Part of our jungle shelter. The rain really showered blessings on us this time.
We knew we were up against constant rain during our kayaking trip to Ulu Muda. So, our jungle shelter had to be spot on. Even the water of the dam has risen a few feet from its normal level and a local guide there told us it may rise another 1 meter. So, with more rain expected our shelter would have to keep us off the ground as much as possible.
Both of us have our own hammock system. I think it is safe to say that it is the best option as a jungle shelter. We also agreed that we would have a common shelter area for cooking, eating and a little bit of bushcrafting. By the time we arrived at the campsite, the clouds were already raging with sweats of thunderstorm. Without much hesitation, we started on our common shelter. A 3X5 meters yellow flysheet that is difficult to miss in the jungle stood right in the middle of our camp area. We made sure the area was free from any risk of fallen branches and other dangers. Within 20 minutes, the tarp is up and we are set. It was amazing working on the shelter with Nadir. We barely spoke yet knew exactly what needed to be done. Ah…something that only comes out of real experience. Nothing text book at all.
Our common shelter where all the cooking and bushcrafting things occur
This shelter of ours consists of a large tarp (courtery of Nadir), a ground tarp (another one courtesy of Nadir) and some ‘improvisation’ we made using materials gathered from around the camp. We decided we have to spend some time making side walls for the shelter. This is to keep the rain water from dripping and splashing into our shelter. The other option was to lower the tarp, but then it will be stuffy and just a bit more uncomfortable
Me busy building the barrier wall using leaves and other materials found around the campsite
It took us both less than 30 minutes to get our personal sleeping hammock up. Nadir brought some of the newer products he is selling for test. It includes the big yellow tarp and the treated mosquito net. His hammock, which is also sold on his online store is made of parachute material. Gotta get me one of those myself.
Nadir’s efficient hammock system. His flysheet is awesome!
The hammock I used have been with me for many years. It has been on countless trips all over the place. I purchased it some years back in Thailand. It comes with a fine mosquito net sewn on and zippers all the way on one side for entry. The flysheet I used is purchased separately and is sewn in Vietnam if not mistaken. The problem with it is that the entire piece is made up of 3 pieces stitched together. The first few times I used it, water leaked through the seams (not taped). But later I found out that by waxing it under the hot sun really works to keep water off it. Simple solutions!
The hammock and flysheet system I use in the jungle most of the time
Some people ask me why I set-up my hammock so low. Well, I used to hang it high up but realize that entering a hammock anything higher that my waist is such a pain.
Working on the shelter’s barrier. My sleeping hammock is just behind me.
Our hammocks and flysheets gave us all the shelter from the rain that we needed dearly during our trip in Ulu Muda. Without it, we would probably be miserably wet. I have to thank Nadir from www.outdoordynamics.com for putting some of his awesome equipment to test as well. For a change, an outdoor retailer that tests his gears personally. Way to go!!
Click here to read Part I
I’ve been hunting for a tarp, didn’t know Nadir sells them because tarps are yet to be listed. I have one of those cheap jungle hammocks with mosquito netting built right in, not sure if that does the job. How about temperature regulation? Was it cold at night with just a hammock?
Yes, check with Nadir about the tarp. He should be able to help you. Not sure which design of hammock you have. Generally it will be a bit warm initially but as you get into the night, the temperature will drop and sometimes it gets really cold. Useful to have a blankie or a sleeping bag handy. I normally have socks on. But more importantly, it keeps you off the ground and dry!
Great stuffs Keong. Planning to use tarp and hammock setup for our Camp & Cut meeting. Met up with Nadir and he is in the middle of getting some tarps in if I am not mistaken.
Keep it coming.
Hi Stanley!Yup…yup…am looking forward to that as well. Just this few weeks have been kind of crazy. See you soon!
Semangat la Keong and Nadir. Oh boy, I can’t wait to do one at my favourite desolute waterfall spot by next month. How’s the LifeStraw? Life saver isn’t it..
U can use any cheapo tarps as long as you waterproof it with something like nixwax or 3M scotch. Dont fold the tarp – roll it as it would break the waterproofing sealings.
If youre camping under a thick canopy, better still!
If you want to wash, dont scrub with anything hard- use a sponge WITHOUT any detergents and gently scrub it.
put a little foam pad on your butt when in the hammock..gets cold and stop the mossies from bitting yr ass!
I have a Hennesy Hammock.
Now you make me drool. When you gonna bring me to your secret hideout?
Yeah, lifestraw is the way to go man.
Thanks for the great tip ForestGump (as usual). Can only come from someone who has spent ‘time’ in the bush.
I think I will try them cheapo tarps the next time around.
Thanks!
Yeah, spot on Jeremy. I use a blankie. Got really cold at nite in Ulu Muda.
A Hennesy?!!! Now we are talking. Good stuff those hammock but a bit too expensive for me
Hello Keong, wah GREAT write up man, you got good writing style, when is part III , IV and V coming?
Sorry guys, I have just stocked on some tarps, they will be available online soon. Some basic ones first, later will add fancy ones once I have sourced them.
Some really good discussions going on, my 2 cents:
I normally put my thermarest under me, and use a sleeping bag as a blanket. Trying to get into a zipped up sleeping bag in a hammock can be embarrassing , ending up with the hammock spitting you out…hahaha
yah, waterproofing tarps is important, seam seal the stitching with candle or using seam grip (awesome product ) I stuff my sleeping bag and tarps as well, as it prolongs their life, just like forest gump mentioned. creases formed by the folds will leak through… hold your fly to the sky and you can see what I mean.
Anyway, It was one of the best trips I’ve had for a looooong time, looking forward to the next one with you Keong!
Thanks for the comments Nadir…yup, will be posting the next few write-ups soon.
Anyone for a 4 days’ HANDS ON jungle survival skills learning in January 2010?
Itd be fun to learn how to set up shelters…and lose 4kgs over 4 days too
Hi ForestGump…your programs need no introductions already I think. They are already well known!
Keong, some seriously good fun you had there with Nadir. I’m oozing with jealousy.
I live in Brunei and find it impossible to meet others with the same interest in adventure.. maybe not looking hard enough..
Keep it up..
Hi Alex! Thank you for your comment.
Brunei…the closest I have been is to Miri and I have heard about some really good jungles over there.
Who knows, maybe in the near future we can hook up for a trip around your region!
Hey Alex, go and make friends with the dayaks in Brunei or try and find contact in BTS. I think BTS now is known as the jungle warfare school – top notch SAS elements have to go through BTS before they finally ” berguru ” with Malaysian jungle warfare and survival gurus
Thanks ForestGump for your input. Alex, hope that helps!
Looking for a proper hammock with mosquito netting and not too pricey too. Trying to switch from carrying & sleeping in tent to hammock. Of the few places I plan to explore, tent will be troublesome.
Any advise?
Hey John…have a solution for you. One of these days, I will show you. Improvise