tarp

This summer, I'm going to try out some lightweight tarp material.

I just ordered an 8ft. x 10ft. tarp that weighs only 13oz. It's made of made of 1.3oz. silicone impregnated ripstop nylon. Has anyone else used this material and if so, what are your experiences?

------------------
Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
C

counsel-of-record

Joined
Jan 10, 2001
Messages
71
Have used that type tarp extensively.
Very light but very slippery. Some tarps have grommets , some have sewn on loops to secure them. I would use "Spectra" cord which is used for parachutes as the ridgeline. Spectra is extremely strong and light. Get the 450 lb test from "hang-em-high" fabric and parachute company.
The tarp is very strong considering how lightweight it is.Good waterproofness too.
 
We have used these same tarps in the jungles of Latin America. So far it's the best tarp I've seen compared to the weight and pack size.

We have been contracted by Paladin Press to write a book on adventure travel and survival and plan to cover a lot of this type of gear in the book - in other words stuff (gear and tips) that actually works without the advertising hype. It's going to be something like an updated version of Jungle Snafus only with a broader scope covering the range of folks who travel globally for business, adventure, or bare-bones survival. Should be finished within 6 months and then it's up to Paladin to get it printed.

Jeff

------------------
Randall's Adventure & Training
jeff@jungletraining.com

[This message has been edited by JeffRandall (edited 03-28-2001).]
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by counsel-of-record:
Get the 450 lb test from "hang-em-high" fabric and parachute company.
</font>
Click to expand...

Do they have a website?

------------------
Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
Hoodoo, where'd you get the tarp?

------------------
The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.
Take the Test...
 
Campmor

------------------
Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
Just got my new tarp. Very nice! Can't wait to see how it will ride in the wind.

Say what you want about Campmor but I've never had a problem with them and I've been buying from them for something like 25 years. I placed my order late on monday evening and it showed up today (friday [oops!--I meant thursday--those lil' brown trucks can fly!]). Reasonable shipping charges too.

I also bought some Kelty Triptease Lightline. This is excellent stuff. I've been using it for a year now and no complaints. It's reflective so it helps you find your tent or tarp in the dark if you have a flashlight. It's relatively strong, takes a great knot, and my favorite: it's lightweight. It also has a nice spectra core that can be used for sewing or making fishing line.

BTW, green is my favorite color.
wink.gif


------------------
Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM

[This message has been edited by Hoodoo (edited 03-30-2001).]
 
Hoodoo
Did not mean to imply that Campmor was bad or that their green tarps were low quality. I have ordered tarps from them in the past and they only had the neon green which I bought. I was out backpacking one day and saw some guys with some camo and black colored tarps. They were very stealthy and cool, I sold my green one and got one of the others.
Some people love the green, I am just a low profile kinda guy.
 
counsel-of-record,
No problemo. I surfed over to that site you posted and it looks pretty cool. Prices are about the same as campmor though and the details of construction seem identical. Wonder who makes campmor's tarps? Also, I've been looking for a good source for tarp material because I plan to modify mine a bit so that site will definitely come in handy. As for backpacking, sometimes brigther is better. I had a moose step on my tent on Isle Royale once. Fortunately, I wasn't in it.
smile.gif
But I wouldn't mind having a camo fly too. Will have to check into it.


------------------
Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
I'm a huge fan of tarps, or as we Brits call them bashas.

Now I'm all for light weight bashas, having a 2oz fabric one myself. One huge problem with such light weight ones is that they cannot take a human's weight, as in for stretcher bearing. This is important as it is one great reason for carrying one when you might not bother. Not a problem if you are also carrying a bivi bag or strong hammock which can add the necessary strength to your set up. Just something to think about.

A good trick is to attach bungees or elasticated guide ropes with hooks, semi permanently, to the corners for when using as overhead cover in wooded areas. It saves a huge amount of time; making a shelter take seconds to put up rather than minutes. It also alows you to lower/highten the basha depending on what you need or when the weather is playing up.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top