tarp recommendations

J

jscalia

Joined
Dec 11, 2006
Messages
126
I am looking for an emergency tarp recommendation. Something compact that I can easily fold up and store in my backpack for dayhikes so I can use as an emergency shelter.
 
I would say one from your local hardware store, in orange, high visibility, thats what I use.
 
Silnylon tarp from campmor.com. You won't find anything more compact or lighter (or at a better price.)
 
Try this one.

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/s...6&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

It is 39 USD. I have the slightly larger one. It is a poncho, but has nylon loops sewn onto it to make it a shelter. It also unsnaps down the sides so it opens up flat. It is spendy, but it is about 1/6 the volume and weight of a tarp. They do feel slightly fragile, but you understand the tradeoff of some toughness for reduction in weight. I would expect them to hold up better than the small orange emergency ponchos, and they probably weigh the same or less. The extended one I have opens up to about 4'x8' w/ tiedowns all around.
 
The USGI poncho rolls into a fairly compact, if not exactly a lite weight unit and covers a lot of basis in my gear. Check around and you can pick them up for around $20.00US.
 
Tyvek. The stuff they wrap houses with before putting on the siding nowadays. You can buy a big roll of it at Lowes or smaller pieces online. It's slightly heavier than silinylon, though lighter than a regular nylon tarp. It's 100 times more durable than silinylon; virtually indestructible. Also waterproof yet breathable.
 
Lots of good ideas in this thread so far. I've looked at the silicone-impregnated tarps, but always opted for less expesive alternatives.

Like Longbow, I have a few ponchos that I use. You can find the cheaper ripstop ponchos for about $15 and then spray them down with a silicone spray to make them more weather resistent. Outdoor Products and Camp Inn make several models of coated nylon ponchos that will run between $20-$30. These aren't super lightweight, but they have grommets and are mutli-functional.

In my PFD, I have a reusable, multi-ply isothermal blanket that I installed grommets onto. It'll shelter two people in a pinch. http://www.hartwellmedical.com/
Blanket001.jpg

Blanket002.jpg

Blanket003.jpg


I purchased an 8' x 25' roll of clear 4 mil plastic sheeting with the idea of making several limited-use tarps out of it. Cheap and durable, I'll use one of these this season. I need to put grommets on this one yet. It measures 8' x 8'.
4milTarp002.jpg

4milTarp001.jpg


You can also find coated nylon tarps at REI, Sportman's Warehouse, and other stores that carry a decent selection of camping equipment. These tarps are usually available in several sizes and have grommets on them already. They are decent, but aren't as light. I have one that is maybe about 10'x12', and I have used it a number of times with great success.
 
How rugged are these: All-weather Sportsman's Blanket?

81284.jpg


They look like a tarp that has one side somewhat reflective to be used like a "space blanket." I don't know how durable the silvery side would be, but it would be good to reflect the sun in the heat, or body heat in the cold.
 
I keep a couple of the walmart super cheap ponchos in my pack. they fold up to like 3inX4inX.5in

their way cheap and basically disposable... but better then nothing...

and I keep a huge heavy duty one in my car...

should prolly get something better for carrying with me...

following akennedys link and going a lil farther found this

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=12168&memberId=12500226

looks pretty decent... might haveta pick one up for using more often.
 
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