What are your thoughts on it? Durable? Easy to hang?

Been looking at the 12' x 12'. Just a tough pill to swallow on the cost.

Corsair: "What are your thoughts on it? Durable? Easy to hang?

Been looking at the 12' x 12'. Just a tough pill to swallow on the cost.

"

I own the 9x9. Like it a lot. No harder to hang than any tarp. Too durable, IMO, meaning it is heavy by my standards - and I wish it were lighter. But in the end, it's a solid piece of kit.

I used to hang a Bass Pro 10x10 screen room under a 12x12 kelty tarp. Took a lot of rope and some creativity, but usually turned out well. I took a trip with HansSolo who had a Nemo Bugout shelter and I was sold. Saved me some on weight, but set up was super quick. Great investment.

I have the 12x12. Absolutely love it and don’t see myself tripping without it ever again. Can’t speak on long term durability as I’ve only used it once but it seems very well made. Can be pitched very tight and the zippers are good quality.

It is very easy to hang, catenary cut so one diagonal gets tied high and the other lower. Plenty of height to stand underneath. The screen has stake loops on the bottom to secure to the ground.

Using the annual 20% coupon plus dividend at REI will make the cost easier to swallow.

We've go the 12x12, it is a little heavy and bulky but we won't trip without it. We also take 2 poles with us to make it a little easier to configure.

We've hung two hammocks under it bunk-bed style for sleeping, (the dual zipper closures on each end nicely accommodate the straps), and it's also great for that "magic hour" at dusk when the skeeters come out. You can easily sit 3-4 people under it.

Well built also, our survived the bad July 2016 storm, we were camped on Red Rock.

sns: I own the 9x9. Like it a lot. No harder to hang than any tarp. Too durable, IMO, meaning it is heavy by my standards - and I wish it were lighter. But in the end, it's a solid piece of kit."

SNS captured my thoughts as well on the Nemo 9x9 Bugout. Very good but a bit heavy. But for groups of four to distribute the gear weight a it’s a solid choice for high bug season trips. For solo and 2 person trips I use a Sea to Summit Box net rigged under a CCS tarp. And giving your outer clothes a good dose of permethrin each season helps a lot as well. It has become a standard spring ritual.

I have the 9x9 and it’s great. Well made and easy to hang. Unless you trip with more than 4 people I would stick to this size.

I have the 12x12 and the discontinued 7x7 “Elite”. They are both highly useful tools in my arsenal. With that said, I still lust for a large CCS screen tent, I like having the screen all the same length, been on a few sites with the bugout where it just didn’t work out great because the low sides couldn’t touch the ground and if I lowered the tarp enough to touch it was unusable.

just when i said, " i don't need a thing", i will probably pick up one of these in the future. no work, more camping, it will come in handy during buggier seasons.

Late summer and fall REI garage sales in MN ALWAYS have one or two for cheap.

I have 7x7 (discontinued) and 9x9. 12x12 might be hard to find a spot sometimes, and you might want poles in heavy rain. 9x9 seems optimal. I travel light and 9x9 is not too big even with just 2 people.

I wouldnt go without it now that I have it.

NotLight: "I have 7x7 (discontinued) "

How much does the 7x7 weigh?

Not sure - less than 2lbs. Size of 1.5 nalgene bottles. Lighter materials used compared to the 9x9 and 12x12. Not nearly as rainproof, but much lighter and smaller.

NotLight: "Not sure - less than 2lbs. Size of 1.5 nalgene bottles. Lighter materials used compared to the 9x9 and 12x12. Not nearly as rainproof, but much lighter and smaller."

Will have to see if I can find one of those used!

I used to have one but since my trips are now in the shoulder seasons I gave it to my brother. It is a deal-breaker for me for any June - August trips! Would never go without it. Splurge, you'll be glad you did.

Used one last year on an 8 day trip down the Sutton to Hudson Bay. Worked well, held up under some severe winds. It was large enough that 4 of us could comfortably cook and eat and stay out of the epic bugs. Pack some extra stakes. It didn't come with enough to fill all the slots during heavy winds, we had some extras stashed away.

So I have a 9x9 Bugout and I'm breaking ranks and saying it's *meh*. It has a lot of great qualities, and I used to love it. I've recommended it to a lot of people based on how transformative it's been for my summer trips with my daughter. I've used it maybe 20 nights total.

