Need Advice on Bivy/Tarp Combo

I can't comment really, other than I too just purchased the MLD Bug Bivy and can't wait to get it. So far you're obviously lookin in the right direction!

If you are not going to use a poncho/tarp (ie. you are bringing seperate rain gear), why not go with some of the single wall shelters? they are a comparable weight and will save you some money.

http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/The_One.html

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=48

Don't get me wrong, they Patrol is an awesome piece of gear and you can't go wrong with that purchase.

This shelter looks great! Do you have any experience with it?

No experience with it, it's brand spanking new. I think it came out a few weeks ago?

Came out last week! No one has had experience with it yet, but the ones who designed it. Talk to Glen, of Gossamer Gear, who designed it. He's very easy to talk to and very honest about his creations. He or Grant or Jeff will be glad to answer your questions, I'm sure.

This may be a silly question but would something like the Patrol Shelter with its closed rear triangle and beak be more or less wind resistant than a standard catenary cut tarp?

Would it be easier to get a good pitch with the Patrol Shelter for a tarp noob?

I spoke to Ron about the pitching when I was deciding between the Patrol Shelter and a pure Grace Solo tarp. The Patrol pitches easier, somewhat like setting up a Contrail. Just peg the rear, then pole and peg out the front and add the rear pole. Because of the way the Patrol is pitched (lower), it should be more wind resistant. BTW…I went with the Spectralite Grace Solo.

John,

I was looking at the Grace Solo also (a little cheaper than the patrol), but I am still trying to figure weight and price (what the most effective combination will be).

Which is noisier, Spectralite or Spinnaker?

Spinnaker is noisier, particularly when new. I have a spare piece in my hand right now (patch material that came with my MLD Revelation should the need arise)… sort of like an ultralight kite I used to have, krinkling in the wind.

I have the Grace Solo (spinntek) from MLD. I love it. I use it in combination with a soul side zip bivy I bought used here on backpacking light (thanks Josh!!). It is warm, very flexible with the weather and light! Very well made and easy to set up. I also carry a $30 poncho/tarp I ran across at REI and use it as a beak in very windy/rainy conditions. But honestly I think I do that because I am a new tarp convert. I don't really need the poncho. Its mental comfort really.
Have fun with your decision!

I was in the same boat as you a few months ago. I ended up buying an etowah outfitters 6×10 silnylon tarp for $80.00, and even with it being my first tarp and having no previous tarp experience I could tell that the quality of the tarp was poor. I wish I had spent a little more money/more time researching these things before buying my tarp. However I did make an extremely good decision when I bought the MLD designs bug Bivy. The quality is OUTSTANDING, and it is the best solution to solving the bug problem. I am very impressed with Ron at MLD's craftsmanship, and wish I'd bought a tarp from him. The Silnylon Grace Solo tarp looks awesome, fairly affordable, and can easily be integrated with the bug bivy via clips. These two would set you back about $240.00, and for around 15oz you would have a fully enclosed shelter.

I will second the recommendation of a MLD tarp. I have a Grace solo silnylon tarp, and am very happy with the purchase. I really enjoy the caternary design, which makes it absurdly easy to get a taut pitch.

I've since purchased a Golite Poncho/Tarp used here at BPL, and am very dissappointed with the craftsmanship. Where the velcro tabs were sewn into the silnylon, holes have developed, causing me to trim off the velcro. The stitching at the corner pull-outs is coming undone. Luckily I got this used! I do however love the flexibility of the rectangular shape though, allowing me to make a decent half-pyramid shape. I've yet to take this into a storm though in conjunction with my new Titanium Goat bivy. If all goes well, I may ask Ron at MLD to custom make me a rectangular silnylon poncho/tarp.

So….for you, I'd recommend getting a MLD Grace solo (possibly a custom longer version?, probably around $20 extra??), and a longer Titanium Goat bivy. Both of these are relatively inexpensive, and of the highest quality. You could also look into the MLD Serenity shelter, which looks like a spectacular way of staying completely dry under a tarp and bug free.