Dogs and Tarps

If I need protection from the bugs and so do my dogs.

I got a tarp with a perimeter net to have the floorless experience and bug protection but I have yet to test it out.   In the past they’ve been in the tent with me.

My dog loves a tent. Puts himself to bed shortly after dinner. Don’t think either of us would get any rest if not enclosed when together. Myself, cowboy camping is fine. Use Advantix or some such for bugs.

My problem with the tarp/bivy is that CharlieDog likes to wander at dawn, and I’m generally still snoozing away.

As for bugs, I have an anecdote: my first trip with my BRAND SPANKING NEW Cuben fiber Duomid with the solo cuben inner net!  Everyone said this would be a GREAT set up for a solo hiker and a dog!  I’d be in the net, muddy/wet 85-lb Chuckles would be in the vestibule…PERFECT!  We were in the Porcupine Mountains in N Michigan in July.  I have NEVER had such a bad mosquito experience outside of Alaska.  NEVER.  My poor pooch was going crazy…and he crammed himself in my brand new cuben fiber floored (and oh-so-fragile noseeum netting!) SOLO inner net with me.  Then promptly put his claws through the netting.  We survived that horrible night, and I learned how to sew noseeum netting.

Moral of the story?  If you need bug protection…so does the dog.

Then watch for the wandering if that’s an issue for you.