The IBNS Military Shelter Gets Even More Interesting - Catoma Tarp System Gopher Tarp

[@papajeff5486]

Old, retired Infantry vet here. Luke, the tarp goes lower, just clearing the top of the bivvy. Also it gets hung on diagonal corners, centered top to bottom. This increases end and side coverage. The tarp is big enough. Thanks for showing…from east Tennessee.

[@dang495]

Agreed. It was never meant to be used with those Green Elephant Tarp Poles. It should be low and stealthy.

[@kateq7212]

He said it would have to be lowered very close to the ground, but obviously feels that makes the camping experience too cramped.

[@TalonVI]

@@kateq7212 You're not using the Catoma IBNS if you're worried about being cramped :)

[@annettemalaski1967]

I agree!! Put the tarp down about 1.5 ft. I believe that is how it was designed for.

[@kateq7212]

@@TalonVI Well true. I am so old I now have a tent I can stand up in! My thinking was that he wants somewhere to sit to drink his coffee.

[@donclarkson3833]

The variant I have is the Wolverine EBNS, which is the tent called the Burrow and the Wolverine Rainfly and rainfly has two vestibules. I also have the tarp and use it in conjunction with this system but more to create some additional space that can remain rain-free. In the Army, you try to avoid anything above waist high, so operationally, in the field, you would have the tarp very low to the ground. You have to consider who and what this system was designed for. As this system was created during GWOT, the tarp is designed for shade in the Middle East as much as it's designed for rain protection. The system also has a rainfly without the vestibules called the Armadillo rainfly. It's the result of a request by the Marine Corps and is also utilized with Army Special Forces.

[@johnjentzer1863]

The discussion on how high to keep the tarp over the tent has important implications for the dimensions and location of the ridgeline of a tarp. Luke inferentially touches on this topic when he recommends using a 10 x 13 tarp over a tent. For instance, the ridgeline of the Aquaquest 10 x 13 Safari tarp is oriented along the short axis of the tarp. Therefore, when the tarp is placed over a tent it's length is 10 feet and with 6 1/2 feet (6 1/2 + 6 1/2 = 13 feet) on each side.. This allows for better rain coverage along the sides of the tent.

[@martismastiffs]

That sun light hitting that tarp, has a evil face on it… my eyes were so drawn to it.. Spooky Hallow camp. Joking love watching your video. And thank you for turning down the sound of your propane stove flames. Much easier to watch now.

[@WeThePeopleSurvival69]

Luke .it seems if you turn the tarp 90 degrees and lower it .Use the tie off points provided on top..it looks like it would perform the way intended by the company...Worth trying and showing the result's in an update..please Try it..I value your reviews and opinions as I'm sure many others do💪🫡🇺🇲..Much love ...Luke and Susie 🙏☯️🌄

[@maximusjoseppi5904]

i mean, the company shows it exactly like this on their website... so clearly this is how they intended it to be.

[@richardzeiders5496]

I think the tarp should be lower over the tent, that might mitigate the chance of blowing rain striking the tent. Of course, when you use larger tarps, I don't understand why you wouldn't put this type of tent completely underneath with enough room for your table & chair.

[@thetrailgoat]

As others have stated, the intended use of this tarp is for the military not hikers. The tarp was designed to be strung just above the IBNS. Its bigger than a poncho which makes it ideal for the IBNS. Military requirements are that shelters be as low to the ground as possible. I was trained that 30 inches was the max acceptable height for hooches. I’m guessing the same is true of the IBNS.

[@Northman1776]

the EBNS replaced the IBNS for a reason. The EBNS incorporated a true rain fly made specifically for the IBNS/burrow, and there's also a footprint that can be added.

[@rthompson884]

This brought up good discussion points on how to use this system based on the field members that have used it. Keep an open mind on this system.

[@golflre7179]

Ty, very much appreciate your time to do the set up and show the pros and cons. Actually looks like a doable situation. May be a good tent to road trip on a bike.

[@Ray-hr9tb]

The catoma use to come with a rain guard that covered all but the ends. Unfortunately the stitching on those ends are not waterproof, so the rain will get in pretty good.

