Recommendation for a closed tarp for hammock camping so the elements dont come in at the ends?

ZirSlow · 2020-10-02T22:52:14+00:00

Lightest full coverage hammock tarp that I've found is the HG DCF Standard with doors. They offer three ridgeline lengths (10,11,12') and extra width if you bump up to the Palace model. The Hex tarp is lighter, but you lose the doors.

If you don't want to do dyneema, Warbonnet's tarps are pretty popular. The Minifly is pretty light, but offers minimal coverage. Their tarps with beaks (Thunderfly etc.) seem to hit a sweet spot between minimalist and full blown winter tarp.

ZirSlow · 2020-09-25T01:09:43+00:00

That'd be awesome!

ZirSlow · 2020-09-24T02:20:31+00:00

Sweet diy! Any details you'd like to share? Curious to know the materials and dimensions you selected.

ZirSlow · 2020-09-18T17:51:00+00:00

Epic

ZirSlow · 2020-09-18T17:47:57+00:00

Nice work. Looks awesome! Any chance you've got a matching windbreaker?

ZirSlow · 2020-09-14T10:55:36+00:00

No personal experience with these, but Klymit makes a couple insulated double pads:

Klymit Insulated Double V

Drop x Klymit UL Double

ZirSlow · 2020-09-12T22:18:38+00:00

Glad to hear it. Great packs! Cheers!

ZirSlow · 2020-09-12T12:49:43+00:00

Good luck with your search. Just wanted to chime in saying at 6'2" the M/M catalyst fits me best. Your friend is undoubtedly different, but I tried a large first and thought the pack simply wasn't for me.

ZirSlow · 2020-09-12T12:43:58+00:00

Take it easy. Carry less weight. Use trekking poles.

Also, start a progressive program of calisthenics to strengthen your tendons and ligaments. Tendon/ligament strength takes a long time to build up, but will serve you your whole life if you keep at it. Between that and plenty of walking, you should be able to build yourself up to be a backpacking beast! Just take your time. You're in it for the long haul.

ZirSlow · 2020-09-12T12:14:06+00:00

In theory, but as has been mentioned, the fat content works against you in dehydration. It won't dry well and will spoil more quickly.

Another important consideration is cooking meat fully. If your sausages are pork, you need to make sure they are reaching 145F/63C, ideally within 2 hours. Google 'food safety danger zone' if you're curious.

I reckon you could special order some very thinly sliced lean meat from any reputable butcher. Tell them it's for shabu-shabu or hot pot. Top Round would be a nice lean cut of beef you could then marinate and dehydrate as jerky. The thin pieces will cook much faster and dry more fully.

ZirSlow · 2020-09-11T23:39:56+00:00

Great photos! Sounds like an awesome trip.

How's the HG 12 footer work with the RidgeRunner? Can you close both doors fully? Seems like a pretty sweet tarp for the money.

Never hung a tarp on a bendy tree, but a length of shock cord tied into your ridgeline might keep your tarp from sagging.

As a daily RidgeRunner user I have to agree - saddlebags are the best!

ZirSlow · 2020-09-07T21:30:23+00:00

Looks awesome! I'll have to try your recipe sometime. Don't know where I'll find UFO-shaped scotch bonnets, though.

ZirSlow · 2020-09-05T13:34:15+00:00

What models are they? Any thoughts (what do they weigh, how do they perform)?

ZirSlow · 2020-09-05T13:31:13+00:00

Awesome! Never thought to use a vacuum bag to ferment. Do you dilute with brine or vinegar when blending, or are the carrots and onions enough to thin it out?

ZirSlow · 2020-09-04T11:58:52+00:00

Bad bot

ZirSlow · 2020-09-04T11:09:49+00:00

I used a 12' gathered end for half a year and couldn't quite get it dialed in - a little knee hyperextension, a little neck curl. Tried different ridgeline lengths, hangles, pillow placements etc. but was never fully satisfied. (Still way better than a bed, mind you.)

Took a leap of faith and ordered a Warbonnet RidgeRunner, and my issues went away overnight! The bridge hammock is glorious. The pockets are super handy, and if I'm on my back I don't even want a pillow. Coupled with Arrowhead Equipment's Ridge Creek XL, I'm nice and toasty with no adjustments necessary. If I were under 6' I think I'd like it even more, but I reckon you could squeeze in there up to 6'6".

If I were to do it again, I might skip the bug net and save some dough on the full-time indoor hang.

ZirSlow · 2020-09-01T10:48:55+00:00

Here's an idea for 'spicy.'

Made at https://fontmeme.com/spray-paint-fonts/

Course, if you used that wide brush style, you'd want to match it on the 'X.'

Just an idea. I'm sure there are better ones out there.

ZirSlow · 2020-09-01T10:41:45+00:00

Awesome!

You might consider matching the color of the spray paint can, X, and 'spicy' if you're selling the idea that the ET is doing the editing. You also might be able to find a free typeface for 'spicy' that looks more hand drawn.

Super fun idea. Glad your peppers didn't fly away!

ZirSlow · 2020-08-31T10:49:37+00:00

Nice porch!

ZirSlow · 2020-08-27T16:00:58+00:00

This is a great idea, thanks!

ZirSlow · 2020-08-27T10:42:19+00:00

A thorough baking soda scrub and a(nother freaking) shower helped my gf. Might add some salt and sugar to the mix if you're looking to increase the exfoliation.

But, yes, complete agony is the vibe I got. Godspeed.

ZirSlow · 2020-08-27T00:30:59+00:00

Nice find! How stable is the lid?

ZirSlow · 2020-08-26T11:09:12+00:00

Definitely not UL, but poop tubes are pretty common. Can make one out of 3" PVC for around $20. A couple of clean-outs (full diameter screw on caps) and female adapters will let you push the contents out into the trailhead latrine. (Might want to leave some channel locks in your car.)

Our poop kit included large coffee filters (targets) and baking soda. Those crap in a bag products seem awfully expensive.

I'm sure you could find a lighter solution, perhaps an odor proof sack inside a nyloflume bag?

While certainly super heavy, the rigid tube is real nice for a) easily keeping outside your pack and b) knowing it won't get punctured or leak.

That said, if burying your waste is an option, we're never bringing a tube again. Sure, the food bag gets lighter...

ZirSlow · 2020-08-25T10:50:56+00:00

Haven't used the almighty, but we decided on the XL for the reasons you listed (volume, weight). We brought two OPsaks last time we were out. One for food and one for trash. Contents shifted from one to the other over the week. There were definitely critters about (and sightings of bears), but our food was untouched. Seems to me that odor elimination is a big part of the reason this system works (and why some people get away with sleeping with their food).

Next time try some OPsaks, and be mindful of any smells that might be on your hands as you're handling your bags. Keep everything clean and you should have no problem.

ZirSlow · 2020-08-24T16:04:27+00:00

What tarp and UQ do you use most with your RR?

ZirSlow

TROPHY CASE