beaked tarps: a reasonable solution for muliple environments?

I'm not aware of your particular situation, but I had a pleasurable experience with BearPaw with my Cuben Cub Den 1.5 and he was very flexible. Here is their return policy for anyone else considering a purchase:

http://www.bearpawwd.com/faq.html#returns

Yes – the anti-Mountain Laurel Designs approach.

He was upfront with me and spent the time to go over specifics or tweaks. I do not have a problem with his policy. If others do, they will vote with their wallets. *shrugs*

Right. So I explain my experience, and you have to jump in and attempt to discount it. Not necessary. People will make choices themselves with the information provided. I was disappointed. Others won't be.

It's an open forum. You gave your experience, I gave mine. I don't see a problem with this other than it detracting from the OP asking for advice on beaks at this point. I'll say no more. Take care.

Firstly, this statement is erroneous: "bugs in the Appalachians they are not bad at all. The mosquitoes are non existent, ticks are rare unless you are in Alabama"

There are places and times in the Appalachians where the bugs are relentless, including mosquitoes and black flies. Ticks are very common in many areas north of Alabama and there are many people that get Lyme disease as a result.

Everyone has different solutions to shelters, but to me the best compromise for one shelter is a single wall shelter with built-in bug net. There are often places and times where I backpack when shelter from rain AND shelter from bugs is a big deal. When I was on the A.T. I had a separate bug bivy and tarp and wish that I had a tarp with attached netting, now they have them. I also prefer a built-in ultralight floor. I used a Wild Oasis and a Lunar Solo on the PCT. Great shelters. As we know cuben is where it's at now for light weight.

Nope, no bugs at all up here, hehe:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=615837125476&l=59db2ed63b

(last time I ever wore short sleeved shirts on the trail BTW)

Best solution IMO is a tarp and bug bivy.

I have a shelter with enclosed bug netting, but if I ever feel like being lazy and crawl into a shelter on the trail during bug season, I'd get eaten alive. With the tarp and separate bug bivy/tent I can pitch the bug shelter inside the shelter for a comfortable sleep.

A small bug tent (MLD or BearPaw offer them) doesn't give the ~most~ enclosed space that is safe from the bugs like a fully enclosed shelter would, but I appreciate the versatility more and it's still not a bivy which I personally don't think I'd enjoy.

But yes…definitely everyone has different solutions that work for them. G_d knows I've been through plenty of iterations. Haha.