tent rather than tarp, lighter kip bag?

[ton]

if you were using a good tent rather than bivi/tarp, how much lighter a kip bag could you use.

cheers

[Bearbonesnorm]

if you were using a good tent rather than bivi/tarp, how much lighter a kip bag could you use.

I think it depends on lots of factors Tony ... Windy? Tent inner (mesh / solid)? Tarp size and set up?

I've not slept in a tent for a long time but in all honesty I don't recall that it was any warmer than a tarp/bivvy bag. I've found the biggest difference comes from what kind of sleeping mat I'm using and how much I've eaten.

[AlasdairMc]

Hard to say depending on conditions. However, the tent gives far more comfort so I'd tend to need fewer clothes to wear to keep the elements off me when stopped. For repeat use as well I'd be far happier with my down bag as condensation in a tent is less of an issue I find.

[ScotRoutes]

Condensation, cleanliness and general dampness are less of an issue in a tent so I'm more likely to use a down bag, with the subsequent weight savings. The additional shelter of a tent will create a slightly warmer atmospheric "bubble" too as your body heat has an effect. In chilly/windy conditions I reckon a tent is worth a whole sleeping bag "season".

[ton]

the reason i asked, i am about to buy a full bikepacking set up. i had most of the stuff a couple of years ago, i sold it all. but i thought i was gonna be stuck with a dodgy ticker.
it now seems that there is a good chance that i will be getting fixed.
so i am looking for a nice good quality set up.

any advice would be greatly appreciated.
i am not working to a budget, just want good, lightish gear.
tent
sleeping mat
sleeping bag

dont really fancy the bivi/tarp thing, the weight of a 1 man tent on my rack wont be very noticable hopefully......

[Dan_K]

Lunar Solo
Thermarest Neoair
Cumulus Liteline 300.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Lunar Solo's a good call, plenty of room ... much more than your average 1 man tent.

As for a mat, I'd go for something from Exped but that's just personal preference.

If you're wanting a bag that'll see you through 3 seasons then I'd look for something with between 400g and 600g of down. Plenty of folk get away with less but I sleep cold these days

[ScotRoutes]

dont really fancy the bivi/tarp thing, the weight of a 1 man tent on my rack wont be very noticable hopefully......

TBH Tony, I've found that the bivi thing isn't about weight saving, it's more about the overall experience and the flexibility in where to pitch. I have both options and use them interchangeably depending upon weather and likelihood of finding somewhere decent to camp. The other thing is that when you wake up in the night in your tent, you just shrug, turn over and go back to sleep. In a bivi you are more likely to catch sight of a fantastic sky/moon/sunset or some random animal walking past.

As for tents, lots of folk will suggest the Lasers. In your case, avoid. You'd find them much too cramped. I'm looking at the Lunar Solo at the moment, but could also recommend the Scarp that I currently use.

[99percentchimp]

Tony - I'm 6'3" and can recommend the

Dan_K »
Lunar Solo
Thermarest Neoair

combination.
Seems to be a good amount of room at the foot and head end with the extra tie outs, even on a thicker NeoAir. Might get away with this if you a few inches taller.
You can sleep with the porch tied back so (a bit) like tarping but happily behind the midge netting in the summer. Nice a draughty to keep the condensation to a minimum.
June_TCW_Bivi-36 by 99percentchimp, on Flickr