[@cashmeoutsidetrekking8928]

I can understand the tarp being used in such a high position for a hiking/camping scenario but most folks that use the IBNS/EBNS or other similar style bug bivys will be using them in more of a stealth style and will probably have the tarp pitched very low and just be able to crawl into the bivy. I did try to use a smaller tarp, 7.5ft x 6.5ft, with my IBNS but I did not enjoy how low I had to get it to be rain protected. I ended up using a 3x3 meter Free soldier tarp and it worked just great. I used it on a cold night (17° 20 mph winds, wind chill was at 1°). I recently purchased a wolverine rain fly for one of my EBNS setups with a ground sheet and it works much better IMHO. We appreciate all your input Luke and I myself hope to hear more about your findings on this and any other Catoma products. I bought my first IBNS because of your first video "How to stay bug free with a tarp shelter". I've enjoyed all three of mine since.

[@davidgaines8607]

I think you should revisit this , maybe with the cot , or maybe some other configuration of the tarp.

[@TheBKnight3]

Scotty Survival had a review from 3 months ago. You are missing part of the system.

[@nicholasromano1422]

Luke, we've corresponded about this before. I'd really love to see you take the IBNS out with the Wolverine fly and show what it can do, even the negatives. It's probably best for the shoulder months, but it's a great piece of kit.

[@StuartM0TTQAmateurRadio]

The tarp is what in British practice is called a "basha" and it has kept people dry enough for years if you set it up at a *sensible* height

[@Darignobullseye]

I like the names. Makes it fun and easy to communicate what product I am talking about

[@Miclantechupi]

As other people have said the tarp needs to be much nearer to the ground in wet weather. The ridge should be more like waist height (or lower) then it would work fine. Under a jungle canopy I reckon you would be fine with it at that height though.

[@johnelkins8182]

Thank you for your videos. They are very educated, thank you.

[@Steven-v6l]

Luke, shorten your poles to 36 inches; the sides of the tarp can be staked directly to the ground. This will easily protect the bivvy in inclement weather. If there is *zero* chance of rain ... pitch the tarp as you show.

[@1804unclesam]

I wonder if this tarp system would work better if the tent was mounted on a cot?

[@Lt_Tragg]

Or over a hammock

[@jackiehorn3724]

I think it depends on how you want your enter the tent. Lowering the tarp down you are going to have to crawl underneath tarp to get into tent. I can totally see how a lower tarp is what is made for this tent. But I personally would go for the bigger tarp. I am pretty much going to be switching from backpacking to motorcycle trips and camping. As a 66 year old woman with knee issues, I just sold a very nice tent because I had to enter at one end of it and crawl in. I like this tent because it is easy to set up. I was thinking of getting it. With its side entrance. But once you add the tarp and all the stakes to it, it’s just as easy to keep taking my big Agnes tiger wall with rain fly. And I have been in some pretty rainy , windy weather and I stayed nice and dry. So I don’t think this one in the end is going to save me any weight, space, or set up time. So will stick with old faithful

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Nice. The name is ok I like the play on words. I agree with you about the size.

[@casper3130]

ATTENTION FOR IBNS USE: The IBNS you have there was designed for the USMC to be used on the ground or on military bed cots with an added pole fly if needed. The military bed cot would raise the bed net up off the ground higher into the pole fly set up so you would have walk in space and protection from blown rain. The IBNS is still used but isn't the low profile system troops needed so it has been improved to the EBNS at which has an attachable rain fly to the bed net system and can be set up on the ground or on a military bed cot. The EBNS has four color design patterns of coyote brown, woodland, Brushland and Spring Underbrush.

[@douglasdippold8235]

Um, are you going to just ignore the obvious option of setting up the tarp a lot lower? If you're just trying to stay dry, and not make a spot to hang out in, why would you pitch it so high?

[@provident8732]

If he doesn’t like something I notice he does things on purpose to make it seem as it’s junk. And it shows

[@aeroliner750]

Try lowering the tarp and set the tent on the diagonal

[@kateq7212]

He said that you would have to lower the tarp right down in wet weather, but you would not be hunched down. Luke is reviewing this from the pov of camping with an element of comfort, not a military expedition.

