Would like to try tarp camping - need a LOT of information.

[HornyToad]

Bushcraft Northwest has a lot of information and sells tarps, bug screens and bivies among other things. Not the cheapest but I have bought some items from him because he provides knowledge with his gear.

http://www.bushcraftnorthwest.com/

Here is a college kid that makes really nice tarps.

http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/index.php

 

[JiffyPark]

I have made a couple of super cheap and very lightweight tarps for elk hunting. Start with some scrap Tyvek (check construction site dumpsters). Ebay also sells a ton of this. I had access to a partial role of the stuff. The tarp I use the most is roughly 10x12.

Next, I used a piece of gorilla tape on the edges ONLY where I wanted a grommet.

Finally, I use the cheap brass grommets from Home Depot and installed them in the small areas of gorilla tape located on the edge. The pack is about $3. Just make sure to get the pack with the grommet installer tool. I put about a dozen grommets around the Tyvek. The gorilla tape on the Tyvek with the installed grommet makes for a very tough anchor point.

The entire tarp weighs about 18oz. It is waterproof, windproof, super light, very tough, and way cheaper than sil nylon. It is not quite as packable however and is noisy. You can wash it as well, plus it's white so the rescue chopper can find you a little quicker.