>>2539114I got to thinking about the tarp, bug net, and ground sheet combo and I thought of a few reasons why someone else might do it.
>as part of a modular hammock systemThat’s why I personally have this setup. I hike in areas that are perfect for a hammock, but I took a trip to Big Bend and wasn’t going to drop a few hundred on a tent.
>a fun DIY projectA tarp is much easier to make than a tent. If you screw up a tent, it can be flappy or even leaky. If you screw up a bug net it’s not that big of a deal. Plus it’s fun.
>Europeans with few optionsAm I wrong? There don’t seem to be that many European companies making ultralight tents.
>cheaperEverything kind of ties into this, sort of. There aren’t many cheap, ultralight tents out there. And with a cheap tent, you have more possible failure point than a cheap tarp. You can find Chinese tarps and bug bivys on Amazon now, whereas maybe 5 years ago there were very few options. And they’re dirt cheap; I’ve seen them for $20. A decent nylon or polyester tarp from a reputable manufacturer is, what, $100? I know Dutchware has a bonded Xenon tarp for $135, which is like an ultra-premium new material thing that isn’t dyneema so it’s still moderately priced. Combine it with literally any $50 bug net and you’re under $200 and like 24oz, and that’s a huge benefit of the doubt.
You could probably do it for much lighter and cheaper. I just search and found a tarp by Boarh Gear, made in Montana. 70”x108”, $68, 7.2oz. Their bug bivy is 5.3oz and $84. So 12.5oz (354g) for $152 USD + tip (143 Euros).