[@Davethe1979]

I have this tent. You enter from the top. If you lower it down as you mention than how are you getting in it. You need clearance to get in it

[@Rando-user-zm1fx]

How ridiculous to set the tarp up that high above the bivvy tent 🤣

[@johngalt6929]

He always does that. It looks so dorky.

[@Secko1Secko]

​& yet you keep coming back ​@@johngalt6929

[@MFitz12]

Done that way because it allows you to see everything and for him to film inside and outside the shelter.

[@johngalt6929]

@@MFitz12 - Thus becoming useless as a practical shelter as was the intention of the product?

[@MFitz12]

@@johngalt6929 - Well, I don't get the point of this thing so to my mind, yes.

[@MartinLopez-zs9il]

The IBNS military tent is designed as a low profile tent (ideal for stealth camping), then why would I want to install the tarp so high?

[@DerHossMeister]

Bug net with a 13x10 Aqua Quest Defender would pretty good!

[@TheRealAllenCrowe]

The six bottom tie outs are supposed to be on the ground. The two middle tie outs get pulled out with the lines. It's for a bivy, not a tent.

[@sniperforce34]

First off military are taught to keep their shelters low profile, so you extending the tent stakes to a max is not what they do😆😆😆😆

[@TheBKnight3]

Indeed, this is supposed to be ideally in cover behind a bush or under a tree. Maybe in a dugout? idk

[@sniperforce34]

@@TheBKnight3 if this is used as their personal field quarters they're taught to keep them low profile, in the field for personal use, extension of the frame stakes like he did is a fail anyway unless it's a sunny day then you can if ya want, but it's designed to be straight forward and to military point and specs. K I.S.S.

[@Stuart-er8qz]

It looks a tad bigger than my British army basha which is just enough when you're in the woods out of most of the bad weather purely as an add on to a bivvy or my polish laavu. Wouldn't want it without the tree cover though.ATB👍👍👍

[@sniperforce34]

@@Stuart-er8qz I'd have this system as part of my field kit, it's one of the better ones I've seen,

[@samhill3496]

It might rain on the Army but it doesn't rain in it.

[@MaddMango]

I'd love to see you play more with the Gopher, maybe alternate configs of setup. There's gotta be a reason for the weird tie-offs.

[@sj-art]

I would love a video on less expensive tarps that are maybe $25 or even less. If there is one you think could do in a pinch that someone could buy multiple ones to give to extended family for instance, without going broke that would be helpful.

[@benjaminrush4443]

Think that a tent with a tarp-like top attached to set up first. Then you can add the second larger Tarp over for added protection. Both would not add much more weight & space. Replace stakes. Quick one-night - just the tent with a tarp-like top. Thanks. Coleman makes some steel stakes with plastic connectors - top - for guide ropes. Saw video with the new Japanese product - Hugh Tarp with Tent underneath. Thanks.

[@peanutvanwoert8212]

After looking at the website for more information I personally would go with the Wolverine Tarp Kit than the rain fly.

[@cobbler88]

Problem is, then you're coming in at 4.5#, which might not be in your sweet spot for a backpacking shelter. You can get a 1P Kelty freestanding tent with full rainfly for $110. 🤣

[@midwestkayaker3471]

Every one hammering on Luke over how high he set the tarp up😂 their own website shows it in photos higher then Luke had it. But they also show it set up in different ways as well.

[@casper3130]

The Tarp set up options are for sun shade, wind or rain protections.

[@surthrival]

I liked their "Badger" version of this tent.

[@shawnedens9415]

Where did you find your polls at those look awesome

[@thanatoslrsd]

How about using the tarp in a plowpoint configuration over the tent, staked low in the back?

[@johnnorris1024]

Luke, this tent and tarp were designed for military use. This tarp was meant to pitch very low. This tarp is designed perfectly for the burrow shelter. You should be using these two products for stealth camping. You are trying to use these in a way that they were not designed to be used.

