Guy goes to his therapist and says “Doc, I keep having these weird dreams every night. First I’m a wigwam, then I’m a teepee, then I’m a wigwam. What does it mean, doc?” The doctor thinks a minute and says, “Well, obviously, you’re two tents.” (“Two tents”, too tense…)
You guys getting tired of me talking about this land purchase and my ideas about it yet?
Someone asked what one of the first things I was going to do there is. Well, I need a little base of operations while working on the place, so I was thinking of building a small deck to support a wall tent. Something along these lines:
When I’m not up there I can take it down, roll it up, and secure it in a plastic barrel until Im up there again to need it. Then, later on, if I build the platform properly on piers, I can repurpose it for a dry cabin or storage shed.
As I’ve said repeatedly, and probably will say a bunch more times, purchasing the land will probably be the cheapest part of this adventure.
I lived in those for a couple of months over a couple of years. Get a good bed frame and mattress you can use – cold draft along floor was common issue. And consider keeping bed arranged so that if you roll out on the wrong side you don’t go out the side (not a fun way to wake up in a rush.) Old wood ammo cases worked well for side-tables and storage (probably too expensive now days.) Ours had roll up sides that were really nice when it was hot out or just getting ripe inside. Depending on bugs, screen doors and side curtains are very nice addition. Good memories from long ago.
A tent in Grizzly country… no thanks. I was camping in Yellowstone one year when a kid was dragged from his tent and eaten by a Grizzly.
He’s going to have a 10mm Glock under his pillow and a G3 next to his cot; he’s the one who knocks.
Second the original point.
You do you, but if it isn’t bear-proof, you might as well make a hammock out of actual ham.
Just saying.
I’m wondering if a wood frame ‘squatter shack’ might be a better long term solution for short term camping. My Brother and I when arriving to camp after dark the spent time erecting a tent after the drive. After we erected an elevated sleep platform with cover above, it was far easier and faster to make camp. Then get a fire going and enjoying the free time to appreciate the night sky.
If yiou aren’t familiar, internet search on ‘squatter cabin’. It may be worth looking at. Not as a residence but short term stays. Epecially when on a platform you describe.
Back when I lived in Silver Bow county, “upgrading” an existing structure required no permit.
So it was common to “upgrade” an old cabin by ripping down three walls, then making the cabin wall the outside of the attached firewood lean-to, and having that attached to a whole new house.
May be the same in the county where your new place is!
I have no idea if this firm does good work, but something like this might be useful, and they are a Montana company.
https://www.shelterdesigns.net/
I stayed a weekend in a yurt many moons ago for a Fall music festival in the Puget Sound area, and it was a pretty pleasant experience.
Kurt
Hey Zero
Based on my experience I would suggest that you consider whatever tent you decide upon have a stove jack feature and the stove that we have is made by 4dog nights in Minnesota if they are still in business
Make the platform a lot larger than the footprint of the tent which is preferably not only plain canvas and if you are in bear country do your cooking a long way from the tent
Also have your food a long way away preferably in a tree up high and very skinny it’s amazing what they can climb
Maybe purchase some bear wire too
George in Alaska
Can you get a small (20 ft) shipping container in there? Put it up on concrete blocks, punch a hole in the side for a small wood stove. Would give you some security against the bears (above) and a fairly secure place to store stuff when you are not there. You could still build the deck onto the container. Build it out over time with solar powered lighting, computer desk, Starlink, etc.
just buy a RV – even if you need to park it at a neighbor’s place >>> unless you destroy it or just buy totally wrong – you should get your $$$$ back on a re-sell …..
A small travel trailer is something to think about. For security and convenience. You hook it up Friday after work and drive out. Very little setup. Also a handy contingency item to own.
I’ve watched a bunch of videos – too many of them, where many say they wish they would have brought in a shipping container or built a shed/barn to work out of/store items in especially in bad weather instead of having to haul everything back and forth or throw under a tarp. They also were thankful for the full sized older 4×4 pickup truck that was able to haul the lumber and supplies.
A person I use to know had 32 acres in upper lower Michigan where they had a tent like you have pictured, but the 2nd year built a decent sized insulated shed that they later turned into a storage/workshop once their cabin was finished. They even built a lean-to off one side to store their old N9 tractor and ATV.
