- Joined
- Dec 11, 2006
- Messages
- 1,659
For about the past year, I have been debating about the features I would like to have on a tarp. I really wanted to figure things out before I spent what I consider a lot of money on a lightweight tarp. I figured I was going to have one custom made.
Recently, I found out about Cooke Custom Sewing, and decided theirs was already setup the way I wanted, no custom making required.
I decided on the 10' x 10' configuration in 1.1oz nylon. The total package claims a weight of 20 oz.
Here is a picture of the whole getup:
- 8 aluminum tent stakes (may add more later)
- Polypropylene cord in 50', various 20' and 15' lengths
- Tarp in the small compression sack I have.
Knife is for scale:
As you can see, my smallest compression sack is bottomed out, and the tarp can compress much further.
Claims from CCS is that it will compress to the size of a 1qt nalgene, and that looks about right. This is even with all the additional cordage that I have added to it, which you will see later.
Non-compressed tarp, in the stuff sack it was supplied with.
Before I show pictures of the actual tarp, let me say something about color. Normally, I want very natural tones, and would normally opt for this tarp in green. However, in the next couple years I plan to take several trips to northern Canada, and possibly using a bush pilot for some trips. Because of weather, and various other things, I decided safety and being found was going to be more important than my own personal preference and visual impact. Not to mention, sometimes on remote canoeing trips, and can not be as easy as you might thing to spot your campsite from a distance.
Long way of saying, I bought the very loud, multi-colored version (which you will see). I am not trying to talk anyone into this configuration. Just letting you know why I bought a tarp that makes it look like the circus is in town!
Let's look at some of the features that made me want this tarp.
Loops rather than gromments or just reinforced corners. Spreads the stress through the ribbon.
More attachment loops every 18". Again, reinforcement along the entire length of all sides. That is pretty cool!
Fair weather might not be a big deal, but this thing was designed for weather where most people would not consider a tarp.
Nice thing about a square tarp is that during setup, just grab ANY corner. Doesn't matter.
Here, I used a hand over hand knot. Works like a prussik hitch and can be tied with the cord I pre-attached to the tarp.
Here it is pitched.
Various attachments down the side.
Central tie out in the back.
To Be Continued.......
Recently, I found out about Cooke Custom Sewing, and decided theirs was already setup the way I wanted, no custom making required.
I decided on the 10' x 10' configuration in 1.1oz nylon. The total package claims a weight of 20 oz.
Here is a picture of the whole getup:
- 8 aluminum tent stakes (may add more later)
- Polypropylene cord in 50', various 20' and 15' lengths
- Tarp in the small compression sack I have.
Knife is for scale:
As you can see, my smallest compression sack is bottomed out, and the tarp can compress much further.
Claims from CCS is that it will compress to the size of a 1qt nalgene, and that looks about right. This is even with all the additional cordage that I have added to it, which you will see later.
Non-compressed tarp, in the stuff sack it was supplied with.
Before I show pictures of the actual tarp, let me say something about color. Normally, I want very natural tones, and would normally opt for this tarp in green. However, in the next couple years I plan to take several trips to northern Canada, and possibly using a bush pilot for some trips. Because of weather, and various other things, I decided safety and being found was going to be more important than my own personal preference and visual impact. Not to mention, sometimes on remote canoeing trips, and can not be as easy as you might thing to spot your campsite from a distance.
Long way of saying, I bought the very loud, multi-colored version (which you will see). I am not trying to talk anyone into this configuration. Just letting you know why I bought a tarp that makes it look like the circus is in town!
Let's look at some of the features that made me want this tarp.
Loops rather than gromments or just reinforced corners. Spreads the stress through the ribbon.
More attachment loops every 18". Again, reinforcement along the entire length of all sides. That is pretty cool!
Fair weather might not be a big deal, but this thing was designed for weather where most people would not consider a tarp.
Nice thing about a square tarp is that during setup, just grab ANY corner. Doesn't matter.
Here, I used a hand over hand knot. Works like a prussik hitch and can be tied with the cord I pre-attached to the tarp.
Here it is pitched.
Various attachments down the side.
Central tie out in the back.
To Be Continued.......
.
But they are light and well-made, and I'm happy with them.
