Hunter - Howdy and Welcome to the Scrap Yard! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

In 1990, we went to Alaska and camped/fished around the Kenai peninsula. Though we were sleeping in a capped pickup truck, one of the most useful items was a tarp we had brought along. It provided shade, a wind-break, and enabled us to keep a fire going even when it was raining.

Andy had a good point about the Tyvek as well! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Tom

I just have a small problem with flying critters, like bats and skeeters. That's the only reason I like a tent type shelter. Staying dry makes for a good nights sleep also. A hammock needs trees to suspend, but I imagine they make them multipurpose. Will the siltarp's hold up to hard use?

Silnylon is pretty tuff stuff. And with reasonable care it'll hold up well to abuse. Like you I hate flying critters at night which is why I prefer something encapsulated like a tent, or a hamock.

You got some more info on Tyvek? I see it all the time on the side of houses but don't really know what it is. Plastic? Do you treat it like a regular tarp without grommets? Very interesting.

Yeah, what is it. We want a link

Have you ever used those envelopes from the post office that feel like some type of thick crinkly paper but are about impossible to tear? Those are made of tyvek. They make suits out of the material, you can buy them on eBay. I always thought they might work as a cheap alternative to Gortex, but I’ve never tried it. Here’s some links for you guys:

DuPont Tyvek Official Page

What is Tyvek?

Wiki: Tyvek

Rat Chat: Tyvek's Survival Uses

A real cool answer to this question was on a survival page. The guy took a military rain poncho and cut some of those fibreglass tent poles from a dome tent so it made the poncho like an upside down dish. It was a fraction the size of a tent but way better than a tarp. It was also less than 20$.

Ive got a Henry Shires Tarp Tent. It is extremely light weight and provides excellent shelter from rain and protection from the bugs. It is roomier than a bivy sack and provides more ventilation. I purchased the tarp tent already assembled, but you can make it yourself with his plans. It was kind of expensive, but has endured many storms in the 14ers of Colorado (was well worth the money to me).

I have used both. Bivy is warmer, but the tarp is soo much more versatile and lighter. The tarp has become my main shelter in addition the emergency use you are inquiring about. Add a hammock and some mosquito netting and you have the perfect set up. Hennessey Hammocks combine the best of all of these worlds, but you loose some flexibility.