by kevin_t » Wed Jul 30, 2014 7:48 pm
Here is what I do. I just let the sod skirt hang down unless I need to do something else with it. It does provide draft mitigation just hanging. A few times I have buried it with sand or dirt, but it is rare.
As for setup, I usually use one of a few basic variations depending on what I want.
If I am sleeping floor less, which is usually I stretch the two rear corners moderately tight, full out the front center, do a setback and set the sides. If I tree is around , I'll guy out the rear center for more space. If it is windy, above timberline or such, I 'll pull the rear center stake out out and stake it. If it is really clear and there is no chance of weather, I'll actually pitch the vestibule section up on poles or stakes and unzip the zipper and enjoy the open stars. If it has some chance of weather, but is generally good, I leave one or both doors open for ventilation, and if I need I cna close them during the night.
Now with the nest there are a few options. First, you can stake out the nest and really just set the base over it. In this configuration you must stake out the rear center tie out. Another option is to set the Lil bug out up in your favorite variation and then insert the nest and use a little cordage to attach it to the stake outs. In the latter set up , you can pitch the whole thing with nest in a minute and the nest is protected during setup.
Now if I am really trying to cut weight, I can take the base on it's own and pitch it as a tarp. To my knowledge few do this, and I rarely do it myself, however you can squeeze two folks underneath it like this. Basically, you pitch the rear center up about 18 inches or so of the ground, set the center pole to probably trekking pole height and pitch it the other sections as desired.
We will publish a series of videos in the next coming weeks, sort of a tech tips, and will include this.