Want a new tarp, thoughts on sizing...

SpookyPistolero

SpookyPistolero

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
6,105
Hi gents-

I'm thinking of getting a new nylon (not silnylon) tarp for camping/backpacking this year because I'm tired of hauling my tent around. I'm looking at these over at Campmor right now:

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https://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/...12166&memberId=12500226&catalogId=40000000226

The only thing I'm having a little trouble with is figuring out what size. I'd like to go ahead and get a pretty large one, in case I'm with another person or with a small group on a dayhike. I feel it would really increase the versatility overall. So right now I"m leaning towards the 10' x 12'.

My only concern is what size it will pack down to: does anyone have a nylon tarp about that size or a comparable size, who could give me a pic or size/comparison?

I realize that the silnylon would be lighter and compact more, but I just don't feel like spending double the cost for one right now, and I haven't read good things about its durability.

Thanks for your thoughts-

-Spooky
 
I have been using the silnet tarps 10'x12' for over 5 years now. They weigh less than a pound pack down to 6''x10'' by 1-1/2'' thick and have stood up to everything we and the weather could throw at them. We spend upwards of 140 days a year in the bush and everytime we have a tarp. Even if we are sleeping in a tent we still set up a kitchen tarp. I have never had a complaint about them nor have I ever heard any. I think they are fantastic. You get what you pay for and they are worth every penny we paid for them.
Oldman/Marty
 
I use the Integral designs siltarp, and it packs less than a nalgene bottle.
 
Any links for those silnet tarps?
Its still winter here but i figure by July the snow will be gone!
:D
 
For a single person, I'd recommend you go no smaller than 8'x10'. 10'x12' is better.

I don't know about the specific one you're looking at, but I have the 10'x12' UL tarp, and it comes with its own mesh stuffsack. When packed, it's about the size and shape of a 32 oz Nalgene bottle.
 
Thanks for the replies folks.

Like I said, I'm not in for a silnylon tarp at the moment and have pretty much decided already on a size. Anyone have the plain nylon type that knows the compacted size? I'm imagining roughly double the silnylon, 2xnalgene?
 
Integral designs silponcho is what I use as my shelter.
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Roomy underneath.
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If you want a big tarp or tarp for two. Golite Lair
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The pink quilt isn't mine.
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Thanks for starting this thread. I have been thinking about a new tarp as an alternative to my tent. I am leaning towards the one with the ties instead of grommets.
 
I got a kelty noahs tarp a while back with an REI dividend. They come in several sizes from 9x9 to 15x15 I believe. I got the 9x9 size and it fit quite nicely over my hammock. I havent used it as a ground shelter but I think it would work pretty well. It comes with a huge stuff sack but when I roll it up it is about the size of a nalgene, maybe a little smaller.
 
I currently use a SilShelter, made by Integral Designs. It weighs nothing, takes up no space, and can form an enclosed shelter.

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Lately, I have been thinking about getting a flat tarp, so I could have more options as to the structures I could set up. I'm leaning toward a square tarp, most likely 10' by 10'. The reason I like the square is because, in addition to the standard lean-to and pup tent configurations, you can make a more fully enclosed structure.

Here is what I envision: A "tarp igloo." I have made mock-ups out of index card stock, but haven't done this for real yet. Imagine the square tarp divided from corner to corner, making four triangles. Next take one of those triangles and split it in half from the center of the tarp to the outside edge.

Stake out the two corners of the tarp that make up the bottom of the triangle opposite the tringle you divided in half. Either suspend the center with a pole, from an overhead branch, or from an external tripod. With three of these triangles, you can form a tetrahedron, or three-sided pyramid. (The fourth triangle is folded in half and staked flat against one of the sides. This could be a completely enclosed shelter for really bad weather.

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For a shelter with a doorway, you can stake the second set of corners about two feet apart, but pulled taught from the first two corners you staked out.

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With a 10' by 10' tarp, there certainly would be room for two, even with a center pole. Center height should be over four feet, so it would be pretty comfortable if you had to sit out a rainstorm.

Maybe Rescue Mike will try this out and report back if this works.

-- FLIX
 
orrey45 said:
I got a kelty noahs tarp a while back with an REI dividend. They come in several sizes from 9x9 to 15x15 I believe. I got the 9x9 size and it fit quite nicely over my hammock. I havent used it as a ground shelter but I think it would work pretty well. It comes with a huge stuff sack but when I roll it up it is about the size of a nalgene, maybe a little smaller.
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+1 for Noahs tarp, I don't take a tent anywhere anymore unless its winter camping.
 
Flix- It look like I'm not the only one who sits around folding paper into different tarp configurations. My wife just sewed a simple 5x9 siltarp for me. It's still what I want in my daypack I think. Your 10x10 designs are really interesting, though. I have a coated nylon 10x10 tarp that I'll have to play with.

Spooky- I am almost positive that I own the 10x12 campmor tarp that you're considering. I bought it shortly before discovering silnylon, so I don't think I ever even used it. (I'm not wanting to sell it, and if I can find it, I'll put it in the trunk of my car.) IF I can find it though, I'll weigh it and give you an idea of it's folded size.

To the rest of you- Here's how to get an inexpensive emergency silnylon tarp: Buy a 5x9 piece of silnylon. That's it! Done! It come in 5 foot widths. You can buy it in any length. Apparently, the silicone in the fabric keeps the edges from unraveling. It doesn't need hemmed. And it's easy to attach paracord for guylines and stakes using a round pebble or gripclips. A 5x9 piece of silnylon will weigh less that 8 oz.
 
SpookyPistolero said:
Hi gents-

I'm thinking of getting a new nylon (not silnylon) tarp for camping/backpacking this year because I'm tired of hauling my tent around.

I realize that the silnylon would be lighter and compact more, but I just don't feel like spending double the cost for one right now, and I haven't read good things about its durability.

Thanks for your thoughts-

-Spooky
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Your right, they don't read the threads.
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Spooky,

Sorry if my post was offf point. I read your request as seeking input as to what size tarp to get, as well as how big it would be rolled up.

I can't tell you regarding the 10X12, but my hunting partner used a similar tarp that IIRC, was 8X10 and it was roughly the size of a football.

Scott,

Yeah, I pretty visual. It helps to have a mock-up to see if what I draw or think about would actually go together like I think.

-- FLIX
 
Finally, Spooky, I have an answer for you. It took some looking, but I was finally able to find my 10x12 Campmor tarp.

(Drum roll) It folds to about 7"x10" by about 2.5 inches thick. It weighs 2 lbs. 10.3 oz. Hope this helps.

I mentioned that I really like silnylon tarps. That said, any nylon tarp is WAY lighter than any tent, and for me, bigger is always nicer when it comes to tarps. You'll be happy with your decision, I'm sure.
 
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