing shoes, hydration bladders, backpack straps, I've even seen ropes lost to the marmot tax. Anything you have touched with sweaty hands is a coveted target for rodents up in the alpine. That first photo with my bivi wedged in between the rocks up at Longs? I had a marmot or a pica raid my site all through the night, even springboarding off of my bivi. Come time to make breakfast ... my lighter is gone. He took it. And the piezo wouldn't work at 13.5k. 10 mile hike to get a hot breakfast, but at least I still had to make that hike, anyway, just to ferry another load of climbing gear. Out in the Winds, anything I may have forgotten to put inside the tent or hang up on a marmot hanger gets raided during the day when I'm climbing or doing photography. Helmets. They'll eat a helmet. The chin strap, the foam impact liner, apparently that's good eatin' up there. I've never seen an alpine rodent chew his way into a tent looking for salt. Bivis will struggle with condensation, struggle that ranges from mild nuisance to utter disaster. I have a 2 or 3 oz pyramid bug net that I can suspend above my bivi, whether it be under the tarp, or via some other contraption. It's ok. But it needs rigging. And, oh, it's another 3oz. So the 16oz bivi, the 19oz tarp, the 3oz bug net ... that's kind of approaching the weight of a tent. A ground sheet. In nasty conditions, you'll appreciate a ground sheet, but that is, wait for it ... more weight. And then there's the matter that you trekking poles are part of the structure, so if you are venturing out with your tarp left behind in a basecamp mode, you will also be leaving your trekking poles behind. I've used bivis extensively along the middle portions of the AT. With the established shelter system, it's just the faster, drier way to do things, but it kind of locks you into the shelter system, and the mice and potential crowding. Some nights, its fine, maybe even preferable to be outside the shelter. Other nights, it's going to be a sufferfest if you are outside of the 3 walls. |
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Originally Posted By L_JE: Bivis just suck. There's just no other way to put it. While bivis open a lot of flexibility with weight, bulk and where you can put down for the night ... if it fits, I'm going with a conventional tent. With a tent, you can encapsulate at the end of the day. It keeps you, your gear if needed, out of the rain, wind, bugs, blowing dust, sand and such. You have space to work on your feet, air and dry clothes, an encapsulation that protects your stuff. If bugs or weather is particularly bad, I have a 1oz hanging kit where I can suspend my stove and cook inside the canopy. And it's not just bugs. The marmot tax sucks. I've lost climbing shoes, hydration bladders, backpack straps, I've even seen ropes lost to the marmot tax. Anything you have touched with sweaty hands is a coveted target for rodents up in the alpine. That first photo with my bivi wedged in between the rocks up at Longs? I had a marmot or a pica raid my site all through the night, even springboarding off of my bivi. Come time to make breakfast ... my lighter is gone. He took it. And the piezo wouldn't work at 13.5k. 10 mile hike to get a hot breakfast, but at least I still had to make that hike, anyway, just to ferry another load of climbing gear. Out in the Winds, anything I may have forgotten to put inside the tent or hang up on a marmot hanger gets raided during the day when I'm climbing or doing photography. Helmets. They'll eat a helmet. The chin strap, the foam impact liner, apparently that's good eatin' up there. I've never seen an alpine rodent chew his way into a tent looking for salt. Bivis will struggle with condensation, struggle that ranges from mild nuisance to utter disaster. I have a 2 or 3 oz pyramid bug net that I can suspend above my bivi, whether it be under the tarp, or via some other contraption. It's ok. But it needs rigging. And, oh, it's another 3oz. So the 16oz bivi, the 19oz tarp, the 3oz bug net ... that's kind of approaching the weight of a tent. A ground sheet. In nasty conditions, you'll appreciate a ground sheet, but that is, wait for it ... more weight. And then there's the matter that you trekking poles are part of the structure, so if you are venturing out with your tarp left behind in a basecamp mode, you will also be leaving your trekking poles behind. I've used bivis extensively along the middle portions of the AT. With the established shelter system, it's just the faster, drier way to do things, but it kind of locks you into the shelter system, and the mice and potential crowding. Some nights, its fine, maybe even preferable to be outside the shelter. Other nights, it's going to be a sufferfest if you are outside of the 3 walls. Thank you for the detailed explanation based on your experiences. It really opened my eyes to what you have indicated previously. I would've never thought about the gear storage issue until I'm sure something went missing or was damaged. I will continue my research into a tent and/or hammock setup. As much as a bivvy might make sense, there are some very clear drawbacks that I'm not sure I want to experience unless, like you mentioned, it's nearly a requirement. |
| This time of year it’s warming up, with overnight lows in the 20s, so I’d normally bring my NEMO Sonic 0F (a 10–15F bag) and open the thermo gills if necessary. But last fall I scored a 15+ y/o Feathered Friends Raven 10F bag for cheap and will probably bring that and my Xtherm for an overnight this weekend. Tent is a Six Moon Designs Deschutes tarp. |
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| Lawson makes a superb convertible hammock/bivy. I’ve used mine in both roles with heavy rain and stayed warm and dry. I use an insulated pad rather than an under quilt and I’ve stayed warm in the 20+ degree range. Only issue is it’s kind of big and heavy. If i was counting ounces of weight I would not advise. Short hikes or car camping it’s hard to beat. Sleeping bag depends on how cold it’s going to get. |
When your state is shaped like a huge, droopy penis, you have to expect there to be some huge nuts as well.
