Using an Inner Tent with a Tarp

[Reality]

Here's an idea that some may wish to experiment with that might be of some use in certain conditions and circumstances: Use an inner tent body from a mainstream manufactured double-wall design as a net-tent along with a standard flat tarp (rather than the tent's fly).

The thinking is that the inner tent can function as a net-tent for those tarp users who want the versatility of a tarp but desire bug protection (and already have an inner tent on hand).

Now, it's understandable that this is not likely to be something that will be opted for as a preferred setup. And, in some cases, it's likely to weigh more than using the actual double-wall tent.

However, there may be some merit in giving this a go - provided one has a lightweight inner tent and tarp on hand. This allows a tarp user the versatility that s/he has come to appreciate in a tarp (e.g. ventilation, ease of setup in rain,...) while offering stable bug (...) protection.

For example, one might opt for pitching a flat tarp over a SL1 or Fly Creek inner tent. [By the way, in the case of the FC inner tent and an 8x10 flat tarp, one is most-likely looking at a little over 2 pounds in weight. There's less weight if the inner tent can be pitched using line rather than its poles. And if a spin or cuben tarp is used, there's more tarp coverage ... and this setup ends up weighing less than the original fly and inner tent (with greater versatility).]

Certainly one may obtain or make another net-tent, but this is directed at those who already own (or may soon acquire) an inner tent (and perhaps cannot obtain/make another option).

Please share any other inner tents (from double-wall designs) and their weights that you're aware of, for those who may be interested in this madness.

It may also be beneficial to pitch the tarp without poles when using this setup (no trekking poles needed, fewer stakes...).

Again, it is understood that there are several other options to accomplish this sort of thing. And this is an easy idea to throw all sorts of other "better" ways at. This is merely an possibility for those who want all the benefits of a tarp and may need a net-tent but only have an inner tent body from another tent they own. There are many other posts on doing it all the other ways.

Most outer tent (fly) designs do not offer tarp users the versatility of a standard flat tarp. Although a tent's inner tent does offer the benefits of a net-tent (most-likely with a weight penalty and perhaps practical issues -- though remains versatile and of potential benefit to a few backpackers).

FWIW - YMMV.

Reality

[Wayback]

Sounds like a great idea for hot weather camping when flying blood suckers are a problem: best possible ventilation and best possible bug protection.

[SSDD]

I have done this many times with one of my bivy tents and poncho it is a bit heavy but for me it has been nice to keep the rain and light snow off while still getting lots of venting and views. Also it could be a way for people to get use to using a tarp on it's own.

The bivy is 2.5 lbs and the pocho is 20oz

[Reality]

Thanks for the illustration SSDD. That's the general idea.

Reality

[misterkrabs]

I have done this for summer bug protection and for friends that are not comfortable with just a tarp. I bought an REI bug hut II that I use under the tarp. With a campmor tarp it's still fairly lightweight and very cheap, the bughut is 2.5 pounds without stakes and it's free standing. It is a very versatile system.

Using them both together in good weather allows for a lot of ventilation and protection for passing showers or heavy dew. In wind blown rain, it's a bit fussy to set just right to allow for easy access in and out of the tent while still keeping dry. It provides both protection from bugs and somehow gives a greater sense of psychological security even though it's all mesh. It's also nice to have a bathtub floor.

[big_load]

I've seen this configuration most often employed in private campgrounds where people deploy tents for weeks or months that may be sun-damaged. However, I have seen backpackers set up this way a few times.

[Jriker]

have considered doing the same thing with my current bivy style tent. it has a small rain fly, but when that's left off the ventilation is fine, and condensation is a non-issue. i like my tarp, i just don't like the bug issue. thanks for reminding me about this idea, as i'd forgotten. i'll be trying it when it warms up a bit... probably february here in VA.

[brooklynkayak]

I wanted to post on the subject mainly to get the thread back at the top.

This is something to consider for people with tarp phobias. I see too many people suffering in the summer heat in their double wall tents. This could really be a godsend for many people if they considered it.

Who knows, after some experience with this, they might eventually dump the tent and just use the tarp for the non-bug times of year.

[Reality]

Good points, brooklynkayak. It's a good way (for those who have such things on hand) to test themselves with regard to tarping.

Reality

[Eagleeye-]

I've often used the Eureka Spitfire Solo innertent under the Gatewood Cape

[PBF Support]