Long story short it looks like I will be using my Durston X-mid without the inner tent in 3 weeks. I have never tarp tented before and I was wanted to know what I might be in for. Any tips, advice, cautions would be greatly appreciated.

Would love to hear the long story. But to clarify, will this be during bug season? I've only tarp camped during non-bug season. Works fine during that time of year with just a ground cloth and the fly. But due to a past experience, I have nightmares thinking of doing that during bug season.

How will you be protecting yourself against ticks without having the inner tent?

I can think of three reasons not to do this.
Ticks, Black Flies and Mosquitoes.
While not an expert I think you will be enjoying all three's company during your trip.

You will have increased exposure to the environment when sleeping under a tarp. Exposure to dirt, snow, insects, reptiles and rodents increases. It can be comfortable and uneventful or it can be dirty, wet, buggy and unpleasant.

I select a camp location with reduced exposure to ground moisture, dirt and insects, I include a ground sheet or bivvy bag for moisture and dirt protection and I sleep with a head net when conditions require.

Tomcat: "You will have increased exposure to the environment when sleeping under a tarp. Exposure to dirt, snow, insects, reptiles and rodents increases. It can be comfortable and uneventful or it can be dirty, wet, buggy and unpleasant.


I select a camp location with reduced exposure to ground moisture, dirt and insects, I include a ground sheet or bivvy bag for moisture and dirt protection and I sleep with a head net when conditions require."

Having slept under a tarp, but with a suspended bug net, everything Tomcat mentions is spot on.

I also have the Durston X-Mid and even without the net interior, that is a great tent fly to have. Pitch it so the edges are really close to the ground, bring a ground sheet to lay on, and a head net and you should be fine.

The short story is, I got my father-in-law into coming with me on most of my trips and he is wanting to buy a whole bunch of new gear and I’m trying to help him not get in trouble buying too many things. He wants a new tent and I told him to try my Durston Xmid first and being I have an extra fly. I figured with a late ice out. Hopefully, that means bugs will be a little bit later and with a ground cloth and head net I was hoping it wouldn’t be so bad.

Thanks for the tips

CanoeViking: "Thanks for the tips"

Forgot to mention, but when setting up, even with a ground cloth, be very particular about potential water pooling or if streams of water could potentially run under the setup. Those bathtub style inners keep the water out or under, but with just a sheet, you could unexpectedly be swimming.

Or with your groundsheet, elevate the uphill side with sticks or something to make sure water goes under the sheet and not over it.

Or you could get something like this: bathtub ground sheet I've never used this, so don't know it's durability.

CanoeViking: "Long story short it looks like I will be using my Durston X-mid without the inner tent in 3 weeks. I have never tarp tented before and I was wanted to know what I might be in for. Any tips, advice, cautions would be greatly appreciated. "

CV, if you are in the Twin Cities by chance I would lend you a solid two man tent for you to use on your trip. It is not super lightweight but will definitely keep you warm, dry and free of bugs/pests on your trip. All I ask is that you take care of it and return it when you come back.

lindylair: "

CanoeViking: "Long story short it looks like I will be using my Durston X-mid without the inner tent in 3 weeks. I have never tarp tented before and I was wanted to know what I might be in for. Any tips, advice, cautions would be greatly appreciated. "

CV, if you are in the Twin Cities by chance I would lend you a solid two man tent for you to use on your trip. It is not super lightweight but will definitely keep you warm, dry and free of bugs/pests on your trip. All I ask is that you take care of it and return it when you come back.




"

I really appreciate that. I will email if I decide to go that way. Again I really appreciate kindness.

Another offer of equipment: I have a bug bivy (might be OR brand but uncertain) I purchased as an emergency go to ground shelter for hammock camping. It packs very small and weighs next to nothing. I confess I have never slept a full night in it (it feels a bit confining). I have used it on clear but buggy nights to stargaze before retreating to the hammock for actual slumber.

I am also in the Minneapolis metro area. If you'd like to borrow it as a "just in case" option you're welcomed to it.