Pup tent's

[FredKJ]

In the modern age of backpacking tents pup tents are very archaic

Pup tents were archaic at the beginning of the 20th century. They were OK during the middle 1800's but they should have been replaced soon after that. It's actually kinda sad that the US(and I'm assuming other "modern") military used them for so long.

Yes.  Modern backpacking tents have a seperate rainfly.  There's a reason for that.  If it's raining and you seal up a pup tent you will still get wet.  you sweat and breath.  It will make the inside of a sealed tent wet and clammy.  With a seperate rainfly you have ventilation yet still keep the rain off.  The only people who use pup tents anymore are kids who play camping. They also don't really keep the rain out well.  If you want to go cheap and simple a lightweight nylon tarp can be put up in many configurations. 

[ringzero]

Yes.  Modern backpacking tents have a seperate rainfly.  There's a reason for that.  If it's raining and you seal up a pup tent you will still get wet.  you sweat and breath.  It will make the inside of a sealed tent wet and clammy.  With a seperate rainfly you have ventilation yet still keep the rain off.  The only people who use pup tents anymore are kids who play camping. They also don't really keep the rain out well.  If you want to go cheap and simple a lightweight nylon tarp can be put up in many configurations. 

All true, but there is still a rationale for the humble pup tent:  it's all some people can afford.

I spent many nights in various pup tents before I could afford my first really decent backpacking tent.

Except in heavy windblown rain, you can keep the ends of a pup tent open for ventilation and stay dry.  You can even stay fairly dry in heavier rains, although things may get somewhat soggy from condensation.

The one big advantage of a pup tent over a tarp setup:  bug protection - which is not inconsequential at this time of the year.

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[FredKJ]

True a tarp will do nothing for bugs.  If their are budget issues there is another option.  I'd rather look through the second hand market for a used backpacking tent than a pup tent.  Bugs aren't that bad of an issue usually.  Of course skeeters can be a problem but there is DEET for them. 

[ringzero]

True a tarp will do nothing for bugs.  If their are budget issues there is another option.  I'd rather look through the second hand market for a used backpacking tent than a pup tent.  Bugs aren't that bad of an issue usually.  Of course skeeters can be a problem but there is DEET for them. 

I've always been a tarp man all the way - from fall through spring.

If the weather's good, I don't bother even putting up a tarp and just sleep on a groundcloth that I can roll up in if there is unexpected rain before morning.

I love sleeping under the stars with no obstructions around me to block my view of the natural world.

However, I hate bugs:  skeeters, biting flys, midges, chiggers, ticks, wolf spiders.

Sure, I could tough it out during summertime with just a tarp, but why?  I spend time outside for pleasure, and having bugs interfere with getting a good night's rest isn't very pleasurable - at least for me.

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[Mike Micklea]

Anyone tried something like this?

http://www.alpharubicon.com/prepinfo/ponchotent.htm

I personally use a small bivouac tent while backpacking.  Brand new it was $30, and it's lasted about 4 years now.  I wouldn't recommend it if you're at all claustrophobic.  With the rainfly on, it feels like a coffin.  (don't ask me how I know what a coffin feels like)

 

[Leatherman123]

How do you know what a coffin feels like?  A small bivouac tent looks really convenient!

[Mike Micklea]

What part of "don't ask..." do you not understand?    

[Leatherman123]

LOL!   

[ringzero]

Anyone tried something like this?
http://www.alpharubicon.com/prepinfo/ponchotent.htm

Not exactly, although this guy's pole system looks well constructed.

One problem I see immediately is that the highest point is at the center of the poncho, with the ends sloping down to touch the ground.

So, the poncho has plenty of clearance above your belly, but nearly touches your face and feet.  Not good in terms of your breath condensing on the poncho and then dripping back onto your face.

Also not good in terms of usable space if you want to get in out of the rain to change clothes, cook, etc.

I have various pole systems to use with tarps.  Some poles salvaged from old tents and some poles bought just to use with a tarp.

Sometimes I don't carry poles in order to save weight.  I'll improvise poles using a hiking staff or an ice axe, or do without and hang the tarp between trees.

I personally use a small bivouac tent while backpacking.  Brand new it was $30, and it's lasted about 4 years now.  I wouldn't recommend it if you're at all claustrophobic.  With the rainfly on, it feels like a coffin.  (don't ask me how I know what a coffin feels like)

Looks like a great buy for 30 bucks!  Brand?  Weight?

Yeah, that coffin feel is just the nature of the beast with most bivouac tents.

They are hard to beat for complete weather and bug protection at a minimal weight.  Room to move around inside is sacrificed for lightweight.


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[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Anyone tried something like this?

http://www.alpharubicon.com/prepinfo/ponchotent.htm

I personally use a small bivouac tent while backpacking.  Brand new it was $30, and it's lasted about 4 years now.  I wouldn't recommend it if you're at all claustrophobic.  With the rainfly on, it feels like a coffin.  (don't ask me how I know what a coffin feels like)

 

Yeah I bought my son one a ew years go as a play tent

Pretty robust for the money

[FredKJ]

Remember that when you get a tent no matter how good it is it can still leak water.  The exception is some high end tents that have taped seams.  Unless you have one of these you will have to apply seam sealer to the seams.  The stuff usually comes in a tube and you smear it on the seams of the tent to waterproof those areas.  If you don't water will get n the seams.  You should also regularly re-seal the seams depending on usage and wear but usually once a year at least is a good idea. 

[nezza33]

I always pack a gortex bivi bag.