Rab/Integral Designs Element 2/ Element Solo Bug tent

20 oz seems pretty heavy, but I get the low cost barrier to entry idea. Speaking of, campsaver has the solo on sale. (one left)

http://www.campsaver.com/element-solo-bug-tent?gclid=CLyr0eG-xL0CFRQV7AodvA8AlQ

The low cost is really the idea. I'm afraid that after a weekend I will regret leaving my hammock. Backcountry has the Element 2 bug tent and is offering %20 off so I could take advantage of their excellent return policy. The MLD serenity shelter seems awfully small for the transition. I roam in my sleep so I am hesitant to bivy/bug bivy. I almost bought a used BPWD net tent but it had a cuben floor that I think I would trash and was $200+.

I have also considered some of the inner nets sold for various other tarp shelters. If I decide that this is the way to go I have lots of options for other tarp/net combos for sale out there too. I think for the sub $100 investment this will be a good and affordable way to determine if I am a tarp camper or not. My upcoming hike is not overly demanding ( <25 mi, 2 nights) and seems like a good shakedown. I am also 6'3" and 230lbs so some of the smaller lighter options seem like they would be very constrictive.

I have not slept in a tarp before, I'm hoping that a 10×12 with a net tent would offer enough rain coverage so that I do not need a bivy for my down bag (MH phantom 32 long). Thoughts there?

Kyle,

A 10 x 12 tarp should be plenty big enough to protect you from just about anything.
I use a 10 (12?) x 14 and it has kept 4 of us dry in torrential down pours (no wind though). I also have a Phantom 32 and rarely have any weather issues with a tarp (I usually bring a little tiny breathable top bivy – Borah Gear).
Just don't try it with a 5 x 9 tarp in windy wet weather: you can stay dry but you have to pitch the tarp so low to the ground that you can't sit up. I'm a committed tarp camper, I like the extra room, lighter weight and the views.

BearPaw Minimalist 1 Bivy $90 and 9oz or BearPaw Minimalist 2 Bivy $105 and 15.5oz.BearPaw does custom work also so you can make it lighter and more expensive or pick the features you want , he does really good work and is reasonably priced.

That complicates things. This is a way better product and fits my needs almost perfectly. I am concerned that the bathtub floor isn't quite as robust but I'm going to send an email right now.

With Bearpaw, you can move to a 70d floor if you want to.

I'm considering going to the minimalist 2 with silnylon front and rear, shipped for $165.I sent an email asking about delivery. Not sure if the minimalist2 or the net tent2 is the way to go 10×12 square tarp? Both price out roughly the same.