[@badnewsBH]

One thing that strikes me about this system is the internal hooks on the tarp. To keep the rain out, you need to keep the tarp low. If you lower it, how useful will those hooks be? Just wondering how that would work.

[@LilaHikes]

Funny, the Amazon listing has the tarp pitched close to the shelter and not as high as in this vid. However their website has a pic of the tarp pitched high, along a brick retaining wall, which doesn't look very effective if it was to start raining.

[@traceydoe1022]

Hi Luke. Talking about tarps. So we are a retired couple that love tent camping but…with our age we are a bit more glamping. We have the Core 9 (9x14) with 2 cots, matresses and at the other end we use a camp kitchen table to store all our clothes and on top our toiletries etc (cause bending over 100x a day just doesn’t agree with my back anymore). So we love our setup and we have just waterproofed our tent and rainfly sealed all the seams of both also so as to have no surprises. My hubby would still like to have a tarp in case but we don’t know what to buy. Any suggestions?

[@heyskra]

If the tent is a cot tent, put it on a cot. Then put the tarp above.

[@mikes8948]

Waiting for the rain test!😆

[@Spencebot42]

Wonder why you'd get this over the rain fly they make for this; other than increased ventilation, it seems like a lot more of a hastle to deal with.

[@starrcampingsurvival]

I've seen a TEMU tent just like this, but a pole can be attached to it to have a rainfly. Can you try to look at that and feature it on your channel. I'm about to buy that temu tent that looks like this.

[@tylersimplot13]

Is it sold this way now? Mine came with an actual cover that fit it not a tarp

[@TheBKnight3]

I remember the camo version (Iguana) had a proper cover too. Very odd.

[@GeneralJameson]

This is the Gopher tarp not the complete wolverine sleep system the IBNS is one piece the rainfly makes the wolverine sleep system EBNS, this Gopher tarp is something completely separate and different.

[@thebeardedgorilla8596]

​@@GeneralJamesonthought that was the case. I would've like to seen the wolverine set up instead of this.

[@cashmeoutsidetrekking8928]

I hope he does also. I have an IBNS and 2 EBNS, one of which I have the wolverine setup with. Love all three in different scenarios. ​@@thebeardedgorilla8596

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

Yooo Brotha Luke, I think the majority of loyal fans (including myself), that you are incredibly short circ 5'4"? But if you're describing anything that's" too small" such as you scrunching down under the tarp-it would be advantageous to say what your height is. It gives it a better reference. Im 6'3" 230lbs and it would be hard for me to fit underneath that tarp.

[@helvetiabushcraft]

Have to mount the tarp low. that way there would be less splash back.

[@ItIsMeG.D]

I’m interested in the adjustable poles you used on your tarp and I’m looking for something similar. Could you please advise their name/brand etc to see if I can source here in Australia.

[@ronaldmyers6752]

I always use my tent stakes to the fullest

[@janetburrows137]

It doesn't look like it's going to stop blowing wind???? ❤❤❤❤

[@sdz9850]

Janet "Burrows"...that is hilarious!!😂

[@yourpcmd]

Why not try the IBNS tent in the other way, on a cot? Seems that that would more than likely eliminate the splashback from rain.

[@8chohgee135]

That's _not_ the way to use those stakes, Buddy. Stakes differ for differing conditions. ( _e.g. You wouldn't use a sand stake in clay._ ). The spiral is meant to aid in removal. You hammer them in like any other stake that size.

[@kennethvalerio1294]

Steaks are good for fire 🔥

[@dyannejohnson6184]

Thanks for analysis

[@JerryDavis-d7u]

Can you set up as lent to like a tarp lower on end

[@christianwolf68]

i checked out their site, most of the items is a bit out of my price range. but their products look very interesting. im interested to see how they can attach to any off-road vehicle. lving in a hurricane zone i am more interested in items that have multi functionality. such as being able to tie down a tent or tarp ina parking lot shelter if needs be due to evacuation

[@marcomcdowell8861]

If this is designed for the ground combat element, it won't be hiked up for sipping coffee and enjoying the day. It'll be low to provide cover while you sleep.

