Just considering the switch to a tarp/tent without a floor instead of a traditional free standing tent. Does anyone have experience with this and what are the pros and cons of the tarp/tent/shelter vs. the traditional tent?

I don't own a tarp type tent yet but have slept in them

Pros of tarp vs tent

Lots of room!!!!!

much lighter if you use ropes to rig, versus poles

Dual purpose can be used for sleeping, relaxing,getting out of the rain

Cons

Need trees or something to rig it to so sometimes it is more difficult to find a spot but we have never had a problem.

May take a bit longer to setup, notice I said may-once you get familar with it it will probably take no more time.

Need to make sure you don't put it in low spot-with no floor this is critical.

Need a tarp or something to serve as the floor.

In bug season you will need a screen to close it up from bugs

I especially like tarps during the non buggy times of spring and fall. I'm sure others have more to add.

Yes, CCS Lean Shelter,love it!
Do search for it, there are a couple of threads for this.
CB

Tyvek tarp tent is lighter, quicker setup once you know how you want to use it.

Just remember to bring some type of water barrier to sleep on. It is not always easy to find a flat, well drained site for your bedding. Last sping I used the foot print for my other tent and was very thankful I had brought it.

CCS lean one user here. Lots of room for the weight and very comfortable to use. Does take longer to set up and takes a lot of room. As with all CCS products, it is very well made and well designed.

CCS Lean 2 Plus user here, I like the open shelter system more than a tent. More room, better ventilation, and I like the more open design. Acts as both tent and tarp on my solo trips, and on a tandem trip I'll bring a extra CCS tarp.

Lean 1+! 3 pounds, sans rope and stakes. No floor, walk in out of the rain without soaking your sleeping bag. I was happy with it's weather resistance in last Sept. t-storms. You can change the way you rig it to work with the area used [I put mine up over a stump once, used it as a table!]
Need to use a good tarp/groundcloth under your sleeping bag. Setup can look like a giant spider web. If you are not careful about where you set it up it can become a pool cover.

I haven't used my solo or 3man tent since I got it!

butthead

I'm looking at sewing up something like this to go under my sleeping bag-
floor

butthead

I have the ground sheet that CCS sells for my Lean3 Plus. We had ours on Sawbill last summer with the family of 5 in it when it rained all night long, stayed bone dry.
CB

Wow, I am convinced. Going to order the CCS Lean2 plus so I can have the bug screen just in case. Thanks to everyone for all the help deciding headed to Crab/Cummings 2nd week of June and can't wait.

I'm very intrigued by the Lean concept, but how do you keep mice and ground bugs out of there if there is no floor? I would not do well knowing a mouse could crawl in and make his way into my sleeping bag.

Doubtful that would happen, but the thought of it sends shivers down my spine.

If mice want in, they are going to get in... floor or no floor.

Yeah, but you could also say someone's gonna steal a car if they really want it. Doesn't mean I leave it unlocked with the keys in it. :)

Embrace the critters of the forest. Not going to keep them out of a lean.

Baxter [Old Rookie's companion] does a good mousing job when he's awake!

butthead

There are many more mice than car thieves. Just a hunch, no studies and stats to report.