How do all you tarpers deal with bugs? I have been using a floorless tarptent along with an equinox epic bivy that functions as a floor and has mesh to keep bugs out. I am beginning to think, however, that for not much more weight I could get a solo tent that will keep the bugs out and will give me the option on clear nights of pulling back the fly so that I can see the stars. I am curious how others who use tarps deal with the bug issue.

SH,
One easy, reasonably lightweight fix is to add bug net around the outside hems of the tarp, 2 feet high on the sides and 2' + peak height on the ends. No zipper and no floor. You just lift the net and crawl under. The net drapes on the ground. Mosquitos don't crawl. For 36% lighter weight use Thruhikers Nannoseeum netting. You don't even have to hem the net. It won't unravel.

The net gets wet in the rain. No problem. It catches splashes from the sides, a good thing. It screens some windblown drift, a good thing. It will not exclude bears or anacondas. As long as you don't set up on an ant hill or in a potential mud puddle, not having a floor is an advantage. Water will not pool on the floor. You can move the groundsheet back and cook in a pouring rain.

This option does not let you stargaze. For that, you might consider a simple, floorless net tent that will suspend either from tabs under the fly or independently. Again, no zippers. Look at the design of the old military mosquito bars for use under the GI shelter half. They are like two pyramids separated by a short ridgeline, and give the most coverage for the weight. Unfortunately, they are made with heavy net and weight about 14 ounces. You can make a civilian version for 6-9 ounces, depending on the netting you use and the size (solo or double).

Edited by vickrhines on 01/12/2006 07:58:25 MST.

I use one of these: http://www.golitestore.com/store/NS_proddetail.asp?number=SH6009

I'm considering the purchase of one of these should I want to cut the weight back some: http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__productID=ADV1000

Try:

http://trailquest.net/dlgcsleepnet.html

For star gazing attach the net to the ridgeline and sleep with your head outside the tarp.

I use a home-made bug bivy. Took me about 4 hours to cut and sew and I'm a slow worker.

I have previously made the Ray Jardine style net-tent and this also works very well, at least with Jardine style tarps.

I use a home-made bug bivy. Took me about 4 hours to cut and sew and I'm a slow worker.

I have previously made the Ray Jardine style net-tent and this also works very well, at least with Jardine style tarps.

Easy:

Mantis Bug Net

Of all the bug bivies, I liked this one best.

- easy zipper entry
- easy attachment to tarp
- drawstring for around sleeping bag

Cheap @ around $20 bucks.

Edited by heninger on 01/12/2006 10:56:31 MST.

Nice Report Frank

I am going to try a mini bull designs bug bag and ground sheet to replace my bivy and for use in a hammock, this thing is about 3 oz I think, and it is huge.

dose anyone have any experience with it.

another possibility for me is a dancing light bug screen , but I think this may not have as much protection as the bug bag

If the bugs are really bad when hanging out in camp I just put on lots of DEET, my rain gear, and a head net. At night I just crawl into my BMW bivy and zip up the bug netting.

If I don't think it's going to rain, I can setup the BMW bivy without the tarp and stargaze through the bug netting of the bivy.

Edited by bobg on 01/12/2006 14:07:53 MST.

My lightest arsenal is an OR headnet w/o ring + a windshirt + gloves/ windpants if I have them on that trip. Even though I don't take it on my trips very much, I do like the Equinox Mantis, which is a pretty nice piece of gear.
-Mark

I have tried Tinny's bug bag and it is huge. Plenty of room to wiggle. I was shipped a white one from him and believe a black one would have been better.

Easy to work with. I open it up and put all my sleeping gear and me in it while standing, then pull it over head and lay down.

Edited by mikes on 01/16/2006 11:50:00 MST.