Shelter
Shelter starts with your clothing. The things we choose to wear during the day are the first barriers that we have against the elements. We look to create a microclimate for our body, trying to maintain a core body temperature. But, an extended microclimate that gives us additional shelter from the weather conditions, somewhere to work, rest, cook or carry out camp chores is a fundamental part of our kit selection. Whether it be tarp, tent, tipi or simply a bivvi bag, different types of shelter can offer different benefits, and more often than not trade offs as well, usually in the form of weight or bulk. A common denominator across all forms of shelter is the feeling of protection and the morale boost that comes with the feeling of having a 'home' however big, small, permanent or temporary. Depending on the time of year, where I am going, what I am doing, how far I am travelling, and possibly how many people will need to use the shelter, the options below come into consideration. I am including my sleep system in this section, as I am a firm believer that bedding is an integral and essential part of the shelter system, they work together and compliment each other so tightly that it seems the most appropriate place to feature it.
My favourite and most frequently used shelter is my DD 3x3 tarp in Multicam, so we'll start with that.
My favourite and most frequently used shelter is my DD 3x3 tarp in Multicam, so we'll start with that.
DD Tarp 3x3 in Multicam pattern.
Military Basha
Solo Tent - Robert Saunders Space Packer
DD Camping Hammock
Tenth Wonder Green Hornet Hammock
Inflatable Mattress
USMC 4 Piece Modular Sleep System
Purchased from an online auction site, this bag probably represents one of the most value for money kit purchases that I have ever made. These things are being sold in many cases for well over £100, and in some places I have seen them going for nearer the £150 mark! It is a great bit of kit and should cover 99% of your sleeping requirements for the year (short of a mattress or bedding). But being as they are surplus systems these days, I cant help but feel from a personal point of view that having paid £70 including delivery for this item, I got a great deal. When you look at the options it gives you that becomes more and more evident, especially with the way that I set this up for ground dwelling.
The system is made up of 4 parts.
The system is made up of 4 parts.
British Army Issue Arctic Hammock
Nicknamed the 'Bouncing Bomb', the British Military arctic sleeping bag is one heavy bit of kit. You really don't want to be walking too far with this on your back. Firstly, its heavy, secondly, its bulk means that you will probably have very little room in your pack for anything else at all with this bad boy coming along for the ride!