When I ride cross-country on my recumbent trike I try to camp off on the side of the road or parking lots etc. Whenever possible.

I feel I have come up with an 85-90% perfect solution for my personal wants/needs.

Pros:

Smallest footprint, easy setup, very visible, comfortable, works well in mild to moderate rainy weather, doesn’t require anything to set up other than what I brought along, and packs up small. The Army bivy is nearly waterproof.

Cons:

Needs a bare minimum of 2 stakes if using tarp, no real privacy except inside the Army bivy sack, very visible (double edge sword).

I use an orange hi-viz tarp the same length as trike give or take an inch or two. Two rubber twist ties. One at each corner to attach tarp to trike easily. Two poles, currently adjustable trekking poles. And two stakes.

I can set tarp up with a peak, flat lean-to style, windbreak, or no tarp.

Everything is lightweight and packs nicely with plenty of room left over for whatever I want.

I use a cot due to neck, hip, back, and sciatic nerve pain. Much more comfortable than directly on the ground and not as annoying as having to blow up or deflat an air mat. If I need more padding, then I can use the seat cushion for a mat.

I also bring along a chair and table. The chair, cot, and table are Helinox brand.  Worth every penny. Lightweight, easy assembly, and comfortable.

In another blog coming, I show and go over everything else I bring and why.