MYOG: tyvek ground cover / bivy combo
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Hi guys
Here is a photo of a bivy I made using Home Wrap Tyvek, based on Thom's design, with the addition of a side zip.
Dimensions are:
– Length (excluding hood section): 195cm (77")
– Width at top: 82cm (32")
– Width at bottom: 63cm (25")I field-tested in last week over a couple of nights, with the temp dropping to 2-3 degrees C. (35-37 degrees F). I used it under a MYOG tarp-tent (Henry Squires style).
It was a bit snug-fitting. I had a thick (cheap, synthetic) sleeping bag and a 3cm (1.2") pad inside the bivy, plus thermals and fleece jacket. Quite a challenge to roll over, which I do a lot. I started with the sleeping bag draped over me, quilt style, but I got too cold underneath and ended up with the bag zipped up.
It was great at blocking a cold breeze that was blowing. Although the hood flap would do better with some means of closing it up – a tie loop or perhaps just some velcro to fasten it to the main bag.
I had a major issue with condensation on the second night, with the sleeping bag getting quite damp – and cold! It wasn't too bad the first night, so perhaps it had something to do the with the mist/drizzle being blown through the tarp and the fact that the bag was fairly open at the top.
Given the issues with fit and condensation I am considering making another, larger one, using 1443r Tyvek and based on the Mateusz version elsewhere here (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=17099&skip_to_post=129567#129567)
I never got around to making a dri-ducks bivy as I posted about above, but I finally bought some Tyvek off e-bay and made myself a Tyvek tent. My goal in building this tent was to provide a shelter for me, my 50-lb dog, and my gear in a light rain. I think if I pitch my GoLite poncho tarp over my Tyvek tent, it could withstand some pretty heavy rain.
The whole tent was made from a single piece of Tyvek Housewrap from a 9' wide roll. I cut out the shape shown below:
And then folded it into the tent's shape. This way, the tent only has 4 seams: two on the bottom and then two for the door to open. The ones on the bottom were glued using Super 77 and then taped over. The front door is simply secured via velcro tape. This allows me to vent the door as needed. Living in Arizona, I'm not too worried about condensation.
The tent measures 44'' wide x 78'' long x 36'' tall. The width is just fine, but I'm 5'6'' and wish I had made it a little longer because it's kind of tight in the foot area. It's not too bad, just something I would change if I build it again.
The tent is supported in the middle by a trekking pole, and then I made four loops out of Tyvek on the tent's corners so it could be staked out. This provides a surprisingly secure pitch, even with the door open. Here are some pictures of the completed tent:
The only thing it's missing is one strip of velcro tape to secure the bottom of the door (I ran out and need to get some more), but so far it weighs 16.3 oz! This weight is the tent only and doesn't include the stakes or trekking pole. I've spent one night in my backyard in it so far and have found it's not too loud to sleep in and that venting the door is pretty key to staying comfortable on hot summer nights. I think I may have finally found a durable, dog-friendly ultralight tent.
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