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#157737 - 11/22/11 09:48 AM Best Ultra Light Tarp
HFCS Offline
newbie

Registered: 11/07/11
Posts: 3
What brand should I be looking at?

I'm going to use it with my fair weather tent for when it gets stormy here in Florida. I figure it'll be better than having a fair weather tent and a stormy weather tent...

Should I just pick up a walmart tarp or will I shave a lot of weight with something else on the market?

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#157738 - 11/22/11 09:51 AM Re: Best Ultra Light Tarp [Re: HFCS]
finallyME Offline
member

Registered: 09/24/07
Posts: 2710
Loc: Utah
You can get a really light tarp by spending a lot of money. Or you can get a pretty light tarp by spending just a bunch of money. Or you can get a decently light tarp by spending a decent amount of money. Or you can get a heavy tarp by spending almost no money. Of course, you can also get a heavy tarp by spending a lot of money. smile So, what is your budget, and how light do you want it? Also, do you know the size you want?


Edited by finallyME (11/22/11 09:52 AM)
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#157739 - 11/22/11 10:55 AM Re: Best Ultra Light Tarp [Re: finallyME]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Maybe as a compromise, a silnylon tarp from Campmor? They are made by Equinox. The link is to a 6' x 8' tarp for $60 that weighs 9.2 oz,; there are other sizes. As with any silnylon product, you'll need to seal the center seam. They are good tarps for a decent price and not too heavy. I have one that I use for group trips with the grandkids, to cover a cooking/eating area when it rains.


Edited by OregonMouse (11/22/11 10:56 AM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

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#157750 - 11/22/11 03:16 PM Re: Best Ultra Light Tarp [Re: HFCS]
BrianLe Offline
member

Registered: 02/26/07
Posts: 1149
Loc: Washington State, King County
What do you mean by "best" --- in particular is money a factor here? Cuben fabric is a good choice if not, but for limited use probably overkill (too expensive).

For the specific use you're talking about, I'm wondering if you don't want an oversized tarp, to fit it over your fair weather tent. Just exactly what you have in mind is a factor; put it up as a sort of side wall, or dome it entirely over your other tent? Have trekking poles to hold it up?

You can certainly shave weight with something else on the market. Some standard places to look include mountain laurel designs, integral designs, gossamer gear ...

A good place to look for info on this topic is Mark Verber's site, and in particular http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/gear/shelter.html

Personally, I'd be more inclined to get a separate stormy-weather tent and take the appropriate tent along for the particular trip, unless you have some reason to ever use the tarp all by itself.
_________________________
Brian Lewis
http://postholer.com/brianle

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#157752 - 11/22/11 03:56 PM Re: Best Ultra Light Tarp [Re: HFCS]
Franco Offline
member

Registered: 04/05/04
Posts: 1010
Loc: Australia
If you really want to go the tarp over the tent way, have a look at this one :
http://www.basegear.com/eno-fast-flay-rain-tarp.html
heavier than silnylon (not much...) but great coverage at the 22oz weight.
The weight is accurate, a mate has one.
Franco

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#157987 - 11/29/11 08:41 AM Re: Best Ultra Light Tarp [Re: Franco]
HFCS Offline
newbie

Registered: 11/07/11
Posts: 3
Thanks for all the replies. As far as my use for this, it will be a rain fly for a cheap walmart tent...what is this stuff made of? Will it lose its water repellant properties like a tent will, or is it pretty much plastic?

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