[@johngalt6929]

Hey, watch it! Sitting in a chair and sipping coffee is the primary outdoor skill demonstrated on this channel.

[@gaylinlyons6534]

There a fly (separate from the tarp) that one can get for it.

[@NorthGeorgiaSurvival]

I am quite sure you can purchase a proper tarp with the correct tie-out points for 1/2 the price of this thing. I don't see any improvements over any other 10x10 on the market, especially with unknown variables on this one as per hydrostatic head rating or actual fabric used. This one is a whole lot of NOPE for me. Thanks for the informative vid, as usual. Rock on, Luke!

[@cobbler88]

Just FYI, this tarp comes in at 114x80 if you want a ballpark figure regarding what size to shop for to save money and/or some weight.

[@olpepaw4747]

I use an Aqua Quest 10x13 with a surplus IBNS like the one you reviewed years ago. ( also learned how to fold the dang thing from that vid lol) I also use the German military "elephant skin" ground tarp under the IBNS...never had any issues

[@asmith7876]

I have the exact same set-up!

[@olpepaw4747]

@@asmith7876 it works like a charm, don't it lol

[@fatandfurious5940]

It maybe does work well if the bugnet is placed on the cot...

[@mdykstra483]

Do you ever do kids swestshirts/t shirts? Would love to buy some for my 8. 7, and 6 year old grandkids

[@ArsenalFC-hp7xr]

Damn lol

[@UrbanTacticalSurvival]

Hey Luke you said that the tarp was to small I don’t agree, if you lower the tarp and run it the long ways I believe you will change your bhu😊ooiiii

[@Lt_Tragg]

Props to commentators coming through in a pinch - suggestions and alternatives. Aren’t those twisted stakes supposed to be driven straight? Luke never seems to go hammock (would work well with the featured fly). Thoughts?

[@johngalt6929]

Luke has already said that he doesn't like hammock camping. I think he is losing a lot of viewers by taking that stance and not embracing the multitude of outdoor skills he chooses to ignore.

[@Lt_Tragg]

@@johngalt6929 gotcha. Kinda figured. I know he’s mentioned back issues, maybe that’s a factor. But the symmetrical cuts are great. Love my Hennessy and I’ve a bad back. My son and I got into hammock when he was a Boy Scout. It was his go to. I agree with you; being tent-centric is cutting out a huge market and potential market of those unaware.

[@johngalt6929]

@@Lt_Tragg - I took up hammock camping when I turned 60. I was done crawling around on the ground and fooling around with a dozen tent stakes. I also sleep much better on a hammock.

[@Lt_Tragg]

@@johngalt6929 word

[@samtesla2248]

I don't know, but I would move the tarp lower and set it up asymmetrically with one side touching the ground... making it the backside.

[@gwpattrick]

You can get a rain fly for that. Wolverine tent fly something or other. By that time, just get a tent. Or use a rain poncho. You said it yourself it's a bug net.

[@cobbler88]

Exactly. The Burrow plus the fly come to about 4.5#. A 1P freestanding tent from kelty with better room only costs $110 and weighs 3.5#.

[@212caboose]

That tarp must be new- there's a rain fly for the IBNS...

[@garth8979]

What does inner resting mean?

[@cobbler88]

According to the website, the tent and tarp weigh about 3.5# together. If you want to get your own tarp and try to do it cheaper and/or lighter, I believe that dimensions are about 114x80. But for a bit of context, there are a couple of 1P tents from Kelty that offer a bit more room (87x31x40, LxWxH) and come with full rain flys, that each weigh about the same as this bear burrito, depending on how you pack them. They're freestanding and $110 each.

[@Nytestealer0831]

i think it needs to be low profile.. like using trekking poles instead of the elephant poles.. i have a tarp of that size as well.. and with a bug mesh it is good enough already.. just needs to be low profile.. i can setup my system like that, and i use shock cords as guy lines in front.. so i could slip in without moving and removing the guy lines.. i could dig this.. agreeing to have bigger tarp would be better..🤔😉👌

[@timgoward9407]

To be fair to Catoma, I don't think you set that up as they intended. Usually, your videos are fair to the product and consumer alike. In this case, it seems you have not met your usual high standard of past reviews. I have purchased several products based on your reviews and have agreed on your findings and opinions about them, so I find you to be a trusted source of information.

