First, I don't EDC a tarp. Every day carry? You must have some very BIG pockets.
Best value in a tarp is still a milspec poncho IMO. Very rugged. Reasonably light. Multi-use. And, most importantly, I'm a creature of habit.
The title of this thread starts with "woods_EDC" not "EDC". I should have made this
more clear in the text. Your general point is made, however: weight and bulk must
scrutinized for EDC, because you will tend to leave it behind, after a while.
When I am in the woods, I always have a pack.
Carrying a pack is common-place in the Rockies, and indeed,
anyone without a pack would be immediately suspect: greenhorn ignorance,
ditzy-blonde fever, whateverrrr-disease.
I may settle for a military poncho; they would do double duty, as a compromise.
In high wind, not uncommon here, a poncho can be dangerous for its sailing properties,
while still not covering your legs. (I have a Dutch or German poncho somewhere.)
I just found that some of the poly tarps are sandwiched with Nylon.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200381614_200381614
In my original post I put "woven polyurathane" and I think it should be polyethylene
or polypropylene or some such.
Thanks for all replies.