Why meh? Because this summer It tore at one of the two main tie points on the ridgeline, and Nemo seems not especially interested in looking at it or fixing it for me - I can send it to them at my expense, at which time they'll consider whether they should bill me to fix it. Mind I sent them a pile of pictures so they could evaluate it before I incur the expense of sending it in. At the time of the failure it was only 14 months old and had maybe 15 nights of usage.

The exact same thing happened to a friend of mine who bought a 12x12 at my recommendation, and Nemo told him the same thing.

I've continued using it despite the failure - it still works - but it's really reduced my opinion of the product, and their lukewarm response reduced my opinion of them. By way of comparison, I had a minor cosmetic issue on my Hilleberg Enan and they offered to pay shipping to send it back so they could send me a brand new tent, no cost. Sea to Summit sent me a brand new pillow and didn't want me to waste resources sending the failed one back. So especially by comparison, Nemo disappointed me.

So I do mostly like the product and continue to use it, but it hasn't stood the test of time. Especially given how heavy it is (heavier than my two-person tent), I'd expect much better durability. And a company should stand behind its product.

I'm considering how to hang it from a true ridgeline, to take all pressure off the tarp itself, since it's apparently not capable of handling that pressure. When I figure out a good solution, I'll take pictures of what I did.

A picture of the damage:

I’ve always hung mine from a ridgeline using nite-ize s-hooks, and then tensioned the tarp with a prusik knot and another set of s-hooks on either end (5 s-hooks total). I assume that reduces the stress on the tarp - but not sure how much.

TominMpls: "So I have a 9x9 Bugout and I'm breaking ranks and saying it's *meh*. It has a lot of great qualities, and I used to love it. I've recommended it to a lot of people based on how transformative it's been for my summer trips with my daughter. I've used it maybe 20 nights total.


Why meh? Because this summer It tore at one of the two main tie points on the ridgeline, and Nemo seems not especially interested in looking at it or fixing it for me - I can send it to them at my expense, at which time they'll consider whether they should bill me to fix it. Mind I sent them a pile of pictures so they could evaluate it before I incur the expense of sending it in. At the time of the failure it was only 14 months old and had maybe 15 nights of usage.


The exact same thing happened to a friend of mine who bought a 12x12 at my recommendation, and Nemo told him the same thing.


I've continued using it despite the failure - it still works - but it's really reduced my opinion of the product, and their lukewarm response reduced my opinion of them. By way of comparison, I had a minor cosmetic issue on my Hilleberg Enan and they offered to pay shipping to send it back so they could send me a brand new tent, no cost. Sea to Summit sent me a brand new pillow and didn't want me to waste resources sending the failed one back. So especially by comparison, Nemo disappointed me.


So I do mostly like the product and continue to use it, but it hasn't stood the test of time. Especially given how heavy it is (heavier than my two-person tent), I'd expect much better durability. And a company should stand behind its product.


I'm considering how to hang it from a true ridgeline, to take all pressure off the tarp itself, since it's apparently not capable of handling that pressure. When I figure out a good solution, I'll take pictures of what I did.


A picture of the damage: "

Based on experience I recommend a ridge line with prussic knots so you will not put too much stress on the tie out point the same with CCS tarps or any tarps for that matter. Directly tying and suspending any tarp from two (2) sewn in loops is asking for issues. I've had a seam failure with a CCS tarp also that Cooke gladly repaired. No issue. At the end of the day its seamed and stitched thin fabric and mesh screen with zippers subjected to high winds.

To relate to your customer service complaint that I'm not sure I follow since you wont ship it back for Nemo to fix. I had a zipper issue with mine (partly our fault), however, I shipped it back. Nemo did a great job completely replacing the damaged zipper and sent it back quickly better than original. The new zipper is much more HD than original.

With that said I love mine and its always gonna be with me unless we trip late summer/fall. Two thumbs up here from all aspects.

Tomcat: "In reply to TominMpls' customer service issue, I see no reason why customer service can not review the photos in this case and declare that they will or will not cover the repair cost without first receiving the product. This is a well documented failure with the bugout.


I had a similar issue with gerber knives. I took photos of a rare gerber knife I had and ask if it could be repaired. I was told yes, so I shipped it to gerber and then received notification that they do not have a repair facility and could not replace the screw. I ended up paying for shipping but got the knife back."