Mech 2007
Mech 2007
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MSR Freelite tent, Thermarest xtherm pad and an Enlightened Equipment revelation quilt. Have a few revelation quilts at different temp ratings. Usually use the 0 degree or 30 degree quilt. I have a Hyperlite Mountain Gear UNBOUND 2 tent that I use sometimes too but overall I’m not a big fan of it. I’ll second that bivy’s suck. |
A lot like GD. Obsessed with the latest shiny weapon but never budgets enough for the ammo... jwnc 5/9/2024
I'm a hammock guy. I love Warbonnet's original Blackbird with straps and Camp Nano biners. The inside "shelf" is very handy for holding things, and the asym cut and footbox makes it very comfortable. I also like Underground Quilts for topquilts and underquilts, as well as their silpoly tarps, which don't stretch when wet like silnylon. I have individual Dyneema tie-outs with titanium Dutchware hooks to attach them to trees, and 6' of thin Glowline for the corner ties. I like all of my straps and lines to stay fixed to the hammock and tarp, so that's how I have everything set up. It's less fiddly that way and there is nothing to lose or leave behind. No whoopie slings or separate tarp ridgeline for me, thanks. A good setup is expensive, but if you buy a 20* quilt set, that will be the most versatile. I actually have 20* and 40* topquilts and full lenth underquilts, and a 40* partial length underquilt. I can mix and match as needed, and even double them up in really cold weather. So far, I've slept very comfortably to -1*. Even in warmer weather (below low 70s), you are going to need insulation underneath you. You can use a sleeping pad, but I don't like them because they don't breath and make you sweat, and also slide around depending on your hammock. Once you try an underquilt, you'll never want to use a pad again.     
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Three season sleep kit is as-follows: Snugpak Jungle Bag Poncho liner (optional) Klymit Static V inflatable pad Therm-A-Rest Z-fold pad Sea To Summit Aeros inflatable pillow Bundeswehr Isomatte Shelter is: Snugpak Special Forces Bivy and/or tarp |
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"Every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods." -H.L. Mencken
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Originally Posted By TheLineIsReady: I'm a hammock guy. I love Warbonnet's original Blackbird with straps and Camp Nano biners. The inside "shelf" is very handy for holding things, and the asym cut and footbox makes it very comfortable. I also like Underground Quilts for topquilts and underquilts, as well as their silpoly tarps, which don't stretch when wet like silnylon. I have individual Dyneema tie-outs with titanium Dutchware hooks to attach them to trees, and 6' of thin Glowline for the corner ties. I like all of my straps and lines to stay fixed to the hammock and tarp, so that's how I have everything set up. It's less fiddly that way and there is nothing to lose or leave behind. No whoopie slings or separate tarp ridgeline for me, thanks. A good setup is expensive, but if you buy a 20* quilt set, that will be the most versatile. I actually have 20* and 40* topquilts and full lenth underquilts, and a 40* partial length underquilt. I can mix and match as needed, and even double them up in really cold weather. So far, I've slept very comfortably to -1*. Even in warmer weather (below low 70s), you are going to need insulation underneath you. You can use a sleeping pad, but I don't like them because they don't breath and make you sweat, and also slide around depending on your hammock. Once you try an underquilt, you'll never want to use a pad again. https://i.imgur.com/eriKZaA.jpg https://i.imgur.com/dvWLmXm.jpg https://i.imgur.com/4Z3B81w.jpg https://i.imgur.com/NFd9GyH.jpg https://i.imgur.com/SZXmz5v.jpg https://i.imgur.com/FWIGHsW.jpg Hammock camper for the last 20 years and this is basically my same setup. When I tent camp(very rare) I use a Sea To Summit Ether pad with an Enlightened Equipment top quilt. @TheLineIsReady I'm interested in seeing some pics of your tarp with the ridgeline attached. My tie outs are attached with Dutch Ringworms and shock cord but, I use a tarp ridgeline with Dutchware Wasps and hooks. It's very quick to deploy but, the ridgeline is not attached. |
"Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!"
