Tent Alternatives: Lightweight Bivy Tent and Hammock Sleep System

A Lightweight Tent Doesn't Have to be a Tent

When heading out to do some wilderness camping you may want to consider an alternative to the traditional tent. Whether it's to try and save weight when backpacking, or just try something different, a tent alternative can be quite comfortable and versitile. I am an experienced backpack camper, and I have had my share of trials and tribulations when it comes to packing the right items for my excursions.

The Bivy Tent or Bivy Sack

One alternative to a tent is the waterproof bivy. There is a bivy tent and a bivy sack, both of which are very similar except the bivy tent is much like a very small tent while a bivy sack is simply an outer bag that goes over your sleeping bag to protect it from the elements. Both of these options is more akin to sleeping under the stars and very light weight. If you decide to go this route, make sure to choose a bivy tent or bag that is made from a waterproof AND breathable type fabric like Gortex or Paratex. These are more expensive than a simple waterproof coated fabric bivy sack that doesn't breath. With a non-breathable sack, you will soon find that your sleeping bag becomes damp overnight from the water vapor your body naturally puts off.

Some bivy tents and sacks come with the top made of waterproof / breathable material and the bottom of a waterproof coated fabric. These are a good choice to help hold down cost while still allowing your sleep system to "breathe off" the water vapor.

When using a bivy tent, I recommend some type of sleeping pad to help smooth out the bumpy ground and also keep you off the dampness and cold. Sleeping pads come in many different types and sizes:

• There are foam pads, which are the least expensive and probably the least comfortable.
• Self-inflating pads, which are made from a compressable piece of foam inside an air tight fabric envelope. There is also a purge valve - when you roll it up for transport you can squeeze out all the air; when you unpack you just open the valve and it inflates automatically.
• The last type of sleeping pad, and I find the most comfortable, is the inflatable air mattress. These are normally a bit heavier and you have to huff and puff to fill it up, but they are very comfortable. Which ever you choose alway make sure to clear the area underneath it to avoid punchures.
  

Another nice item to include in this lightweight sleep system is some type of bug net. That is, if your trip will occur in a time of year and place that bugs will be a concern. As a side note, a bug net is also nice to have even if you have a traditional tent. It allows you to sit out without being eaten alive while not feeling cooped-up in your tent. I usually take my bug net with me and call it my "portable livingrooom". It weighs very little, and since I live in Michigan where the state bird is the mosquito, it really comes in handy. I use the double wide version of the military "mosquito bar" that was used to cover military cots. When strung by some parachute cord from a couple trees it makes a nice refuge from the ever hungry bugs.

Another item to include with your bivy sack would be a rain tarp. Even though your bivy sack is waterproof, it is nice to have an area to get out of the rain to change clothes, fix meals, and just relax. It is nice to have a pre-made apex line for your tarp to hang from. You can string your apex line, hang your tarp, and string out the corners during a downpour and not get the underside of the tarp wet.

If your tarp doesn't have loops sewn in and you plan to throw it over your apex line make sure to add what is called "drip lines on either side of the tarp.  Drip lines are short pieces of parachute cord about 3 or 4 inches long tied on the apex line to keep rain from running down the line underneath the tarp.  This way as the apex line gets wet when the water gets to the drip line gravity makes it run down and drip off on the ground instead for comming under the tarp and dripping on you.

Hammock Sleep System - Not Just For Relaxing in the Backyard

A hammock is another alternative to a regular tent. Hammock sleep systems are also lightweight and can be very comfy. Word of thought: make sure you can sleep in a hammock before you commit to this idea. If you normally sleep on your stomach or side this might not be a good choice for you as this is impossible in a hammock. You will also need to be sure there will be at least two trees close enough together and stout enough to easily hold your weight where you will be camping. You will need some straps or rope to string-up your hammock system. There are some special straps made just for this, however, two lengths of rope will work as well. Just make sure, when you pick a spot for your hammock, to clear anything on the ground underneath it. You wouldn't want to land on rocks or pointy items if you end up falling out of your hammock. Make sure you know how to tie a knot that is strong enough to hold your weight, yet will come apart when you want it to.

Some hammocks come with a built-in bug net and rain tarp.  One of these is called a Hennessy Hammock.  These are a good choice but can be a bit pricey.  You can also make a modular system with a hammock, bug net and tarp that are all seperate pieces.  The nice thing about a modular system is you can set it up using only what you think you'll need.  For instance, if things look clear and there are no bugs all you need is your hammock.  Then, if rain threatens or the bugs kick up, you can always add pieces as needed. 

A big negative about hammocks is that you can get cold very easy in them.  The air flowing underneath you, even during a coolish summer night,  can cause you to get quite chilled.  This is why I reccomend at least a small sleeping pad to go underneath your sleeping bag.

I have spent many a rainy night snug and warm in my hammock listening to the rain hitting my tarp, glad that I had a thin pad beneath me.  Whichever tent alternative you choose, make sure to test it out ahead of time to make sure it will work for you and make sure to always enjoy your time outdoors.