I broke a Gerber hatchet handle and they wouldn’t take pics, they wanted it back and I had to pay the shipping, I think that’s actually pretty standard. Id say 99% chance if you send it back they will take care of you, people do dumb stuff, pictures can’t always tell the full story of potential misuse. It might be cheaper to bring it to a local repair place and just have it reinforced, that’s probably what I would do.

One of the corners of mine ripped as well after my first trip with the bugout. I returned it to Nemo and they did a good job of repairing it. That said, because of its weight I would probably only take it during the buggy season. I am taking a trip to the Quetico in mid May and will likely not take it with me just use tarps. My experience has been that the bugs are not as severe in mid-late May.

I had a problem with a Nemo tent a few years back. A couple of the velcro tabs came off the rainfly. No big deal because I didn't use them anyway (unknowingly my buddy who helped set up the tent attached them), but it poured that night and water came in where both tabs came off. I contacted Nemo and got the same response... "send it back at your cost and we'll look at it and if we deem it your fault we'll charge you to fix it". A couple days after they received it they sent me an email and asked me to go-online and pick out a new tent. They no longer made the model that I had and they replaced it with a new tent of similar size and value. I was pleasantly surprised. The hardest part was locating the receipt showing I was the original owner. That's what I love about shopping at REI and Amazon, you can look up purchases for several years back. I trust Nemo, I think they have some of the best designs. The 9 x 9 is plenty big for 2-3 people but 2 of the corners are less than 5' tall if I remember. Not only is the 12 x 12 larger in square feet, I think it's a foot or more taller as well.

Wait until they go on sale. You should be able to find one for 25% - 30% if you have 2 - 3 months to wait. I paid $114 for my 9 x 9.

I had a 12 x12 for several years , and it served me well. I had extra stake out loops put around the bottom which substantially helped in wind, and also helped seal up the bottom when the mosquitos were at full force. I did take along a couple poles that helped with set up when the camp layout warranted it. The zippers finally failed on it, which was probably my fault for not giving them proper maintenance. All in all, it served me well, and I would not trip without a screen enclosure during “bug season”. It made the difference in turning a miserable situation into a nice comfortable situation. I did switch to a L.L. Bean screenhouse last year. It is heavy , but the ease of setup is phenomenal. You can also drop all 4 sides if you need to, and it has a optional floor that snaps in at the corners. You could basically use it as a tent if you wanted to.

walllee: "I had a 12 x12 for several years , and it served me well. I had extra stake out loops put around the bottom which substantially helped in wind, and also helped seal up the bottom when the mosquitos were at full force. I did take along a couple poles that helped with set up when the camp layout warranted it. The zippers finally failed on it, which was probably my fault for not giving them proper maintenance. All in all, it served me well, and I would not trip without a screen enclosure during “bug season”. It made the difference in turning a miserable situation into a nice comfortable situation. I did switch to a L.L. Bean screenhouse last year. It is heavy , but the ease of setup is phenomenal. You can also drop all 4 sides if you need to, and it has a optional floor that snaps in at the corners. You could basically use it as a tent if you wanted to. "
Walllee, I still have my Nemo bug out 12x12 shelter working fine. I also have the same kind of bug shelter from the early 2000’s I got from REI that has the same dimensions as your LLBean setup. The earlier REI model did not come with a fly and the fly they eventually came out with was too small. I used to hang a 10x12 poly tarp over mine that worked pretty well. Here is my question, I like the full coverage rain fly on your LLBean model. How well has it worked and do you usually just keep it open? I might get this this spring because I am sure it will fit my REI screenhouse to the tee. Your thoughts, thanks in advance, JerryG

Yes, fly system will fit your REI screenhouse. Most of the time I will put the fly on and leave it on for the entire trip. You can roll up 2 sides which gives you plenty of ventilation even in hot weather.sometimes if there is no chance of precipitation I will take it off completely, but you and I both know how rain can appear out of nowhere in the Northland. The fly is very well made and the zippers are high quality. The floor kit is awesome, and it would also fit your REI screenhouse. I have been through some strong storms with it, it is nice to close up all 4 sides. All in all it’s been a great investment.

Thanks, I will get the fly, JerryG

TominMpls: "So I have a 9x9 Bugout and I'm breaking ranks and saying it's *meh*. It has a lot of great qualities, and I used to love it. I've recommended it to a lot of people based on how transformative it's been for my summer trips with my daughter. I've used it maybe 20 nights total.


