Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Seek Outside Breakaway Tarp- First Impressions

To clarrify the differences (sorry I was fast packing in the big ditch for a few days).

The BAT is a utility shelter in my opinion, although it has done pretty well in wind up to 40 and some big rain storms. It is best suited for folks that carry trekking poles, have available sticks, and where bugs are not a big concern. It also works well as an emergency shelter and can be used with some of the other shelters in some form or another. A couple quick points, the BAT is reversible, there is not a wrong or right side, this makes useful for being able to set up quickly as a storm is on you. You can also pitch it a few different ways, I tend to pitch it higher when I can. You can tie the back open as well, it's very flexible. It could be purpose built and a tad lighter, but then it would loose the flexibility. Trade offs. I've slept 3 under it pitched a bit higher.

The BCS is much more purpose built, and while I wish it approached the weight of the original george , it does not. This is mainly due to the stove jack, the storm flap, the sod skirt and the fact it is bigger and has a heavier zipper. I think it's to heavy to be really an emergency shelter, but really I guess that all depends on your priorities. The BCS is a fair bit larger than the original george (rear pullout section, the door extends further, and it rounds, plus it is a tad wider at the front). The BCS is a castle for one, and really without the extra door I think you could fit three with no stove if you desired. The canopy of the BCS is heavier than the BAT, but the stakes are less, and if you carry trekking poles specifically for the BAT, then they come out to be a very similar weight. In my experience, most trekking poles are about 10 ounces each, unless they are super light. Hence part of the reason for trekking pole adaptation on the BCS is to move the weight off your back, vs carrying a dedicated pole.

The Little Bug out, is attempting to sort of mate those, the prototype is closer to the BAT weight and perhaps a little smaller, but it more purpose built for efficient sleeping, and to be storm worthy and provide bug protection. The shape is more like a BCS, but the front vestibule is much larger. As always, the drawback is it is not 7 ft tall like the BCS. We could make it at that height, using cuben, but then the cost would be in another world. What I like about the LBO, is that in the end, you should be able to do a partially floored, screened shelter that you is essentially double walled and with a stove it could be close to 3 lbs total. Pricing I'm not sure of at this point. I should have a LBO production prototype in the next few days, and with that we should start to have an idea on pricing.

In the end, it depends on what you like and want. I don't carry trekking poles for use with the breakaway, but I use sticks, a lot, and I might pitch it a bunch of different ways depending on my mood. Of course, when using with the vestibule, then there is really only one way to pitch it. I even pitch the BCS depending on my mood (If I'm not worried about heat or rain, I might pitch it open, as was the case in the Grand, of course the weather turned, so I ended up closing it up).

Kevin

Reading that I am definitely waiting for the LBO. Still plan on a BAT and BCS at some point too.

To be clear on a couple things regarding Little bug out so people aren't waiting for something it is not.

It is trekking pole supported height, so it is not tall, however you can pitch it higher with utility cord and line locks

The nest section is separate , but integrates in seamlessly and easily.

Sleeping in the nest, it's big for one guy, fine for some one you are ok being close to, but you probably won't want to share it with stinky partners. Without the nest, you can sleep oriented the other way, and it is probably fine for two grown men, but a little tight.

The little bug out also will open up in sort of a unique way, for more of an under the stars feel.

Stove jack, will be an add on, there is no sod skirt, priorities were
- Easy integration of nest
- Poor weather performance (lot of guyouts and tie outs).
- Light enough to be an emergency shelter , very close to tarp weight. My first proto type was 18 ounces, it requires at least 6 stakes to pitch. This should be good for most conditions, in addition a couple of the guyouts increase the room, so most will probably want 8 stakes for optional setup. You could probably use 14 - 16 stakes if you really wanted.

So weights will be
- Minimal about 18 ounces + 6 stakes
- Nest about 16 ounces
- If you want a stove jack, add 3 ounces
Trekking pole, of CF segments

Quick Update
- We are making a pole kit available for the breakaway, not sure of price yet but it won't be crazy. It's CF, weighs 6 ounces for the kit(less than most trekking poles). Thus far I've tested it in measured winds up to 45MPH, and it was solid. In fact , other than the edges between the vestibule and main tarp (and that's the nature of the beast), the whole structure was pretty solid. I know I've been hesitant to recommend the breakaway at times, just because it is not a fully sealed enclosure, but it handles poor weather pretty well, and with the addition of the pole kit, it works even if you are not a trekking pole person, or have a lot of access to appropriate sticks. If you are interested in the pole kit, let us know. It should be posted on our site in a few days.

Kevin I want a set for sure. I was thinking of ordering a set if MLD poles. I think the additional weight would be well worth it.