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OK, so you're on the move, what do you carry for basic shelter? There are lots of ways you can go here, but I'll tell you what I carry (and why) and hope some of you will share your preferences with us all.
My primary shelter is a 10 x 10 silicon/nylon tarp. (this is shelter for me and my GF) To me, a tarp has many advantages over a tent; it's smaller, lighter, and way more versatile. I can rig it many different ways depending on the situation. In warm weather, I can leave the sides off the ground and take advantage of any breezes to keep me cool. In rainy weather, I can rig a "V" shape cover that allows me to collect water while keeping me and the little woman dry. In colder weather, I can rig it as a totally enclosed tent-like structure to keep the heat in and shield me from frigid winds. Most of my tarp set-ups allow me to see out, which would be a tactical advantage in certain circumstances. (Weight with stakes and cordage, about 2 1/2 pounds)
Both my GF and I also carry 5X7 silicon/nylon tarps. These add many more possibilities. The smaller tarps can be used as sides for the main tarp or they can be used to cover firewood or equipment. They can also be rigged to collect additional rainwater if needed. I keep mine in an outside pack pocket and can wrap it around me if I get caught in a sudden rainstorm. (Weight is about 8 ounces)
We both also carry Catoma Adventure Shelters IBNS bivys. These have full waterproof bathtub bottoms and the rest of the bivy is fine mesh to keep out bugs and snakes. My full size Army-type foam pad fits inside perfectly. I like the Catoma bivies because they have full zippered openings so you don't have to shimmy down a tunnel to get in and out. They also have self-contained fiberglass hoops to keep them erect, and all you need to do is unbag them and throw them to the ground and they set themselves up. These are currently under contract with US Army and Marines and are built to last. If we don't want to set up the bigger tarp, the 5 x 7 tarps can be used as rain flies for the bivys, giving us additional flexibility. (Weight is about 2 pounds)
I recently ditched my old standard "Bag, Extreme Cold Weather" and its cover in favor of a Coleman Traverse 4 in 1 bag. The Army bag has been with me for over 30 years and is starting to show its age. The Army bag was great when I lived in the mountains of Pennsylvania, but is just too warm for Virginia. The Coleman is a big and tall size rectangular bag, and includes a zip in flannel sheet. This lets us add or subtract a few degrees and remain comfortable in a wider range of conditions. It's not a lot lighter than the Army fart sack, but it's much roomier and comfortable. (Weight is just over 4 pounds)
So there you go. It's not the lightest rig in the world, but it's versatile and comfortable.
So what do you use?
My primary shelter is a 10 x 10 silicon/nylon tarp. (this is shelter for me and my GF) To me, a tarp has many advantages over a tent; it's smaller, lighter, and way more versatile. I can rig it many different ways depending on the situation. In warm weather, I can leave the sides off the ground and take advantage of any breezes to keep me cool. In rainy weather, I can rig a "V" shape cover that allows me to collect water while keeping me and the little woman dry. In colder weather, I can rig it as a totally enclosed tent-like structure to keep the heat in and shield me from frigid winds. Most of my tarp set-ups allow me to see out, which would be a tactical advantage in certain circumstances. (Weight with stakes and cordage, about 2 1/2 pounds)
Both my GF and I also carry 5X7 silicon/nylon tarps. These add many more possibilities. The smaller tarps can be used as sides for the main tarp or they can be used to cover firewood or equipment. They can also be rigged to collect additional rainwater if needed. I keep mine in an outside pack pocket and can wrap it around me if I get caught in a sudden rainstorm. (Weight is about 8 ounces)
We both also carry Catoma Adventure Shelters IBNS bivys. These have full waterproof bathtub bottoms and the rest of the bivy is fine mesh to keep out bugs and snakes. My full size Army-type foam pad fits inside perfectly. I like the Catoma bivies because they have full zippered openings so you don't have to shimmy down a tunnel to get in and out. They also have self-contained fiberglass hoops to keep them erect, and all you need to do is unbag them and throw them to the ground and they set themselves up. These are currently under contract with US Army and Marines and are built to last. If we don't want to set up the bigger tarp, the 5 x 7 tarps can be used as rain flies for the bivys, giving us additional flexibility. (Weight is about 2 pounds)
I recently ditched my old standard "Bag, Extreme Cold Weather" and its cover in favor of a Coleman Traverse 4 in 1 bag. The Army bag has been with me for over 30 years and is starting to show its age. The Army bag was great when I lived in the mountains of Pennsylvania, but is just too warm for Virginia. The Coleman is a big and tall size rectangular bag, and includes a zip in flannel sheet. This lets us add or subtract a few degrees and remain comfortable in a wider range of conditions. It's not a lot lighter than the Army fart sack, but it's much roomier and comfortable. (Weight is just over 4 pounds)
So there you go. It's not the lightest rig in the world, but it's versatile and comfortable.
So what do you use?
Had campers and RV's as well, but to us a tent has been the most fun and practical. Keeps the bugs off! And more often than not at least one wild animal will pass by at night or even stop to investigate the camp site (racoons, possums, coyotes, spiders the size of your fist, even OWLS have landed right outside the tent!). Plus after a good coat of Camp Dry, the tent provides someplace good to keep gear dry and play cards during passing rain storms.
