Reddit reviews Yukon Outfitters Walkabout Rainfly (Black)

My #1 choice for budget rainfly would be the [Yukon Walkabout] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EUHZ74I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_xqtFzb9KAWJ9A) it's $40 and 14 ounces, about as good as it gets for the money.

I'm a big hammock fan, so I'm sorry if I get long winded. Been through a few hammocks in search of perfection (never worn one out). I started with this one, have the most experience with this one, most recently started using this one. Used hammocks to cover the south half of Wisconsin's state parks in 2013 on a CB750 wearing this backpack.

Finding trees the right distance was (impressively) never a problem for me. I've been thinking there should be a way to hang one side on the motorcycle should the need arise, but haven't yet had to test it. I'd really like to be able to hang from the motorcycle on one side and the frame on that pack on the other side, but don't know if the pack will support a person (hasn't been warm enough to test since I thought of this).

In terms of rain, I started with a generic big blue tarp from a hardware store. This was a bad idea, thing was bulky, loud, and inflexible to the point of being hard to work with. Now I use this and it does the job pretty well. I used a large size of this tarp for a while, but the one I got was too big and ultimately heavier than needed.

I'm sorry to bust your bubble, but hammocks can get cold at night. I used this sleeping pad, after a while added this to keep the shoulders warm. Sleeping on what feels like a massively oversized menstrual pad never felt right, plus they get a little awkward in a hammock. Everybody I've heard from recommends underquilts for proper insulation, and it took me until this year to bite the bullet and get one (they're not cheap). I just got this yesterday, and intend to test it tomorrow night.

This book has been widely recommended. I haven't read it yet, but at $4 for kindle, that's not a bad price. You can read it on a smartphone or computer with the kindle app (which is free).

It wasn't until I typed this all out that I realized how much money I probably spent on all this stuff. I didn't buy it all from Amazon, just convenient links.

• The Yukon Outfitters tarp is normally $40 on Amazon. I bought two when they happened to be on Woot for $20. Good deal at $40, and a steal at $20. I use them as loaner tarps, and they work well.
  http://www.amazon.com/Yukon-Outfitters-MG-rainfly1-Hammock-Black/dp/B00EUHZ74I
  
  
• UST Hex Tarp is smaller than I would want, but it has been used by some hammockers. $30 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00G2TXJ7O
  
  
• DIYing a polycro, tyvek, or dropcloth tarp has been done before for cheap. Search Hammockforums.
  
  
• Also, hardware store blue tarps have been used by many with price concerns.
  
  Good luck!

5 pounds?!? no way. The pack alone is 4.8 pounds.

----
Honestly - I'd replace every one of those items. They are pretty crappy items in each category.
I realize that everyone doesn't have a big budget - but even at those prices you can make smarter choices.

-----
Backpack
A tactical backpack rarely does well for wilderness backpacking. It is heavy (almost 5 pounds) and does not carry loads well (weak hipbelt). This specific one is only 47 liters, which will unlikely fit your kit.

Any backpack can hold a water bladder. You don't need a special sleeve for this. I prefer mine on top of my pack, not in the sleeve. Easier to get at and refill along the route - allowing me to carry less.

I'd recommend going into a local shop and trying on a few brands/models. See what fits your body well - as fit is key to getting 'the best' backpack. Look at brands like Osprey, Gregory, and similar in the 55-65 liter range.

----
Shelter
10x7 is an okay size for a tarp. I'd probably get this instead: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EUHZ74I
You'll also need a ground cloth of some kind. Tyvek can be had for super cheap and works well.

---
Sleeping pad
That looks fine, but realize that it will insulate you very little (RValue of 1.3). I'd probably get this instead (because I know Klymit brand and not 'OutdoorMan'): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RFG0NM

If you really want to go cheap - just get a closed foam sleeping pad. Not as comfortable, but as cheap as $20.

----
Kitchen
That DIY grill and cheap cook set look fine.
One option is to go to your local thrift store and look for a pot/pan. If you just need 1 single piece is often easy to pick up there for cheap.

Will you also have a camp stove? This is a cheap/popular choice: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4FY8YO

Do you have a water filter / purification method? The Sawyer Squeeze is popular. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EHPVQW/
You can use simple disposable water bottles like SmartWater or Gatorade for your bottles. A bladder is nice, but cost more and heavier.

----
Accessories

• Rope - skip paracord. It sucks for just about every application outside bracelets. I'd get this instead: http://lawsonequipment.com/Cordage/Ironwire-Fusion-p1076.html
  
• Knife - sure the Mora is fine. Don't go overboard here, you really don't need much.
  
  Then you'll likely need a bunch of other small miscellaneous items. First Aid Kit, headlamp, lighter, pack liner, food bag, compass, maps, etc.
  Plus clothes of course.
  
