cheap, versatile shelter/rain system

Hello

I like the way you think. I own/use alot of expensive gear. I can also appreciate being thrifty.However knowledge is priceless. I spend alot of time teaching young
people how to survive in the outdoors. Primarily with Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts. Having at least two large trash bags or 55 gal drumliners with you whenever you go out can be very handy. I also agree with going as light as
possible and leaving a minimal footprint on the environment.
Thanks Jim

Let me know where you are getting the free trash bags. I'd like some.

Are you planning on using a garbage bag on top of your sleeping bag? Your insulation will soon be soaked from condensation.

Usually I just get the trash bags from work. I recycle a lot of the stuff there so they are only happy to give me trash bags.

As for condensation, if it is warm I don't use a bag and just put on some expedition weight tights. With a bag I have not seen any problems yet for huge amounts of condensation but then again I will air out my bag in the middle of the day. This is with me putting my legs inside the bag to get the wind or rain splatter off of them. And even though everyone says that bivies made out of waterproof and windproof 'breathable material' work great, I find that not to be the case so much.

And the garbage bag use use for the top can also be your rain skirt. The momentum jacket is highly water resistant also so you can leave the shelter if you need to.