Need help finding a good tarp

W

Wanderlust

Joined
May 31, 2009
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Hey everybody I am looking for a good ultralight tarp to use as a shelter. I am thinking that 8'x10' would be a good size. But I am new to the whole tarp camping thing so I am also looking for suggestions. I do not want a poncho tarp I just want to keep it a simple tarp, but I am thinking about using it with a hammock from time too time as well. In my research though I could not find many tarps out there only the MSR E-Wing, any thoughts on this one? or any other suggestions? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
 
A couple lower cost solutions are either the Etowah Tarps or Equinox Tarps. Bensbackwoods carry's both, so you can check them out.

If you want to go more pricey (and lighter and more compressible) you can look into something like the Integral Designs tarp.

If you really want to go all out, IMO, the best tarp out there is by Cooke Custom Sewing.

As a suggestion though, if you don't know for sure what size you want, I would go to Walmart and buy the cheap blue poly tarp and experiment. No sense spending lots of cash, only to wish you got a different size. If you don't like the size of the poly tarp, or when you buy your more expensive one, it wasn't much money, and always has a ton of other uses.

B
 
Brian has some good links. You might also look at a tent fly. Coleman sells a replacement fly for around $15. Or you could get some Sil-nylon and make your own.
 
You could also look at a Kelty Noah's Tarp.

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I'll second the Cooke Custom Sewing. I use one and it's been pretty rugged. Under 1# and cost less than the ID that was similar.

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Mama and T. Rex on the boy's first backpacking trip.
 
Thanks guys its very helpful I was having some serious time finding that stuff. Hey Brian where at are you in Michigan?
 
I use tarps often.

My advice would be to go with an 8X10 of 10 X 10 size. Try to find one made of SilNylon, but a well made tarp using 1.9 oz nylon, urethane coated on the reverse side, works as well. There is a slight weight penalty with that material.
I like a tarp that uses reinforced nylon strap loops, not grommets. They seem to be sturdier. I also like a lot of straps, not just two per side. For me, the tarp has got to have at least one center point strap, and I really want 5 across the center line.
I also have a little kit made for each of my tarps, that include pre cut lengths of para cord, a length of heavier cord to hang the tarp from, S-biner clips and simple steel stakes.
 
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