The Parahooch and the Assault Shelter

 
Submitted by Doug

Another couple of options for tactical shelters include: the Parahooch and Tipis from Kifaru and the camping outfitter Sierra Designs which makes shelters, bivy bags and sleeping bags.

ED – Doug, interesting gear here.  As a completely minimalist approach, the Parahooch looks like a winner, since it’s extremely lightweight (11 oz. without the optional pole kit) and freestanding (you don’t have to tie it off on a tree or “something”) and appears to be less complicated than the tarptent design.  The “hooch” is made of UV resistant and waterproof paraglider fabric and is available in two colors; white and coyote brown.

The Sierra Designs solo assault shelter (which is said to be an issue item for the Navy SEALS) looks like a good all around choice as well.  Though heavier than the parahooch by almost 3 pounds (packed weight is 4 lb. 6 oz.) the assault shelter is also a stand alone tent.  You do not have to stake it to anything in order for it to work (with the tarptents, at a minimum, you have to be able to stake the corners to the ground, which would limit it’s utility in sandy or soft soil situations where the ground wasn’t firm enough to hold the stakes, or in snow.)  The assault shelter is similar in design to the ICS except that it is of a single wall design (there is no rain fly, which saves on weight) though it also comes with an attached “lean to” type vestibule over the main “door” which can be staked down, tied off on a tree branch, or connected to another assault shelter to increase covered area.

Comments

[Dean Jackson]

For less money and less weight than the Sierra Designs, the Eureka Backcountry 1 ($130ish) is a hell of a one man tent. It's freestanding, and has served me well from 90F and full humidity to -15F and four inches of snow.

The tradeoff is that you lose the vestibule, but if that's that important, you can rig one pretty easily with a tarp or (lighter) a sheet of Tyvek home wrap.

Amazon, $132: Eureka Solo Backcountry 1 Tent

For a larger tent, Eureka's Outfitter Assault has treated me pretty damn well; took it into 50-60 mph dust storms at 110F in Nevada desert, and set it on ice in the winter, and never had a problem either way for the three years I've had it. It's big and heavy, which is the opposite of the Backcountry 1 tent.

Amazon, $332: Eureka Assault Outfitter

[SSG Kinsella]

The parahooch looks pretty great. It's the next generation of the poncho hooch. Don't get me wrong, the poncho hooch has served me well and all kinds of weather, but I'm tired of getting wet from a leaky "hood" or wind blowing under my poncho.

Not to mention, looking for that "perfect" place to set it up before anyone else in the platoon gets there.

[Milan]

How much does the The Sierra Designs solo assault shelter cost?

Can civilians buy it?

[Scott Murphy]

Just FYI the Sierra Designs tent is out of stock at the manufacturer - they don't have any plans to make any more at this time.

If they do the cost of the tent is $730 from REI (it's a special order item).

At that price, I'm not sure it's worth it.

[sell ffxi gil]

This looks much better than Combat Shelter. I wonder how much that costs. Summer is coming and we have plans to go camping, will civilians have the chance to purchase that?

[Charles Miller]

I have a Kifaru Tipi and it is absolutely wonderful gear. The fabric is light but quite tough. Cannot comment on the parahooch weight since I have the largest tipi they make. I also use their 3 day pack (navigator) day pack (Marauder) and the E&E bag in various combinations. Highly recommended, but don't expect fast shipment. Everything is made to order.