Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1281650
of kilogram to include the straps. Also, size wise they are like small balls. They are perfect for warm weather and when combined with tarp or poncho, these are going to work well even when raining. Main problem with hammocks is the location – you need to have a tree or branch to hang it on. Also, in cold weather or in a windy spot, you need to have some more insulation (about 1 kilogram) and tarp (0.5 kilogram), and the weight and the bulk are dramatically increasing. Honestly, you can find a tent around this weight. Hammocks won't work well below zero degrees… The tarp/poncho/basha are another great option for improvised shelter in the wild. They might be used to build an ultra-minimalist tent when combined with straps and spikes and they will be less than 1 kilogram. You don't need regular tent poles, just can use your trekking instead! To set up a tarp properly you need some skills and time and you need to keep in mind that it won't be a perfect shelter against heavy rain or wind. Tent would be a perfect shelter in the wild. Depending on the budget and our needs, we have to expect some additional weight and bulk on our backs. The rule of thumb here is simple. The lighter the tent, the more expensive it gets. For reasonable cash you can buy a one- person tent which would be like 1.4 to 2.2 kilograms. Packed it will be like 45-50 cm long and maybe 20 cm in diameter. Setting up the tent requires some time, but it provides excellent protection against the elements and the space inside is more than enough for comfortable sleep. The double-walled design will prevent condensation. The more robust, "expeditionary" tents are more expensive than the "outdoor" ones but will withstand even the blowing wind. Another thing to consider are the fabrics used to manufacture all the above shelters. Most popular fabrics in case of tents and tarps are the polyester or nylons in both plain weave or rip-stop for increased resistance against rips. The lighter the fabric, the less durable it is. All the ultralight stuff (maybe except those made from uber-expensive Dyneema or X-pac) is… fragile. Take a note, the fabric should be coated with some durable water repellent (DWR) for increased resistance against water, but after a couple of uses you will need to restore it. EQUIPMENT