  ----
  A typical pack weight for an overnight adventure is 20 pounds. Weather is a big factor in what you have to carry, but generally 15-30 pounds is the range you'll find the majority of experienced backpackers. 5lbs would be a ridiculously low pack weight (with or without consumables like food and water). I'd recommend you shoot to keep yours under 30, since you are new and used the word 'bushcraft' haha.
  
  -----
  In the end - these are merely suggestions for improvement. You can totally get outside with the items you listed or nothing at all. Experience is the real key here. Try to borrow some items and spend the weekend outside. Take notes on what worked and what didn't, make changes, and try again. A kit of gear evolves over time and getting it 100% right on the first try is impossible. It helps to put serious thought into these items, in hopes of saving money, which is why I generally suggest to 'buy once, cry once'. Otherwise you buy 2 crappy versions, then ultimately realize what you should have bought in the first place - to buy that 3rd.
  
  

I was able to get this tarp for $20 on woot, but its sold out on that site. still, its a deal on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Yukon-Outfitters-Walkabout-Rainfly/dp/B00EUHZ74I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467162722&sr=8-1&keywords=yukon+outfitters+tarp

It's this one here:
http://www.amazon.com/Yukon-Outfitters-MG-rainfly1-Hammock-Black/dp/B00EUHZ74I/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt

http://yukon-outfitters.com/en/catalog/product/walkabout_rainfly_MG-Rainfly1

http://imgur.com/KgAUFN5

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EUHZ74I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497485987&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=yukon+outfitters&dpPl=1&dpID=41vQiuwW1UL&ref=plSrch

This tarp is great for the price

If you can get it to work then all the power to you. I just haven't had luck.

As far as rainfly and the elements I never had an issue when using a tarp and I've camped in some pretty wicked weather. You just have to make sure your coverage is very tight to the hammock and goes down far enough. I'm current using this rainfly it is often featured on woot for $25. I've had very good luck with it so far.

Exactly. Not light or compact (compared to other rain flys), but it gets the job done and it's cheap!

Personally I have a large 20'x12' tarp for making a big tent with multiple hammocks, a smaller 10'x12' tarp for myself, and a pair of Yukon Outfitter rain flys that I picked up when they were on sale at Woot.com.

I bought this one for $20 on woot, they have deals all the time on it and its wonderful.

http://www.amazon.com/Yukon-Outfitters-MG-rainfly1-Hammock-Black/dp/B00EUHZ74I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418996273&sr=8-1&keywords=yukon+outfitters+tarp

dont get her an ENO. they're expensive, and they're not as comfortable due to their demensions as some other options out there.

I would checkout dutchwaregear.com they have a nice purple polyD hammock she would probably like. The polyd will be more comfortable with the longer hammock while weighing less than the eno. Price wise you can get the hammock complete with cinch buckle suspension for the price of just the eno, factor $40 more for suspension and imho it's a no brainer. Depending on your budget, you could spend the extra dough on extras like a ridgeline, and organizer but that may be a bit over the top if it's her first hammock and she's just getting into it. If she's into hiking and camping, she may be interested in a tarp as well. The Yukon tarp regularly goes on woot for like $29. Then there's the whole ordeal of insulation. Sleeping pad and sleepingbag seem to be an acceptable sacrifice on weight and comfort to price for some.

EDIT: OP you're in luck! WOOT just went live today 6 more hours to go. This is a better hammock than the eno imho.

Hammock

Underquilt

Rainfly

Would you say this is correct? Would you recommend the red/grey one for $25 and change?

Depends on the material of the footprint I would guess. I purchased a cheap [Yukon Outfitters Tarp](Yukon Outfitters Walkabout Rainfly (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EUHZ74I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7sTBCbQ0BQV7W) from Amazon and I have been very happy with it.

A Yukon Outfitters Walkabout Rainfly, The Guild: Complete Megaset DVD, & Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

hammocks are actually amazing for your back! if you want to learn more I highly suggest going to /r/hammocks. Very friendly and active subreddit. If I were to suggest a cheap, easy, foolproof set up. i'd do this. Hammock, Straps, people may say go with the kammok roo python straps, but some parks are super choosy on what can be hung on their trees. And heres a tarp that regularly gets down to $20 on woot.com.

MOLLE is too tacticool for my liking. In any real survival scenario you would stick out like a military nut. It also adds a decent amount of weight to a pack. IMO you are better off with either a hiking pack if you're in the woods, or a standard Jansport/LL Bean Backpack if you are in the city.

That being said, if the contents are decent quality, this is a better price than you could do individually. For instance, this includes a hammock and rainfly. A yukon hammock on Amazon is $40 shipped, and the rainfly is $35 shipped. That is $75 right there, and the thing only costs $100.

I will probably pass on this though. I have most of this stuff (minus hammock) covered already.

P.S. You would think a "survival" bag would come with a fixed blade instead of a 3" folder.