How to Stay Bug Free With a Tarp - Shelter Options Addons

In this episode Luke is discussing with you all how to stay bug free while using a tarp as part of your shelter system. He touches upon multiple pieces of gear which can add to your comfort and more importantly, safety!

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Always : When setting up camp, take time and clear the area as good as you can; pick up stick, rake leaves as bugs will make their homes under such debris and will also use such as insulation.

Side note : This is one reason why you should think twice before using debris as insulation in a bushcraft situation or survival event. Right time and place folks. More on this in the future.

Options :

Traditional Bivy – open and closeable; bivys have many pros and cons and I have a video discussing these if you are interested in learning more

Bug Bivy :

Tent Body - consisting of poles and mesh and floor inner. If you have a tent already and a tarp, you are set as you can use the body from any tent. There are some companies who make bug tents for specific use with a tarp.

Another example - Catoma Adventure Shelters IBNS (Improved BedNet System)

You may be thinking, why don’t you just bring a tent and the biggest benefit here is airflow; this is especially beneficial for areas where you have high heat and high humidity. With this sort of setup, you will be far more comfortable than being in a tent.

Mosquitoes Net : You can also find mosquitoes net online from many companies; this works but isn’t my favorite option due to difficulty of use in some areas. Being influence by the wind unless you take further action, no floor and so on.

Groundsheet which has been treated with Permethrin – this works for what may crawl its way to you but you will have to treat yourself for the flying variety. This is an option which I’m surprised to see on youtube that no one else mentions. Works very well but in some areas may not be completely bug free especially in areas where you have genetically modified mosquitoes like in Montana.

With these setups, you can piece together lightweight systems which will keep you dry, provide excellent air flow and will keep you bug free. This is more important than ever thanks to the rise of lyme disease. Lyme Disease isn’t to be messed with; you don’t want it so be smart folks!

Systems will vary in terms of weight and also price; it all depends on what items that you piece together.
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[ISLANDOUTDOORS]

Thank you for another great and helpful video! I don't think people realize how much work you do to make the finished video they get to watch. You had to plan the video, dig all this gear out of storage, take to the location, set up all the gear, set up the camera, shoot all the scenes, pack everything back up, take it all back home and unpack it all, then edit/craft a professional video from all the clips, make thumbnails, descriptions, upload to YouTube, add tags, titles, publish, and I'm sure I've missed some things too. Anyway I appreciate all you do for us, thank you.

[gyffesme]

So this whole video basically reiterates why I prefer doing my hiking during the winter!

[natedog]

Can we just appreciate how long this probably took to set up, great video man!

[neemancallender]

Luke,
The last option you mentioned and basically skipped over is the simple mosquito net
Set it up using the ridge line of the tarp
The netting is nowhere near you
There are ultralight options available
You can also buy them pretreated
A very inexpensive and lightweight solution
Easy to use and very versatile

[leoreodcinn]

----option
Got my LifeSystems micro net for £10 second-hand new and can be hooked up on a tree or line like the tents. Combine it with a £3-5 groundsheet and bam, you've saved 100 odd quid.



Youtube Erik Normark for a Norwegian guy who does exactly this this without the groundsheet.

[lindawoods]

I have actually had lyme disease. I had to take a strong antibiotic, , i never got really sick, , i caught it in time...thank you for sharing..

[dilmurodavalbaev]

Thanks Luke, great content! There is an interesting hack with the cheap, simple bug net. You can pair it with an umbrella which you open inside the net and place above your head to keep it off your face.

[j.buggyman]

I got infected with Lyme disease at Point Reyes National Seashore about 30 miles north of San Francisco three years ago. Had the tell-tale bulls eye ring around the bite. The doctor gave me a month long dose of antibiotics which took care of it. Now I spray all my backpacking clothing and gear with permethrin and so far so good.

[kevindblew]

When I was fishing in Alaska years ago I bought a skeeter suit. Fully hooded parka and pants made from netting. Worked well even though it’s kinda goofy looking. At 6’4” I resemble a grizzly bear around the campfire.

[richbayers]

Thanks for the gear info. Mosquitos are our main problem so the bit bivy looked great

[toddjohnston]

Both son's in scouts and this was a good watch, Thanks LUKE

[angelosasso]

Very important video and really useful information. Had Lyme Disease last year and it sucks. Despite treatment I still suffer from fatigue and joint pain. It's no joke. It's not only Lyme Disease out there, you can also easily get very bad infections, once a horse fly got me on my side and on my calve, it swell, got hot and itched like crazy. Had to take antibiotics in both cases. I got those things not by camping. Lyme disease I probably got during work for example. Be careful!

[liesejunh]

My main this is to pick a good spot where the ground is flat, dry, and I can see the dirt. If it’s grassy or with leaves on it I stay away. Also I always cover up even in the summer months with thin long sleeve clothes. And I always have a fire which drives away the mosquitos.

[jpisme]

Working on my cabin this morning and underneath the porch l had a wolf spider on my arm. Glad I'm not afraid of them because l could only slide around on back. Lol
Thanks for stressing lyme disease among TOGR community.
Had an childhood friend passed away this year after years of lyme disease. Everyone be safe.
Thanks Luke

[kokopelau]

You're right Sir! I had Lyme disease, No Fun. Permethrin and Picaridin all the way now. Permethrin for the fabrics and Picaridin for the body.

[outdoors-university]

Great video with a lot of options my brother !
Surely the most versatile option is a hammock with a bug net.
You can set it hanging or on the floor and you don't have to spend a fortune to buy it.
Stay safe and keep having fun!

[gregoryfoster]

I car camp using a Home Depot poly tarp ($14) over a little Coleman 2 man w/o the rain fly($60). Sometimes I use a cot ($120) under the tarp with bug net ($20) over me. Bugs suck. I did some jungle training with the Corps in PI and we had no nets or tents. We would try wrapping ourselves in a poncho but the 'squitos there are ravenous and smart. And as deadly as an A-10. I do like some of those bivy bags you show. Thanks.

[majestic._]

You literally have a video for every one of my questions. Brilliant!

[PenDragonsPig]

I caught Lyme disease and didnt even know I had it. I caught it between regular doctor visits- one blood test indicated i was Lyme free and the next blood test told us I had had it and recovered. The problem was, minor issues plus Lyme triggered my systems into developing Myalgic Encephalomyetis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). Lyme can be treated, ME/CFS is incurable- you MIGHT get better but not from any treatment. 20 hours a day on bed, NEVER not completely exhausted, in pain most of the time, dizzy & light headed 24/7, heart problems, lung problems, memory problems, and about 30 other symptoms ruining my life. KEEP THEM TICKS OFF YOU!

[lonniet.]

Talking about those wolf spiders gave me chills!