What Size Tarp?

F

Frostyfingers

Joined
Aug 27, 2008
Messages
854
Simple question: I'm looking into buying a tarp to replace my tent in fairer weather. What size do y'all typically go with? 8' x 10'? 10' x 10'?

More in-depth, what's your favorite way of rigging it up into a shelter?

Thanks,

Frosty
 
Approximately 10'*10'. That's the size I would pick in preference anyway. By happy coincidence I get Silnylon off the roll in a 1.5m width. 6m of that makes me a roof roughly 10'*10'.

Rigging wise – usually some variation of the classic A shape. I've usually got enough gear that I'm not dependent on a fire for warmth so I only use the lean-to shape for very casual pitches, sunshade type of thing, or as a quick umbrella in mild rain when pausing for coffee and a few pipes. I find the classic A to be the most watertight in foul conditions and the one that traps the most dead air. I say variation of the classic A because I do like to recover headroom in a similar sort of way to the advantages of a dome tent. By having additional lines set a little lower the apex I can make the make the slopes more obtuse at the top. That reduces wind flap and gives me more usable volume.
 
I am using a 8 x 10 currently, but if I find a deal on a light weight 10 x 10 I am going to switch.
 
I prefer the 10' x 10' or square configuration for "comfort" and enjoyment. I can really spread out and enjoy the fire and evening.

I can and have used quite successfully a smaller 5 x 8 and enjoy packing less material. I use the smaller one for hunting or anytime I humping kit over a long haul.
 
I like an 8x10 myself.....

Just remember. The bigger you go, the more PITA it is to pitch it in the wind etc...
 
I've got a 12'x12' on order but I plan on two adults and two children at times, plus two dogs if they'll fit.
 
baldtaco-II said:
Approximately 10'*10'. That's the size I would pick in preference anyway. By happy coincidence I get Silnylon off the roll in a 1.5m width. 6m of that makes me a roof roughly 10'*10'.

Rigging wise – usually some variation of the classic A shape. I've usually got enough gear that I'm not dependent on a fire for warmth so I only use the lean-to shape for very casual pitches, sunshade type of thing, or as a quick umbrella in mild rain when pausing for coffee and a few pipes. I find the classic A to be the most watertight in foul conditions and the one that traps the most dead air. I say variation of the classic A because I do like to recover headroom in a similar sort of way to the advantages of a dome tent. By having additional lines set a little lower the apex I can make the make the slopes more obtuse at the top. That reduces wind flap and gives me more usable volume.
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Hey BaldT, how does the 10 x 10 fold up? Pretty tight?
 
I have an 8 x10 that I generaly use at this point. I rig it with three corners down kind of a bivy shape. works well in a variety of conditions.

I have a 10 x 10 on order which will provide a bit more versatility in setup.
 
Joezilla said:
Hey BaldT, how does the 10 x 10 fold up? Pretty tight?
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Hey Joe, no mate, folds up nasty. No shit, folding a bit of Silnylon this size is a game and half, especially in a breeze. Real slippery. I find it far better to stuff it and crush it. That works. If I had some good bands handy below would have come out better.

There's a 10'*10' in this bag and about 12' of 1” webbing. I trod the bag down to about 1.5” uniform thickness. I guess if I had good rubber bands handy I would have lost everything north of the knife. Excellent compression is a real must have. The fiend just wants to expand.

jz1.jpg
 
baldtaco-II said:
Hey Joe, no mate, folds up nasty. No shit, folding a bit of Silnylon this size is a game and half, especially in a breeze. Real slippery. I find it far better to stuff it and crush it. That works.
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LOL, I love it, that kind of straight up, no B.S. info is why I love this place. No one here has any agenda other then to share knowledge and experience with others :thumbup:
 
I've gotta 8x10 silnylon tarp that I use, and it's always worked out great.
 
I'll throw in a vote for a 10x10. I've got one from campmor with the tabs instead of grommetts. Its heavier that sil nylon, but I've had good luck with it.

My favorite way to pitch it is a flying diamond. Tie one corner to a tree, stake the other three down use a pole or cord to prop up or suspend the center.

This type of set up does really well pitched into the wind.

Here is a link with some different tarp set ups: http://www.equipped.org/tarp-shelters.htm

I'll agree with baldtaco-II that not only are bald tacos worthy of forums names, but for tarps stuffin trumps foldin any day!

Later,

Brandon
 
Thanks, everyone! Lots of food for thought. The links in particular were interesting and helpful. I think I'll go with a 10' x 10' for the numerous possibilities in pitching the symmetrical shape.
 
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