Inexpensive tarp to "try" tarp camping

Stormstaff

Stormstaff

Joined
Dec 14, 2007
Messages
1,918
I'm really liking the idea of tarp camping but where do I start? To me, a tarp has always been the big blue tarps I can get at the local Wal-mart or some such. Is this what people are using or are there more specific tarps to use?

Thanks for your time!!
 
Anwhere in the 7' to 10' range (and any combination thereof) makes a good size to start with.

You can get a heavy duty brown/silver tarp from Home Depot for about $15. Here's a good video about one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LuKr4dl9mA

Dave has quite a few "versa shelter" videos up. Check them out.

You don't need the tent poles, but they are handy. A stick works well or two trees close enough together.
 
I think the surplus tarps work the best. They are cumbersome and a bit heavy, but if you are simply setting them up to see how, they work great. From that platform you can see the weaknesses presented by smaller, less durable tarps.
 
typically i think that alot of the tarpers use tarps made from what is known as silnylon, or a silicone impregnated nylon fabric. very light and it feels nice and "fabricy"-not like a big sheet of plastic like the poly tarps.

you can do fine with a basic 10x10' blue poly tarp from wherever to start with. they aren't even that heavy, if you don't mind the bulk. but they can be folded down pretty small too if you are careful.
 
Start off with a cheapy if you like it you can always get a better one like the ultra lite ones siguy mentioned... if you don't like it.. well there's always something to use a tarp for.
 
I always carry a lightweight nylon tarp with ripstop weaving in my daypack. It has several grommets and is very versatile as well as tough. The plastic ones are OK but don't last, are relatively bulky and prone to pinholes. Good for under the tent or a picnic table shelter, but not very useful for backpacking.
 
When car camping, I like a regular tarp like in the fore mentioned video or below (10' x 8'). If going light, a 5 x 8 silnylon tarp (or G.I. poncho) with a Tyvek ground cloth is what I use.

DSC02729.jpg


DSC03121.jpg


If is going to be buggy...
http://www.bizrate.com/camping_hikinggear/oid597261935__nwylf--.html
 
Quiet Bear, at the point of carrying a tarp like that or the blue ones around, I'd just as soon bring a lightweight tent.
Sil-Nylon definitely has its place for ultralight, but unless cost is the motivating factor, I don't see the point in a home depot type tarp for car camping.
 
You can buy a roll of clear plastic and carve off a suitable piece. You can tie ropes to the corners with a sheetbend http://www.folsoms.net/knots/
(The rope needs to do the work. The plastic just froms the "J" the knot is tied into.)

The typical blue (or green or brown) "plastic" tarp is OK to start with IF you don't have strong wind. The aluminum grommets tend to tear out in good wind.

Coated nylon tarps are available from lots of places, like campmor.com. They come in a variety of sizes, some with brass grommets and some with tie tapes that allow various setups. They are far tougher than the plastic alternatives. Beware the "1000mm" tarps sold by some. 1000mm is the absolute minimum rating to call itself "waterproof," and the tarp will start dropping below that with use. (They actually brag on 1000mm as if it is a mark of quality. :rolleyes:)

Silicon coated nylon ("silnylon") is 1/3 to 1/2 lighter than coated nylon and much more expensive, as you will find when shopping. I like mine for the light weight becasue I am old and backpack regularly. They often come with unsealed seams that can only be sealed (no biggie) with silicon.

Remember that tarps do not keep out 'skeeters.
 
xxguitarist said:
Quiet Bear, at the point of carrying a tarp like that or the blue ones around, I'd just as soon bring a lightweight tent.
Sil-Nylon definitely has its place for ultralight, but unless cost is the motivating factor, I don't see the point in a home depot type tarp for car camping.
Click to expand...

xxguitarist...the first word of the post was 'inexpensive.'
 
xxguitarist said:
Quiet Bear, at the point of carrying a tarp like that or the blue ones around, I'd just as soon bring a lightweight tent.
Sil-Nylon definitely has its place for ultralight, but unless cost is the motivating factor, I don't see the point in a home depot type tarp for car camping.
Click to expand...

As mentioned, cost is a major factor. Also the experience. What a way to wake up - seeing the sunrise over the trees as the creek rushes by. My two buddies I just got back from Yellowstone with wanted outta thier tent and sleep outside under a tarp too. And unless you gotta a mac-daddy strong tent, a tarp can be a more durable material and configured for rough weather if need be. To each thier own. Peace, Chris
 
I bought a roll of THICK plastic (roofers plastic) about 1000' feet x 6' for about $50.

I cut off a 12' piece and string it up with paracord (we have tons of trees here) . To secure the bottom, sides etc i use stones or logs.

CHEAP, i can recyle it loclay, CHEAP, and it is 100% waterproof. I have used it in rain storms (something about being uder a clear tarp in a storm is wonderful).
 
Another reason to stick with the cheap and heavy tarps is to play with what dimensions work for you (and different configurations) before dropping more money on a lightweight one.

Just an idea.

Brian
 
Thomas Linton said:
You can buy a roll of clear plastic and carve off a suitable piece. You can tie ropes to the corners with a sheetbend http://www.folsoms.net/knots/
(The rope needs to do the work. The plastic just froms the "J" the knot is tied into.)

I'd recommend thomas' suggestion above to try out tarping. Go to home depot or some place similar and buy some 3 mil polyethyline plastic. 3 mil is a nice thickness since it's strong and thick enough while still being light and packable. You can use the same material for your groundsheet. 8x10 is a good tarp size for 2, 7x9 is good for solo use. Use some paracord tied between two trees for your ridge line, or you can also use sticks at the ends if there are not suitable trees. at the corners attach some 4 foot or so guylines with sheet bends as suggested above. The sheet bends hold surprisingly well, I've never had one come undone.
Click to expand...
 
If you want to try plastic you could go to a furniture store and ask if they have any of the plastic that mattresses come in. I don't know the mil but this stuf is thick and tuff! A king-size mattress should provide a pretty big piece of plastic. It's clean (the side next to the mattress) and they will probably be glad to give it away to get rid of it...

Just my 2cents
 
PharmBoy01 said:
If you want to try plastic you could go to a furniture store and ask if they have any of the plastic that mattresses come in. I don't know the mil but this stuf is thick and tuff! A king-size mattress should provide a pretty big piece of plastic. It's clean (the side next to the mattress) and they will probably be glad to give it away to get rid of it...

Just my 2cents
Click to expand...

"A Scout is . . . thrifty." :thumbup:

Duct tape can deal with any minor holes.
 
Don't forget when tying tarps, etc that you can put a rock in the material and wrap it then tie around below said rock. It works much better IMO than the sheet bend and nearly guarantees that the tarp wont rip...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top