Sleep System and Shelter

The Sleep System and Shelter

I have been gathering info and going through personal debates as to the best approach to this comfort /weight dilemma when it comes to my rack and roof. I have been a tent guy ever since I can remember but I finally asked myself why do I need a tent? So I researched several alternatives and decided on a tarp with a walking pole support. I love the weight of the tarp vs the tent and I like the versatility of the tarp far more than the tent. I must admit I am a fair weather hiker. I'm talking 3 seasons of course and they are as follows; Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall. 5 months of Idaho is all I'm looking to do. Mostly 2-4 night trips with maybe one longer trip in the late fall to put the packing season to bed with an occasional tear or two. So back to the Roof decision. TENT no Tarp. Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 is my shelter of choice after trying the tarp out. Locking all types of bugs out as well as rain is a huge advantage, warmer, cleaner so just more comfortable is an easy reason to go with a tent. To accompany this, I have a Bivy sack ready for deployment that can offer an additional layer of moisture protection and bug screen, weighs in at 13oz's. I consider this both part of my shelter and sleep system. I have two favorite bags, both by Eureka, A Hobak @ 20oz's and about the size of a pop can when in its stuff sack and is good to 60 degrees by itself and 50 degrees when used with the bivy mentioned & a button in Sea to Summit Extreme Thermal liner which adds another 25 degrees of warmth for a mere 9ozs. Adjustable layers for that hot summer night or cold Spring & Fall nights. Second is my favorite, the Cheyenne. good to 40 degrees, 30 with the bivy. What I like about this bag is several things.

Update, went on a shake down with my 11yo son on a 1 nighter to about 6500 ft elevation. We settled on a sagebrush knoll and deployed the TARP, bags & bivy's. Not impressed. Bivy's worked well but the tarp was not our style. We had red ants every where and numerous other bugs. the bivy's zipped them out but there was also dust and dirt everywhere. Tarp is now designated as additional rain or sun barrier. Back to the tent. My goal is to pick up a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2. very light, actually lighter than our two bivy's and the Tarp. so no great loss, just a lateral adjustment in housing.

Eureka Cheyene Sleeping Bag Benefits;

#1 It's not down! Down is a pain in the butt for the inexperienced 3 season hiker. I have had several down bags, spent hundreds of $ only to hate their durability and moisture characteristics. too hot in the prime time hiking weather, too bulky(comparativly), confineing(mummies), and a horible value. So don't insult your inteligence anymore and pad the wallets of the goof balls designing these fluffy money pits any more. Everything else you get for packing is high tech, why not your insulated bag too? Would you buy Down boots to hike in? enough said there.

#2 its rectangular! I toss and turn so a mummy s confining to me.

#3 zips together with my wife's Cheyenne for added warmth! This bag weighs in at only 41oz's and is great on hot nights as well as cool nights + it dries very quickly when wet unlike over priced down mummies.

Under the bag; Big Agnes 66" X 20" Clearview @ 11oz's or my Pacific Outdoor 3 season 76" X 24" @ 31oz's

I use a 4.5oz Inflatable pillow from Big Agnes with a custom made cotton pillow case
This and a 5mg Ambien keeps me comfy and sound asleep until its coffee time.

Next I will go over the Pack and Kitchen. I would love to hear what you are using!