Make You r Own
Backpacking Tarps And Bivy Sacks

Making Backpacking Tarps

Backpacking tarps and bivy sacks are both decent alternatives to a tent. They will usually be lighter on You r wallet as well as on You r back, especially if You make them You rself. I don't have much to tell You about making tarps (my experience consists only of one failed attempt), but Ray Jardine does. He'll tell You how in The Ray-Way Tarp Book: How To Make A Tarp And Net-Tent.

Some of You may even enjoy the process, but not myself. Somewhere around the hundredth hour of sewing I lost interest in making gear, except for the simple things. Tents and backpacking tarps are not simple things to make.

Making Bivy Sacks

A bivy sack, on the other hand, can be two garbage bags duct-taped together to create one large bag (then cut one end open). Use the extra-large bags. The ones I make weigh 4 ounces, and are 3'x7'. I use them for a weekend trip or an over-nighter, and throw them away.

At less than a dollar, the price is right. So there is You r lesson on making ultralight bivy sacks. Only 4 ounces, it will fit in You r pocket, and leave You only a little damp in the morning (from condensation; don't breath inside it). Hit the trail and You 'll be dry in a few minutes. You really should only use this type of bivy sack in a dry climate, but I haven't had any real problems yet.

You can also check out the page on bivy sacks.

The Ultralight Traveller's Guide | Make Backpacking Tarps And Bivy Sacks