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@Loonytik, Here's some countertop pics. There's a thousand ways to skin a cat, but this works well for me with Dutchware bling. Attached tarp line. (One at each end.)  Step #1. Connect line around tree.  Step #2. Pull tight and lock on the hardware. (Excess line just hangs free, or you can loosely tie it up.) Then repeat with the other line.  Corner tightouts. I use a tautline hitch to secure them on the stakes. 
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The little tent that could. My $75 TNF Stormbreak 1 that I purchased in 2017. A trail weight of 2.9#, and 3.4# with pegs and groundsheet. I had a 2.0# 1-man tent, but the durability and stability of the Stormbreak put this tent in my pack, more often than not. Enough space for me and my dog for a week...   This next set was 10 days in the Winds, and with wind that flattened a number of BA Copper Spur tents of another party that was in there.     And, being a $75 tent, I didn't have any heartburn about leaving it pitched in RMNP for 3 1/2 weeks. That was a lot of sun, and I could really tell the difference in the wear and tear on the tent after that. And I was glad it was this tent, rather than a more specialized tent. And being so small, the NF rangers laughed when I told them I was going to move it ever 14 days to stay reg compliant - their response was "something with such a small footprint, don't even bother; it's fine" So, this was my front country tent. The routine was maybe something like 5 days in the backcountry of RMNP with my bivi sack, hike out, hit the bar in Estes, and then drive back to my National Forest frontcountry site, and crawl into my tent, already pitched, and with a secondary sleeping bag / sleeping pad already set up in it. Felt like home. Then sort the gear the next day, do laundry and shower in town, some more time at the bar, and then another 5 or so days in the backcountry of RMNP, and repeat until the door closed on the practical rock climbing season inside the park.  It's only a 3 season tent. So, it suffers in snow and sand. More so in sand. I've been in GSDNP in dry conditions where it looked like a lightning storm inside my tent from all the static and blowing sand. The tent was half buried in sand by morning in the first photo.  And the resultant photo with the camera seen in the foreground of the photo, above. Because, who doesn't hike with a pair of DSLR cameras and two tripods?  And another year, in wetter/colder/calmer conditions.  8 years on, I've since upgraded my car camping tent to heavier but roomier MSR Elixir 1. So, why a 1-man tent for car camping? Because, it simply fits into places where a larger 2-man tent can't. And that makes a difference at crowded campsites, or oddball sites. And I'm still using the Stormbreak 1 for my solo hiking tent, maybe for another year or so. It's simply a tent that's earned its keep, despite being outclassed on paper by other offerings. |
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Originally Posted By TheLineIsReady: @Loonytik, Here's some countertop pics. There's a thousand ways to skin a cat, but this works well for me with Dutchware bling. Attached tarp line. (One at each end.) https://i.imgur.com/XMQT8vv.jpg Step #1. Connect line around tree. https://i.imgur.com/YcYjpOT.jpg Step #2. Pull tight and lock on the hardware. (Excess line just hangs free, or you can loosely tie it up.) Then repeat with the other line. https://i.imgur.com/cebkxiX.jpg Corner tightouts. I use a tautline hitch to secure them on the stakes. https://i.imgur.com/Bdp4fHd.jpg That's basically how I suspected it to be set up and we use the same hardware(I use a Wasp instead of Flyz). I use Prusiks to tension. I may try this method. 
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"Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!"
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This was an XLite (RW) and XTherm (R), and 10ºF bags. We probably could have done 30ºF bags, given the route we ultimately committed to, so maybe we were each carrying an extra pound in that regard. Ice screws, axes, crampons, cams, all that would be left outside the tent. Ropes, boots, packs, that stuff was all inside. This kept is out of the elements, but these things were also put to excellent use to create a bed system. The two pads barely fit in the tent, head to toe, and boots, ropes were stuffed under the heads/shoulders of the pads to elevate the head, because invariably, one end of the tent would be higher than the other, sloped to the side, etc. A conventional 50L pack has enough hip pad to accomplish this task, but these alpine packs had no such support, and thus would just lay flat, and this is where the ropes and boots came into play, and that stuff did awesome to make for a really comfortable sleeping arrangement. I always had a rope with me on my backcountry overnights last year, so it was easy, it was just there. If I were just hiking, I'll be adding a Zenbivy pillow bladder or two to my system to get the same type of elevation. They weigh about 1.5 oz, and collapse to minimal volume, a bit thicker when inflated than my current inflatable pillow, and they'll get stuffed under my sleeping pad, or maybe inflated and stuffed into the pack, which would then go under the head of my pad. 
