Saturday 27 January 2018

Different Configurational Uses of My OneTigris Camping Tarp

Exploring the different ways in which I can use my OneTigris Camping Tarp, for both hammock and bivvy (ground) use.

The first five configurations are open-ended and can be used by either hammockers or ground-dwellers. Although it may be difficult to get a decent hang inside the Bodybag.

The Square Arch can accommodate three campers or two side-by-side hammockers.

Hammock Diamond Tarp
A Frame
C Fly Roof
Body Bag


Square Arch
Bivibag Cornet
Wedge

Monday 22 January 2018

Farrimond Friction Hitch - a very useful hitch for tarps and ridgelines

I want to share with you one of my favorite knots (actually a hitch) for adjusting tarp and ridge lines.

It's called the Farrimond Friction Hitch and it is a quick release hitch that is also an adjustable hitch. It is useful when the length of a line will need to be occasionally adjusted or tensioned. The real beauty of this hitch is that when it needs to be released a quick tug on the free end will untie it.

It is a form of prussic knot and can be used in place of a tautline hitch.

See the diagram below for instructions on how to tie it.





Tuesday 9 January 2018

Bothamley Park

I recently had the opportunity to set up in Bothamley Park, Porirua to try out my hammock and to fine tune its setup.

My hammocking gear was an ex-army tent-half/tarp, snakeskins, unbranded hammock, and a OneTigris under-quilt, with a US army woobie blanket for top warmth. Since it is mid-summer the woobie was all that was required for a top cover.

The location I choose was near the Community Harvest Patch where they hold the annual blackberry picking festival on the last Sunday in February.

In addition to hosting the annual blackberry festival, which has its own dedicated patch that doesn't get sprayed, Bothamley Park has also been planted out by volunteers with fruit trees for foragers. 

Bothamley Park also hosts a weekly Parkrun which is a 5km run - you against the clock, every Saturday at 8:00am.

This is an easy walk-in site, popular with both cyclist and walkers, close to housing areas with multiple entrances.

There are plenty of trails, streams, bridges, swimming holes, and occasional small waterfalls.

Trout inhabit the waterways, and special ramps have been  been put in place for spawning whitebait.

The gentle wander through Bothamley Park in Cannons Creek is suitable for beginners with access for both bikes and walkers. 

This track is part of the Te Araroa walkway.

Follow this link for more information regarding this track and location.




My camp-site & setup




My OneTigris winter weight under-quilt and snakeskins with tarp inside


Ex-army tent-half/tarp











 The camp site from a different point of view

Monday 8 January 2018

Hammocking

I have just recently rediscovered the joy of hammock camping, having first hammocked in the Malaysian jungles in the mid '70's while serving as an rifleman in the New Zealand Army.

My hammocking gear currently comprises of a OneTigris Rain Fly Camping Tarp, Mosquito Net Camping Hammock, and four-season full length Hammock Under-quilt.

I've so far found the OneTigris gear to be inexpensive and well made. Items can either be purchased direct from their on-line store in China, with free shipping, or through Amazon.

I now only need to get their matching
Camping Duck Down Sleeping Bag in Realtree camo to complete the set. 


Additionally, I'm also looking forward to trialing their hammock cocoon as soon as it's made available (forecast is for sometime early 2018).

My OneTigris Gear

Hammock with integral mosquito net

Winter-weight under-quilt
Rainfly