Super cheap DIY backpacking shelter

Lampshadeburg 2017-07-28 19:04:12 UTC #1

I haven't tried this yet, but it looks like a pretty simple idea. I might do one just for the fuck of it.

mikemikev 2017-07-28 19:13:02 UTC #2

There are several grades of polyethylene. UHMWPE is one of the toughest materials available, it's also known as dyneema or cuben. But this is LDPE film right? It might be ok for prototyping but that's going to break very easily, which won't be fun. Keep some lightweight nylon on hand. Siliconise it too.

Edit, this was a pretty cool idea in the article.

Lampshadeburg 2017-07-28 19:47:24 UTC #3

I think it's HDPE. I have some 6mil at home for a floor vapor barrier. Not sure if it's all the same thing.

I wouldn't trust this for more than a few nights. Dynema, silnylon, and silpoly are fantastic, but you have to know how to sew. Plus the price is no comparison. This just takes ductape, some string, and a stick.

mikemikev 2017-07-28 19:48:42 UTC #4

Yeah, it is cool. But I wouldn't trust it for anything distant.

Remover 2017-07-29 04:57:32 UTC #5

I usually bring this 40 dollar one man bivy tent that I got at Big5 (not sure if national chain) I'd like to at some point build up the nerve to spend a whole night without being zipped into something mesh, I've done it a few times but I get really paranoid about snakes, scorpions, spiders, mice crawling on my face etc, and it makes it hard to sleep. But I'd recommend this thing (Golden Bear bivy tent) if you have a Big 5 near you. It compresses down really small and it's always kept me dry.

Sassy 2017-07-29 19:27:44 UTC #6

With that new duct tape by Flex Seal, I believe all things are possible.

Griz 2017-08-03 02:17:32 UTC #7

The clear plastic lends itself to super-shelter options.
The clear will amplify heat from a fire into your shelter environment like a greenhouse.
They work. I did one and got about 40 degree increase inside the shelter with out even really trying. I just don't like tents, prefer to watch it snow/rain. What I did with this material was hang it over the open side of a permanent lodge pole lean to.
This aint the best video but youll get the idea.

BorderNorth 2017-08-03 02:21:03 UTC #8

1) Buy an axe
2) Learn to use it
3) Sorted

Lampshadeburg 2017-08-03 17:16:37 UTC #9

This isn't for recreational backpacking. Taking an axe is a bad choice.

BorderNorth 2017-08-03 21:20:39 UTC #10

I was teasing you mate

Nowt wrong with what you posted, looks like fun.

PS maybe try two layers for condensation etc

Astral-Pepe 2017-08-06 13:15:12 UTC #11

I'm planning a 3 day bug out this week and I'm going to document everything and post a DIY article. I've got at least one trick you've never seen before so stay tuned.

Lampshadeburg 2017-08-06 13:58:55 UTC #12

Sounds like click bait. "You won't believe this one trick!"

Be sure to take pictures. Also a before and after description of what you thought would work and how it actually performed is always helpful.

Astral-Pepe 2017-08-06 14:01:00 UTC #13

I will document everything and I won't clickbait my post title.

Griz 2017-08-07 00:39:03 UTC #14

Don't forget the knife picture.

Brewmaster88 2017-08-08 00:24:02 UTC #15

With the way the Jews run this country, soon we will all be backpacking. Good topic.