ultra-light tarp

[jw2n]

I am looking for an ultra-light tarp/poncho <1 lb. Everything I look at has a rectangular shape of roughly 8x4.10 whereas I am looking more for a 7x7 so that I can A-frame it into a tent, if desired. Any ideas?

Thanks, Joe

 

[yort85014]

Haven't come across anything in the square dimension that you are seeking, but have used this product in the past.....kinda pricey, but good quality stuff. They might have something you can make work.

http://www.integraldesigns.com/product.cfm?id=6&CFID=7378347&CFTOKEN=43005992&mainproducttypeid=1

Good Luck,
JT

 

[SIXFOOTER]

Here is what I got
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20275

 

[Bushman5]

get a piece of Tyvek from your local home improvement store. waterproof, CHEAP, and you can cut it any size you like.

 

[KuRUpTD]

This one is nice but a bit larger than what you require:

http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=536

 

[C_Kyle]

I don't think you'll be able to find an off the shelf poncho that size. Tarps, on the other hand, you should have no problem.

You can get a custom size here:

http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/products.html

You could get the tarp made from SpinnUL; it will be lighter and as strong as sil-nylon.

 

[CWL]

Tyvek -yeah!

It is the stuff FedEx mailer pouches are made of: thin, waterproof, doesn't stain easily, hard to tear, and light. I've been using tyvek sheets in place of plastic and weaved tarps for 8-9 years now.

I buy mine off-of eBay by the foot.

 

[stingray4540]

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20069

This is what I've got, it's supper light weight, and the 8x10 is a great size, plenty big enough.

This picture is of a regular blue tarp, which is super heavy, but it is 8x10, and that size comfortably kept 4 of us out of a terential downpour all night. We set it up like an A-frame only higher, so we could sit under it, then retreat to our tents to sleep.

P.S. I'm pulling a tick out of Boomstick's neck, sorry it's the best picture I've got of the tarp.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nlarsen4540/3377648878/sizes/m/in/set-72157615693277667/

 

[Runsalone]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFUaefaPAhU&feature=channel_page

http://owareusa.com/

 

[bentblade]

Being that Im a cheap old SOB Ive been watching the REI outlet for a tent footprint that I can use as tarp. Most of the square four man tents use a footprint that are a little over 8'x8'. They are light, waterproof and have tie-down straps or grommets on the corners and sometimes in between. They usually run around $15 to $20 on sale. Even if I have to add a few more grommets I figure I'll be ahead $ wise.

What do you think?

 

[Ankar Sheng]

I got a MEC brand silnylon tarp, quite a bit cheaper than the integral designs.

 

[stieg]

If you want a poncho that acts as a tarp also, they tend to be roughly 5x8. These two at Campor are a great price and representative of what you'll find.

This one is 'normal' (for a poncho/tarp). it weighs 8 oz.:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20256

This one is extra long. It weighs 9.5 oz.:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20275

There are many versions of a poncho but if you want one that's more square you'll have to have it custom made. Most people want a poncho to fully cover themselves. And most makers use a single-bolt width of fabric which is about 5' wide. If you want one to be 7' wide it will need to have a seam in it.

The Campmor version is considered a good one at a fair price. you can get others with various features but most use the 1.3 oz Silnylon so they all weigh about the same.

 

[vrocco1]

http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/ShelterProducts.htm

All the way at the bottom of the page they have some ultralight tarps. They seem expensive to me, but I have never priced something like that.