I bought this one for mine, it drapes over the hatch easily and you can tuck it in behind the tailgate.
https://www.amazon.com/Coghlans-Single-Rectangular-Mosquito-White/dp/B000KKB2OS?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1
That's what we used. As with most tarps/tents, the stakes leave something to be desired when it comes to durability. We got MSR Groundhogs.
Ripped my MSR Thru Hiker 100 Wing (17 oz) and looking for a cheap alternative. Found this but it's about 7oz heavier. I'd like to keep it under $100 and/or as close to 17oz, if possible. Appreciate any leads.
I use one of these https://luxe-hiking-gear.com/products/batwing-group-lightweight-tarp
Combined with a set of Green Elephant Telescoping Tarp Poles | Adjustable Tent Poles for Tarp Set of 2 | Portable & Lightweight Aluminum Tent Poles Replacement https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072K1B91Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_GKYGJX46B45H9MNBNC19?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Makes an excellent rainfly to cover both the tent and give you a nice area underneath to hang out because it’s so large, and plenty of space for shade and airflow.
Ive been in the market for this kind of stuff, and something I've heard is
1) 8x10 is the superior size/product for tarps
2) Borah gear is one of the best value makers, especially for the bivy and maybe for a smaller tarp.
Also 3) this is a decent amazon option that I found if you want it quick, but otherwise I would stick to cottage.
This is a cheap tarp, if you hang it along the diagonal. Functional but not the best coverage.
You can also probably sew yourself a bugnet on the cheap but amazon has some options for those as well. Good luck!
Been using these as my ground sheets for years - Grabber Outdoors Original Space Brand All Weather Blanket: https://www.amazon.com/Grabber-Outdoors-Original-Weather-Blanket/dp/B002CQUA28/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Grabber+Outdoors+Original+Space+Brand+All+Weather+Blanket&qid=1602883729&sr=8-3
This is the best style of stake. Ever since i swapped to these nail type stakes, i have hd no problems with bending or breaking
It’s finicky. but not “hard”.. one thing I do is use these if you’re going to be using platforms a lot.. makes it easy to drop them threw the crack and sinch your guylines tight
10pcs Fishbone Tent Stakes Pegs... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SN211SD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
there's a ton of nylon tarps on amazon that are pretty cheap. I use a cot and mostly wild camp so i use this as an example to put over my cot.
Not readily available; but, here is a picture of my lean-to. I took some string and sewed little loops in a few key positions into the tarp - along the top at each end and at middle as well as along the back wall at the pull-outs; then, I hung one of the cheap Couglan's Single Person Bug Box inside after sewing some string onto the bug net that would then tie into the loops I sewed on the tarp. Worked great and was cheap to do.
Something like this will do the job for a tent, canvas, or shiftpod. I've used them on all three for years. Mallet/hammer to put in, twist out with your multitool pliers:
https://www.amazon.com/Eurmax-Galvanized-Non-Rust-Camping-10pc-Pack/dp/B075QK5XNC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa
The Heatsheets like the link above are thin, about the same bulk as a regular mylar space blanket. I keep copies in my first aid kits now.
The thicker ones are handy too. I keep one in my hiking bag. Cheap enough I don't mind using it for a ground cloth. I've rigged it for gear shelter, draped it between the tent roof and the rain fly in a blizzard for extra warmth, caught snow for melting and rainwater, and improvised an underquilt for hammocking in the cold. Seems to be holding up so far.
>In my experience I've found that tents that require being staked out >for structural reasons, tent to be more difficult to setup on tent >platforms like we often find in the Whites at the tentsights . A little >creativity can typically solve that issue.
These "platform stakes" and some cordage and you're good to go.
I think the cheapest you could get with bug coverage would be any cheap tarp you can get and the something like the coghlans mosquito net.
Thank you, I will look into the Ez Up Brand. All of them should be water proof right? I am guessing I would need these and hammer to secure tightly?
https://www.amazon.com/Eurmax-Galvanized-Non-Rust-Camping-10pc-Pack/dp/B075QK5XNC/ref=sr_1_3?c=ts&keywords=Tent%2BStakes&qid=1653339252&s=outdoor-recreation&sr=1-3&ts_id=3402011&th=1
Get yourself a CRL - https://dutchwaregear.com/product/continuous-ridgeline/#type-and-color
And a rectangular tarp - https://www.amazon.com/Sanctuary-SilTarp-Ultralight-Waterproof-Backpacking/dp/B01E6454HO
Others can chime in but thats about as easy as it gets in my mind.
