Best tarp for a personsl survival kit?

S

swami_p

Joined
Jun 1, 2004
Messages
76
I was looking at a very light backpacking tarpfor the shelter portion of my personal survival kit. The kind i was looking at was made 0f 1.1 oz silicone impregnated nylon. What are some other peoples expierences with tarps in survival kits?
 
I've been using silicone impregnated nylon (silnylon) tarps for backpacking for three years. I was astonished at how rugged they are considering how thin and light the material is. I couldn't make a hole bigger by pulling with two fingers with all my might.

It's almost the lightest, most compact tarp material you can get. Only spinnaker material is lighter.

However, it's not imune to burn holes from flying campfire sparks. And it is rather expensive.

So for a backpack BOB, where space and weight are at a premium, I think it's a good choice. You can also get silnylon ponchos that have been designed for use as roomy shelters.

http://www.trailquest.net/dlgcponchotarp.html
http://owareusa.com/

For a car trunk kit or for caching, you might want something that's less expensive, if not more resistant to fire. I'm talking about reinforced poly tarps here.

For flame resistance, I think you're back to canvas or ventile. Neither are stunningly light or compact, but if you intend to cook a lot with campfires, you might want the flame resistance of natural fibres.

Bear
 
I use my camping stuff in my bug out bag, (or is it the other way around?... no matter) it lets me test the performance of all of the items. For years I caried and used a multitiepoint very lightweight nylon campers tarp.
The siliconised version should work even better. I'm 6" tall and found that any tarp less than about 8' would let my head or feet get wet unless I lay on a diagonal. A good tarp for carrying should not weigh much more than about 1.5 pounds IMO. When you get near 2 pounds you should start considering one of the other tent style shelters or reconsider your tarp selection.
This is what I currently carry;
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=12155
Although I would only pitch it like this for sunshade. Overnight I, usually, pitch it puptent style, for better wind protection.
Lots of 550 cord helps and if you don't have a tiepoint in the right place, just use an acorn or pebble inside the tarp and tie the cord around it at the desired tiepoint location (forms a miniature bag).
Enjoy!
 
I agree 100% with Bear. Sylnylon is amazing stuff.

I would consider a size much large than you'd think you d need as the weight dif is not much.

I have a 10x12 tarp and when its nasty out when the sides are battened down to the ground it is perfect for 2-3 people with gear.

BTW a tarp with a center tie down/up loop sewn in is essential for proper setup.

Skam
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top