tarp info

kalama

kalama

Joined
Feb 27, 2008
Messages
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looking at getting a new tarp,aquinox 8 x 10 or a etowah 8 x 10,,,wich to chose,any info would be great,,,aloha
 
kalama said:
looking at getting a new tarp,aquinox 8 x 10 or a etowah 8 x 10,,,wich to chose,any info would be great,,,aloha
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I bought whichever one is sold on Ben's Backwoods and am very please with it. Well constructed, excellent materials... Not sure what else to say about it than that but I don't think you would be disappointed with it.
 
well to be clear i made a trade, an thats the only two tarps i can choose from
 
I have an Etohwah tarp and I've used the Equinox. If I am comparing the tarps at the same size, then I'd reccomend the Equinox. Don't get me wrong, Etohwah is more of a cottage industry made in the USA type product, but the consistency of quality seems higher with the Equinox. Just my 2 cents.
 
I would go with the etowah tarp due to it having tabs instead of grommets.
When grommets become loose they can cut or tear through the material.
 
Brian thanks for linking to that old thread! I had it bookmarked on my old computer which I lost all the data from. I have yet to find another that has all the attachment point on the backside as well as the edges.
 
KuRUpTD said:
I would go with the etowah tarp due to it having tabs instead of grommets.
When grommets become loose they can cut or tear through the material.
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This is what I was going to say, but honestly the only time my grommets have ever torn was when I put the tarp over the bed of my truck, didn't tie it down well, and drove 300 miles in the dark before I realized it was flapping in the back. Still, I would lean towards the etowah myself, b/c I could fix a tab in the field if I had to.

OTOH...
Mike Lummio at bushcraftnorthwest.com has a tarp setup video using an equinox tarp if you want to see one in action. http://www.bushcraftnorthwest.com/articles/articles.htm
 
I prefer my tarps in even sizes such as my 10' x 10'. I find I can configure it much easier and have more flexibility with various designs. I believe the even sized tarps give me more options and the worse the weather the lower the profile which means I can go from a Whelan design w/wo a fire in nicer weather to a Bombproof in nasty/windy weather with a reflective fire.

I personally do not like working with the odd/even tarps although I own one and use it in the summer months only.

whelan1.jpg

My Spring/Fall 10'x10' Tarp in a Whelan Design -front view

whelan_back1.jpg

Back View


hooch1.jpg

This eVent ID odd size/shape tarp stays in my day pack during the summer only. This is a military Hooch design used in hot weather or in jungle applications. You can sleep but still see 270 plus degrees out. When used in the military a fox hole is created next to it so you roll out and into a fighting position. But most of your already knew that.



newtarp.jpg

This is my winter 10' x 10' tarp folded up. It has sewn loops on all corners plus one on the center outside and center inside. It is my understanding it is material used to make Hot Air Balloons. Black material on outside and a subdued yet reflective heat reflective material on the inside. The only downside to this is it isn't the lightest tarp I own. Everything is a trade off. I prefer the waterproof wind resistant warmth of this tarp in the winter time over the ultra lightweights. But in the summer switch over to the lighterweight tarps in spring.

The Black on the outside (to absorb the sun rays for warmth) and has a reflective lining on the inside like a space blanket to direct heat down to me. It is amazing!

Look closely on this newer tarp shelter and you'll notice the tie downs are multi stitched AND they are sewn at least four inches up the side of the tarp. I've slept in this tarp in over 40 MPH winds in a white out blizzard and not one stitch or loop pulled lose. This is one rugged piece of gear!

All of my tarps except for the ID Silnylon can be around fire...one of the many reasons I like tarps is I can have a warming reflecive fire shooting heat into my tarp shelter when damp/cold/wet. Silnylon cannot be anywhere near flames/sparks. So I reserve it for summer carry at lower elevations only.
 
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Quirt. When you share the picks of the reflective tarp you use in winter. Please include who makes it and where to get one if you can.
 
I'm completely satisfied with the MEC brand silnylon tarp. Best price on a silnylon I could find, good construction, tabs and grommets.
 
I would get a etowah over a equinox because of the tie straps vs. the grommet holes.
 
Quirt I'm really digging that winter tarp :thumbup:

Did you have that made to your specs or was it purchased as is?
 
I would seriously check into Oregon Firearms Academy reflective tarps.

I saw the prototype when I was out there a few months ago and it was the highest quality I had ever seen.

Talk to vivian at 541-451-5532

I will try to dig up a link or some pictures

Carl-
 
Home depot sells the reflective tarps. I picked up a 2 pack for something like $15. Nice quality, but heavy.


I normally use the same tarp as Brian Andrews, based on his recommendation. I have a 10'x10' and it only weighs just over a pound, but I think it was around $150.
 
BushcraftBrainTrust said:
Home depot sells the reflective tarps. I picked up a 2 pack for something like $15. Nice quality, but heavy.


I normally use the same tarp as Brian Andrews, based on his recommendation. I have a 10'x10' and it only weighs just over a pound, but I think it was around $150.
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pics and brand?
 
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