Homemade Ultra Lightweight Bivy Tent For Backpacking

Рет қаралды 263,756

13 жыл бұрын

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!
intenseangleroutdoors.blogspot...

Пікірлер: 358

@MaskMasterEsquire 11 жыл бұрын

This guy is a champ. Humble, smart and kind. Really appreciated.

@colmclaurin9452 2 жыл бұрын

An absolute 10 pointer along with 2 thumbs. What a fanstastic effort. I can see another lightweight tent manufacturer in the making here.

@IntenseAngler 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Col! I really appreciate the great compliment as well as your support... it means a lot!

@dcordry 13 жыл бұрын

You are the man, my friend! What an accomplishment. Your design is simple but very effective. It is very useful. The rainfly/tarp is so handy in lots of situations. You are definitely an INTENSELY AWESOME BUSHCRAFT DUDE!

@FLAGAZMAN 10 жыл бұрын

Greetings from Northern Arizona Your tent took a lot of talent. I am impressed on your bivy design. Very nice video. Great channel. Thank you for all the outdoor tips. Thanks again. Brent in No. Ariz.

@Reallybigmonkey1 13 жыл бұрын

Very cool. Thats a like a five star hotel to me! Good job man.

@sev3n386 10 жыл бұрын

AMAZING! A really nice one man tent with the mesh and the rain tarp and it was all mad by one man. Great job,congrats,i couldn`t have done any better nor could a company have done better.

@michaelbeukes 9 жыл бұрын

Truly awesome. Simple and effective. Well done!

@lastdollarfilms 10 жыл бұрын

That's really nice. I have been thinking about something like this in plastic but after seeing this I might try it in nylon. Well done

@joshyeager3259 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the inspiration! I made one of my very own! I definitely surprised myself when I finished. Don’t be afraid to go into more detail. Mine came out to 20 oz! Thank you so much for this video!

@michellenc1237 8 жыл бұрын

awesome, awesome job! Thanks so much for sharing. you've inspired me to try to make one so I'm sure I'll watch this vid 1000 times and reading your blog. wish me luck. Love it, just awesome

@ridebks 13 жыл бұрын

Nice work man! Totally IMPRESSED! Your back will thank you! Thanks for sharing...and you should be proud!

@bmakIIX 10 жыл бұрын

Amazing, you come with the best ideas!

@aokspage 10 жыл бұрын

Nice tent. You did a great job. It's nice to be immersed in something outside of range but in total control.

@MeetMeOutside 13 жыл бұрын

You should be proud bro ! What a great project. I can see you put a lot of time in that design. Very cool, keep on hiking !

@aprilsnell5736 8 жыл бұрын

Very creative, great job on using the sewing machine and cutting down the weight of your pack.

@simicmagic4806 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot man. I found your video to be inspiring and I intend to make my own tent to my specific needs asap. Thank you very much.

@69Grunden 13 жыл бұрын

Excellent job on your tent. Can't wait to see the instructional video. Thanks for sharing

@Unixilandia 10 жыл бұрын

Great job on that tent Amigo. This is an excellent channel, God Bless and keep the great work!

@TroutMstr40 12 жыл бұрын

I LOVE IT!! Great basic plan. Aside from extending the rainfly at least 6" on either end (rain diversion), I would also use two velcro tabs on each end of the tent (1/3 and 2/3 of the way up the tent sides) to keep the rainfly to the tent, and cut-out a slot for the rainfly to go over the tent tie-outs (using reinforced stitching) with velcro on each side of the reinforced stitched wings to tie to the tent tie-outs, in-case of wind/rain. Again, GREAT idea! Thanks for sharing.

@IntenseAngler 13 жыл бұрын

@BushNstuff First, my apologies for the very slow reply. Thanks alot for the great compliments, I really appreciate it! The tent floor is 1.9oz ripstop nylon and the fly/tarp is 1.1oz ripstop... neither were waterproof originally. I used a heavy duty spray-on sealer and it seems to have done the job very well so far. I agree, those sides were too short (I've since modified it a little so that the rainfly extends out past the tent more. Thanks again for the kind words my friend! Best to ya....

