good packable tarp

schmittie

schmittie

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
2,966
I've looked at many of the different BOBs that you guys have posted in different threads and I keep noticing that I have tarp envy. When I made my kit, I cheaped out and bought a 6x8 heavy duty HB tarp. Its too thick, heavy, and doesn't pack well. What is a good inexpensive alternative? Where would you recommend I go?
 
You might want to check out the Etowah Outfitters tarps. They're well made (USA made to boot) tarps and they're actually pretty reasonably priced compared to many sil-nylon alternatives.

I have been using an 8x10 for about a year now and it has performed admirably. Packs very nicely I might add.
 
rocketbomb said:
You might want to check out the Etowah Outfitters tarps. They're well made (USA made to boot) tarps and they're actually pretty reasonably priced compared to many sil-nylon alternatives.

I have been using an 8x10 for about a year now and it has performed admirably. Packs very nicely I might add.
Click to expand...

Those look pretty good. How well do you think they can handle heavy winds?
 
Check out owareusa.com I have a few of his tarps. They too are made here in the USA. The one I keep in my BOB is an 8x10 70d nylon. It is a bit heavier than the 30d which is used mainly for backpacking, but it is a lot more durable and cheaper. He does them in different colors as well. OD, grey, and even a digi-cam pattern. Lots of tie-outs make getting a good, taught shelter a breeze.
 
schmittie said:
I've looked at many of the different BOBs that you guys have posted in different threads and I keep noticing that I have tarp envy. When I made my kit, I cheaped out and bought a 6x8 heavy duty HB tarp. Its too thick, heavy, and doesn't pack well. What is a good inexpensive alternative? Where would you recommend I go?
Click to expand...

I don't have an Etowah, but I do have a couple of the MEC Silicon-Tarps...very compact and effective:

Scout Tarp

ROCK6
 
My advice is to pick a SilNylon material and avoid any tarp made of urethane-coated Nylon or polyester. I've already experienced the loss of waterproofing of a urethane-coated tarp (Kelty Noah's Tarp) and won't buy another.

My last tarp purchase was a MacCat Deluxe from Outdoor Equipment Supply. Super light and a very high quality construction. It's designed for hammock use but is certainly useful for other configurations. The catenary-cut sides keep it taught and quiet in the wind.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
desmobob said:
My advice is to pick a SilNylon material and avoid any tarp made of urethane-coated Nylon or polyester. I've already experienced the loss of waterproofing of a urethane-coated tarp (Kelty Noah's Tarp) and won't buy another.

My last tarp purchase was a MacCat Deluxe from Outdoor Equipment Supply. Super light and a very high quality construction. It's designed for hammock use but is certainly useful for other configurations. The catenary-cut sides keep it taught and quiet in the wind.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
Click to expand...

I just got my MacCat a couple of days ago, and it is awesome! Very light, compact, yet plenty big enough for me, gear, and sleeping bag. High quality, very well made. Love it!
 
I've packed a ripstop-nylon 8 x 10 tarp for years in my daypack 'just in case'. Tough, lightweight, compact, it's come in handy scores of times.
 
sodak said:
I just got my MacCat a couple of days ago, and it is awesome! Very light, compact, yet plenty big enough for me, gear, and sleeping bag. High quality, very well made. Love it!
Click to expand...

We both forgot to mention one feature... it's pretty! :thumbup:

I don't have any photos of mine pitched, but the color and shape are very pleasing to the eye.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
if you want something small/packable consider a poncho/tarp in silnylon

rain gear AND shelter for under 12 oz :D

idponchotarp.jpg





ponchotarp.jpg
 
I have (2) Etowahs a camo 12x10 and a Bushcraftusa 10x10 they both rock. The 10x10 is very handy as being square it has many set up options.
 
lots of good options already, but here's another:

I have a couple of groundcloths for larger tents that I sometimes carry as an emergency/cooking tarp. I doubt I've ever paid more than $20 -- I go by size, weight, and what's on sale at REI or wherever. That doesn't get you ultralight (prob. 8 oz. or so), but it's sturdy, packs small, and has excellent tie-outs (so no fussing around if you have to put it up quickly in the rain).
 
For years I used a US Army Poncho
Makes an excellent tarp
And is dual purpose for a BOB
 
Never messed with any of the civilian tarp/ponchos. What the difference between the USGI Ponchos and those?
 
Equinox 8x10 silnylon packs small and is very light.

Golite silnylon ponchotarp packs smaller, lighter and is dual purpose. Cheaper than the Integral Design too :D
 
milani74 said:
Never messed with any of the civilian tarp/ponchos. What the difference between the USGI Ponchos and those?
Click to expand...

the USGI ones vary a bit depending on when/where they were produced, generally they are pretty close to the size of the civilian ones (you want to insure you don't get one that is too small), they are heavier (most use a rubber back ripstop nylon), but cheaper- I don't think they have as good as guy tie outs either

I got my ID poncho/tarp (lightly used) on ebay for $35, Golite as mentioned above is another one to look at- you can find these on sale or used quite often
 
I like the Etowah tarps, I have a 12' x 10' and want to get an 8' x 10'. Not as light and packable as the higher end ones but cost 1/3 the price. Also have the integrated tabs including a set tabs running along the center for the ridge line. Helps keep wear off the material in the center from rubbing on your cord. The 12' x 10' provides a full shroud around a hammock if you want/need that kind of privacy and protection but it is a bit too big for tarping it. I like the rectangular tarps because I am unimaginative I suppose.
 
kgd said:
I like the Etowah tarps, I have a 12' x 10' and want to get an 8' x 10'. Not as light and packable as the higher end ones but cost 1/3 the price. Also have the integrated tabs including a set tabs running along the center for the ridge line. Helps keep wear off the material in the center from rubbing on your cord. The 12' x 10' provides a full shroud around a hammock if you want/need that kind of privacy and protection but it is a bit too big for tarping it. I like the rectangular tarps because I am unimaginative I suppose.
Click to expand...

+1 on Etowah tarps
 
next time someone you know is getting rid of a tent, ask for the rain fly off it.
good size, light weight, and has lashing points already sewn in.
if the rain fly is dead, consider cutting the bottom out of the tent and using that.
 
1066vik said:
next time someone you know is getting rid of a tent, ask for the rain fly off it.
good size, light weight, and has lashing points already sewn in.
if the rain fly is dead, consider cutting the bottom out of the tent and using that.
Click to expand...

You are a genius my friend!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top