Lightweight tarp to go with new bivi bag :-)

[Adventurer]

I have just bought a bivi to try, I'm normally a tent person but when out on the bike I was thinking at all the lovely places to camp. But a bit naughty to camp there but wouldn't a bivi be ideal.

So I've took the plunge and gone and bought one.

Now I'm in need of some advice on what to get next.

Looking for a lightweight tarp. I've seen the alpkit bicycle single person but would like it lighter than this if possible. I want to try and keep the whole set up lighter than my tent.

Also I will need some bearbones tarp poles. Carbon would be good.

Now I'm not sure what length to get? Do I get one or two poles for versatility?
Do I get different lengths of the same length poles?

I'll fit the poles to my bar bag which is a 13l alpkit bag. So how many section pole would be good for this?

So I think that is everything.

Not too many questions I hope but I sure you can help me out.

Many thanks.

[Bearbonesnorm]

bicycle 3.5 is pretty light but I recall that ID Siltarp 1 is a little lighter for roughly the same size. I'm sure a wanted ad would likely turn one up. Failing that, you're starting to get into cuben territory. The cuben Trekkertent tarp is well worth a look if you really want to cut the weight back.

The benefit of 2 equal length poles is that it allows you to form a very neat 'lean-to'. A longer pole can still be used to set a shelter lower - you, simply move the pole further away from the shelter which in effect lengthens the line between shelter and pole.

There'll be a 'Christmas Special' on 1m carbon poles. As standard they're 3 section which produces a folded length of 36.3cm ... if you required a shorter folded length it is possible.

[whitestone]

The trekkertent cuben tarp seems to have been unavailable for a while - http://www.trekkertent.com/home/home/9- ... -tarp.html - not sure if it's just the website that hasn't been updated in the last couple of months

[rufus748]

SMD Deschutes tarp.
Easy to put up, and as I have two one is still for sale

[dlovett]

I've got one of these. http://www.ddhammocks.com/product/DD_Superlight_Tarp

So far it seems great, very light and 19 attachment points.

Quite a bit lighter and bigger than the Alpkit rig7.

[Adventurer]

I've got one of these. http://www.ddhammocks.com/product/DD_Superlight_Tarp

So far it seems great, very light and 19 attachment points.

Quite a bit lighter and bigger than the Alpkit rig7.

Oh that's heavy, I was thinking of something lighter than the bicycle 3.5 which is 325g

[Adventurer]

bicycle 3.5 is pretty light but I recall that ID Siltarp 1 is a little lighter for roughly the same size. I'm sure a wanted ad would likely turn one up. Failing that, you're starting to get into cuben territory. The cuben Trekkertent tarp is well worth a look if you really want to cut the weight back.

The benefit of 2 equal length poles is that it allows you to form a very neat 'lean-to'. A longer pole can still be used to set a shelter lower - you, simply move the pole further away from the shelter which in effect lengthens the line between shelter and pole.

There'll be a 'Christmas Special' on 1m carbon poles. As standard they're 3 section which produces a folded length of 36.3cm ... if you required a shorter folded length it is possible.

Thanks for that, very helpful.

I'll be on the lookout for the Christmas special.

2x1m 3 section carbon poles it is then


Already got titanium pegs and some 3mm dyneema cord and mini line locks.

And I've just ordered a tarp. Can't go to the expense of Cuban fibre tarp but got a 2.8m X 1.5m 260g tarp for £39

[rocklobstercat]

What's the weight of the carbon poles? Are they much lighter than the aluminium ones?

[Cheeky Monkey]

Thought Stu said the weights were similar but the carbon was stiffer which was a benefit when used as a single centre pole eg trailstar or in longer poles.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Thought Stu said the weights were similar but the carbon was stiffer which was a benefit when used as a single centre pole eg trailstar or in longer poles.

That's pretty much it although there is a weight saving of something like 15g on a metre long pole. Another advantage of carbon is the ability to produce very short folded lengths without incurring a large price penalty.

[dlovett]

They make a small one which is slightly bigger and almost a 3rd lighter than the Appkit 3.5, it is however about £5 more than the Alpkit one if price matters. DD SuperLight Tarp S

I've got one of these. http://www.ddhammocks.com/product/DD_Superlight_Tarp

So far it seems great, very light and 19 attachment points.

Quite a bit lighter and bigger than the Alpkit rig7.

Oh that's heavy, I was thinking of something lighter than the bicycle 3.5 which is 325g

[dlovett]

When is this Stu, I need to order some from you in time for Bach?

There'll be a 'Christmas Special' on 1m carbon poles. As standard they're 3 section which produces a folded length of 36.3cm ... if you required a shorter folded length it is possible.

[Bearbonesnorm]

When is this Stu, I need to order some from you in time for Bach?

Should get it sorted between Christmas and New Year Duncan.

[dlovett]

Cheers

[benp1]

Good to know,i'll get another for Bach to Bach too!