Why meh? Because this summer It tore at one of the two main tie points on the ridgeline, and Nemo seems not especially interested in looking at it or fixing it for me - I can send it to them at my expense, at which time they'll consider whether they should bill me to fix it. Mind I sent them a pile of pictures so they could evaluate it before I incur the expense of sending it in. At the time of the failure it was only 14 months old and had maybe 15 nights of usage.


The exact same thing happened to a friend of mine who bought a 12x12 at my recommendation, and Nemo told him the same thing.


I've continued using it despite the failure - it still works - but it's really reduced my opinion of the product, and their lukewarm response reduced my opinion of them. By way of comparison, I had a minor cosmetic issue on my Hilleberg Enan and they offered to pay shipping to send it back so they could send me a brand new tent, no cost. Sea to Summit sent me a brand new pillow and didn't want me to waste resources sending the failed one back. So especially by comparison, Nemo disappointed me.


So I do mostly like the product and continue to use it, but it hasn't stood the test of time. Especially given how heavy it is (heavier than my two-person tent), I'd expect much better durability. And a company should stand behind its product.


I'm considering how to hang it from a true ridgeline, to take all pressure off the tarp itself, since it's apparently not capable of handling that pressure. When I figure out a good solution, I'll take pictures of what I did.


A picture of the damage: "

I had this exact issue with a 12x12 during a 15 mph wind.

We like ours. I purchased it here, used, at a reasonable price.

Canoe42: "I used to hang a Bass Pro 10x10 screen room under a 12x12 kelty tarp. Took a lot of rope and some creativity, but usually turned out well. I took a trip with HansSolo who had a Nemo Bugout shelter and I was sold. Saved me some on weight, but set up was super quick. Great investment."

Yep!

If you're a minimalist, the weight and bulk of the Nemo Bugout shelter might be a deal breaker. That said, I consider it a must have when canoe tripping during the high bug season. Being able to enjoy meals and camp time, especially around dusk, without being harassed by skeeters, black-flys or other biting insects, is a Godsend.

Hans Solo

Corsair: "What are your thoughts on it? Durable? Easy to hang?

Been looking at the 12' x 12'. Just a tough pill to swallow on the cost.

"

We rented one last year and loved it. Was looking at buying used from Piragis but stumbled across on one ebay that was new for $180 and free shipping. I thought it was a decent deal for $10 more plus shipping for a used one.

TominMpls: "So I have a 9x9 Bugout and I'm breaking ranks and saying it's *meh*. It has a lot of great qualities, and I used to love it. I've recommended it to a lot of people based on how transformative it's been for my summer trips with my daughter. I've used it maybe 20 nights total.

I'm considering how to hang it from a true ridgeline, to take all pressure off the tarp itself, since it's apparently not capable of handling that pressure. When I figure out a good solution, I'll take pictures of what I did.

A picture of the damage: "

I bought one last summer for an August trip. Same issue. It was fine on the trip with no real wind to speak of. Set it up at home in backyard. wind came up and it now looks like yours. I asked REI about their return policy and I was told with in a year for most things. It has been 6 months and I keep forgetting to bring in.
I am wondering about replacing it or returning it. It is such a nice basic design. With some small improvements on the corners it could be a very nice piece of gear. If I was confident adding a continuos ridge line would solve the issue I would exchange it for a new one. The corners are just not well designed at all. Yes it would certainly help, but their would still be strain on the corners. I am not sure what I am going to do.

I have a brand new 12 x 12 that I purchased for a trip last year that ended up not getting used. Literally never even been setup. Would consider selling it if someone is interested.

TominMpls: Why meh? Because this summer It tore at one of the two main tie points on the ridgeline, and Nemo seems not especially interested in looking at it or fixing it for me - I can send it to them at my expense, at which time they'll consider whether they should bill me to fix it. Mind I sent them a pile of pictures so they could evaluate it before I incur the expense of sending it in. At the time of the failure it was only 14 months old and had maybe 15 nights of usage.

The exact same thing happened to a friend of mine who bought a 12x12 at my recommendation, and Nemo told him the same thing.