> Extra tent stakes
can't be said enough. I grabbed these for last year-
Our giant and not wind ready 12x14 tent and 12x12 canopy didn't move an inch during the storms, was never even worried
It's generally considered bad to drive things like nails in to an existing platform.
Some platforms will already have nails or hooks installed on the sides.
Fishbone tent stakes are designed to go between the slats of a platform.
You can also tie off the tent to objects around the platform or make an above ground version of a dead mans anchor.
Something like this (definitely take them with you): 10pcs Fishbone Tent Stakes Pegs Lengthen Deck Nail Anchor Stopper Guyline Tensioner Camping Accessories(Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SN211SD/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_K9EGPNHCTRHTS1BX9R9Z
Taking extra line as you mentioned is a good idea. Use some good stakes, full size groundhogs is what was carrying.
I remember passing by one campground that looked very exposed, maybe it was Grande (?). It's been several years so I don't remember that clearly. Didn't have much wind on the north part of the O, most of the wind was along the southwest portion.
The problem I had setting up in the wind is that the gusts that came every 30 seconds or so would whip the partially set up tent around and loosen the lines in the lineloc tensioners. I had to add a slippery half hitch after each adjustment to lock the line in place so I could move on to the next line. After getting the tent fully set up and tight tight tight it was fine for the night.
Enjoy! It's a great experience!
>Also, any tips for pitching a tent on a platform?
Buy some of these. While the last tent platform I stayed at had eyehooks on the side for guying out, you'll be able to use them between the boards if needed. For a cheap and generic looking as they are, turns out they were perfect. https://i.imgur.com/xOWpipS.jpg
Something else to consider is getting a tarp and a couple of extendable poles. I got these when they were on sale for $25 (Amazon Link). Setup is fairly easy and just have to use guy ropes on each corner to hold it down, but takes up significantly less space than the 10x10 folding one. I usually attach one side to my roof rack, but I have 4 poles so I can move it around and make it stand alone. All-in was just under $100 so about the same cost as a bigger canopy.
I would not use that stand to hang a tarp, no. Way too short.
I suggest you get two telescoping tarp poles like these and hang up your tarp over your hammock stand.
We got a light blocking tarp that we put above our tent to keep it cooler and darker in the morning. I hold it up with the poles I linked to below. It requires a little work to setup and tear down. I had to basically use guy wire on all four sides to keep it from falling over.
I got four of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072K1B91Q
These are super useful, but not required, for setting up tents on wooden platforms: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SN211SD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00
This is just a cheap hammock I found at Marshalls for $10. The tarp is $40 on amazon tarp. Been real good so far. I have a Hennessy backpacker hammock and tarp but the tarp is just to small.
It will work fine if you anchor your stakes well and keep the tarp pulled tight. Pound in your stakes at a 45° angle (top away from tent) and use a “taut line hitch” to tie your ropes to the stakes. This will allow you to tighten your ropes when they get slack without untying them. I like these stakes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075QK5XNC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_j3C2BbYNSHRYZ Relatively inexpensive but effective in most situations.
I got the model down from this one. The cheaper one and seam sealed it myself. Also put a nice waterproof layer over the tarp, but it's perfect for my pack, no problems getting in and out of it and I don't have to worry about the spiders crawling into my mouth at night....
Edit: This one -- and it appears to be on sale right now. I couldn't tell really any major difference between this one and the Trekker: https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/collections/tents/products/skyscape-scout. I also had to get rid of my hiking poles in favor of their carbon poles (they fit better in the pack and reduced the weight even more).
For the tarp, I swapped out my 6x8 camouflage for two 5x7 (yes, 2!) casualty blankets instead: https://www.amazon.com/Grabber-Outdoors-Original-Weather-Blanket/dp/B002CQUA28/ref=sr_1_3/136-3362439-3277721?ie=UTF8&qid=1513256612&sr=8-3&keywords=casualty+blanket
(I'm not an affiliate). I found that these 2 casualty blankets actually folded down smaller and tighter rather than the 6x8 tarp. The foiled side helps to reflect heat better but the combo of both of them works as a backup shelter if anything happens to the tent. If not, I can use it for a rain or heat shield too. Lots off uses.
You can look at UST or Eastern Ridge Tarp as decent budget options.
https://www.amazon.com/UST-Tube-Camping-Shelter-Orange/dp/B00FB7XYRS
And if you can go a little higher to 60 bucks, check out the Chill Gorilla Pro-tent tarp or the costlier Kelty Noah.
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