[@wittbit4768]

Not in instructions Is this a trench tent?

[@susantiffany2355]

I enjoy their names and play on words, because it makes them easier to remember. Think it’s a marketing strategy…wouldn’t you agree?

[@carryoncamping]

Plastic tent stakes are as good as a chocolate fire guard 😆

[@thebeardedgorilla8596]

What cots will this fit on? Anyone know? I have the helinox cot 1.

[@taylorbrawner2052]

I do think it’s setup too high but I’d rather have the Wolverine setup for the ibns

[@johngalt6929]

The Jazz Hands are especially furious on this episode. I had to duck a few times.

[@МаксимСоломенный-к8н]

If you put tent on the cot, under the tarp it suddenly look reasonable

[@fatherubu]

The tarp should have telescopic poles

[@IMDARKFIRE007]

I see the tarp more as a sun shade meant to be pitched JUST like this. You would only drop it for rain protection in a surprise rain event....I mean seriously, it''s obviously meant for warm dry conditions. But most people already have a good tarp like a defender, I see no real point in it beyond good weight and packed size.

[@Joe_HamRadioGuy]

Now show the tarp closer to the ground covering the tent.

[@Rok_Piletic]

what about .... Catoma Adventure Shelters Badger Tent????

[@bernielamont825]

Question here, why do companies include crap with their items? First of all the item might be fairly inexspensive, but by the time you swap out the parts that don't work, your out of pocket cost starts to go way up. I'm not an MIT engineer but I know what will work. I Wish companies would not prey on the inexperianced.

[@cobbler88]

With THIS one, you pay for the tent, you pay for the tarp or rain fly system, and by the end you're talking about 3.5-4.5# and more cost than just the shelter. If you get a low-end kelty freestanding 1P tent with a rainfly, you're getting a little more room, only spending $110 and still only coming in at the same 3.5# you would be if you got this bear burrito plus the tarp.

[@Pygar2]

Show folding this bugnet!

[@stevemorris3710]

IBNS system, great for hiking but if it has milk it sheets itself.

[@terrym1065]

Tarp set up is questionable, rotate and lower it. Not meant to be used as a stand up tarp obviously, hence the tie off points halfway up on long sides. Stakes are meant to be driven in. I think it can work if set up properly.

[@gregoryfaith4303]

My spidey senses tell me to skip this one.

[@hadojin210]

I never seen Luke get flamed so hard 😂 I’m surprised he got this so wrong But it’s still a good video, still demonstrates the tarp seems like a good product. Looks better than using a poncho as a tarp

[@DrJapan]

I dont like neither... the only thing I like about this video, as always, is you :)

[@kigerkarlzeberedi1800]

If your a real Camper -Hiker u know weight is everything" plastic although sucky" works" depending" but the weight saved allows me to drink more coffeee so I can camp more and keep the weight down and save myself from coffee dementia. And although the Tent sucks and leaks like and old persons butt" the lesson is"" use a folded Tarp and you'll always have a tent, and save yourself the expense and frustration of Buying a Lemon.

[@CliffordHall-l3e]

Two tarps combined

[@TheXanthoman]

In pretty much any situation that requires a tarp , im going with an aquaquest , just sayin

[@bernielamont825]

Yes, "buy once, cry once"!

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Without knowing the HH rating I wouldn't go near it. However, I'm sure it won't be long before Luke has it out in the rain.

[@newname2600]

Get a thesaurus. There’s got to be more adjectives than, “ineresing”.

[@DanielBelliveau-y5x]

I think Luke is more clever than a Gopher ! ! !

[@wisenber]

Is the tarp to small, or are the poles too tall? If the tarp was pitched lower to the ground, splash and mist are reduced.

[@NadesikoRose]

It might work if the poles on the end weren’t extended to their full length and kept shorter… This work bring the tarp edges closer to the ground and offer more protection to the tent