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I'd be remiss if I didn't discuss a truly paramount aspect of a sleep system for far flung locales... VIcks Vapor Rub Coming from near lower Alabama, bouncing out west, up north to New England in winter, or out to the Alps, it's a lot to adapt to in a short time - sinus congestion, dryness, whatever. I scoop out some of the Vicks into a small ziplock bag, and before bed, scoop some out and just slather it into the base of my nostrils. And whoever's with me will do the same. And, we sleep well. Sounds weird, looks weird, feels weird, smells weird ... but it works. |
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My sleeping bag and pads aren't special or interesting, so I'll spare you. I love my inflatable pillow though. But if your camping partner is your spouse, I'd assert a shared tent is just more enjoyable than separate arrangements. https://www.tarptent.com/product/double-rainbow/ The ex-wife got it in the divorce, but it is stupid light, really easy to set up for being a boutique tent, and pretty tall at 42" that allows you to actually sit up. It's also airy enough for the eastern humidity and closes up tight. Using the double rainbow in East Texas was a night and day difference from a more typical tent (we previously had something like the discontinued Big Agnes Scout, and it was ungodly hot even in the winter. The ironically named tarptent is way less fiddling than something like a pyramid with an inner net. The latter is lightweight, but more cramped, and less fun to set up in the dark. (example - https://www.tramplite.com/2013/02/mld-cricket-review.html) To directly answer your question... I prefer sleeping in the same tent as my partner and that particular model is extremely light, roomy, and well ventilated while being user friendly in a way that other high end backpacking tents don't tend to be. |
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I tend to go as light as possible. I have some really nice high end tents...which I just can't use anymore. I've spent about $800 bucks trying to find a pad I can get a good night's sleep on and I've given up. I only use a hammock now. Dutchwear 11 foot half zip. With Ridgeline, I have a jacks r better bottom quilt and top quilt. I have 4. Two 20 degree and two 50 degree so that in the summer I don't have to carry the extra weight of the heavier quilts. I use a simple poly hex tarp. For roughly the same protection and R value the hammock set up is about half a pound heavier than a tent. You just can't get a quilt lighter than some pads in the same R value. I love hammock camping, the freedom, openness, and flexibility are awesome. Less condensation, I have yet to get wet in my hammock. The biggest problem is in the morning not wanting to get out of the hammock when everyone else is getting ready. |
| Pretty old school and I’ve tried it all. My big trips are in the Rockies, especially Winds, generally above treeline, so hammocks are out and marmot defense is in. Now use a Marmot Tungsten 2-person because I really like all of my gear with me. TNF Cats Meow bag- I’ve used a model of that bag since 1988. It just works. 3/4 Thermarest on top of a full length military 3/8 inch pad. It’s bulky but very light and I roll my thermarest in it for protection. I could go lighter for sure, but this is a good compromise for me. I have lots of other options, but this is my go-to. |
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A continuation of the ode to the little 1-man tent that could... This is me in the blue bivi and a walk-on climbing partner in my 1-man TNF Stormbreak. Mid September, British Columbia. She had never done an overnight hike, never done a real multipitch climb, had never met me before, an absolute stranger when she pulled into the parking area. Her original plan was a day hike, and maybe a scramble up the back side of this peak, per the suggestion of one of her friends, but she was pulling in a little late for something like that, unless she was an Ultra runner, which she wasn't. Long story short, here we are on day 3 of her "1 day hike", and the mornging after climbing the prominent buttress at the right of the photo. A climb harder and 10x longer than anything she'd ever done before, and did it with one of my harnesses, puffy, rain shell, etc, because some of her gear just wasn't sat. Oh, and she'd never done an overnight camping trip before. And she'd only met me minutes prior to setting out.  One of my best days in the mountains. I'm in a 30ºF down bag and bivi, XLite pad, and Tyvek ground sheet (not really necessary), and the 1st night, I was on the cold side, with clear skies, no wind, and condensation that was problematic. The 2nd night, we almost had to spend that night up on the summit, but she stuck with it for the headlamp descent off the mountain, down the back, and the not-so-trivial traverse back to camp. The 2nd night was cloudy, some wind, and a midnight arrival back at camp, and I slept magnificently. No condensation. In the tent, she seemed to be supremely comfortable; her own Sea to Summit pad, if I recall. And with no place to be the next day, I slept in until sunlight was on my face, and it was awesomely casual. Made even better by being able to give another team 2L of very scarce water for their ascent, before I packed up to leave. |
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I have an old moonstone 800 fill down bag that I bought in 1998 that has a removable liner that I have used on Mt rainier to regular car camping. It's flexible from -15 to 0F and has a dry loft shell so I have bivied in it a few times on some mountains. I have a 900 fill north face 30 deg F 1lb bag that packs down small and I used on rainier a few times. I think it was called the beeline. I mostly use for ultra light backpacking My wife and I have a double person Down 15F deg big Agnes bag too that we use for camping and overlanding I mostly use z rest or some other closed cell pads. I have an ultra light thermarest for some trips |
have gun will travel
Well you seen much combat? ......... I've seen a little on TV.
