Flat tarp help, East Coaster

The MLD Bug Bivy is quite roomy as bivies go and visually very open so I don’t think it would feel claustrophobic. It tensions nicely under a tarp. Do you have tie points under your ridgeline? You’ll probably want to add some or tie a light line under your ridgeline.

Just curious, what hammock tarp do you like to use?

+1 on the MLD bug bivy.  IME it is easiest to enter/exit, has great ventilation and views, and does not feel claustrophobic.

The MLD Bug Bivy Looks like a good option. Any idea how difficult it is to get into if tarp is pitch low? MLD west said it easy but would like real world experience. Does the netting on one side drop to the floor when open?? Also using the MLD Bug Bivy would you recommend a Polycryo to be the best option for a ground cloth under the tarp or would you recommend something more robust?

Polycyro is so slippery under silnylon floors. I don’t know how cuben+polycyro works. In an earlier thread several people suggested space blankets as being less slippery.

I don’t usually use a groundcloth under my Superlight or Bug Bivy.

I’ve not had to pitch my tarp low over a bug bivy… I usually sleep without a tarp out here in the West. Coverage shouldn’t be a big problem with a hammock tarp, unless it’s a very minimal asym tarp.

My tarp is huge, its a HG standard with doors equal to a 11×8.5 flat tarp so coverage is not a problem. I may have to stick some inner loops on inside to aid in the hanging of the bivy, but not a big deal. As per the Polycyro it would be more for hanging out under the tarp when the ground is wet more so than as a protective layer for the bivy. I would probably use the polycyro under the bivy just because i have it with me. I have a bunch of space blanket collecting dust that I might have to bring back into service if it helps as a floor and is less slippery.

You try the Pyramid net with the built in insectashield from Sea to Summit. No floor to it, so you would put it on top of your polycro and tuck the edges under your mat or weight them down.

http://www.ems.com/sea-to-summit-nano-mosquito-pyramid-net-with-insect-shield/19763900012.html?mrkgcl=661&mrkgadid=3216391658&rkg_id=h-f55a7c881d40c1216e964fc2e6272733_t-1511461818&emssrcid=PPC%3AgooPLAs%3A330026329123_product_type_camp_hike_brand_sea_to_summit&product_id=19763900012&adpos=1o4&creative=203259645565&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgNrQBRC0ARIsAE-m-1y0UZxPHo5Ux_MN72OOSWNRi-NOXJ8yydwA-Wlu9FsAFOOIwr9dcPYaAlUrEALw_wcB

Perfect! Cuben makes it easy to add loops exactly where you want them.

Kurt- the “set up” tab on the MLD product page has a great description of getting in and out. Because it is top entry, zipper along the ridge line, and drops flat on the ground when unclipped, ingress/egress is super easy regardless of tarp height.

I wouldn’t bother with a groundsheet with the sil floor.

Agreed, the MLD Bug Bivy is very easy to enter and exit regardless of pitch height.  You just unclip the hang clips to drop the bivy, sit upright in the bivy to position your sleeping bag or quilt, lay down and zip up.  Reverse to get out.  I concur that with the 30D silnylon bottom, a ground sheet is not needed.

It seems that we have the same set-up, although my 11 by 8.5 tarp is from Zpacks.  This large tarp pairs very nicely with either version of MLD’s Bug Bivy, as well as the Serenity Shelter.  You will require stick on hang loops/mitten hooks on the ridge line to adjust for the length of the bivy . . . easily done.  Most people would say that this sized tarp is overkill, but like you I also use it for hammock camping.  In truly foul weather the bivy can simply be rolled aside and there will be tons of space for cooking or sitting if you have a light camp chair.  Like you also, I am from the East coast (Nova Scotia), and bug protection is an absolute necessity.

Hey Duane, How well is the Zpacks flat tarp working for your hammock? Im thinking of buying one as well to replace the HG tarp. How well does it set up if you set it up with doors? Do you have any pics of it set up with your hammock?

Kurt. The Zpacks 11 by 8.5 provides marvelous coverage for a hammock. I have not tried setting it up with “doors” . . . haven’t needed to, but I expect I’ll experiment with that set-up one of these days.  I’ll see if I can find some suitable photos to post.

Hey Kurt . . . a few shots of an old Hennessy Ultralight rigged under a Zpacks 11 by 8.5  .51 cuben tarp . . . cheers.

Thanks for the pic Duane!

Look at the flat tarp drawing in the  paperback book “Lighten Up” by Don Ladigin.

On p. 13 there is a drawing called “BOMBSHELTER” and it shows a 10′ x 12′ flat tarp rigged for a storm. You need all the tie-out points shown in that drawing (and about 50′ of paracord).

To me that is the best shape for a flat tarp for windy &/or rainy and snowy weather. I’ve used it back in my “tarping days” and it works well. Still have that ripstop nylon tarp.

I have rigged an 11×8.5 as a ground cover and tarp. Tie a line from a tree to your walking pole about 9 ft away. make a tube out of the tarp and and hang it. the ends are open so I use a big tree to block one end(pack leaning against tree) and throw my poncho over the walking pole if it rains.I sleep in a big wide brimmed hat at an angle and keep a yard of bug net to throw over my head and tuck into the bag. I do admit the MLD bug bivy sounds a lot nicer, more room and more comfortable for 6.5 oz.