@TheLionsDen72 12 жыл бұрын

I'm all for an update to this too John!! This looks amazing and something I would like to take a crack at!! Thnx for the great ideas and for sharing all of them......Scott

@billmason3556 9 жыл бұрын

EXCELLENT design!! The only thing that I would have done differently concerns the rainfly. I would have given an extra 6 inches or so to hang over the head/foot ends of the tent. This would better protect you in blowing rain storms. It seemed like there were some areas that might allow rain to come into the tent. (8:50 mark) Otherwise, it is an amazing job! It definitely looks like you bought it from a sporting goods store.

@petermarkowsky7447 9 жыл бұрын

Well done. Looks great.

@wyrdworldwwyldenfreeborne9804 4 жыл бұрын

Beautiful work!

@gotkilroy 11 жыл бұрын

Impressive design and sewing!

@MTBIKEXC 10 жыл бұрын

Nice job! I love it!

@rainbowhiker 13 жыл бұрын

A good straight forward design. Just enough interior space to stay comfortable and have room for your kit it seems. I do like it that it is simple and simply made and at nineteen onces, I tip my hat to you, John. That is a professional job. Sure want to see your eval on it in the field. Thanks for the inspiration. Now I gotta go figure out MY sewing machine. Best to ya.

@snappa222 13 жыл бұрын

hell of a job,I am impressed

@SCRMNCHEEF1 11 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Great job!

@therazz07 11 жыл бұрын

Great job man, awesome accomplishment!!

@audiebl48 11 жыл бұрын

I am glad I came across this video. This is a great tent! Fantastic idea!

@BushCraftN4U 12 жыл бұрын

not a sewing machine IT'S A BENCH TOP THREAD INJECTOR. Excellent job on the bivy tent, my wife just inherited another project. thax for taking the effort to make these vids. good job.

@Studio64Down 11 жыл бұрын

Really great job! I like how you explain things every well.

@7LIG 11 жыл бұрын

Nice and light tent. Great idea.

@EconoChallenge 13 жыл бұрын

That is amazing. I know how much work that would be to plan out piece together and sew! WOW! Impressive.

@TinkyNex 10 жыл бұрын

great video and an awesome little system, I think I will copy it for my own lightweight system

@faruka1969 11 жыл бұрын

What an amazing job! Can't wait for the how to video. Thank you for sharing.

@scruffydude1 11 жыл бұрын

really good vid. nice little tent good job keep up the good work Mike

@KernowekScouser 12 жыл бұрын

Good work fella, very inspirational.

@ewtoutdoors 13 жыл бұрын

Excelent job on that project, looks great. Take care and have a great day.

@77subiedo 7 жыл бұрын

Awesome work!

@shelbygrl29 11 жыл бұрын

Very cool!! I LOVE IT!!!! With the general info you gave I'm pretty sure I can whip one up for myself! :) Thanks! And thanks for all your videos!! :)

@IntenseAngler 12 жыл бұрын

Thanks brother, I appreciate that. Best to ya!

@freeridingjoe 9 жыл бұрын

Great job bro !!!! Love all your post!!

@teitzy83 9 жыл бұрын

Awesome job mate! Great work!

@IntenseAngler 13 жыл бұрын

@mariner156 Thanks for the awesome compliments my friend! It would be fun making another one or two of these actually.... would probably just do it for friends or as a giveaway or something though. Thanks for taking the time to leave such a great comment! Take care.....

@PhoenixCustomPrimiti 10 жыл бұрын

Looks pretty good. Now I'm a firm believer of a larger rain fly/tarp. I say this as I have been out and about camping and nothing sucks nasty green wienies than a windy, heavy rainstorm. I learned from the hammock guys that a larger fly where you can close the ends and give yourself extra protection is well worth the extra weight. That being said, I'll repeat myself: Looks pretty good.

@ozziebanicki5872 11 жыл бұрын

That homemade bivy sack tent is phenomenal -- contratulations.

@orlandoashah303 10 жыл бұрын

That is awesome bro!

@951porsche951 6 жыл бұрын

I like the separate multi-use tarp, this is something I want to make for our hikes.

@stevenmbell 9 жыл бұрын

Very nice Job My friend.You did well and I am going to try My hand at making one for Myself.

