DIY tarp thought and Sierra Madre Research 'Nube'

[makomachine]

So I've recently discovered the Nube, after the Kickstarter had closed. There is some great thought around the design, with a few areas leaving me scratching my head. My main question to the group, while I ponder a DIY tarp, is as follows.

Has anyone successfully integrated a bugnet into a tarp? Pros and cons that you have found? I'm also interested In the way the suspension runs through the tarp 'sleeves'. Seems like this would be a great way to bypass doors, grizz beaks/peak beeks, and some form of drip system. Anybody ever try this approach?

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...y-sierra-madre

My main head scratching area is around how high this system sits in relation to the ground. Seems like it would be too drafty in the winter/cooler months or make entry a challenge with very low sides if hung lower. Overall, I appreciate their thought in design and their overall mission to help others in need - just not sure their product is a fit for me personally. And, most true, I'm a bit DIY obsessed lately....

[pommychris]

The main problem I see with supending bug netting from a tarp is that its a lot of extra material for not too much benefit all the space under the tarp would be un-useable unless there was a stronger material on the floor ie in the nube also i guess it would limit the ammount of flexibility you had to pitch your tarp, out wide and high or steep and low, not wanting to put a damper on your idea i like the design put forth in the nube just some fodder for the mental meat grinder.

[Bubba]

I like the Nube concept but for me, I prefer a more modular approach. I like being able to set a tarp on its own for say a lunch break or day hike. When there are no bugs I can take a netless hammock if I wanted to. Having a tarp in porch mode with a wide open view is awesome for watching sunrises, sunsets or lightning storms. A tarp with side pull outs has more interior room to move around under as well. Being able to take different tarps means I can take a lighter tarp when backpacking or a bigger tarp when snowshoeing. I know not everyone out there has multiple hammocks and tarps so the Nube will appeal to those who want an all in one system.

As a DIY'er, I think you'd be better off making all the components separate. Having a separate bugnet gives you the option of leaving it at home in the bug free weather. I also think a tarp, hammock and bugnet would be easier to make on their own vs making a Nube style system. Just my opinion.

[makomachine]

Good points and I'm likely to stick to a more proven and modular design. I was intrigued with the bugnet and shape as having a single tarp setup for my wife and I is an attractive option. Regardless, I appreciate someone pressing the envelope with new ideas.

[Hammonkey]

The nube, however creative, falls short for me in 3 main areas: 1. by being overly convoluted in design and setup. 2. by being really heavy. And 3. by being way too expensive for what it is.

[VictoriaGuy]

The nube, however creative, falls short for me in 3 main areas: 1. by being overly convoluted in design and setup. 2. by being really heavy. And 3. by being way too expensive for what it is.

EDIT: Thanks, Brady, for the clarification. Nube (as I should have seen when I read the specs) is only a 'shelter system' which needs a hammock added. Sorry to 'muddy the waters'......
End Edit
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I don't think I'd buy a Nube either, but....

I don't understand your statements about weight and price.
What is your comparison product?
Warbonnett products seem to be a particular 'pet' of many people at HF , and it sounds to me like the Nube is
a)lighter (2# / 32 oz without stakes)
b)cheaper ($250)

than something like the WBBB and a large tarp (39 oz and $295).

Some folks might even compare the Nube to the 52 oz $300+ Exped Ergo, though I don't think it is competitive with the Ergo when you examine the design and features.

[Brady]

I don't think I'd buy a Nube either, but....

I don't understand your statements about weight and price.
What is your comparison product?
Warbonnett products seem to be a particular 'pet' of many people at HF , and it sounds to me like the Nube is
a)lighter (2# / 32 oz without stakes)
b)cheaper ($250)

than something like the WBBB and a large tarp (39 oz and $295).

Some folks might even compare the Nube to the 52 oz $300+ Exped Ergo, though I don't think it is competitive with the Ergo when you examine the design and features.

The Nube is 32oz without the hammock, you need to add one. The Superfly is 19oz. I think that's what is being compared

[Brady]

I think it's a cool concept and my wife may buy one for car camping but not for the backpack. It's definitely not the heaviest option out there but it's up there.