Totally agree with NotLight and BnD. Secure your ridge-line on a tree. Then thread the tag end through all of the loops along the path of the tarp's ridge. Secure the ridge-line to another tree firmly with a trucker's knot. Your tarp will be dangling like an un-drawn curtain. Then extend the end-loops out and secure with prusik knots onto the ridge-line. Among the benefits:

1) This puts materially less tension on the endloops.
2) During set-up you can easily position your tarp as it's hanging freely anywhere along the ridge-line.
3) For pure tarps (not bug shelters) - some folks drape their tarps over the ridge-line. This abrades the underside of your tarp and also allows rainwater to run underneath your tarp along your ridge-line causing annoying drips. Always hang a tarp from the loops.

I always have permanent loops in my rope bag to make prusik knots along with a few wooden toggles to fasten the prusik knots to the loops. Short robust sticks or caribiners will work too.

[/i]

sns: "

NotLight: "I have 7x7 (discontinued) "

How much does the 7x7 weigh?"

2lb 8oz

tonyyarusso: "[/i]

sns: "

NotLight: "I have 7x7 (discontinued) "

How much does the 7x7 weigh?"

2lb 8oz"

This isn’t correct , the 9x9 is only 112 oz.

I am so sorry about the above post! I thought it read 21 pounds!! Didn’t have my glasses on!! LOL

Totally agree with NotLight and BnD. Secure your ridge-line on a tree. Then thread the tag end through all of the loops along the path of the tarp's ridge. Secure the ridge-line to another tree firmly with a trucker's knot. Your tarp will be dangling like an un-drawn curtain. Then extend the end-loops out and secure with prusik knots onto the ridge-line. Among the benefits:


1) This puts materially less tension on the endloops.
2) During set-up you can easily position your tarp as it's hanging freely anywhere along the ridge-line.
3) For pure tarps (not bug shelters) - some folks drape their tarps over the ridge-line. This abrades the underside of your tarp and also allows rainwater to run underneath your tarp along your ridge-line causing annoying drips. Always hang a tarp from the loops.

The pictures I see of the Nemo - The ridgeline does not appear to have loops along it, is that correct? Without loops on the main seam there would be no way to support it except from the corners.

I have had my Nemo Bugout 12'x12' since 2014. It has only been used annually on week long Quetico trips but it has been a game changer as far as being able to gather as a group inside once sunset approaches to avoid mosquitos. The screening also does a good job at stopping driving rains from entering very far into the shelter. We usually find a couple of sticks laying about that we fashion into 4' poles to support the two corners that sit lowest to the ground. The only problem that I have had with it is one of the 2 zippers became misaligned making it difficult to close completely. I contacted Nemo and I shipped it to them via UPS ($42). I got it back in about 4 weeks with a new zipper installed.

The 9x9 Bugout has just one loop that is in the center of the ridgeline, so it can be rigged like you would rig a tarp on a ridgeline, just not quite as effectively. I do not know if it will fit in the CCS Ridgeline Stuff Sack since I have not tried it.

Bill

My 12x12 bugout does not have ridgeline loops. Wish it did...

thistlekicker: "My 12x12 bugout does not have ridgeline loops. Wish it did...
"

I have a little different setup then Dan described, but This why i like Dan's Lean, it has ridgeline loops and allows me to have a single 50' or 60' foot ridgeline with prussik or other hardware, and i can slide the Lean anywhere on that ridgeline into an opening, always attached and ready to go. I think i actually have 75' of zingit.

9x9 here. I run a ridgeline UNDERNEATH the center of the tarp (diagonally). The rope underneath helps support the tarps weight. Weigh's a lot but I use a Dutchware Wasp to get the line as tight as I want it in meer seconds. Then I just stake out the 2 sides. Quality of the Nemo Bugout is amazing.

I've got a 9X9 Bugout and have used it for around 6 years without any issues but it does not go on May or September trips. Definitely goes on my summer trips.

Lots of good set-up ideas in this message train that I will be using. No more underneath ridge lines for me.

I have a 9 x 9 and love it. And it was not too expensive because I bought it used right here!

I’ve coveted one of these for a long time but have always kind of considered it to be a “glamping” item. After being eaten alive by early sand fly hatches the last two years on the spring boys trip, literally living in a head net with pants tucked into socks. Then being the main course on an all day horsefly and all night mosquito buffet over 4th of July weekend with the wife and kids, I decided to take the Black Friday weekend plunge on one of these today....

Nothing against Nemo. They make great gear but these are a little more reasonably priced and are sold by a MN company....

Eureka! No Bug Zone