@BrosephRussell 10 жыл бұрын

Totally Awesome job on this

@meelas010 10 жыл бұрын

very nice job man. i might take a couple parts of that design and incorporate them into a bivvy tent of my own

@steintanz 13 жыл бұрын

This looks really good - cool DIY project! Tim

@uselessbass 10 жыл бұрын

that's really cool man good build

@Prodigalson0078 6 жыл бұрын

Great job! Inspiring!

@IntenseAngler 13 жыл бұрын

@g0vqw Hey there Sandy, Thank You so much for your kind words and the great compliments.... they are truly appreciated! I tell ya, it sure was alot of fun making this tent. Can't wait to get some video of it being used in the field. Thanks for stopping by friend. -John

@IntenseAngler 12 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the compliment and the great tip my friend... much appreciated! I have made several mods to this little tent since I posted this video... I should really do an update soon! Best to ya!

@steveman223 11 жыл бұрын

I love this...very nice...and i love how you made this yourself..looks clean and professional. I wanna make something like this!!

@wolf1066 10 жыл бұрын

Great job on that tent. It's certainly a lot lighter than my one-person "Microlight" tent and a lot more versatile.

@Alloutdoor1 13 жыл бұрын

I agree with Sandy, you got crazy tent skills dude lol!

@SecurityisaMyth 11 жыл бұрын

Well done! I have been thinking about something like this for myself.

@TheCaddy84 12 жыл бұрын

YO, Thats the shizzle man. Great job. The people who make tents are so gona steal this info cause the are dry on ideas. Im proud for you dude. Keep it up for real you are inspiring to people not just me.

@MrJohn410 10 жыл бұрын

Great video. Enjoy it when the mind gets that " I can do this"

@IntenseAngler 13 жыл бұрын

@ez2curanut Thanks a bunch Jimmy! Yeah, I had to think for awhile about how to do the whole tent pole thing... was originally gonna put a small pole at both ends, but then I wouldn't have been able to get in the door lol... then thought about 2 poles in front in sleeves, kinda framing the door... then it eventually occurred to me (slow as I am lol) that I didn't even need the darn poles! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a generous comment my friend!

@ov3rcl0cked 8 жыл бұрын

That's really cool. One thing I thought was that the mesh on the front could leak even if you velcro a piece of nylon up. I think a really nifty modification would prevent that and give you more gear space. Add a vestibule to the rain fly. Give some space for the loop on the top to pop out, then just stake out half the vestibule, and the other half can either zip or velcro to it.

@moneyshot68 11 жыл бұрын

GREAT JOB!

@richardbecker5916 11 жыл бұрын

Very skilled......excellent!

@boydstone7433 5 жыл бұрын

I think you did a hell of a good job.

@surayasheikh8233 5 жыл бұрын

Ha ha not funny

@knucklehead6424 8 жыл бұрын

Looks bad ass!! I think I'd like to try it

@jelkel25 8 жыл бұрын

I've used tarp tents (basha's) since childhood, if the rains blowing in one end you lower that end (and this is why it's important to have a little extra space) and if its really bad, put your backpack at that end. I do really like the inside netting idea on your tent for mozzy season and really like the weight of the thing. I would stick to my British army basha (tarp) and deal with the extra weight as it's incredibly water proof and tough and has proven itself in the worst of conditions. I will be thinking about some inside netting for it though. Thanks for the vid!!

@kessler003 13 жыл бұрын

So so cool man, great job... i wish i cud do some of my own stuff, like u do.

@prepared2thrive101 7 жыл бұрын

Very nice set up

@cloudsrain8753 10 жыл бұрын

Fantastic Job. I might have figured the tarp to cover further over the ends, and also worried about the peg holder straps for waterproofing.......but hell, I could have never done such a nice job. xxlnt job!!

@quintin636 12 жыл бұрын

GREAT TENT beautiful!!

@jamesfrost6481 10 жыл бұрын

Man this is great!

@celticwitan 9 жыл бұрын

yes, you could sell that system. Very well done. People need a tent and sleeping bag on A backpack that is tough, but small enough to carry. My tent has to be 5 to 10 pounds and the stakes are missing. Light weight is good. I am also trying to find a backback that will hold a sleeping bag, tent, tarps, cooking gear, fishing, and so much stuff. A pack rat like me will be really weighed down.