Every now and then I wonder what happened to that place.
I don’t know if you’re familiar with the business called “Under Canvas,” but they’re located near US National Parks, and they really take the concept of wall tents to the next level. Each wall tent typically includes a fireplace and a bathroom with shower.
They can be pricey, but if you’re looking for a great travel experience and it fits within your budget, I highly recommend them.
https://www.undercanvas.com/camps/columbia-river-gorge/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21746198391#gallery-2-3-1
Hey commander,
Just thought I’d toss out the route I decided to take. I’ve stayed out in wall tents quite a bit, but wanted something rodent free and without the work of set up and tear down every time I went out. I already had a 12′ X 6′ cargo trailer, so converted that to a small toy hauler type camper. I put in two windows, insulated the whole thing, installed a small wood stove from an Idaho company, built a small kitchen, and fold down bunks, and cedar on the ceiling. It makes for a nice cabin feel, and I can still haul my four wheeler, or snowmobile to my camp site. Anyhow, have fun with the new project and looking forward to your updates.
Backcountry Bum
Wigwam versus Teepee. The Native American debate continues ……😉
Stayed in a Yurt on the tip of the South Island in New Zealand. Late fall. Very comfortable. This one was a semi-permanent platform type.
That said, think you mentioned you have a pick up truck. If it doesn’t require a massive amount of tree branch trimming to get in there, maybe just get a used camper shell for it and save yourself the time & hassle of having to set up / pack up every time visiting. More time to enjoy the property.
Have fun.
Possibly. A topper though reduces my cargo ability and I plan on hauling a four-wheeler up there and back…gonna need the bed empty for that, I would think. I mean, I could do a small trailer for the four-wheeler, but I think Id rather just have it in the bed of the truck so I don’t have to worry about a small trailer on a very rough road.
Depending on the trailer (size and ground clearance), pull the wheeler to parking area. Unload wheeler and hitch trailer to that. Load stuff on small trailer for trip(s) to camp/living area.
I used this method to get over to Cape Lookout fishing.
Less ferry costs as well.
Good luck and stay safe, especially while working alone.
hmmm, dunno, I have an 8 x 10 tent I would give you (we have fallen out of love) but since you’re gonna need a shed anyways why not start out with a decent sized one from Home Depot or a DIY style? Can use it for shelter, storage and then when the cabin in done you would already have a shed!
Well, theres a couple reasons. FIrst and foremost, the immediate infrastructure needs some work before something as large as a small shed on a trailer can get up in there. So, The ideal progression is platform tent> small storage shed> ‘real’ dwelling. Additionally, I need some time to build the cash reserves back up and that means something to keep the rain off my head while I’m terraforming up there..so: tent.
You keep writing, we’ll keep reading.
You might consider an “ice fishing shelter”, they tend to be insulated (double check the details before buying a specific model) which is nice in the cold. Eskimo makes some that will keep out the rain (I believe).
Steve Wallis has some videos about camping in them.
I had a wall tent in the North West UP for years got it from https://www.davistent.com in Denver. I just left it up year around. Taking it down wet or dirty will just have it mold or rot in storage. It lasted over 10 years with little damage. You may want to take a stove out and other items but the tent worked out and leaving it up allowed it to dry and stay in good shape for years. Mine had a screen on the entrance and a window screen in the back being able to air it out was a plus and you could take advantage of a breaze with out all the flying critters joining you.
I have a portable potty and use a pop-up blind for it to keep the smell out of the living quarters and it came down fast storing in a small package. Having a covered front porch had advantages having a 1/2 cord of dry wood at the tent will make things handy.
Good luck with the place and all the improvements.
Best regards,
Roadie
Actually I was waiting on your description of the new land and what it had and didnt that made you pull the trigger. Did it have extras or something or better commute distance? After the other parcels didnt work, how did this one change your mind? This one you didnt post any pics so i assume you had reasons?
