Doors vs. No Doors

**canoebie** · 11-26-2019, 14:39

I hung for the first 3-4 years with a Claytor diamond tarp. Talk about minimal. I really liked the simplicity, etc. Got into deep winter camping and realized the value of doors. Not to mention a 60 mph wind in a ferocious thunderstorm. I still like a minimalist tarp when I can, but most of the time my 11 ft. Winter Dream goes with. HYOFly!

**MikekiM** · 11-27-2019, 06:20

Originally Posted by slugbait

Interesting that only one person (Deadeye) voted for carrying a non-door tarp plus an add-on door (GrizzBeak). That's what I do too- works for me.

I carried a DIY Grizz Beak when I had the MamaJamba. When I switched to all cuben it made more sense to go with integrated doors.

Another option not mentioned, and one I have seen only twice in my years hammocking.. A standard tarp with integrated doors at one end only. I know Intimidator had one custom made in cuben. And I recall a recent post from someone who DIY'd it in cuben. I would carry that.

**tom_tom** · 11-27-2019, 07:16

Id say doors i recently bought a doors kit for my mamajama and had em keep my stuff dry after it was raining all day and night .i also bought a new tarp with doors with a 12foot ridge line

**deadeye** · 11-27-2019, 10:19

Originally Posted by OneClick

I used to think this way, until the windward end became all four ends on half of my trips!

Sorta like golf - the wind is always in your face.

**RippedTopShelf** · 11-28-2019, 11:58

With all the support for doors in this thread, I wonder why vendors provide so many tarps without them?

**MikekiM** · 11-28-2019, 15:20

Originally Posted by RippedTopShelf

With all the support for doors in this thread, I wonder why vendors provide so many tarps without them?

Many of the responses, mine included, note that the doors stay tucked back most of the time. So... for some, it's worth the weight savings to go without doors and roll the dice on the weather.

Others camp in areas that rarely see inclement weather..

That's my $0.02

**Sunny Bear** · 11-28-2019, 16:17

I love hammocks because they are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, the whole practice is DIY friendly, and generally everything is modular. I love only bringing what I need for that particular adventure. Different suspensions, bugnets, top covers, tarps, doors, walls, hammock docks, etc. My pack is always a different sprinkling of gear that is most conducive to that trip.

Sent from my SM-G930VL using Tapatalk

**Immortalviking** · 12-02-2019, 22:34

Being ex-Infantry, i cant help but laugh at people who will forego something that will offer superior shelter in order to save a few ounces.
I understand than Ounces Are Pounds and Pounds Equal Pain, but when im backpacking, im not carrying a 25lb LMG,800rounds of ammo or 20lbs of body armour. So from MY perspective, an extra 2oz in my pack for extra wind/rain protection is a no brainer. Im still carrying almost 100lbs less than i would be in the Forces.
If youre really that concerned, do 50 Burpies each day, a week before your trip. You will lose those 2oz off your body somewhere.
YMMV.

**MikekiM** · 12-03-2019, 06:16

I hate Burpies.. but darn-it if they don't work wonders.

**cmoulder** · 12-03-2019, 07:39

I did a 2-night trip a few days ago and took along my Palace.

First night featured a spiffy little breeze of about 10-15mph, which has a distinctive 'bite' when ambient temp is around 25°F. I pitched the Palace pretty tight to the ground, closed the doors and slept quite warm.

Second night there was no wind and I didn't use a tarp at all with ambient a few degrees cooler, around 19°F. Darn if the wind didn't kick up just a bit around 11pm, maybe 5-8mph, and I got a little cool. Still slept okay but could've been somewhat warmer, and would've been really toasty with the Palace.

So just a small breeze can make a difference. And one of the few times I diverged from my "always pitch the tarp" practice I got a little reminder to "always pitch the tarp."