We are jolly green giants, walking the Earth with guns.
Lifetime NRA member SADLY
now GOA and ASA member!!!!!
Well you seen much combat? ......... I've seen a little on TV.
We are jolly green giants, walking the Earth with guns.
Lifetime NRA member SADLY
now GOA and ASA member!!!!!
my old moonstone and my walrus tent that I had to give away sadly when I moved and it would not physically fit in my vehicle  Attached File this trip I had my TNF single wall tent and my 30 degree TNF beeline sleeping bag Attached File |
have gun will travel
Well you seen much combat? ......... I've seen a little on TV.
We are jolly green giants, walking the Earth with guns.
Lifetime NRA member SADLY
now GOA and ASA member!!!!!
Well you seen much combat? ......... I've seen a little on TV.
We are jolly green giants, walking the Earth with guns.
Lifetime NRA member SADLY
now GOA and ASA member!!!!!
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Depends on what is going on. Emergencies--snugpack 25 degree bag, OR bivy, and a klymit pad (maybe a thermarest foam pad as well). Planned solo camping--Dutchware Chameleon hammock, 4 season under & overquilt, and rainfly. ...or break out the air mattress and Kelty double sleeping bag. |
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I am changing out some of my sleep system this year. But as it stands, Zpacks duex with freestanding kit @ 2lbs Enlightened Equipment RevX 20° quilt 22oz Thermarest Xlite 12 oz Thermarest pillow 3oz Sometimes bring Borah gear bivy 7oz I plan on upgrading my quilt (it's kind of old and the baffle design sucks) and my pad (it's narrow) both of which I have had for near 10 years. I plan to upgrade to a Hammockgear burrow 10° 27oz Paria gear elevate XL 20oz I am getting older and Alaska is getting colder. 
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I’ve made some changes in the last year or so, I got out a lot more and found what worked and what didn’t. First of all, I jumped on the Durston bandwagon with an X-Dome 1+. I’ve had it about 5 months and used it 6-8 times. It’s great! My one gripe is the asymmetric floor and single door make using my left-zip bags a pain because I either have to crawl over the bag to get in if I put the head of the bag at the head of the tent, or I have to put the head of the bag at the narrow foot end of the tent to have the zipper next to the door. Even with the mesh inner it’s a very warm tent so I actually use it more in colder temps. My summer tents are the SMD Deschutes tarp and SMD Lunar Orbiter. The LO has 2 doors for great ventilation, the Deschutes is better for bug-free times because I do t bring the net insert. My old sleeping pad (2017ish NEMO Tensor) still holds air even though there are like 6-8 patches on it, but it’s 6’ and I prefer 6’6”. I bought a 6’6 Tensor Trail to replace it but it’s so slippery that it slides all over the tent floor and my bag slides all over it. I don’t know if I want to put silicone on it so I use the 6’6” Exped Ultra 5R I bought last year, it’s heavier but more comfortable and doesn’t slide. Warmer weather sleeping bags are Western Mountaineering EverLite and MegaLite, I also ordered a Cumulus Spotter 200 with 45F comfort and 36F limit ratings. This should take the place of both of the other bags (with down clothing for the 25-35F range.) I bought a Cumulus Teneqa 850 5F bag last winter and liked it enough that I pulled the trigger on this one. Hopefully I’ll have it in a couple weeks. If it’s not too hot over the long weekend I’ll head out for 2 or 3 nights and give some of the stuff more in-depth testing. |