@PreparedTexan 12 жыл бұрын

Looks awesome! I've gotta try making a tent someday now.

@toneloke5145 5 жыл бұрын

great job, hand made enjoy it pal

@muleskinner47 6 жыл бұрын

I like it. Thanks. Good job.

@Cherbear609 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the detailed demo. Good Job :-D

@comfortouch 10 жыл бұрын

I really like this pup-tent style. My $0.02... I'd add loops on the top corners so you'd have the option to stake the sides (you can find the stakes... no need to carry any) That way the string won't wick water down the lines into the top corners of the tent, and you don't have to find trees to string it up. Also, I'd add one long zipper down the side, that way you can simply step into the tent and sit down instead of crawling in... it'll also be easier to escape the tent, which might be important if you're camping in bear country. Of course another zipper will add a couple ounces, but I think the ease of use and safety would be worth it.

@WillWalking 10 жыл бұрын

It's great, well done. Inspiring. My tuppence: your backpacking tarp would benefit from lifter-tabs on the sides. They allow better tension in the finished rain-ready setup, for better ventilation, and during wind for less noise and less chance of pegs working out the ground. Also, with a larger rain tarp, you could have a great waterproof porch area...perfect for a dog or bicycle. But well done for not splashing the money and feeling powerless. Full power to you. All the best, and keep it going!

@AaronHendu 10 жыл бұрын

Great job, you know I will be building one now

@Madmuttonbird 10 жыл бұрын

Awesome job fella :)

@staninjapan07 10 жыл бұрын

wow very nicely done man been thinkin about doin the same for myself here in japan where the summer is hot and humid and air flow is more important than absolute weather proofing would use my motorbike as a tie-point so no need for walking poles and of course as a biking tent weight would be much less of an issue but i like what you have done very much

@moorshound3243 10 жыл бұрын

spot on son, looks like a good design, with all the people using tarps now that tent as an add-on looks like a real winner. maybe you should contact a company like snugpak & see if they would take the design on. would be cool to be able to buy one like yours in a store to fit inside a tarp! well done & tight lines next time you go fishing bro.

@1143bigdog 11 жыл бұрын

that's pretty cool... I think I'll try to make one of them sometime soon. I was looking at this and think it could work with a hammock too.... it's a really good idea

@Darignobullseye 8 жыл бұрын

Fantastic!!

@wazzup105 12 жыл бұрын

Very nice !

@coblaze1 12 жыл бұрын

Very nice. Like it.

@hammockmonk 9 жыл бұрын

Love it! I'd have added doors to the tarp--too wet here for that edge between the tarp end and your mesh tent panel. But an inspiring project nevertheless. Thanks for sharing!

@KittchenSink 11 жыл бұрын

Thats a really nice bit of bench top thread injection there john.... well done bro

@IntenseAngler 13 жыл бұрын

@MordecaiV That's yet to be determined lol. I haven't got to test it in high winds yet, but my thoughts are that it won't hold up well in high wind. It does pretty good in light to moderate winds though. I've made a couple mods since I posted the video on it (like dual tie-outs from the poles, reinforced the front and back tie-out points, and extended the tarp/fly). We'll see how she holds up.... Thanks for watching and commenting!

@bexa7010 10 жыл бұрын

Great jod man! Really like your idea. Planning to try it out myself! Thank you for the great idea and nive videos...

@anonperson5104 10 жыл бұрын

great job

@CpantsOd 11 жыл бұрын

You're crafty dude! Love it. Made in the U.S.A.! =D Love yur vids!!

@IntenseAngler 10 жыл бұрын

You're quite welcome Cheryl. Thank you for the compliment btw :)

@IntenseAngler 13 жыл бұрын

@CDoggsRandoms That's the ultimate compliment... thanks Brother! This one didn't cost anything (had some old material laying around) but it sure did take a little effort lol. I've been messing with the idea of doing another one with some digital camo pattern nylon material I have... if I do I'll see about sending it your way if you're interested. Take care man!

@IntenseAngler 13 жыл бұрын

@thenofxer Thanks a bunch my friend! Really appreciate your kind words! So you're on the Kenai peninsula huh? That has to be absolutely amazing to be able to have such awe inspiring country right there out your backdoor. Thanks for dropping by and I definitely look forward to hearing from ya again.....