“You guys getting tired of me talking about this land purchase and my ideas about it yet?” – not at all !!! Even those of us that have accepted that we’d be screwed in the event of a SHTF or TEOTWAWKI event, we still like having someone else’s life to live through – kinda like having a chauffeur in NYC traffic. But I think you’re overlooking a HUGE talent and labor pool to get your retreat \ BOL up and running – very carefully and very quietly selecting your blog readers with obvious experience and talent and a willingness to help with demanding physical tasks to help get things going at your property could help you move things forward quickly. Have them meet you at a remote location, put a hood over their head, put them in a windowless van and take via a circuitous route to your property – you’ve maintained OPSEC and I bet ya people would beg for a chance to say “I helped Commander Zero build his retreat !” I’d offer to help, but I’m gonna be busy that day.
Sorry this is a late comment. I wandered into a local Ocean StateJob Lots store this week, and found boxes of MREs on sale for $30. Marked for Gvt use, not for commercial resale. I don’t know if that store chain is out West, might be only east coast. Sounded like a good deal if someone was looking for such stuff.
Sir: excited for your new chapter in life.
That said, your life WILL now center around rodent control.
$$$ wasted, material & labor
Suck it up and get a container in there by any means. You are going to need a white folks road at some point.
Ive lost in ruined material, furnishings, supplies, and labor well over 10k in losses. And I dont have the bear issue.
A container is always a clean refreshing mental boost when everything else is dusty or a quagmire. W/o the turd complications…..
Soapweed
Oh God yes. Mice are everywhere, and destroy everything, except in the container we set up for 4 wheeler. They’ve destroyed wiring, gas lines, the gas tank on the lawnmower; food supplies, clothing; nested in a shop vac and tool boxes and clothing. They’ve nested inside air filters and around batteries in cars that are used daily.
A shipping container is perfect. Solid shelter and no mice.
I would strongly suggest installing metal wire screens over any opening into the vehicle, such as air filters (engine and cabin intake). Also, consider some sort of rodent repellent that could be sprayed(?)(pepper spray?) under the hood, to keep them from chewing on wiring.
Remember, for some years, the idiot manufacturers made wire insulation that was attractive to them. I’m currently doing repairs to wiring under the hood of an ’04 Sequoia that rats took a liking to. You do NOT want to leave any vehicle on the property unattended, as rodents will ruin the interior with the smell of urine left to marinate, if they can find access. And they will…
No idea of the feasibility (cost) of this, but I would be checking the cost of having a helicopter deliver a 20ft container to the property. Might be possible to buy them from a somewhat nearby construction project that is finishing off, which should be cheaper to buy and transport, or have it delivered by trailer as close to the property as possible, so a chopper only has to lift it and move it a relatively short distance.
One potential problem with shipping containers is that some (most?) don’t have a metal floor, but use wood. Don’t want that sort placed directly on dirt, I would think.
Those wood container floors sit 2-3″ above the bottom of the container’s steel bottom beams.
The correct way to go about a container is to remove the heavily chemically-impregnated flooring after setting said container on a concrete pad with below-the-frost-line foundation corners (all container weight is distributed to/through the corner beams), and affixing metal screening over any gaps or holes bigger than a pinprick on the underfloor beams, to keep the resident rodentia at bay. Replacing the floor with 3/4″ fresh plywood over styrofoam sheets (or anything with higher R than that) should work.
Orienting the container properly for solar gain, and adding few angled solar panels on the roof so that you can wire in battery storage and self-contained power can do a lot of good too, and help shed any snow load if you support it well with a bomb-proof triangle truss structure.
That far north, an insulated container would be a solid plan, otherwise insulating it inside after the fact.
Windows, if any, should have bear/burglar-proof metal grid welded over the outside. Light: good. Unwanted access: bad.
My 2¢.
That said, for what you’d pay to acquire, bring in, and modify a container for minimal habitation and workshop use, you could probably do better than that with a cinder-block structure of any configuration. Not faster for initial set-up, but infinitely more useful and just as secure when completed, albeit much more permanent.
If digging into a hillside is an option, block-, brick-, or log-lined walls under a reinforced concrete roof and a concrete-block entrance with steel door(s) could leave you with an earth-sheltered cabin/workshop/garage/root-cellar that wouldn’t just be bear- and burglar-proof, but nearly artillery proof.
But, obviously, slower to erect initially than dropping a container.
There are always trade-offs.