Perhaps the most versatile piece of m/c camping gear that I have is a tarp. The one that I have is old REI model called a 10' Wing. A catenary tarp is easier to set up but just about any kind of tarp can do the same thing. In preparation for my Alaska trip this June, I set the tarp up in my front yard to try out a mosquito netting that I had just bought and took some pictures to share. The tarp (4.5 lbs) and the netting (1 lb) Setting up a tarp the first time requires a little trial and error, but once you have the peg placements and initial guyline lengths, it's much easier from then on. Stake the tarp out on the ground... Place a pole at one end... Place the other pole and adjust the guys... Figure 9 tensioners make adjusting easy... Add a mosquito netting and you have a nice skeeter-free area to cook and relax... This tarp is just big enough to park my bike under, good for setting up camp in the rain... It was getting late so I haven't shown my tent but you just erect your tent with the opening under the tarp for the ultimate vestibule. Lot's of setup scenarios using your tent, bike, trees as anchor points. Set the tarp up over a picnic table. Love my tarp.
They are a pain in the arse to setup until you learn the right way for the tarp you are using. Having said that they are small and make for great shelter when the weather gets nasty. How does your hold up in the wind? What adjustments do you do when it is raining with wind? Stake one side down and do a lean to design? Will pop this in the ADV tent review thread if ya don't mind................
If you think Alaskan mosquitos aren't going to find a way in to your "skeeter free shelter", then I don't think you are familiar with Alaskan mosquitos, the most aggressive mosquitos I have ever had the misfortune to encounter. I recommend showering with 100% DEET.
A good catenary tarp is very stable in the wind, limited only by the strength of the attachments. I got hit by BIG wind while llama packing in the Wallowas once that scattered our gear all over the valley. The tarp stood. In strong blowing rain you want to erect the tarp as low as possible. I peg down the 2 low corners and angle the poles to get a lower peak.
Yes, perhaps "relatively skeeter-free" would be the right term. I have experienced aggressive mosquitos in BC so know a little of what to expect. If the netting is soaked in permethrin and erected right, it does offer some relief. Yes, in the end your best defense is DEET.
Geat timing, I was just going to post a new thread on a system that seems to have your combination plus is more freestanding. I was even thinking about using a small one person tent inside it with no fly. The weight gain by carrying the shelter can be offset by using a smaller tent. Also an extension pole attached to the bike ala one of our famous campers here and you don't need a tree. I did the conversion and it packs to 25" x 8" and weighs 7 lbs. Anyone here tried one of these? http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_...older_id=2534374302702975&bmUID=1207623310985
They look interesting but I would be conerned with rain in a design like that, catching on the bug net and making it's way into the floor tub. But for summer stuff with bugs around that looks awesome! oh and my week attempt at my first atrp setup with only 1 pole. <a><img src="http://lh3.google.com/garryjirvine/R-PtkEWvwtI/AAAAAAAAd4g/HmwX40Zv1kY/s800/P3150005.JPG.jpg" /></a>
There is no floor in it, just a skirt to keep the pests out. That tarp look nice and shady and simple to setup.
Got it from campmor for Cheap, it is 12x12 with tie down points everywhere. Don't think it is as quality as some of the others but for starters it will do.
I've used a tarp since the 70's and only recently bought a tent. What I would like now is a tarp in a subdued color, but not camo. Any one seen one at a reasonable price?
Here's your subdued color, REI calls this color, Earth. Here's what I use. An REI family tent Hobitat 6 foot print. Was only $45 and has straps on each courner with a D-Ring. The D-Rings have a gate that opens if you need to drop the tarp quickly should high winds come up. You can see what Im talking about in the link below. http://www.rei.com/product/717500?cm_sp=prod*desc_rel_item*element Size: 10' X 8'4" What I like about tarps is they can be setup in many different ways. Above Im using the mast system I made for my top box. The bike becomes the center pole keeping the bike and table in the shade. Folds up small and seems to be heavy duty and best part is it comes with REI's return poicy if it should ever come apart of fail.
Ah, there's my hero camper ... I've downloaded a couple of pics of your setups and your camping lists and will try to emulate ..as they say the sincerest form of flattery. What do you think about the Mantis setup I posted using your pole that you made to attach to your topbox as the holdout for the tall end? You can't park under it of course but it would surely keep the mosquitoes away.
I think it could work out well. You might want to think about beefing up the top bow. I added a .090 doubler to the bottom of my Jesse along with a .090 courner doubler for the mast mount. This really stiffened the box up. Amazing what a little extra material and a bend here and there can do to strengthen thing up. Its all riveted in place with solid rivets making it very strong. I don't have a picture if the doubler behind the mast mount but it does cover the a good deal of the courner of the box, two surfaces, front and side for strength.
EarthRoamer It's the Noah 12'x12'. Its the middle sized one. Where did do purchase your net from? I have a head net backed, but the large netting is a good ideal. I plan to leave St Louis on the 30th of May. I figure 10 days up, 10 days there and 10 days back. I'll be riding a 2007 KTM 640 Adventure. daryl
The netting is called a Mombasa Outback Travel Net - Double and I got it from REI. Leaving San Diego 2 June for 45 days. I have a blog that I keep updating with my itinerary. Hope to meet up with you, will you try to make D2D June 20?
