Elk Hunting 101: tarps and three sides shelters.

[Stixbowdrew]

Garret that MSR sounds something more my speed thanks man!

[njloco]

Stir crazy, that's why I love my Kifaru Sawtooth, I could jump up and down in it, and it has stood up to a tornado that came by , pretty close ! It has the wood stove so heat and cooking are never a problem. My next will be a Kifaru Super tarp with the anex, yeah they cost $ but worth every penny.

[KSdan]

For this year I'm going with an MSR Hubba Hubba NX. It's a 2 man tent, but you can pitch it without the mesh and floor which makes it more "tarp-like". So you can roll the sides and make it a 3/4 shelter if you want, or leave everything down for the full shell. 2lb 2oz when pitched like that. [/QB][/QUOTE]

Just checking things out, but reviews of the MSR say it is wonderfully lightwt. but will NOT hold up to hard weather??

This gets at my point/question- if I am going to carry a tent vs a tarp, that tent better be bombproof for its purpose = BAD weather.  Otherwise- a guy might as well have a bivy bag and a tarp.

[John Scifres]

I just use a 9x11' homemade silnylon tarp and 20 degree bag by Kelty.  No problems with weather on 6 hunts in CO, UT, and ID.  All kinds of weather.  Here are some pics:

Idaho 2008

 

   

   

   

[John Scifres]

2011 Elk Hunt CO

 

You can read the story here:   http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=107590;p=1

Hunted the Idaho rifle season last year with my son.  It's a little cooler that time of year but the tarp did just fine.

[John Scifres]

I really have nothing but positives on the tarp setup except in buggy season.  Lightweight and lets you be part of it all.  We had a pack of coyotes chasing something through the meadow we were camped on last fall.  Man was that a rush knowing they could walk right up and sniff ya  

I think it cost me around $40 to make mine after I learned to sew.  I like to make what I can.  It's seen dozens of overnights and still in great shape.

My friend who introduced them to me is now a hammock aficionado.  I might go that route too.

If you aren't much of a gear head, and can make do and stand a bit of discomfort, you will love a tarp.  Definitely learn to use it before your trip though.  That goes for all your gear.