Homemade Ultra Lightweight Bivy Tent For Backpacking

Well, I finally had the time to get this tent finished. The total weight ended up being 19.3 ounces... not quite the sub 1 pounder that I was hoping for, but not too bad either way. Although I already had a backpacking tent that I was content with, I wanted something more suited for my solo ultra lightweight backpacking trips. I think this new piece of gear will fit the bill perfectly. I chose a simple and basic A-frame design (reminiscent of those old Boy Scout days hehe) partly for ease of construction and also to allow for the independent use of the rainfly as it's own shelter. For those quick overnighters in good weather, the little 5x7 cover functions perfectly as a light backpacking tarp (and weighs about 4 ounces). For bug protection without the threat of rain, the mesh tent can be used alone and weighs in at 14.2 ounces. Not a bad little system if I say so.

This entire setup was made from scratch with the majority of the materials coming from a tent a was given that was beyond repair. I did however research the cost of purchasing all of the materials new and was surprised to find how inexpensive it was. For this reason, as well as how simple this design was to make, I decided to throw in an instructional video combined with a "how to" article on my blog for anyone wanting to build a similar tent. It really wasn't too hard or time consuming at all (and if I can do it, then anyone can!). As soon as I get these finished I will include the links below. You'll have to kindly bear with me here as I haven't done this before and am just getting this blog started as a way to supplement the content of my channel.

Anyhow, if you're still reading this (lol) then I just wanted to say thanks for all the support and all of your kind comments my friends! Take good care now!

http://intenseangleroutdoors.blogspot.com/

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• homemade
• ultra
• light
• weight
• lightweight
• bivy
• backpacking
• tent
• bag
• sack
• gear
• equipment
• shelter
• nylon
• tarp
• silnylon
• bushcraft
• survival
• hiking
• DIY
• outdoor
• camping
• emergency
• poncho
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• person

[freeboy731]

Your videos are great buddy. You could have a future in minimalist designs I swear. Personally I have a MSR Hubba Hubba because my guilty pleasure is having a luxurious little home away from home (plus its good against the high wind places I overnight at). But that weighs me down about 4.5 pounds so this would be a great substitute for the calm hot summer nights here in California. You've got a nice talent turning trash into treasure my friend, not to mention your unbelievable sewing abilities!

[intenseangler]

@freeboy731 Thank you my friend, I really appreciate that!

Yeah, I originally came up with the idea for this little tent simply for bug protection when camping out on the river... then it occurred to me that I could just add my lightweight tarp as a rainfly and turn it into a bivy for mild weather conditions. You definitely can't go wrong with that MSR of yours though... that's an excellent tent for virtually any weather!

Very best to ya!

[567sniper]

great job. Looks great. Where did you locate the materials (mesh, etc) to make it? How much money do you have in it?

[intenseangler]

@567sniper Thanks man, I appreciate that. I actually recycled all of the materials for this off of a couple of old tents that were beyond repair, so my cost was pretty much free :-)

[PHARRAOH]

how is this one holding up? you need to make some videos with some of your projects in use. specialy this one. its realy cool and perfect for solo treks.

[intenseangler]

@PHARRAOH I made a few mods to it since this video... it works pretty darn good now. I've taken it on a couple of river trips (which was one of my main reasons for making it... keeps out all the bugs when camping on the riverbank in the summer). Great idea on doing an update vid with some of this stuff in the field... maybe a trip is in order using only homemade gear? ;-)

[jortiz67]

Nice Job...I would have said where can I buy one if you didnt say you made it...Great Work man

[peteragain]

Nice project, well done I think. How about the additional info on used materials, zipper etc.?

I wonder, the zipper for the entrance, is that a straight zipper or can you give any zipper that is long enough an angle?

Thanks,

[gosutuan]

Awesome DIY tent! I just subbed.

[quintin636]

where is the how to vid????!!!!

[quintin636]

GREAT TENT beautiful!!

[BigTVideos]

Love your channel, I make stoves, Tarps, and some other stuff. You have some good stuff here friend.

BigT